INSTITUTE FOR TRUTH IN ACCOUNTING
AWARDED SEARLE FREEDOM TRUST GRANT

Funding will be used to develop State Data Lab site

CONTACT: Nancy Mathieson, 847-226-8589, nmathieson@truthinaccounting.org

Chicago (January 4, 2011) – For the third consecutive year, the Institute for Truth in Accounting has been awarded a grant from the Searle Freedom Trust. 

The $80,000 grant will support the development of the State Data Lab website, a significant new resource for public policy groups, journalists and interested citizens eager to use non-partisan data to develop solutions to America's fiscal crisis.

'We are proud to receive our third major grant from the Searle Freedom Trust.  It  is  tangible evidence of their confidence in our team and the value of our work, ' said Sheila Weinberg, Institute founder and C.E.O.  'The State Data Lab site will solidify the Institute's position among organizations as a leading source of state-level information.'

The State Data Lab portal, when completed, will allow users to easily obtain information about their state's financial condition, business/economic climate, quality of life data/demographics, and research/analysis concerning public policy issues with a national scope.  The site will allow users to compare their state to others.

Earlier grants from Searle were used to create the 'Financial State of the States' analysis and report, and also begin design of State Data Lab.  The Institute is seeking additional grants needed to successfully develop and launch the site midyear 2012 in time to be used in the election cycle.

About the Institute for Truth in Accounting

The Institute for Truth in Accounting (IFTA) is dedicated to promoting honest, accurate, and transparent accounting at all levels of government and business. As a non-partisan, non-profit organization, the IFTA works to expose accounting deficiencies while promoting better, more accessible delivery of accurate government financial data—and, in turn, providing a foundation for more informed public policy. IFTA provides its expertise to develop more effective accounting standards and deliver accurate government financial information to policymakers, opinion leaders, and citizens, so they can all work for a more secure financial future.  www.truthinaccounting.org.