For Immediate Release
April 22, 2009
Contact: Nathan Flood
717-787-4420
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Auditor General’s Letter on Stimulus Oversight Demonstrates Need For Accountability, Transparency 

HARRISBURG – Sen. Mike Brubaker (R-36) issued the following statement today in response to Auditor General Jack Wagner’s recent letter to the federal government urging stronger oversight and transparency measures for stimulus dollars: 

"The Auditor General’s concerns demonstrate the need to ensure greater accountability, transparency and oversight for every dollar we receive through the federal stimulus package. We cannot afford to see a single dollar wasted or misused, and the Auditor General’s letter underscores the need to take action to ensure that this funding is used wisely and properly.  

"Many of the concerns expressed by the Auditor General could be addressed by passage of Senate Bill 6, my legislation to establish the Pennsylvania Commission on Stimulus Accountability. My bill would establish reporting standards for state agencies and promote greater transparency, two of the primary issues raised in the Auditor General’s letter. I expressed similar concerns after the governor’s creation of the Pennsylvania Stimulus Oversight Commission. I am thankful that the Auditor General agrees with my assessment that we can do more, and we can do better. 

"I will be reaching out to Auditor General in the near future to get his input on Senate Bill 6, and I am open to the possibility of amending my bill to incorporate any suggestions that could provide additional safeguards for stimulus spending. Ensuring proper oversight, accountability and transparency of stimulus dollars should not be a partisan issue, and I am hopeful that all parties can work together to ensure that every dollar we receive from the federal government is used for its intended purpose."