Pennacchio Hopeful “Transparency in Government Act” Will Soon Become Law

January 29, 2010

Contact: Bill Murray / (609) 292-5199
Senator Joe Pennacchio, Transparency in Government

Pennacchio Hopeful “Transparency in Government Act” Will Soon Become Law

Legislation Would Make Permanent Executive Order Signed by Governor Christie

Senator Joe Pennacchio (R-Morris/Passaic) expressed his optimism today that his Transparency in Government Act would soon become law. The bill is posted for a vote this Monday in the Senate State Government, Wagering, Tourism and historic Preservation Committee, in which Senator Pennacchio plans on testifying.

“I am very grateful that one of Chris Christie’s first official acts as Governor was to issue an executive order bringing greater openness and accountability to state spending, ” Pennacchio stated. “It is now time to codify this executive order and make it an official law.”

Senator Pennacchio first introduced his “Transparency in Governemnt Act” last year and has been aggressively pushing for its passage. The bill would create a simple, searchable Web site that taxpayers can use to track state spending.

“A number of states have already started to empower taxpayers to track their tax dollars virtually at a mouse click, Pennacchio continued. “The state can easily provide information in a user-friendly format that can be accessed from homes, libraries and businesses. It is long past time that we listen to taxpayers who are demanding that Trenton be accountable.”

Pennacchio concluded, “In addition to Governor Christie, I am also appreciative of my colleagues, Senator Tom Kean (R-Union) and Senator Dick Codey (D-Essex), who have sponsored this legislation with me, as well as Senator Jim Whelan (D-Atlantic), the new Senate State Government Committee Chair, who posted this important bill on the first day the committee convenes.”