CalPERS Boosts Transparency: Will Post Travel Expense Claims

Taking another step to increase transparency, the CalPERS Board has approved publishing on the CalPERS website all travel expense claims and statements of economic interests submitted by Board Members and key staff personnel. The travel information will be posted online within one month of the date of reimbursement. The statements of economic interest – known as Form 700s – will be posted by the end of the month following the month in which the filing is received by CalPERS. The new policy takes effect January 1, 2011.

For someone who frequently criticized the CalPERS Board and staff about this issue for many years (not in the last few years), this is a huge development. CalPERS sets a new, much higher, ethical standard with this move. CalPERS seems to be taking to heart the idea of leading by example.