CHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) - West Virginia has taken a huge first step toward government transparency with its new website detailing state budget information.
That's the initial view from the U.S. Public Interest Research Group. The nonpartisan group flunked the state earlier this year for its lack of online disclosure.
But an official at the group also says there's plenty of room for improvement.
West Virginia launched TransparencyWV.gov on Wednesday. It aims to allow detailed scrutiny of most state government revenues and spending.
The site was praised Thursday for ease of use. Shortcomings identified by the group include a lack of information about tax credits.
The group will conduct a full review of this and other state transparency sites early next year.
The state auditor's office created the site, and is already planning an upgrade.
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