Blunt Reacts Angrily To Computer Warehousing Report

Governor Matt Blunt has reacted to word that computers and equipment worth $1.8-Milliion, purchased by the State Revenue Department, have been sitting in a Jefferson City warehouse – boxes unopened. Blunt says this is a terrible waste of taxpayer dollars and demonstrates a need for a change in leadership in the Revenue Department. Trish Vincent has taken over from Carol Fischer as Revenue Director. Blunt says he’ll move quickly to get the computers up and running, and update them in necessary. The State purchased the computer equipment in late 2000 or early 2001, and then began making storage payments of approximately $2,000 per month. A State audit of the Revenue Department, conducted in 2002, did not mention any of the purchases and expenses.