|
||||||||||||||||||
|
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Orie Introduces Legislation to Eliminate 'Pinstripe' PatronageSenator Jane Orie (R-Allegheny, Butler) today announced she will be introducing legislation designed to eliminate conflicts of interest when state government enters into contracts with outside consultants. "There was only one true mandate in last year's election," Orie stated in announcing her plan to introduce the bill. "The citizens of Pennsylvania demanded a more open and accountable government, and clearly indicated that they will not tolerate conflicts of interest and other similar actions designed solely to enrich public officials or political insiders. To eliminate these conflicts, one issue we must address is 'pinstripe patronage', " said Orie. Patronage occurs when government employment or contracts are offered to acquaintances or family members as a reward or favor, rather than on merit or qualifications. 'Pinstripe patronage' is a term that has been coined to describe when this occurs in the awarding of contracts with various consulting professionals. Senator Orie's legislation will prohibit any branch of state government and any state agency from contracting with outside individuals or firms to do legal, bond, or management consulting work, unless such contracting meets the disclosure and other requirements of the legislation, or is opened up to competitive bidding. The bill would require government entities to establish a list of such consultants who meet published criteria established by the entity for such work. Contracts which will not exceed $5,000 in value shall be assigned on an equal, rotating basis to the consultants on that published list. Contracts for which the value may exceed $5,000 shall be open to public, competitive bidding for the work. Under the bill, information as to criteria, contracts awarded and campaign contributions by consultants shall be made available for public inspection on the internet. This is the latest in a series of reform measures introduced by Orie, including a bill to prohibit a state agency from hiring lobbyists; a bill to prohibit an elected state official from accepting a paid position with any agency of the Commonwealth until at least two years have passed; a bill to require consent of the Senate for any appointee to the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board; and a bill to prohibit any elected state official from lending his or her name or likeness to an event designed to raise funds for a lobbyist.
|
| ||||||||||||||||
|
Privacy Policy
|
||||||||||||||||||
