For More Information Contact:
Senator Cowles ~ 800.334.1465
Representative Kerkman ~ 888.529.0061
MADISON – Today, the nonpartisan Legislative Audit Bureau (LAB) released its statutorily required Biennial Report (report 19-1) summarizing its work in 2017 and 2018. From January 2017 through December 2018, LAB published more than 40 reports, including financial audits, performance evaluations and reviews, and numerous other audit opinions and certifications.
“I’ve always had complete confidence in the Legislative Audit Bureau. Their work has helped to shape state policies and keep the legislature informed on the efficiency of state programs and finances. I am looking forward to continuing to work with the audit bureau, as co-chair of the Joint Legislative Audit Committee, to fight waste, fraud and abuse in Wisconsin,” Said Senator Cowles (R-Green Bay).
Report 19-1 describes LAB’s statutory responsibilities and highlights noteworthy findings, including matters that are likely to be topics of ongoing legislative consideration. The report also highlights the activities of LAB’s Fraud, Waste, and Mismanagement Hotline, which was established in April 2008 and provides the public, state employees, and contractors a way to confidentially report potential fraud, inefficiencies, abuse, and other improper activities in state agencies or programs.
From April 2008 through December 2018, 1,098 reports were made to the hotline. In 2017 and 2018, LAB received 203 hotline reports, 125 of which were specific to state agencies or programs. These reports involved a variety of topics, including agency mismanagement, improper oversight of state funds, and waste or inefficiency in state government.
“I appreciate the significant impact the Fraud, Waste, and Mismanagement Hotline and the LAB play in reducing fraud and waste in state government,” said Representative Samantha Kerkman (R-Salem Lakes). As a Legislative service agency, LAB not only performs the audits and performance evaluations required through statute and as assigned by the Joint Audit Committee, but also investigates and audits agencies and programs in response to Hotline reports. This work is an important part of the Legislature’s check on the Executive branch.”
Individuals may report concerns related to state government activities to LAB by calling the toll-free hotline at 1‑877‑FRAUD‑17, through a secure online reporting form available atwww.legis.wisconsin.gov/lab/hotline, or by mail. By law, the identity of the individual making the report will remain confidential.
Copies of the Biennial Report (report 19-1) may be obtained from LAB’s website at www.legis.wisconsin.gov/lab or by calling (608) 266-2818.
