For Immediate Release
January 26, 2010
Back

- Senate Bill 104
- Senate Bill 109

Two Folmer Reform Bills Pass State Government Committee

Increased oversight of state cars, advertising transparency two major reform pieces 

Harrisburg – Two of Senator Mike Folmer's key reform bills – Senate Bill 104 and Senate Bill 109 – today unanimously passed the Senate State Government Committee.

Senate Bill 104, the Accountability for Use of State Vehicles, would put commonsense restrictions on the use of state vehicles and establish a more transparent reporting system. The bill would require state employees assigned a state vehicle to maintain a monthly mileage log (records would be posted on-line); reimburse the state for insurance and gasoline for personal use; and have an "official use" license plate, unless the employee performs undercover law enforcement duties. 

The legislation was first introduced in the 2007-2008 session and reintroduced in the current legislative session. In January 2009, Auditor General Jack Wagner released a report on the Department of General Services' (DGS) management of the state's 16,637 fleet vehicles which detailed the current system's lack of accountability to Pennsylvania taxpayers. It is estimated this lack of central management of the state fleet costs taxpayers approximately $72 million a year.

Senate Bill 109, the Taxpayer Funded Advertising Act, would require all advertising by state government (Executive, Judicial and Legislative Branches; Attorney General; Auditor General; Lieutenant Governor; and Treasury) to include the statement "Paid for with Pennsylvania Taxpayer Dollars." 

Both bills now progress to a full Senate vote.
 

Contact: