State audit shocker: $8.5 billion in spending with little oversight

(WBFF) — A recent state legislative audit uncovered significant concerns about the oversight of billions in state spending as the state grapples with a billion-dollar budget deficit.

The audit revealed that 42 state offices spent a total of $8.5 billion last year with minimal oversight.

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“It’s a problem that almost $9 billion is going to these entities and we just don’t know where the money is going,” taxpayer advocate David Williams said.

The audit found that these offices were exempt or partially exempt from state procurement laws, although they are required to adopt their own procurement policies. However, several agencies, including the state’s Lottery and Gaming Control Agency, the Maryland Corps Program, the Maryland State Archives, and the Maryland Energy Administration, had no procurement policies on record. This lack of documentation raised questions about the allocation of state funds.

Williams expressed concern over the findings, stating, “This is supposed to be a system of checks and balances. We know the checks have gone out but there are no balances to be sure the money is being spent wisely.” He called for increased oversight, emphasizing the need for accountability in taxpayer spending. “If you’re receiving taxpayer money there has to be full accountability and this is billions of dollars we’re talking about,” Williams said.