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House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
House of Representatives
Session of 2017 - 2018
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | July 27, 2017 09:10 AM |
|---|---|
| From: | Representative Christopher M. Rabb |
| To: | All House members |
| Subject: | Mandatory Budget Impasse Transparency & Accountability |
| In the near future, I plan to introduce legislation that is aimed at addressing the issue of budget impasses. Specifically, my bill would require that, in the case that there have not been comprehensive spending and revenue bills introduced by June 19th of the fiscal year, key executive branch and legislative leaders would be required to participate in compulsory daily public hearings on the budget. Executive and legislative leaders required to participate in budget impasse meetings under my legislation include the Governor, State Treasurer, Secretary of Revenue, Auditor General, Independent Fiscal Office Director, and majority and minority leadership for both the House and Senate. Each hearing must last at least two hours, and a memo would have to be publicly viewable at least 24 hours prior to the start of the hearing which would address the status, concerns, and suggestions regarding the budget from each executive branch attendee and from each of the four legislative caucuses. Additionally, each hearing must be broadcast live on the General Assembly’s public website. If comprehensive companion and revenue bills are not introduced in the General Assembly, the individuals specified, or their designees, shall continue participation in compulsory public hearings until legislation is introduced. It is my hope that mandatory, public budget impasse hearings would not only allow all relevant parties to have a dedicated time to work together for the best interests of the Commonwealth, but also ensure that the residents of Pennsylvania can see the work of the group in the light of day. Please join in me in co-sponsoring this important legislation. |
Introduced as HB1706