GAO urges public to report stimulus law waste
The Government Accountability Office today urged government employees, contractors and the public to report the illegal use or mismanagement of the billions that are being distributed under the economic stimulus law.
People can help identify improper activities or weaknesses in the program that warrant scrutiny, said Gene Dodaro, the acting comptroller general. The law has directed billions to create jobs and fund infrastructure and other measures to help counter the current economic downturn, he said.
“Experience tells us that the risk of fraud and abuse grows when large sums are spent quickly, eligibility requirements are being established or changed, and new programs created,” Dodaro said.
People can provide details to GAO’s FraudNet, he said.
The stimulus law requires that GAO conduct bimonthly reviews of how selected states and localities use the funds, Dodaro said. The agency has selected a core group of 16 states to follow over the next several years, along with a sample of towns and counties in those states, he said.
About the Author
Mary Mosquera is a reporter for Federal Computer Week.