Record State Audits

Sacramento, CA — California’s Controller sets a record in audits that mean billions in savings to taxpayers. State Controller John Chiang today announced his office has found more than $8 billion in wasteful, unlawful spending and cost savings throughout the State and local government.

“Audits protect Californians by highlighting problems and restoring accountability,” said Chiang. “The audits have served as a catalyst for greater transparency and improved management of taxpayer dollars, allowing us to transform an accounting office into an accountability office.”

One of Chiang’s more notable audits was the City of Bell where there was rampant mismanagement, unlawful use of State and Federal dollars and illegal property taxes.  The audits led to the return of nearly $3 million in property taxes to residents.

The audits are done independently of both the Governor and the Legislature.  Chiang’s $8 billion in total audit findings is three times higher than any other State Controller.  The closest was Kathleen Connell, who identified $2.5 billion between the years of 1995 and 2002.

Chiang has sponsored AB 2676, a bill that will be heard this week by the Assembly Appropriations Committee.  Chiang says it will strengthen and extend the Controller’s authority to more quickly identify fiscal mismanagement and help local governments conduct their own audits and independent reviews.