FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 2, 2007
Back to News

Senator Rafferty's Oversight Legislation Moves Out of Committee

HARRISBURG – The Senate State Government Committee approved today Senator John Rafferty's legislation that will require Senate confirmation, by the majority of the Senate, for individuals appointed to the following positions with respect to board, agencies and commissions with the following titles: 

            Gaming Control Board – Executive Director
            Lottery Fund, Department of Revenue – Executive Director
            PA Higher Education Assistance Agency – Chief Executive Officer
            Liquor Control Board – Chief Executive Officer
            Turnpike Commission – Chief Executive Officer 

The proposed legislation stems from the recent selection process held by the governor's office when appointing a new CEO to the Liquor Control Board. The focus of the legislation is to create a more transparent process in which the Executive and Legislative branches of the Pennsylvania Government work together to appoint future Executive Directors and Chief Executive Officers for the aforementioned boards, agencies and commissions.  

Rafferty said, "These state agencies have control over billions of dollars of taxpayer money with little or no control or consent over the appointment of the CEO.  The Senate should at a minimum have the ability to review the qualifications of the CEO to determine if they have the experience to run such a large agency and confirm the appointments.  Much is at stake, including reform and accountability in government.  I thank the committee members for their forwarding thinking." 

CONTACT:

Mark Meyer
717-787-1398