FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 21, 2013
Today, Representative Scott Kawasaki (D-Fairbanks) released the following statement applauding the Legislative Council decision to make legislative office accounts more accountable to the public. Kawasaki introduced legislation (HB97) in the last legislative session to address the lack of accountability and transparency in the office accounts policy implemented in January of this year.
“In government, it is imperative we demonstrate the highest level of transparency when spending public funds,” said Kawasaki. “I commend Legislative Council for fixing the problems with the old rules and reinstating accountability to how legislators spend public dollars on office expenses. Many of us kept receipts for every expense under the old rule, but the public deserves to know that every office expense dollar is going to legitimate office expenses. This change does precisely what I proposed in my legislation, and I thank the committee for its action today.”