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Senate Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
Senate of Pennsylvania
Session of 2025 - 2026
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | February 14, 2025 12:53 PM |
|---|---|
| From: | Senator Doug Mastriano |
| To: | All Senate members |
| Subject: | Establishing a Pennsylvania D.O.G.E. (Department of Government Efficiency) |
| Legislation Introduction: Creation of the Pennsylvania Department of Government Efficiency (Pa. D.O.G.E.) In an effort to promote fiscal accountability and curb wasteful spending in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, I am proud to introduce legislation aimed at establishing a Pennsylvania Department of Government Efficiency (D.O.G.E.). This initiative seeks to ensure that taxpayer funds are utilized effectively and responsibly. Key provisions of the proposed legislation would include: 1. Accountability to the Legislature: Pa. D.O.G.E. will be answerable and reportable to the legislature, ensuring that elected representatives—who control the purse strings—maintain oversight over government spending. 2. Auditing Authority: The department will possess the comprehensive authority to audit every agency within the Commonwealth, promoting transparency and responsible management of state resources. 3. Suspension of Payments: Pa. D.O.G.E. will have the power to IMMEDIATELY suspend payments (Temporarily until ruled on by the committee) from agencies or departments deemed to be inefficient or unnecessary. This action will be executed by notifying the Treasury to withhold such payments. 4. Dissolving of Agencies/Departments: Pa. DOGE shall have the authority to recommend to the Bi-Partisan Oversight committee (see #6) that an agency or department is wasteful and therefore should be dissolved. That recommendation will be in the form of a report of which the committee shall vote on. 5. Reporting Requirements: Upon the suspension of payments, Pa. D.O.G.E. will be required to provide a detailed report to the Bi-Partisan Oversight Committee (see #6) addressing the reasons for defunding the specific agency, program, or initiative. The timeline for this reporting will be established within the legislation. 6. Bi-Partisan Oversight Committee: A Bi-Partisan committee will be formed, consisting of one House member and one Senate member from each party, along with one leadership member from both the house and Senate, along with a representative from the Treasury and Auditor Generals Office. This committee will hold the authority to vote on the reports submitted by Pa. D.O.G.E., determining whether to suspend or continue funding. In the event of a tie, the State Treasurer will cast the deciding vote. 7. Citizen Involvement: The committee shall also include two "everyday citizens" to provide additional perspectives and ensure community representation in fiscal decisions. Once a final vote is determined, any payments deemed unnecessary will be suspended immediately and any “unspent” funds will be returned to the General Fund thus reinforcing our commitment to accountability and responsible governance. Through the establishment of PA. D.O.G.E., we will endeavor to foster a more efficient government that serves the interests of the citizens of Pennsylvania. This initiative is a vital step in ensuring that every dollar spent is a dollar well-invested in the future of our state. Please join me in co-sponsoring the vital legislation and help bring fiscal responsibility back to the citizens of Pennsylvania. If you have any question concerning this legislation, please contact Donald Beishl (dbeishl@pasen.gov) or Aaron Bashir ( abashir@pasen.gov) in my office. |
Memo Updated: February 14, 2025 12:56 PM