Rep. Chris Banning, R-Bixby, released the following statement applauding State Auditor and Inspector Cindy Byrd for her Federal Single Audit of the expenditures made during Fiscal Year 2022. This annual audit, mandated by federal law and released in April, examines whether the State of Oklahoma has spent federal grant money in compliance with federal regulations.

"In a time when public trust in government is often fragile, I'm thankful that State Auditor and Inspector Cindy Byrd is working hard to ensure taxpayer dollars are used properly. The report released by her office last month revealed a staggering $20 million in questioned costs from the Emergency Rental Assistance (ERA) funds within the Oklahoma Office of Management and Enterprise Services (OMES), as well as millions more from several other state agencies.

"The role of auditing in state government emphasizes the importance of transparency and accountability in government. Auditor Byrd's efforts exposed and corrected mismanagement, thereby protecting public resources and assuring taxpayers that their money is spent wisely and ethically."