Sifton Neighborhood Association

Government Accountability

Making Government Work: Efficiently and Effectively

From the Office of Rep. Deb Wallace, 17th District

The citizens of Washington deserve more accountability from their state government. Every day I hear from constituents who want better schools for our children or better roads for shorter commute times. Or more help finding a job. These accountability measures will show government how to deliver the services we as citizens expect in the most cost-effective way. It's about making government spending more transparent; it's about government helping people while using our money effectively and efficiently.

R HB 1064 Performance audits: Government Accountability
Over the years, state agencies have worked hard to do more with less. They have been focusing on better ways to achieve their goals and carry out their missions. Now it is time to see if they have been successful. This bill with bi-partisan support will do that by requiring independent performance audits of all state agencies and operations. I’m proud to be a sponsor of this bill.
The state auditor would hire independent contractors to conduct the audits to:
· Identify programs that could be eliminated, reduced, consolidated or enhanced;
· Look for overlaps and gaps between state programs and recommend corrections; and
· Identify cost savings.
The findings would then be submitted to the Governor and the Legislature, and posted on the Internet.

How your 17th District Reps. voted: Dunn-Nay Wallace-Yea

R HB 1069 Examining Tax Exemptions
The state provides over 500 tax exemptions to businesses that are intended to drive economic development. As an economic development professional I promote the use of tax exemptions as a tool to help business grow. These exemptions can be very useful but we shouldn’t be afraid to shine the light of day on them. I agree with you that we need to review tax exemptions to ensure that they are doing what we want them to do.

The House of Representatives recently passed this bill that is now in the Senate to examine tax exemptions so that we can find which ones work and which ones just eat up tax money without creating good jobs. I am happy to report that I am a sponsor of this bill.

How your 17th District Reps. voted: Dunn-Nay Wallace-Yea

POG What Is This ?

To spend taxpayer money in the right way for schools, job development, and health care, Washington State must set priorities and make government accountable.

HB 1242 does just that.

As a sponsor I recognize that the state needs to look at what its service priorities are and develop a budget based on those priorities.
HB 1242 passed the House with overwhelming bi-partisan support with 92 Yeas and 2 Nays.
How your 17th District Reps. voted: Dunn-Nay Wallace-Yea