For Immediate Release
April 29, 2009
Contact: Kristin Crawford
717-787-4420
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Senate Panel Endorses Brubaker Stimulus Oversight Bill 

HARRISBURG – The Senate State Government Committee approved legislation yesterday that would provide transparency and oversight of all federal stimulus dollars spent in Pennsylvania, according to the bill’s sponsor Sen. Mike Brubaker (R-36). 

Senate Bill 6 would create a bipartisan commission to provide oversight and accountability for all funds distributed to Pennsylvania through the federal stimulus program. The Pennsylvania Commission on Stimulus Accountability will be required to track, monitor and report on all funds received from the federal government as part of the stimulus package. 

"My legislation would deal with many of the concerns expressed from both sides of the aisle to ensure that this funding is not lost to waste or mismanagement," Brubaker said. "Oversight and transparency for this funding should not be a partisan issue, and I am thankful that my colleagues on this panel agreed to take the next step to ensure this money is used responsibly and wisely." 

The bill was amended to add two citizen representatives to the oversight commission, bringing the total number of commission members to 11. The citizen representatives would be appointed by the Senate President Pro Tempore and the Speaker of the House of Representatives. Brubaker’s amendment would also establish the number of commission members needed for a quorum.  

Senate Bill 6 will now go to the Senate floor for consideration.