Bill Strengthens Florida's Inspectors General

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE — April 16, 2015

CONTACT — Morgan McCord - 850.212.5052

Tallahassee, Fla. - "The Florida Legislature has once again proven its commitment to increasing accountability in state government by ensuring the state's inspectors general are best equipped to serve the state's taxpayers as trusted, independent investigators. The internal watchdogs of our state's public offices will soon be able to more effectively advocate for the hard working taxpayers of Florida thanks to the passage of HB 371 by the Florida House of Representatives. It is my hope that the Florida Senate will soon pass its own version of this good bill (SB 1304), which unanimously passed its final committee yesterday.

"I applaud the bill sponsors, Representative Raulerson and Senator Latvala, for continuing to strengthen the role of Florida's inspectors general and ensuring that the individuals who are charged with protecting the state's taxpayers and residents are qualified and apolitical. Florida TaxWatch is proud to support Representative Raulerson and Senator Latvala as they raise awareness about the importance of enhanced accountability for taxpayers and independent oversight of government.

"More than 20 years ago, Florida TaxWatch recommended independent review of state agencies through the creation of the Office of the Inspector General. Since 2010, Florida TaxWatch research has called for greater independence of inspectors general, and I applaud the Legislature for increasing government accountability for all taxpayers again this year."