State Auditor General wants to check House-Senate finances
Photo by AP Photo/Matt Rourke
(Harrisburg) — Pennsylvania’s top fiscal watchdog is seeking authorization to audit the state House and Senate.
As the state grapples with a large budget deficit, a recent report points to a surplus of more than 118 million dollars in the legislative reserve account.
As a result, Auditor General Eugene DePasquale is seeking permission for an audit of the legislature.
“Because the Pennsylvania legislature is a seperate branch of government I do not have the legal authority; the same would apply to the courts, unlike executive offices and school districts, where I have complete authority,” he said.
DePasquale says there is precedent for his request, pointing to the Philadelphia Parking Authority and the Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority.
He had to seek authorization to perform audits of those agencies, but early indications suggest he’ll have a tougher time receiving a green light from the legislature.
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