Want to keep track of the massive flow of federal tax dollars in recent months? Google it. More and more policymakers are using Google Maps to track government spending, from TARP bailouts to congressional earmarks.
The Treasury Department recently released a Google Map with the locations of all banks that took TARP funds. The map also includes the amount of money each bank received.
Meanwhile, both sides of the earmark debate are using Google Maps to track projects. Rep. Doris Matsui (D-CA) constructed a map to tout funding she brought to her district. Republicans, on the other hand, have developed “pork maps” to keep earmarkers accountable. Republican aide Tom Jones, for example, compiled a map tracking earmarks in the Transportation/Housing appropriations bill. More examples can be found at the Google Public Policy blog.