Rep. Jim Christiana (R-Beaver) issued the following statement in reaction to the New Jersey Senate’s recent approval of the Transparency in Government Act which would give its residents online access to most government expenditures.

“The state of New Jersey took a huge step toward government transparency when its Senate approved legislation providing public access to government-related expenditures, such as information on disbursements, agency earnings, salaries and wages, purchases, state revenue, taxes, and federal grants.

“Once signed into law by Governor Christie, this legislation will break down the doors of government spending, allowing taxpayers the opportunity to track online just how their money is being spent. This is a true victory for residents of New Jersey. They got it right and I call on my colleagues in the Pennsylvania Senate to do the same.

“I recently co-authored House Bill 1880, which calls for an online database that would detail how Pennsylvania government agencies oversee and use money entrusted to us by the hard-working taxpayers. Everyone with internet access could access this information at any time from their smart phones, iPads, or any other device.

“I call on members of our Senate to pass legislation that offers true and complete government transparency. Many other states already allow taxpayers to track their tax dollars online. Why can’t Pennsylvania?

 “Let’s turn on the lights in the accountability department and give our citizens what they deserve – full access to how their money is being spent.”

Rep. Jim Christiana

15th Legislative District

Pennsylvania House of Representatives
(717) 260-6144

(724) 728-7655

Contact:  Joseph Pistorio

jpistori@pahousegop.com

(717) 787-2932

House Republican Public Relations

Member Site:  RepChristiana.com

Twitter Site:  Twitter.com/repchristiana