Maine Democrats shut off government oversite

More shenanigans from Maine Democrats. Appalling, but no surprise:

 http://mainewebreport.com/maine-democrats-try-kill-fiscal-watchdog-opega

Maine Democrats celebrated 'Sunshine Week' in Maine by trying ax the one program in state government that actually saves taxpayers money. Here's a press release from GOP Senator Kevin Raye. Discussions on this at AsMaineGoes (link) and PolitickerME (link)

AUGUSTA – State Senator Kevin Raye (R-Perry), the ranking Republican Senator on the Government Oversight Committee, today assailed the attempt by legislative Democrats to kill the Office of Program Evaluation and Government Accountability (OPEGA). The proposal was inserted in the majority budget shortly before midnight Thursday night.

“I was shocked and disappointed to learn that the Democratic majority inserted a provision in their partisan budget that would eliminate the state’s fiscal watchdog agency. This gives new meaning to the term ‘Midnight Madness’”, said Raye. “At a time when we are struggling with budget shortfalls, it is more important than ever that we do everything we can to find savings and cost-efficiencies in state government. It is mind-boggling to even consider eliminating the one entity with that core mission.”

“OPEGA was a hard-fought and important reform to state government and, in just two short years, it has already emerged as a key force in identifying inefficiencies and recommending potential savings. So far, OPEGA’s non-partisan staff has made recommendations for savings estimated conservatively at $2,177,408, and has identified $167,806 in misused funds – including potential fraud. They have made recommendations that, if implemented, could avoid future costs of $20,321,040 conservatively.”