Coalition board urges legislators to act on inspector general bill

Delaware Coalition for Open Government

May 14, 2024

Event Date:

Mon, 05/13/2024 - 08:45 am

On April 17 – by unanimous vote – the Senate Executive Committee released Senate Substitute 1 for Senate Bill 21, a bill to establish a Delaware Office of the Inspector General. SS1 for SB21 has bipartisan support in the General Assembly and strong public support up and down the state as well.

Since the OIG bill has a fiscal note, and with limited days remaining in this legislative session, the General Assembly needs to hear from members of the public to ensure this important legislation is passed this year.

Please contact the members of the Senate Finance Committee and recommend SS1 for SB21 be circulated by committee Chair Sen. Trey Paradee and released from committee so it can receive a vote by the full Delaware Senate.

Trey Paradee, chair, 302-744-4162, trey.paradee@delaware.gov
Darius Brown, 302-744-4286, darius.brown@delaware.gov
Stephanie Hansen, 302-744-4138, stephanie.hansen@delaware.gov
Laura Sturgeon, 302-744-4135, laura.sturgeon@delaware.gov
Eric Buckson, 302-744-4169, eric.buckson@delaware.gov
Dave Lawson, 302-744-4237, dave.lawson@delaware.gov.

We want to make sure the committee members know: A Delaware OIG is estimated to cost less than $2 million per year, compared to an annual state budget of more than $6 billion. In the 35 states that already have this office, OIGs have a history of saving more taxpayer money than the annual cost to fund the offices.

SS1 for SB 21 is legacy legislation that will define the 152nd General Assembly. The Office of Inspector General, whose oversight of state agencies with an eye toward efficiency and effectiveness but also for deterring fraud, waste, abuse and mismanagement, is in the best interests of all Delawareans.

And, significantly, an Office of the Inspector General will enhance public trust in our government and confirm the dedication of our elected officials to their oath of office, which states they will "always place the public interests above any special or personal interests."

To learn more about what you can do to support the proposed OIG, go to http://www.delcog.org/oig.

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