Neuman bill calls for better contribution reporting
State Rep. Brandon Neuman, D-North Strabane Township, has introduced legislation designed to end “pay-to-play” influence in Harrisburg by strengthening campaign contribution reporting requirements for individuals and businesses interested in receiving state contracts.
Neuman said H.B. 1977 calls for complete transparency before and after state or local government contracts are awarded.
“Under the bill, anyone seeking a government contract would have to disclose, and continue to disclose, financial contributions made by or to elected officials, contract bidders, lobbyists and political action committees,” Neuman said. “It would require contract bidders to be up front and open about possible financial influences or be shut out of the process.”
Neuman said the legislation would:
• Prohibit awards of government contracts without complete disclosure statements from applicants;
• Require disclosure and updates of contributions and fund-raisers by an applicant or contractor one year before a contract award, during the term of contract and one year after its completion;
• Direct the Pennsylvania Department of State to make disclosure statements available to the public; and
• Bar contract applicants making false or deficient disclosures from seeking government contracts.
The bill is being introduced as part of a legislative reform package offered by House Democrats to make Pennsylvania government more open and transparent.