Senator Joe Pennacchio -- GARNERING SUPPORT FOR “TRANSPARENCY IN GOVERNMENT ACT”

Morris Plains, NJ -- State Senator Joe Pennacchio (R-Morris/Passaic) in his continuing effort to make our government more open and transparent, has reached out to all of our State’s 567 Mayors to encourage the passage of S-445, the "Transparency in Government Act" which provides for establishment of State public finance website.

“My legislation would create a website where all could have easy access and viewing of any money being spent by our State,” said Pennacchio. A copy of the letter is follows:

Dear Mayor:

All too often we hear the clamor of eliminating waste, fraud and abuse. However, unless we are able to identify any and all State spending, the efforts to “eliminate” waste, fraud and abuse are made almost impossible. To identify our State’s spending, we have to make it transparent for all to see.

Therefore, I have introduced S-445, the “Transparency in Government Act,” which provides for the establishment of a State public finance website which retains and displays data and information on the State’s annual revenues, expenditures and total bonded indebtedness. This bill establishes an accessible, user-friendly source of information to track State revenues and expenditures and to gauge its past and present levels of indebtedness. That includes information such as contractual service purchases, salaries and wages, gifts and grants and bonded obligations. This information must be accessible to the public no later than 45 days following the close of each fiscal year.

The bill also helps to facilitate a bi-partisan approach to improving transparency, identifying waste, and eliminating abuse at each level of State government. Additionally, S-445 provides for the establishment of the Public Finance Transparency Committee in order to facilitate the organization, development and maintenance of the website. The bottom line is, if the State is spending a dime, you are going to know where – quickly and easily.

If you agree that the State should provide a website where the public can view and track fiscal matters in the State of New Jersey, I ask that you pass a resolution in (town) supporting the “Transparency in Government Act.” I also encourage your county and municipality to take the fiscally prudent lead and establish individual “transparent” websites detailing any and all spending. A sample resolution is enclosed for your consideration. Thank you in advance for your support.

Sincerely yours,
Joe Pennacchio