Mastriano introduces legislation to bring greater transparency to the records of Pennsylvania Universities

HARRISBURG – Senator Doug Mastriano (R-33) officially introduced Senate Bill 488 to significantly increase oversight and transparency of state-related universities (Penn State, Pittsburgh, Temple and Lincoln).

The legislation will mandate that personnel salary information must be disclosed to the public.  It will also require universities to provide access to budgetary and contract information in user-friendly, searchable online databases. 

The measure to expand the extent to which the state-related institutions are subject to the Right-to-Know Law will not undermine key and important elements of their operations or mission and they are not intended to undermine their competitive position or economic impact.  There is plenty of room for improvement in the level of transparency and accountability we can expect from these institutions. 

The bill will require universities to file the following:

  • Salary information for the 200 highest-paid employees
  • Overall revenue and expenditure budgets for the current and prior year
  • Revenue and expenditure budgets of taxpayer-funded projects or programs
  • A copy to the public of the minutes for each Board of Trustees meeting
  • An annual list of contracts in excess of $5,000 for the purchase of all goods and third-party services

“We look forward to the swift bi-partisan passage of this legislation,” Mastriano said. “We owe it to the taxpayers of Pennsylvania who help fund our universities and the students who spend thousands in tuition money to attend them.”

 

CONTACT: Josh Herman (717) 787-4651

Back to Top