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For Immediate Release
7/28/08
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Pippy: Taxpayers Can Now Search for, Review State Contracts Online

http://contracts.patreasury.org/search.aspx

Harrisburg – Under a new law co-sponsored by state Sen. John Pippy (R-37), Pennsylvania taxpayers can now access state contracts worth $5,000 or more via a searchable online database.

Under Act 3 of 2008, the Pennsylvania Treasury maintains a website with a contracts search function that enables citizens to locate contract summaries, contracts, and other documents, such as purchase orders and amendments.

Contracts can be searched by agency, contracting party, amount, date, subject matter and contract number.

"Computer technology allows governments to put more information online, and that includes state contracts. Taxpayers are footing the bill for those contracts, and they have the right to see what is being spent for what purpose, and who is getting paid," said Pippy.

The web address for the database is http://contracts.patreasury.org/search.aspx. The site includes a link to a "Help" page that instructs users on how to conduct searches.

Act 3 of 2008 is a comprehensive enhancement of Pennsylvania’s Open Records Law. In addition to putting state contracts online, it implemented an essential open government reform: reversing the presumption of access to records and putting the burden of proof on a government agency denying public access to a record. Legislative records and financial records of the judiciary are subject to the same presumption – records are considered public unless proven otherwise.  

It also establishes an independent Office of Open Records to hear appeals regarding access to records, increases financial penalties for noncompliance, and makes it easier for citizens to recover attorneys’ fees if an agency acts in bad faith.

CONTACT:
Matt Campion (717) 787-5839