Apr. 18, 2016
Lawmaker says site needs to be independently managed
HARRISBURG – PennWATCH Champion Rep. Jim Christiana (R-Beaver/Washington) today announced plans to introduce legislation that would improve the state government database launched in 2012.
The legislation, which he deemed PennWATCH 2.0, would expand the amount of data available on the website, make administrative changes and revamp technology.
“The website, which is managed by the Governor’s Office of Administration, has been neglected. It’s now outdated, difficult to navigate and fraught with data deficiencies,” Christiana said. “Pennsylvania taxpayers deserve more from this once innovative tool that was established to increase transparency and accountability of state government spending.”
PennWATCH 2.0 would transfer management of the site from the Governor’s Office of the Administration to the Independent Fiscal Office (IFO). The proposal would also create a committee to advise the IFO on usability issues and guide continued development.
“To ensure the integrity of the data through administration changes, we must permanently shift management of the site to an independent organization with no political motives or agendas,” Christiana said.
Additionally, Christiana’s legislation would expand the data available online to include information that can currently be obtained via a Right-To-Know request.
“Pennsylvanians should have the ability to drill down past the vague line-item categories in our state budget and get a clear picture of the priorities of their elected decision-makers,” Christiana said. “These changes will ensure the public and the media have a better tool that furthers our goals for transparency and accountability in state government.”
Under the bill, PennWATCH would include budget information sent by the governor to the Legislature, agency-specific materials, official revenue estimates for each fiscal year, reports required by statute to be submitted to the General Assembly and links to official agency social media accounts.
“We can and we will do better for the taxpayers who foot the state government’s bills,” Christiana added.
Representative Jim Christiana
15th Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Abbey Haslam
717.260.6222
ahaslam@pahousegop.com
RepChristiana.com /
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