Apr. 17, 2018
HARRISBURG - To help ensure taxpayers know how every cent they send to the state is appropriated, the House State Government approved on Tuesday legislation by Rep. Seth Grove (R-York) to greatly enhance the Pennsylvania Treasury’s Transparency Portal website and codify the program so it’s available to taxpayers for decades to come.
“I applaud state Treasurer Joe Torsella and his staff on taking the initiative to create the Transparency Portal. This great tool shines a light on the people’s finances,” Grove said. “My legislation,
House Bill 1843, improves upon and expands the portal so residents have even more information at their disposal.”
Grove’s bill, which was amended in committee, would create the Commonwealth Checkbook, a user-friendly online ledger to show the public how and where their tax dollars are spent. The checkbook is partially based on the Ohio Checkbook, a very popular online tool which tracks government spending in Ohio.
Additionally, the bill would require agencies to post budget requests online and make the Transparency Portal permanent.
“This bill provides for some the greatest transparency of any state in the nation. It’s the right of all citizens to now where and how their tax dollars are being spent,” Grove said. “This initiative gives them, and us lawmakers, access to a greater level of detail.”
House Bill 1843 received bipartisan support as it was unanimously approved by the State Government Committee. It now goes to the full House for consideration.
Representative Seth Grove
196th District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Greg Gross
717.260.6374
ggross@pahousegop.com
RepGrove.com /
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