SENATOR RAYE ASSAILS PROPOSED ELIMINATION OF OPEGA

Says Democratic attempt to kill state government watchdog agency is “midnight madness”

For Immediate Release

Friday, March 21, 2008

AUGUSTA – State Senator Kevin Raye (R-Perry), the ranking Republican Senator on the Government Oversight Committee, today assailed the attempt by legislative Democrats to kill the Office of Program Evaluation and Government Accountability (OPEGA). The proposal was inserted in the majority budget shortly before midnight Thursday night.

“I was shocked and disappointed to learn that the Democratic majority inserted a provision in their partisan budget that would eliminate the state’s fiscal watchdog agency. This gives new meaning to the term ‘Midnight Madness’”, said Raye. “At a time when we are struggling with budget shortfalls, it is more important than ever that we do everything we can to find savings and cost-efficiencies in state government. It is mind-boggling to even consider eliminating the one entity with that core mission.”

“OPEGA was a hard-fought and important reform to state government and, in just two short years, it has already emerged as a key force in identifying inefficiencies and recommending potential savings. So far, OPEGA’s non-partisan staff has made recommendations for savings estimated conservatively at $2,177,408, and has identified $167,806 in misused funds – including potential fraud. They have made recommendations that, if implemented, could avoid future costs of $20,321,040 conservatively.”

“Not only has OPEGA produced by conducting reviews in areas ranging from Information Technology to Voc Rehab, but they have done so while operating significantly under budget each year since their inception. So I am astounded that a proposal to eliminate it and return to the failed approach of the past would emerge from the ether at literally the 12^th hour of the budget process. Shenanigans like this undermine confidence in elected officials,” said Raye.

OPEGA is overseen by the Legislature’s Government Oversight Committee, which is comprised of an equal number of Democratic and Republican legislators to ensure that the agency is non-partisan. Raye serves as the Committee’s ranking Republican Senator.

Raye represents Senate District 29, which includes all of Washington County and parts of eastern Hancock and Penobscot Counties.  He also serves as the Senate lead on the Health and Human Services Committee, and as a Senate member of the Maine Citizen Trade Policy Commission.

# # #