Werzelbacher, who quickly became known nationwide as “Joe the Plumber” was subjected to several database searches by state authorities to determine if he owned back child support or owed back taxes.
Later, a state inspector general’s report said the searches were improper.
The director of the agency, Helen Jones-Kelley, and several other employees were suspended without pay. Jones-Kelley is the former Director of the Montgomery County Job and Family Services agency.
Rep. Jones has become the most vocal critic of the Strickland administration for its handling of the scandal.
In an interview with WHIOTV.COM, Jones said those involved in the improper access of private information should have been fired.
“There was an illegal, I believe at least, an unethical search of a private citizen’s confidential records. That should have never happened and so we are fixing the law so that there is no confusion about it,” Jones said.
She said she was disappointed in the how the governor handled the situation.
“And so as a result we are going to make sure punishment is swift and severe,” Jones said.
Under the bill she introduced Tuesday, employees who abuse confidential state databases would be fired.
A companion bill was also introduced in the State Senate.
Jones said she is hoping to win passage of the bill in the lame duck session of the legislature by the end of the year.
Jim.otte@whiotv.com