Guest Column: “Improving Ohio Through Increased Accountability”

The following column by State Representative Marlene Anielski was submitted by her office to Patch:

Improving Ohio Through Increased Accountability

It is an exciting time in the legislature. There are always new bills being introduced on the House floor. One of the most rewarding aspects of my position is the opportunity to work with colleagues that are just as dedicated to improving Ohio as I am. The broad range of bills that come before the House allude to the diverse needs across the state. But despite this diversity, one theme remains consistent: improving Ohio’s economy and building a less burdensome, more efficient government. Here are a few bills that I have specifically been working on that I believe will have tremendously positive outcomes for Ohio.
 
The first of these bills is House Bill 66, which requires the Auditor of State to establish a fraud reporting system for residents and public employees to anonymously report fraud and misuse of public funds by public offices. Ohio residents and employees will be able to make anonymous complaints through a toll-free telephone number, the Auditor of State’s website, or the U.S. mail to the Auditor of State’s office. Reporting and reducing fraudulent spending will help to strengthen the state’s economy.
 
H.B. 66 also extends current whistle-blower protections to employees who file a complaint with the Auditor of State’s fraud-reporting system. Under this provision, if an employee becomes aware of a violation of state or federal statutes, rules, or regulations or of the misuse of public resources, the employee is protected against specified retaliatory or disciplinary actions. This added protection will hopefully encourage people to report legitimate examples of fraud, without the fear of personal repercussions down the road.
 
Another bill that I am actively working on is House Bill 323. H.B. 323 would strip retirement benefits from public employees if they are convicted of extortion or perjury. I firmly believe in the great contributions that public employees make to our society. However, anyone who violates the trust of the public does not deserve taxpayer-funded retirement and disability benefits. This bill simply holds public employees to a standard that has long been in place in most areas of the private sector.
 
Both of these bills impose greater accountability measures on state agencies and employees. As we continually strive to strengthen and improve the state of Ohio it is important that no taxpayer-funded entity goes unmonitored. Greater accountability across the board for government agencies will lead to greater prosperity across the state.