Governor Kelly Takes Significant Steps for Transparency, Announces New SPARK Taskforce Public Dashboard

~New dashboard is a tool designed for government transparency and accountability, allows Kansans to view all investments approved by SPARK~

TOPEKA – Today, Governor Laura Kelly announces the launch of the online investment dashboard to show how the $1.034 billion in Coronavirus Relief Funds (CRF) are being spent across Kansas.

“My administration has always prioritized transparency and accountability when it comes to serving Kansans. That’s what good governance is about,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “Kansans deserve to know how their tax dollars are being spent and this online tool makes that information easily accessible to all.”

Kansans can view the investment dashboard directly at covid.ks.gov/covid-data/ or by visiting the Office of Recovery website: covid.ks.gov/spark-recovery-office/and selecting the Investment Dashboard tab.

The dashboard shows the $1.034 billion in federal CARES Act investments approved by the Governor’s SPARK taskforce and State Finance Council. The dashboard allows users to view investments based on how the funds will be used or by location served. For example, users can view all the investments that have strengthened public health, or they can learn how much funding their counties have received.

Through the SPARK process, approximately $400 million was distributed to Kansans counties directly to address their local needs. The remaining funds are being administered by statewide organizations to provide Kansans programs and services. The dashboard shows how all these funds are being invested. Not all funds have been spent yet, and the dashboard will continue to be updated as more dollars are invested.

“These investments are having positive impact all across Kansas and through this dashboard Kansans can see how these dollars are being used to serve them,” Executive Director Julie Lorenz said. “Kansas is one of a few states providing this level of transparency and accountability to its citizens.”

###