Audit Raises Concerns Over State Agencies Not Taking Advantage of Available Federal Dollars

A new audit shows state agencies are not cashing in on federal dollars available simply because many agencies did not know the money was there. State Auditor Claire McCaskill says it is inconceivable the money would be left on the table in these tight budget times. McCaskill says for example, $3.5-Million in federal grants were simply not applied for because agencies didn’t know they existed. She did not have a total amount of federal money that might have fallen through the cracks. McCaskill says this shows a problem in the management of the state’s Office of Administration – the agency that is supposed to help other state departments find and apply for the federal money. O.A. officials defend their handling of federal money, saying they are telling state agencies about the money available. They also note a shortage of state workers to work these issues due to budget cuts.