Auditor to hold state government accountable as millions in stimulus money comes to Missouri

(From State Auditor Nicole Galloway)

Missouri State Auditor Nicole Galloway today announced that her office will examine the state's distribution and spending of federal funding expected to be received by the CARES Act. President Trump is set to sign a stimulus plan that could result in billions of dollars in federal funding to the state of Missouri for assistance with the COVID-19 response.

"Missourians expect this unprecedented amount of federal money to be distributed quickly and effectively to help our state through this crisis," Auditor Galloway said.

"As Missouri's independent watchdog, my office will review the government's response and make sure taxpayers are protected as money flows through the state. I look forward to the cooperation of all state agencies."

Auditor Galloway says she will ensure funds are being spent effectively and will identify any potential vulnerabilities for waste, fraud or abuse. Additionally, the Auditor's Office will develop an online resource so that Missourians can understand how state government is spending the federal funding.

The effort will be similar to work by the previous State Auditor's administration, which reviewed the state's use of funds received through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. Under Article IV, Section 13 of the Missouri Constitution, the State Auditor has a duty to ensure the accuracy of the state's accounting of its spending.

Each year, the State Auditor's Office completes an annual review of the management of billions in federal funds by the state. This year's Statewide Single Audit reviewed 12 major federal programs with expenditures totaling approximately $8.8 billion.

Auditor Galloway has been recognized for her fiscally conservative approach to examining the state's financial health. In 2018, she released a series of reports detailing the state's increasing budget instability and called for action to better secure the state's fiscal future. In October 2019, Auditor Galloway issued an additional report, again warning the state was unprepared for an economic downturn and urging action by the legislature and administration.