Pennsylvania’s existing avenues for the public to report suspected and alleged fraud, waste, and abuse of state dollars are severely lacking. Pennsylvania’s patchwork of different agencies that all handle different types of fraud and different categories of funding leaves the average Pennsylvanian at a loss to know who to contact if they become aware of fraud, waste or abuse of state funds. Without a clear, dedicated hotline and electronic reporting system, Pennsylvanian’s are left stuck in a maze of departmental bureaucracy.

To make sure that there is one central location where residents are able to turn to if they suspect that state dollars are being inappropriately used, I will be introducing legislation that will create a statewide whistleblower office, separate from any current department or Executive office. This statewide whistleblower office will be required to maintain a 24/7 hotline and an online reporting system allowing residents to submit reports anonymously if they choose and include documentation and evidence to support their claims.

If we want to get serious about uncovering and addressing fraud, waste, and abuse, then we have to create a more transparent and accessible infrastructure for doing so to encourage Pennsylvanians to speak up when they see something wrong.

I look forward to your support for this legislation to encourage and achieve a greater level of fiscal responsibility in our great state.