Darr Says Online Checkbook Ahead Of Schedule, Underbudget

In an interview with Talk Business’ Jason Tolbert, Lt. Gov. Mark Darr (R) said that his signature legislative accomplishment – a state of Arkansas online checkbook – is ahead of schedule with its development and currently underbudget.

"Luckily, they’re ahead of schedule. My fingers are crossed," Darr said on this week’s edition of Talk Business. "I’m also happy to say that they’re way underbudget."

The online checkbook was passed in the last legislative session and is scheduled to be in place by July 1, 2012. It came with an estimated price tag of $600,000 to set up, but Darr said Arkansas Department of Finance & Administration officials have been doing some work with in-house staff saving money. The online checkbook seeks to make state agency expenditures more transparent and accessible to the general public through the Internet.

"When Big Brother’s watching, we’re going to be a little bit more careful with that money," he said.

Darr also said that he continues to monitor his intervening status to stop federal health care reform.

A potential candidate for Governor in 2014, Darr said he’s keeping his options open. His primary focus is on helping Republicans win the majority in the Arkansas House and Senate in 2012.

Watch Tolbert’s interview with Darr in its entirety below.