State House Republicans look for wasteful spending
As budget hearings began in Harrisburg Monday, House Republicans launched an initiative to identify areas of waste, inefficiency and potential cost savings in state government.
PennSAVE, which stands for savings, accountability, value and efficiency, was unveiled by state Rep. Kerry Benninghoff, R-Centre County, the House Majority Policy Committee chairman, who said Pennsylvanians review their spending habits all the time and state government should follow suit.
State government spending grows under governors from both parties and “it’s time to put the brakes on this,” said Benninghoff. Looking for ways to cut spending “should be step number one every time” a budget is proposed, he said.
“It doesn’t matter the administration,” said committee member state Rep. Chris Dush, R-Jefferson County, “it’s more the senior level bureaucrats trying to protect their fiefdoms.”
The committee will be reviewing major expenditures, such as those for human services, education, corrections and general government operations. “However, no idea is off limits,” Benninghoff said.
One of the options the committee will consider is combining PennDOT and the Turnpike Commission. “Maybe just asking the question, ‘Why are things being done the same way they were done 20 years ago?'” Benninghoff said during a press conference.
Dush, a former corrections officer who recalled being required to complete redundant paperwork during his career, implored government workers who see waste, fraud or financial misuse to contact the committee via the PennSAVE link on www.PAGOPPolicy.com or cards available at legislative offices.
The House Majority Policy Committee works with the other committees in the state House to advance policies that benefit the people of Pennsylvania.
“Please, bring (issues) to us,” said Dush, who also promised that the committee would keep private the names of tipsters wishing to remain anonymous.
“Pennsylvanians know where costs savings can be found and we’re looking forward to them joining us in our cause,” Benninghoff said.
Benninghoff said the committee will also be reviewing audit findings by Auditor General Eugene DePasquale’s office and working closely with the House Appropriations Committee as it delves into Gov. Tom Wolf’s proposed $33 billion budget, including a $3 billion tax increase to fix a structural deficit and boost education funding.
Wolf’s name was avoided during the announcement with Benninghoff only making a subtle reference to the proposed tax hikes. “Remember,” Benninghoff said, “any taxes that go up, they never come back down. We need to be prudent.”