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FOR
IMMEDIATE RELEASE Strong Support For Performance Audits At Senate Appropriations HearingThe extent to which an emphasis on accountability across state government has taken hold was on display during the state Auditor General’s appearance before the Senate Appropriations Committee, according to Senator Gib Armstrong. “Most of the questions dealt with performance audits. There is interest in more agencies being subjected to tougher audits, interest in regular audits digging more deeply into the relationship between responsibilities and results, and interest in taking strong audit recommendations and using them to protect taxpayers. Any agency that appears careless or arrogant in their use of state dollars is fair game,” Armstrong stated. State agencies or programs that have been the source of controversy in recent months were discussed: PHEAA, the Turnpike, the Gaming Control Board, Port Authority Transit in the Pittsburgh area, and the array of state-funded economic development programs. “Years ago, there were arguments over the authority of the Auditor General to conduct discretionary audits that went beyond merely reviewing financial practices. Now the concerns revolve around the willingness and the capacity to undertake more of these audits, many of which are suggested by legislators,” he added. The Auditor General reported that a required audit of the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission is well along, but noted the primary emphasis is on safety. Several committee members expressed the view that issues such as personnel needed a hard look. Consistent with legislation under consideration, there was discussion of the condition of the growing number of municipal pension funds. Several reform measures are aimed at consolidating various plans in order to cut costs and increase return. The Senate recently passed a piece of Armstrong legislation that provides for more extensive record-keeping on the use of state aircraft. The legislation was based on recommendations from the Auditor General.
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