Michael DiBiase: 2026 H8562 - Urges Program Effectiveness Focus in IG Bill - House Finance (52126)

During the House Committee on Finance hearing on May 21, 2026, Michael DiBiase, President and CEO of the Rhode Island Public Expenditure Council (RIPEC), testifies in support of 2026 House Bill 8562, which proposes the creation of an Office of Inspector General.

DiBiase emphasizes that a successful Inspector General should not only investigate specific instances of fraud and missing funds but also help shift the culture of government toward greater responsibility and public trust. RIPEC specifically advocates for adding clarifying language to the bill—modeled after the Association of Inspectors General and Massachusetts legislation—that explicitly grants the office the authority to evaluate the efficiency and effectiveness of state programs.

He points out a current gap in publicly available data regarding program performance, noting that existing entities like the Auditor General and the Office of Audit and Program Integrity primarily focus on internal financial controls rather than broader program effectiveness. DiBiase argues this explicit oversight is crucial, especially during times of tight state budgets, to ensure taxpayer dollars are being used wisely.

House Bill No. 8562
BY Blazejewski, Kazarian, Hull, Caldwell, Shanley, Lima, Cotter, Spears, Azzinaro, Nardone
ENTITLED, AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- OFFICE OF INSPECTOR GENERAL (Establishes the office of inspector general to investigate the management and operation of agencies in an effort to prevent and deter fraud, waste, abuse and mismanagement in the expenditure of public funds.)
{LC6482/1}
» http://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText/BillText26/HouseText26/H8562.pdf

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