HARRISBURG – The new Senate Government Management and Cost Study Commission has scheduled their next hearing to discuss cost-cutting measures in state government, according to Commission Chairman Senator David G. Argall (R-Schuylkill).
The hearing, scheduled for Monday, March 8, 10:30 A.M. in Hearing Room #1 of the North Office Building, is expected to include testimony from members of Governor Rendell’s cabinet. Pursuant to a request from the Rendell administration, three officials have been invited to testify:
- Secretary Mary Soderberg, Office of the Budget
- Secretary Naomi Wyatt, Office of Administration
- Secretary Jim Creedon, Department of General Services
The hearing will include testimony from the panelists and a question-and-answer session with Commission members.
“We are encouraged by the Administration’s willingness to participate in our upcoming hearing, and I am hopeful that their testimony will help the General Assembly identify additional cost-savings for taxpayers,” Sen. Argall said.
“I look forward to seriously considering every reasonable proposal to cut costs, while being mindful of our responsibility to ensure that vital governmental services and institutions are preserved,” said Sen. Daylin Leach.
Argall also noted that the Commission has received over 100 emails from individuals from across the Commonwealth who responded to a call for suggestions to reduce the cost of state government.
“I am thankful that the Commission has received numerous emails from Pennsylvanians with a great deal of positive feedback,” Argall said. “We received a number of suggestions, including downsizing the size of the Pennsylvania Legislature, privatizing our state liquor stores and reducing the number of state-owned vehicles, and I look forward to working with my colleagues in the coming weeks to closely examine all of the suggestions we have received.”
Pennsylvanians can still submit suggestions to reduce costs in state government by emailing cuttingcosts@pasen.gov through June 30.
Contact:
Erik Arneson (Majority Leader’s Office)
(717) 787-4712
Nick Troutman (Sen. Argall’s Office)
(717) 787-2637
Casey Kockler (Sen. Leach’s Office)
(717) 787-5544