There's little question that records noting that the state Department of Highways paid $218.60 to Somerset Steel Inc. on March 25 for reinforced steel products would be open to the public.

Kentucky's open records law provides for the public to have access to information about this and thousands of other expenditures of state tax dollars.

The idea is that allowing the public to have knowledge about how their money is being spent helps deter corruption, promote efficiency and provide a better understanding about how government is being run.

But without newer tools like the state's Open Door Web site, such information would be public, but not easily accessible.

The development of Internet technology has made it easier and less expensive for government at all levels to offer detailed information about expenditures .

While it might cost less and be easier to do, not all states have taken those steps forward to give their residents a closer look at how their money's spent.

That's why Kentucky should be commended for taking the time and making the effort to provide the kind of detailed expenditures information it does.

Last week, Kentucky received such recognition when it received the top score from a public-interest research group for how it reports expenditures.

Kentucky was the only state to receive an "A" from the Boston-based group U.S. PIRG in its recent report that focused on online access to government spending data.

The group noted that Kentucky provides information about contracts with vendors and goes so far as to provide an online copy of the contracts.

Kentucky's Open Door site includes information about the salaries of state employees and links to a state databases of financial incentives and V.I.E.W., the Vendor Income & Expense Watch from the state Treasury that's akin to an online checkbook for the state.

Allowing residents better access to the information about how their government spends money makes them more likely to be engaged citizens interested in active participation in government decisions.

Throwing open the checkbook to public inspection is the easiest way to head off accusations of mismanaged funds.

More and easier access breeds higher public confidence.

Kentucky has become a leader by increasing access and understanding about how its spends its money.

Other states, along with local governments in Kentucky, would do well to follow its example.

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