WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Steve Austria (R – Beavercreek) today joined seven other Republican U.S. House Members from Ohio in asking Governor Ted Strickland to establish an independent, bipartisan oversight board to oversee the distribution of stimulus funds in Ohio.

“The stimulus bill contained a total of approximately $790 billion in funding, and we now need to ensure we are producing the greatest economic benefit for our state,” Austria stated.  “Accountability and transparency are important and Ohio taxpayers have every right to know what their money is being spent on, and that it is being properly managed.”

The letter to the governor highlights the lawmakers’ concerns with ensuring that the stimulus funds are distributed without waste or abuse and “encourages a transparent and open process regarding the State of Ohio’s use of federal stimulus dollars.”

The letter also lays out common-sense solutions to ensure the funds are properly distributed, including the creation of an independent oversight board.
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