Performance audits survive! Governor vetoes new raid

By Jason Mercier
Apr 18, 2016

When signing the 2016 supplemental budget today, Governor Inslee vetoed the new $10 million raid on the voter-approved performance audit funds for the State Auditor's Office. As occurred in 2009 with Governor Gregoire's veto, the Auditor's Office reached a deal with the Governor to save some funds in exchange for the veto. Deputy State Auditor Jan Jutte attended today's budget signing (photo here). Responding to the veto the State Auditor's Office released this statement:

“I want to thank Governor Inslee for his commitment to government accountability, as evidenced by his veto restoring performance audit funding. We at the State Auditor’s Office want to be part of the search for solutions to the challenges facing Washington. Thanks to this veto, we can avoid layoffs and complete our performance audit work plan.
I understand that cuts and transfers were necessary in the most recent budget. After several productive conversations with the Governor’s staff, I have committed to leaving $5 million in the Performance Audits of Government Account to be transferred to the general fund for other uses.

I must also thank all those who supported our program during this process, including local governments and independent accountability advocates. Inside and outside public service, there is a shared interest in making government work for the people of Washington.”

It is very encouraging to see the Governor issue this veto and restore the performance audit funds, especially since his December budget proposal also included a $10 million transfer. With today's veto action the State Auditor's Office will be able to avoid unnecessary layoffs of performance auditors and continue important work on its 2016/17 work plan.