Cheers to governor for state's online checkbook

It didn't take long for newly elected Gov. Steve Bullock to do something positive to improve transparency in government.

The governor unveiled a new website — transparency.mt.gov — that opens the door to all Montanas to see the inside of the state's checkbook.

Most payments made by the state government are included on the website.

This is a tremendous improvement over the last administration.

Gov. Brian Schweitzer vetoed a bill passed by the 2011 Legislature calling for such a website. Schweitzer said the website would be too costly and too time consuming. He said there was enough transparency...