PRINTER'S NO. 2650
No. 313 Session of 1999
INTRODUCED BY VEON, THOMAS, CALTAGIRONE, CAPPABIANCA, EVANS,
MUNDY, BELARDI, TIGUE, BUXTON, STABACK, SURRA, GRUCELA,
DERMODY, WALKO, JAMES, STEELMAN, MICHLOVIC, GEORGE, SANTONI,
ARGALL, LAUGHLIN, BEBKO-JONES, YUDICHAK, DeWEESE, RAMOS,
MELIO, CURRY, LEDERER, SCRIMENTI, GIGLIOTTI, PESCI, PISTELLA,
SHANER, VAN HORNE, JOSEPHS, BELFANTI, LUCYK, J. TAYLOR,
ROONEY, McCALL, ORIE, CARN, COSTA, YOUNGBLOOD, HARHAI,
SAINATO, WILLIAMS AND GRUITZA, NOVEMBER 15, 1999
REFERRED TO COMMITTEE ON RULES, NOVEMBER 15, 1999
A RESOLUTION
1 Directing the Committee on State Government to study the
2 contracting out of government services to private entities in
3 this Commonwealth.
4 WHEREAS, A role of State government is the delivery of public
5 services to the taxpayers of Pennsylvania through various State
6 agencies; and
7 WHEREAS, There is a trend in state governments throughout the
8 country to privatize or contract out to private entities certain
9 public services; and
10 WHEREAS, The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania has entered into
11 contracts with private entities to provide many public services;
12 and
13 WHEREAS, The General Assembly, as the representative of the
14 people, affirms its role to provide legislative oversight and
15 public accountability for the delivery of these services;
1 therefore be it
2 RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives direct the
3 Committee on State Government to study the effects of
4 contracting out existing State services to determine whether:
5 (1) These contracts ensure that the privatization of
6 these public services are in the public's best interest and
7 at a minimum provide cost savings that are greater than
8 providing the service within the government structure.
9 (2) Contracting out of services ensures quality of
10 services, provides for public accountability and protects the
11 public health and safety.
12 (3) These private entities use established best
13 practices for delivery of these services.
14 (4) Qualified public employees who lose their jobs as a
15 result of these contracted-out services are offered
16 employment and opportunities to bid on contracts;
17 and be it further
18 RESOLVED, That the Committee on State Government may hold
19 hearings, take testimony and make its investigations at such
20 places as it deems necessary in this Commonwealth, and each
21 member of the committee shall have the power to administer oaths
22 and affirmations to witnesses appearing before the committee;
23 and be it further
24 RESOLVED, That the Committee on State Government make a
25 report of its findings and recommendations to the House of
26 Representatives within one year of the date of adoption of this
27 resolution.
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