COLUMBUS—State Representatives Todd Snitchler (R-Uniontown) and Peter Stautberg (R-Anderson Twp) today offered sponsor testimony before the House State Government and Elections Committee regarding legislation to reduce government waste and make state spending more effective. Auditor of State Dave Yost appeared in committee and testified today in support of the bill.

Snitchler and Stautberg are the primary sponsors of House Bill 2, which would require the Ohio Auditor of State to conduct a performance audit of state agencies on a biennial basis. The purpose of these audits is to regularly evaluate the efficiency and practicality of certain state-funded agencies, eliminate wasteful spending and implement best practices, which would save tax dollars and provide more cost-effective services to vulnerable Ohioans.

“The goal of House Bill 2 is to improve state operations by making our government more efficient, and save the taxpayers’ money,” said Snitchler. “As we face a looming budget deficit of $8 billion, it is important to make sure that we are not wasting tax dollars. This bill is a medium and long-term solution to fixing Ohio’s spending problems. This is a vital step toward ensuring that we are not suffocating families and businesses with unnecessarily high tax rates and a disorganized government.”

“By reviewing the operation of state agencies and their delivery of services, we will help ensure the Ohio taxpayers get the best return on their investment,” said Stautberg.

The legislation, which was originally introduced in March 2009 of the previous General Assembly, was crafted in concert with former Auditor Mary Taylor and current Auditor Dave Yost.

“House Bill 2 is an important cornerstone to getting the spending and actions of our various state agencies under control,” said Rep. Bob Mecklenborg (R-Cincinnati), who serves as chairman of the State Government and Elections Committee. “I am pleased that this bill will be working its way through the House State Government Committee, and I look forward to shepherding the bill through the process.”

Wednesday’s sponsor testimony constitutes the first hearing of House Bill 2 in committee.