Issue Position: IMPROVE Financial Audits

Issue Position

The historic focus of the state auditor's office has been financial audits. These audits are designed to identify whether taxpayer funds are being properly handled, managed, and reported. Unfortunately, too often these audits have failed to identify and correct serious financial issues, such as mismanagement within the Department of Alcohol and Beverage Control or payment and billing errors within the Medicaid program. I will work with the office's talented staff to focus resources on the greatest risks and will strive to hold state agencies and governmental entities accountable to implement critical improvements.

As the #2 Legislator in the House responsible for the entire state budget, I have kept a sharp eye out for signs of waste or misuse of taxpayer dollars, protecting and defending the taxpayer. I have championed Medicaid and pension reform as well as tax cuts that aided Utahns during the recent economic downturn. As a small business owner and entrepreneur, I have both private and public sector experience when it comes to making every dollar as efficient as it can be. I will be the watchdog that taxpayers expect from the State Auditor.

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