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State Representative Ryan Winkler
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
651-296-7026
For more information contact: Matt Swenson 651-297-8406
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STATE’S CHAIN GANG ORGANIZATION FOUND GUILTY OF LAX OVERSIGHT
ST. PAUL - Yet another Legislative Audit report was released today critical of lax financial oversight at one more state agency in Minnesota. This time MINNCOR, the state-owned industrial business operated by the Minnesota Department of Corrections, was cited by the OLA for “not adequately track[ing] revenues and expenditures related to its labor arrangements with private businesses." Poor financial oversight at MINNCOR is just one more symptom of a troubling system-wide trend at Minnesota state agencies - including the Department of Finance.
“Whenever the warden lets his guard down, the prisoners find a way out,” said Rep. Ryan Winkler (DFL - Golden Valley). “Unfortunately, Minnesota’s governor is focused on higher office, while millions of dollars escape from state coffers every year.”
Earlier this month the OLA released another troubling report indicating several state agencies, including the departments of Finance, Transportation, and Education need to significantly improve their financial oversight measures. In a letter to the Legislature regarding fraud at the Department of Human Services Mr. Nobles stated, “OLA’s review determined that Ms. Austen was able to perpetrate a fraud over an extended period of time because of internal control weaknesses at the departments of Human Services and Finance (now called Minnesota Management and Budget).” These documents, and the MINNNCOR audit report, can be found on the OLA website at: www.auditor.leg.state.mn.us.
“Minnesotans have waited long enough for the Pawlenty Administration to put its finances in order,” said Rep. Winkler. “We can’t afford to keep letting millions slip through our fingers just because high-ranking political appointees haven’t cared enough to keep an eye on the books. In a time of deficit, it is particularly critical for state government to run a tight ship. It’s unfortunate Governor Pawlenty doesn’t share that concern.”
Spurred by a troubling trend of mismanagement at state agencies in Minnesota, Rep. Winkler has introduced several bills this session to enhance oversight and accountability in state government. He is committed to serious reform in state government to ensure every tax dollar, including $9 billion in new funding from the federal government, is well-protected and spent wisely to rebuild Minnesota’s struggling economy.
News Items
- Statement on Budget Forecast - (Posted: 2012-12-05 00:00:00)
- Statement on Final I-35 W Bridge Settlement - (Posted: 2012-11-13 00:00:00)
- Rep. Winkler: Tea Party Activists Can’t Be Trusted to Reform Our Elections - (Posted: 2012-11-01 00:00:00)
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