FAIRBORN, Ohio -- Like a lot of Ohio taxpayers, Rep. Kevin DeWine has a lot of questions about the state data theft scandal.

The Fairborn Republican wants to know:

- Why wasn’t taxpayers' personal information on the data device that was stolen from a state intern’s car was not encrypted?

- Why was an intern told to take the data home for safekeeping, even though a state transition report issued months earlier pointed out the possible breach of security?

- Why has it taken a month for the Strickland administration to learn what was on the stolen device?

“To be a month out and not know the answers to those questions is completely irresponsible, unreasonable and the Ohio taxpayers deserve better,” said DeWine, who is also Deputy Chairman of the Ohio Republican Party.

Gov. Strickland said the state is spending $2.2 million in response to the scandal.

The money is needed to send letters to a million Ohio taxpayers to notify them that their names and Social Security information was on the stolen data device.

Other costs include establishment of a call center to distribute information to taxpayers and for identity theft protection for those who sign up for it.

The call center can be reached toll-free at 1-800-267-4474.

The Web site for identity theft protection is: www.ohio.gov/idprotect.

At least one state lawmaker has suggested public hearings may be needed to answers questions about the scandal. Sen. Kevin Coughlin of Northeast Ohio said the hearings would help inform the legislature and the public about what happened.

Jim.otte@whiotv.com