State Rep. Sarah Lightner, of Springport, today testified before the House Oversight Committee in support of her plan holding state government accountable by providing more transparency and oversight to the procurement process.

The Michigan Department of Technology, Management and Budget (DTMB) is responsible for contracts and purchasing decisions for all of the agencies under the state government umbrella. When a state agency has purchasing needs, they work with DTMB to enter into procurement contracts. Lightner said her plan would ensure more transparency and oversight when agencies are exercising the option to extend a contract by requiring DTMB to provide written consent.

“When working on the state’s fiscal year 2019-2020 budget, I was made aware state departments have been exercising options to extend contracts without any input from DTMB,” Lightner said. “This lack of oversight and transparency is concerning as it could lead to many procurement contracts that are not in the best interest of the state nor the hard-working taxpayers of Michigan. I’m spearheading this effort to ensure the department that’s delegated with the responsibility to oversee the purchasing decisions of state government has the means to properly do so.”

House Bill 4831 remains in the House Oversight Committee for further consideration.

Photo Information: State Rep. Sarah Lightner testifies before the House Oversight Committee regarding her plan holding state government more accountable on Nov. 7.