Sen. Ted Erickson

by Sen. Edwin Erickson

Recent reforms to the way Harrisburg conducts itself have challenged many in state government to re-focus their energies on nurturing the public trust. Enacting Pennsylvania's Open Records law earlier this year was a strong move in that direction. However, there is more work that needs to be done.

Last year, I introduced Senate Bill 752, also known as the "Data Quality Act." My legislation seeks to further expand transparency in state government by asking that our regulatory agencies provide the science, research, and statistics behind new regulations they wish to promulgate.

It does not require additional research or effort from state agencies – just merely the requirement that they share the data upon which their regulations have been crafted and explain why it was selected.

As simple as this approach is, its implications will be profound.

Enacting the Data Quality Act will empower the public with greater access to the critical information government uses in arriving at its regulations. And, a more thorough review of the government rule-making process ultimately encourages stronger regulations that are of improved quality and of greater usefulness to all Pennsylvanians.

Currently, there is no system in place for government to disclose this information nor the opportunity for the public to examine the scientific basis of these regulations.

The result is a bureaucratic process of imposing regulations on Pennsylvania residents and businesses with no recourse to remedy faulty or incorrect information that may form the foundation of a new government regulation.

In recent months, the state legislature has taken several steps to open up our government to the public by expanding access and increasing transparency. And, we are ready to take the next step.

The Data Quality Act has already received strong bi-partisan support in both chambers of the General Assembly. It has passed unanimously out of the state Senate and is currently awaiting consideration in the House.

I invite the Governor to join both the Senate and House leaderships by offering his support to the Data Quality Act.

Sen. Ted Erickson represents the 26th Senatorial District, covering parts of Delaware and Chester counties. He served as Regional Administrator for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in Philadelphia, has taught microbiology, biochemistry, general biology, anatomy and physiology, cell physiology and zoology at Hamilton College, Drexel University and East Stroudsburg University and was County Executive of Delaware County.

6/20/2008