We'll take this a step further: There's really no excuse for every state, county, city and other unit of government doing equivalents of what the Congress has just ordered and, a month ago, set in place: A complete outline of who gets federal money exactly where it goes, posted and searchable online. You can find the federal version at the USA Spending Website.
In Washington state, two statewide officials, Attorney General Rob McKenna and Auditor Brian Sonntag, are trying to push through this year what failed last, a state version of the spending website.
The Lewiston Tribune, which editorialized in favor, suggested that "You would think this would be the least controversial bill in the session, one any legislator would be proud to wrap himself in."
One would think. We'll soon find out.