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For Immediate
Release
7/3/08
Senate Passes Orie Legislation to Eliminate
‘Pinstripe’ Patronage
Yesterday, in a unanimous vote, the State Senate passed legislation
introduced by Senator Jane Orie (R-Allegheny, Butler) to eliminate conflicts of
interest when state government enters into contracts with outside consultants.
“’Patronage’ occurs when government employment or contracts are offered as a
reward or favor, rather than on merit or qualifications. And, ‘pinstripe
patronage’ is a term that has been coined to describe when this occurs in the
awarding of contracts with consulting professionals, noted Orie. “This
legislation will ensure that government gets unbiased professional advice when
needed, and will give the public the openness and accountability they deserve
from their government.”
The legislation, which now goes to the House of Representatives, will
prohibit any state agency from contracting with outside individuals or firms to
do consulting work, unless the contract is reviewed by the Attorney General for
legality and conflict of interest, or is opened up to public competitive
bidding. The bill applies to management consulting contracts designed to improve
the effectiveness of management strategies, processes or operations, legal
consulting services that provide legal opinions or assessments of agency
conduct, other than those related to pending litigation, and the provision of
legal services in connection with the sale or issuance of bonds.
Additionally, the bill requires all those seeking to do consulting work to
report their campaign contributions, and prohibits any consultant from having a
financial stake in the issue on which they are rendering an opinion. Under the
measure, all information as to contracts awarded and campaign contributions by
consultants must be made available for public inspection on the Internet.
This is one of several reform measures introduced by Orie, including a bill
to prohibit state agencies from hiring lobbyists that is currently on the Senate
voting schedule; legislation to strengthen the Turnpike Commission’s Code of
Ethics; a bill to require consent of the Senate for any appointee to the
Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board; and a measure to require approval of the
General Assembly before an administration can expend revenues to research or
pursue sales or long-term leases of state property or assets.
“If there was one clear mandate in the last election,” Orie stated in
discussing her reform legislation, it was that the citizens of Pennsylvania
demand a more open and accountable government, and will not tolerate conflicts
of interest designed to enrich public officials or political insiders.”
CONTACT:
Lee Derr
(717) 787-6538
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