South Fayette legislator’s bill proposes greater oversight of lapsed funds
State Rep. Jason Ortitay, R-South Fayette Township, has introduced legislation to ensure the General Assembly has greater oversight of leftover funds, otherwise known as lapsed funds, spent by the executive branch.
From July 1 through Oct. 31, 2015, the Wolf administration spent approximately $2.7 billion in lapsed state funds, exceeding the state average by $400 million.
“During last year’s impasse, millions of taxpayer dollars were spent without any oversight or accountability from the General Assembly,” Ortitay said.
After Gov. Tom Wolf vetoed the entire 2015-16 state budget, his administration funded its projects and priorities by using Act 146 waivers. Under Act 146, the executive branch, through the governor’s budget office, may waive lapsed funds from prior fiscal years.
Historically, these lapsed funds were used to maintain the state’s cash flow. However, the Wolf administration used these waivers freely and frequently during the state’s budget impasse as a work-around, supplemental budget.
In order to ensure taxpayer dollars are well spent, House Bill 2259 would require all Act 146 waivers be approved by a majority vote in both the House and Senate Appropriations committees. House Bill 2259 currently has 23 cosponsors.