Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility Salisbury bill would create statewide whistleblower office for reporting fraud, waste or abuse of state funds

Salisbury bill would create statewide whistleblower office for reporting fraud, waste or abuse of state funds

Would streamline reporting, establish 24/7 hotline

HARRISBURG, May 6 – State Rep. Abigail Salisbury said she will soon introduce legislation that would cut the red tape associated with reporting suspected fraud, waste or abuse of state dollars by creating a statewide whistleblower office and a 24/7 reporting hotline.

Salisbury said a statewide office is needed because it can be daunting for citizens to navigate the multiple agencies that handle different types of fraud claims and funding categories.

“Suspected misuse of state funds is an urgent matter requiring an urgent response, but the average citizen attempting to report these claims can face a bureaucratic maze, with no clear guidance on who to call,” Salisbury said. “We need to streamline the process by giving people a simple, easily accessible contact point. My bill would do that by creating a statewide whistleblower office with a dedicated hotline and electronic reporting system.

“Having a more transparent and accessible method of reporting would make it easier for people to pick up the phone when they see or suspect something is wrong. It would also help the state crack down on these issues.”

Salisbury said the statewide whistleblower office would be required to maintain a 24/7 hotline and an online reporting system, allowing residents to submit reports anonymously if they choose and to include documentation and evidence to support their claims.

Salisbury is currently securing co-sponsors for the bill, which she plans to introduce in the near future.