Lower Bucks Today

State Representative Kristin Marcell announced that Pennsylvania Auditor General Timothy DeFoor will audit the Pennsylvania House Finance Authority (PHFA). This action follows Marcell's legislative efforts to address issues within the agency. The proposed legislation, HB 2387, was part of a broader initiative by House Republicans aimed at improving state government operations.

"In 2020, the PHFA was," said Marcell. "Of that money, only." She further noted that in 2021, the PHFA received $350 million from the American Rescue Plan to establish the Homeowners Assistance Grant Program. However, technical issues with a vendor caused delays for over a year.

Marcell explained her motivation for introducing HB 2387: "I offered HB 2387 to have an independent watchdog investigate these issues and offer recommendations to improve their programs moving forward." She expressed disappointment that House Democrats blocked the bill but acknowledged DeFoor's audit as fulfilling part of its goals. "Auditor General Timothy DeFoor’s decision to engage in an audit of the PHFA fulfills part of the goal of HB 2387, and I thank him for his efforts."

House Republican Appropriations Chairman Seth Grove also supported the audit request and had previously asked for PHFA's appearance before budget hearings. He stated, "While this audit is limited to the PennHOMES program, I believe once the Auditor General begins his review, systemic issues will become apparent." Grove criticized past oversight failures and commended DeFoor: "The PHFA has never been audited, which is a complete failure in government oversight. I want to thank Auditor General Timothy DeFoor for stepping up and ending this failure."

Media contact information was provided for Charlie O’Neill at coneill@pahousegop.com or by phone at 717-260-6121.