The committees held a public hearing on the Auditor General’s Reviews of portions of the Department of Public Welfare programs. Auditor General Jack Wagner and Secretary Estelle Richman of the Department of Public Welfare appeared before the committee to offer testimony. Auditor General Wagner gave an overview of the audits that have been performed and spoke specifically to the special performance audit of the Special Allowance Program. He said the audit identified  ”four systemic control weaknesses” and stated “Department of Public Welfare management must provide greater leadership and accountability, and must ensure that these vital funds are not wasted.” Secretary Richman affirmed that the Department has “taken significant steps to tighten our processes to prevent fraud and abuse.” Check the PLS Capitol Toolbox later today for the full story.

The committee met to consider two bills. SB 922 and HB 47 were unanimously reported as committed.

The committee met to consider five bills and a Department of Public Welfare regulation. SB 5, SB 128, SB 314, SB 335 were reported as committed. SB 89 was reported as amended.  A representative from DPW said that final form regulation #14-510  will be withdrawn before the IRRC meeting Thursday in order to give the committee more time to discuss it. Check the PLS Capitol Toolbox later today for the full story.

The committee held a public hearing on the drug and alcohol service delivery and funding.   Everette James, Secretary of DOH, Estelle Richman, Secretary of DPW, and Michael Kane, Executive Director of PA Commission on Crime and Delinquency, were among those that testified. It is estimated that illicit drug abuse costs the US $160.7 billion, 69% of those costs are productivity losses stemming from premature death, illness related to drug abuse and incarceration.   Check the PLS Capitol Toolbox later today for the full story.