| |
Bailey measures would bring
more accountability, transparency to state budgeting process
10th District lawmaker believes the public not
only expects, but deserves a state government that is responsible when
it comes to budgeting
Rep.
Barbara Bailey has introduced two measures that would bring more
accountability and transparency to the state budgeting process.
“What we are seeing today is less transparency in state government at a
time when taxpayers are expecting more accountability,” said Bailey,
R-Oak Harbor. “The public not only expects, but deserves a state
government that is responsible when it comes to budgeting.”
House Bill 2682 would require that a fiscal note be established
before any bill is passed by the Washington State Legislature. This
would ensure state lawmakers know the cost of legislation before they
vote on it.
“A person would never agree to buy a house before he or she knew how
much it would cost. And state lawmakers should never pass a bill before
they know how much it will cost,” said Bailey. “This is a basic
principle of budgeting, yet it is not the current approach of our
state.”
According to a National Conference of State Legislatures’ survey, at
least 27 state Legislatures require, by law or rules, that fiscal notes
be prepared on all bills or all bills deemed to have fiscal impact.
Washington is not among them.
Bailey noted that last year state lawmakers passed a measure that
requires all health insurance policies, including the Washington State
Health Insurance Pool, to include coverage for mental health services
equal to coverage for other medical and surgical services before they
knew how much it would cost.
House Bill 1460 passed the House on Feb. 28, but the fiscal note
was not finalized until March 21.
Bailey voted “no” on the measure.
“We’re talking about a lot of money – taxpayers’ dollars – and state
financial obligations that extend well into the future,” said Bailey.
“State lawmakers must be mindful of the policy ramifications of
their votes, and the financial impact. The Legislature cannot continue
to pass along blank checks.”
Four legislatively-authorized studies have been conducted on fiscal
notes since 1977, most recently in 1995. Though some improvements have
been made in response to those studies, none have resulted in
far-reaching changes.
Another Bailey measure,
House Bill 2223, would require the state auditor’s office to
review new state programs and share its findings with the public. This
would allow state lawmakers and the public to assess the effectiveness
of new state programs – including whether they deliver the outcomes
promised.
“We should always monitor the outcomes of new state programs. If the
state is going to make promises, it has an obligation to show what it
delivered. This is important in terms of prioritizing state government,
and providing transparency,” said Bailey. “Unless the majority
party wants to hide something or close the public out, there’s no reason
to not support this bill.”
Through performance audits, the state auditor’s office has unveiled
incompetency, waste and perhaps even fraud in state and local
governments. Bailey believes the state auditor is capable of
continuing to hold government accountable through House Bill 2223,
and that it will lead to more efficiency and effectiveness in state
government.
“What I have been hearing from constituents, and it was reflected in the
2007 elections, is they want more accountability with their tax
dollars,” said Bailey. “Both of my bills offer accountability and
transparency for the public.”
Both measures are being considered in the House Appropriations
Committee.
# # #
For more information, contact:
John
Handy, Assistant Director: (360) 786-5758
|
|