Watchdogs of the Treasury

A number of state legislators were awarded Watchdog of the Treasury Awards today for the 127th General Assembly. The award recognizes key legislators or policymakers every year who work tirelessly to restore responsible limited government, lower taxes, encourage free enterprise and regulatory relief, and promote personal freedom.

Rep. Combs:

“A recent Gallup Poll found that Americans believe that about half of government expenditures is wasted,” Combs said. “This speaks to the mounting skepticism people have toward the government and its effectiveness. As a state lawmaker, I have been striding to restore the public’s faith in Ohio’s government by making it more accountable and cost efficient.”

Rep. Adams:

“As a legislator, we are charged with the responsibility of safeguarding the taxpayers’ hard-earned money,” said Rep. Adams. “I am honored and humbled to receive this award.”

The awards were presented at a breakfast ceremony in Columbus, held by the United Conservatives of Ohio. The United Conservatives of Ohio supports the responsible spending of taxpayers’ dollars, the elimination of government waste, and the free-market system of competition among private sector firms.

UPDATE:  Senator Gary Cates also received a Watchdog of the Treasury Award.

UPDATE 2:  More...

COLUMBUS—Lawmakers from across the state were today honored at the “Watchdog of the Treasury” Award ceremony for the 127th General Assembly. The award recognizes key legislators or policymakers every year who work tirelessly to restore responsible limited government, lower taxes, encourage free enterprise and regulatory relief, and promote personal freedom.

“As state representatives, our most important function is to ensure that taxpayer money is well guarded,” said Leader William G. Batchelder (R-Medina). “I am proud of our Republican members for standing up against frivolous spending.”

“This award is given to those members whose principles of fiscal prudence, limited government, free markets, individual liberty, and personal responsibility champion their legislative decisions,” said Rep. Ron Amstutz (R-Wooster).
Lawmakers who received the award include:
John Adams, Sidney
Ron Amstutz, Wooster
Kevin Bacon, Minerva Park
Bill Batchelder, Medina
Danny Bubp, West Union
William Coley, Liberty Township
David Daniels, Greenfield
Bruce Goodwin, Defiance
Cliff Hite, Findlay
Jay Hottinger, Newark
Matt Huffman, Lima
Ross McGregor, Springfield
Joe Uecker, Miami Township
Lynn Wachtmann, Napoleon
Jeff Wagner, Sycamore
Jim Zehringer, Fort Recovery

The award was presented at a breakfast ceremony in Columbus, held by the United Conservatives of Ohio. The United Conservatives of Ohio supports the responsible spending of taxpayers’ dollars, the elimination of government waste, and the free-market system of competition among private sector firms.

UPDATE 3: Here is the complete list of legislators who received the award:

State Senators

Amstutz
Austria
Buehrer
Carey
Cates
Faber
Goodman
Harris
Jacobson
Mumper
Niehaus
Padgett
Schaffer
Schuler
Seitz
Wagoner

State Reps:

Adams
Aslanides
Bacon
Batchelder
Brinkman
Bubp
Carmichael
Coley
Collier
Combs
Core
Daniels
Fessler
Flowers
Gibbs
Goodwin
John Hagan
Hite
Hottinger
Huffman
Husted
Jones
McGregor, Ross
Reinhard
Schlichter
Setzer
Uecker
Watchmann
Wagner
Webster
White
Widener
Wolpert
Zehringer

UPDATE 4: State Rep Bob Gibbs:

“With more than three decades of business experience, Senator Gibbs understands the importance of smart fiscal management, whether you are a company trying to make payroll or state government,” a statement released by the Ohio Senate stated after Wednesday’s announcement, adding “he has championed the responsible use of taxpayer dollars and supported public policy that works to limit government, keep taxes low and foster a climate in Ohio that encourages investment and job growth.”

Gibbs said he was pleased to be recognized by the UCO, an organization that advocates public policy that promotes free enterprise, low taxes and greater efficiency in government. “It is those conservative principles that will lead us out of the mess we’re in,” noted Gibbs, who vowed to take the fight against wasteful spending to Washington.

“The days of trillion dollar spending sprees and leveraging our future by borrowing more and more have got to end,” said Gibbs. “I’m honored by the title of ‘Watchdog’ – it’s exactly the reputation I intend to bring with me to Washington, where restraint is badly needed,” he added.

Gibbs also received the award in 2004 and 2006.