|
Armstrong legislation for
state accountability passes House again
Rep. Mike
Armstrong,
R-Wenatchee, is again working this session to pass a new accountability
measure for state government. This week marks the second time the House
voted unanimously to support House Bill 1053, which would make regular
performance audits business as usual for state agencies.
“We passed a bill out of here last year that we thought was pretty good,
but it didn’t make it out of the Senate. We voted unanimously to support
that bill last year and this bill is every bit as good,” said Armstrong.
“Only now we also have agreement from the governor and the state
auditor’s office that they’ll support it too.”
House Bill 1053 would
allow the state auditor to conduct regular performance audits of state
agencies and government operations using evaluation standards. Those
standards would be established by an independent, citizen oversight
board.
Similar to last year’s
version, HB 1053 would make state government more accountable to
Washington taxpayers by establishing a citizens’ board to develop a
performance grading program for all state agencies, and authorizing an
independent auditor to do regular performance audits of government
systems and operations. Armstrong added that fair, independent and
professional performance audits would improve the efficiency and
effectiveness of state government.
“The independent citizen
board would make sure state agencies are accountable for their
performance. The state auditor would ensure operating efficiency.
Together they would guarantee state agency effectiveness year in and
year out,” said Armstrong. “Making performance audit results available
to the public will keep us all aware of how well taxpayer-funded
services are being delivered.”
Armstrong said the
legislation is designed to help Washingtonians have more trust in how
state agencies do business and spend taxpayers’ money. It would also
assess agencies’ performance and evaluate them on customer satisfaction,
service quality, efficiency and management.
The measure is now being
considered by the Senate Government Operations and Elections Committee.
# # #
For more information, contact:
John
Sattgast, Public Information Officer: (360) 786-7257
|