Transparency and Accountability
A key provision of the federal stimulus is regular public reporting of project status, spending and job creation and retention. Periodic reports on the status of federal dollars will be due to federal agencies, Congress and Recovery.gov. This reporting will also include announcements for grant competitions, allocations of formula grants, and awards of competitive grants. The President's Council of Economic Advisors will report quarterly on the estimated impact on employment and economic growth.
Each state's Governor is required to report the following to each federal granting agency, Congress and Recovery.gov before the end of each distribution period:
- How funds will be used
- Whether funds were used correctly
- Jobs created/sustained by the funds
- Non-federal funding sources used to complete projects
Federal and state accountability and transparency measures will include:
- Oversight of spending to prevent waste, fraud and abuse
- Reporting compliance
- Competitive awards
- Whistleblower protections
The Government Accountability Office (GAO)
Description: The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act assigns specific accountability and transparency responsibilities to the GAO. The GAO is responsible for ensuring funds are provided for purposes including: preserving and creating jobs and promoting economic recovery; assisting those most impacted by the recession; investing in transportation, environmental protection, and other infrastructure to provide long-term economic benefits; and stabilizing state and local government budgets.
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The Recovery Accountability and Transparency Board
Description: The Recovery Accountability and Transparency Board is tasked with ensuring the federal Web site Recovery.gov fulfills its mandate — helping citizens track the spending of funds allocated by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act and to respond to questions and comments submitted to the site. The board consists of Inspectors General from approximately 10 major cabinet agencies — including the departments of Justice, Treasury and Commerce.
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The Governor's Office
Description: Oklahoma Gov. Brad Henry ordered this web site be created to ensure Oklahomans have the most up-to-date information available. In weeks to come Oklahoma's funding will be available in a variety of search formats.
The American Recovery and Reinvestment Coordinating Council
Gov. Henry signed an executive order formally establishing the American Recovery and Reinvestment Coordinating Council. Gov. Henry will serve as chairman of the ARRA Coordinating Council and the panel includes several members of the governor’s cabinet, statewide elected officials and key state agency leaders who oversee entities designated to receive or administer stimulus funds or grants. The order directs council members to work with legislative leaders and all stakeholders in the public and private sectors to identify stimulus opportunities and requirements. It also mandates rigorous monitoring, oversight and public disclosure of stimulus expenditures.
The State Auditor and Inspector (SAI)
Description: Gov. Henry appointed Oklahoma's State Auditor and Inspector Steve Burrage as the watchdog overseeing Oklahoma stimulus process.
State Auditor and Inspector | Report Oklahoma Recovery Fraud Hotline: 1-877-259-7337
The Secretary of State
Description: Gov. Henry instructed Secretary of State Susan Savage to track the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act at the federal level, obtaining information related to federal guidelines and potential uses for stimulus dollars
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