Every Friday, Eye on the Statehouse announces a “Fiscal Pistol.” It’s our way of recognizing an individual who, during the course of the week, demonstrated prudence in spending the people’s money.
This week’s pistol is Senator John Carey (R-Wellston), Chairman of the Senate Finance and Financial Institutions Committee and a member of the State Controlling Board. [...]

In theory, the Controlling Board is a useful tool for the legislature to make sure that the state’s bureaucrats are efficient and wise with our taxpayer money. In reality, the board often acts like a gigantic rubber stamp for increased spending.
Take today’s meeting for example. In a matter of only 45 minutes, [...]

At 1:34 p.m., the state Controlling Board called the role and confirmed that all were present. By 1:40 they had spent $110,726,361. It was quite a sight.The Senate’s North Hearing Room was packed as various organizations anxiously waited to see whether their money would come through. And while there were 67 items considered, only one [...]