Home Policy Priorities American Citizenship Government Transparency

Government Transparency

Giving you the tools to compare and rank the effectiveness of the policies adopted by states across America.

Civics Education Government Transparency

Key Policy Goals / Our Agenda: 

  • Protect and expand citizens’ right to know through legal and policy reform.
  • End legislative and executive exemptions from public records law.
  • Require proactive disclosure of budgets, contracts, and staffing.
  • Modernize state and local open-data systems for public access.

Latest from Government Transparency

American Citizenship
March 16, 2026

MA Residents Believe State Officials, and Legislators in Particular, Falling Short on Government Transparency

State Legislature’s Favorability Rating at 28 Percent   BOSTON – A new poll commissioned by Pioneer Institute finds that state government, and the Legislature in particular, are falling far short when it comes to government transparency, and that satisfaction with the Legislature is in free fall.  Only twenty-eight percent of respondents in the poll of Massachusetts residents have a…
American Citizenship
March 2, 2026

Mass. Officials Talk a Big Game About Democracy. Do They Practice What They Preach? 

Elected officials in Massachusetts sure have a lot to say about “democracy” these days.   For those paying attention to goings on around here in recent years, hearing politicians trumpeting their state as a citadel defending democracy and the rule of law, you might be…
American Citizenship
September 25, 2025

Statement of Pioneer Institute on Board Member Mike Kennealy’s Bid for Governor

This statement was released on April 15, 2025. BOSTON – Congratulations to Mike Kennealy on his decision to run for Governor of Massachusetts. Mike has served as a thoughtful and deeply engaged member of Pioneer Institute’s board since 2023. We are grateful for…
American Citizenship, Data Labs, Opportunity
July 30, 2025

From the City on a Hill to a Shrouded Statehouse: Massachusetts’ Push for Government Accountability

Once seen as a city upon a hill, Massachusetts, the first state with a public viewing gallery for its Legislature faces persistent concerns about lack of government transparency. Data on Statements of Financial Interest (SFIs) from US DataLabs highlights those concerns and emphasizes the need for accountability. 
American Citizenship
June 18, 2025

Boston Policy Institute and Pioneer Institute Announce Boston DataLabs: New Tool Will Allow for Easy and Powerful Municipal Government Accountability

The Boston Policy Institute together with Pioneer Institute today announced the launch of Boston DataLabs, an online platform designed to empower Boston residents, journalists, researchers, and policymakers with clear, accessible insights into the city’s payroll and budget.

Support Pioneer

Philanthropic support fuels our ability to deliver bold ideas, rigorous research, and real-world impact—advancing solutions that shape policy and strengthen communities.

Donate Get Involved

Explore Our Work

American Citizenship
June 4, 2025

Pioneer Institute Launches US DataLabs: A Powerful New Tool for Citizen Engagement and Government Accountability

American Citizenship
March 20, 2025

We Have a Long Way to Go for Massachusetts Residents to Have the Government Transparency We Deserve

American Citizenship
August 26, 2024

Poll: State Voters Overwhelmingly Support Ending Public Records Exemption, Auditing the Legislature

American Citizenship, Healthcare, Opportunity
August 8, 2024

Average Weekly Wages of Healthcare Workers Across a Decade

American Citizenship, Opportunity
August 8, 2024

Massachusetts’s Debt and Liability in 2023

American Citizenship, Opportunity
August 1, 2024

 The Largest Groups Driving Massachusetts’s Migration

American Citizenship, Opportunity
August 1, 2024

Highest Paid State Employees in Massachusetts

American Citizenship
August 1, 2024

Understanding the Trends in Massachusetts' Sin Tax Revenues

Want to get the latest updates from Pioneer Institute?

Sign Up For Our Newsletter

Name(Required)
Email(Required)

Meet the Experts

Mary Connaughton

Mary Connaughton

Chief Operating Officer, Director of Government Transparency

Fact of the day

Full-Time State Employees: 2024

How big is your state government? Florida ranks last in the U.S. for full-time state government employees per 100K population — just 706 in 2024. Massachusetts had nearly double that with 1,401 per 100K. Explore the numbers: https://loom.ly/TDrajc0 #facts #stategovernmentemployees
View More Data