FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:                                                                               CONTACT: Erin McNeill

March 25, 2009                                                                                                                   (617) 722-1551

                                                                                                                                                 erin.mcneill@state.ma.us

Joint Committee on Federal Stimulus Oversight holds second hearing to review role of attorney general, inspector general, auditor and comptroller in monitoring federal funds

 State officials today told the Joint Committee on Federal Stimulus Oversight that there will be challenges to overseeing large sums of stimulus money flowing to the state through various channels, but that oversight of the process would be a top priority. 

 Attorney General Martha Coakley said the U.S. Government Accountability Office has not indicated yet whether stimulus money could be used for hiring people to assist with the heightened monitoring effort that will be required. She said there would be a need for additional resources to monitor the distribution and expenditure of the funds.  

State Auditor Joseph A. DeNucci said that personnel reductions in his department due to budget cuts could jeopardize the efficient and effective use of stimulus funds. However, he said, “Accountability will be the top priority of my office.”  

 “There will be a need for increased coordination and cooperation among all involved,” said Senator Marc R. Pacheco (D-Taunton), Senate chairman of the joint committee. “We are expecting that those charged with overseeing this process will do the best job that they can, despite resource challenges.”

 Coakley also emphasized the need for an emphasis on “front-end” monitoring, which would result in fewer problems and less litigation down the road. She cautioned against agencies changing procurement rules just to speed the process of distribution. “Those rules are there for a reason,” she said.

 “I am confident that the people charged with monitoring and overseeing this money will be on the top of their game,” Pacheco said. “It is very important that this money be spent for the purpose intended – creating jobs and boosting the economy. Here in Massachusetts, we are going to do it right.”

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