For Immediate Release
February 27, 2009
Contact: Kristin Crawford
717-787-4420
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Senator Brubaker Introducing Bill to Ensure Transparency, Accountability of Stimulus Funds

Senator Mike Brubaker (R-36) today announced that he will introduce legislation to ensure transparency and accountability as Pennsylvania receives and spends many billions of dollars under the federal stimulus package. 

"I believe it is imperative that the people of Pennsylvania have the opportunity to see exactly where each dollar of this multi-billion dollar package is being spent in the Commonwealth," said Senator Brubaker. "Such transparency is important in restoring the faith of our citizens in government." 

Senator Brubaker’s legislation would create a bipartisan, nine-member commission to provide oversight and accountability for all funds distributed to Pennsylvania through the federal stimulus funding. Four members of the governor’s cabinet would serve on the commission, along with one member appointed by each of the four legislative caucuses. The ninth member would be a member of the general public appointed by the governor. 

The commission will be required to track, monitor and report on all monies received from the federal government as part of the stimulus package. 

One of the commission’s specific duties will be to develop and maintain a neutral, fact-based web site accessible by the public. At least 10 other states (Colorado, Illinois, Kansas, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, New York, Ohio, Virginia, and Wisconsin) have already established web sites providing at least basic information about the federal stimulus. 

"Establishing a web site to allow the public to easily track the federal stimulus funding coming into Pennsylvania makes great sense," said Senate Majority Leader Dominic Pileggi (R-9), one of the bill’s co-sponsors. "This is in line with our ongoing efforts to make state government more accessible and accountable."