Rhode Island Republicans are hoping to create a new state Office of the Inspector General to investigate government waste, fraud, and abuse.
They're hoping recent outrage over the Interstate 195 Washington Bridge closure will be the push they need to finally get it done this legislative session after years of their bills not passing.
"The Office of the Inspector General would serve as a guardian of the public's trust, ensuring that any waste, fraud or abuse of power within our government structure is thoroughly and fairly investigated and reformed," House Minority Leader Mike Chippendale said
Republicans estimate it would cost about $1.5 million of the state's $14 billion budget.
"When you know that someone is watching, when you know that you have to be held accountable, you behave differently," Senate Minority Leader Jessica de la Cruz said. "That's the purpose: transparency."
They say the recent Washington Bridge closure is just one example of what the office would investigate.
"Dare I say the straw that broke the camel's back where now we're being charmed with a price tag on something that could have been prevented," Rhode Island Republican Party Chairman Joe Powers said.
The movement isn't new, they've been unsuccessfully trying for years to put such an office in place.
"We are an 87% one-party state, and if you are a super majority, why would you put an institute in place that were monitored you?" Chippendale said.
Democratic House Speaker Joe Shekarchi said that's not the case.
In the past he said the movement's failed because of finances.
"There's a lot of organizations and a lot of agencies of government that have oversight. It's just a cost involved is that duplicate costs to be honest with you," he said.
He said he is open to the possibility.
"I give everything a fair chance, and they'll have an opportunity to present their case before the House Finance Committee, and if it deserves merit, we'll consider it," Shekarchi said.
Senate President Dominick Ruggerio said in a statement, "If legislation to create an office of inspector general is introduced, it will undergo the usual thorough and public committee review process."
With the General Assembly back in session as of Tuesday, the next steps will be to formally introduce the bill to be heard in committee.
Republican leaders said they are hoping to make this a bipartisan effort with Democrats co-signing the bill as some have done in years past.
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Rhode Island Republicans renew push for creation of state inspector general - Turn to 10
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