State Rep. Seth Grove | Pennsylvania 196th Legislative District
State Rep. Seth Grove | Pennsylvania 196th Legislative District
Rep. Seth Grove of Dover is set to introduce a new bill aimed at enhancing transparency in public-private partnerships within Pennsylvania. The proposed legislation targets entities like the Team PA Foundation, which are established through executive orders by the governor. These organizations would be required to comply with Pennsylvania's Right to Know laws and submit annual financial reports.
Grove expressed concerns about oversight, stating, "Public-private partnerships can be beneficial to taxpayers. That doesn’t mean legislative oversight can be side-stepped." He pointed out that since its inception, Team PA has provided funds for governors, including Gov. Josh Shapiro, enabling them to attend various events such as the Super Bowl. This practice has raised questions regarding transparency and adherence to the executive branch's self-imposed gift ban.
The forthcoming bill mandates that public-private partnerships disclose all purchases made on behalf of state officials within ten business days and adhere to the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, which aims to protect investors from fraudulent corporate financial reporting.
Recently, Team PA was in the spotlight when it funded Gov. Shapiro's attendance at his second Super Bowl as governor. This trip was financed by anonymous contributions through a foundation fund called the Pennsylvania Growth Partnership, designed to promote the governor both nationally and internationally.
Grove highlighted the need for increased transparency by noting, "What is known is the governor has had the fortune of attending at least seven sporting events, including the latest Super Bowl, at no cost to himself," adding that many questions remain unanswered.
Representative Seth Grove represents Pennsylvania's 196th District in the House of Representatives.
Greg Gross serves as Media Contact for Rep. Grove and can be reached at 717-260-6374.
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