As part of his government reform initiatives to make Virginia state agencies run more efficiently and effectively, Gov. Bob McDonnell has signed Executive Order Number 52 (2012) establishing the State Fraud, Waste and Abuse Hotline for use by citizens. The State Fraud, Waste, and Abuse Hotline was previously available only to state employees who wished to report fraud and abuse.
“The wise stewardship of taxpayer dollars demands constant vigilance to prevent fraud, waste, and abuse in the operations of state government,” said McDonnell. “Providing this opportunity to our citizens to alert the state inspector general to possible fraud, waste and abuse of state resources will promote not only efficient governance, but will allow citizens to take an active role in ensuring their investment in government services is properly managed.”
The Commonwealth has maintained the State Employee Fraud, Waste and Abuse Hotline since 1992. This service enabled state employees to anonymously alert the Division of State Internal Audit of possible fraud, waste or abuse within executive branch agencies. Last year Governor McDonnell signed legislation approved by the General Assembly creating the Office of the State Inspector General to take a comprehensive look at executive branch agencies, including institutions of higher education, and investigate any accusations of wrongdoing. The newly expanded office is working with all state agencies to develop tools to improve governance and reduce waste.
Please view the original article at the Augusta Free Press website.