OKLAHOMA CITY – Oklahoma House Democrats responded to an Oklahoma Multi-County Grand Jury report finding significant mismanagement and misspending of the Governor’s Emergency Educational Relief (GEER) Fund. “This report highlights what happens when those in power choose not to hold themselves accountable to hard working taxpayers,” said House Democratic Leader Cyndi Munson, D-Oklahoma City. “Knowing there is a severe lack of training on management of public funds and consequences for mismanagement of public funds in state statute, the State Superintendent and Governor were emboldened to misuse money meant to help Oklahoma public schools. Improper management of finances is completely avoidable, and as leaders in our state, it was the responsibility of the State Superintendent and Governor to put mechanisms in place for accuracy, accountability, and transparency when spending public taxpayer money. They continue to fail our teachers, students, and families – and this multi-county grand jury report couldn’t be clearer on that.” Rep. Melissa Provenzano, D-Tulsa, says internal controls to protect from corruption were ignored. “After four years of asking for an investigation into the abuse of GEER funds, today we learned that the officials charged with transparent disbursement of these dollars disregarded internal controls designed to prevent corruption,” Provenzano said. “We learned that whether or not Oklahomans got access to GEER dollars may have been based on registered political party and voting district rather than established qualifications. I struggle to understand how indifference to state internal controls and federal guidelines is not willful negligence. Corruption comes in many forms. This doesn't pass the smell test.” The report from the Multi-County Grand Jury said while there is not sufficient evidence for indictments, their findings “uncovered deeply troubling practices.” “Oklahoma is responsible for these funds regardless of indictment charges,” said Rep. Trish Ranson, D-Stillwater. “We must hold those who mishandled these tax dollars accountable.” Rep. Suzanne Schreiber, D-Tulsa, says the public deserves better from its leaders. “These were taxpayer dollars,” Schreiber said. “Superintendent Walters' failure to care for and manage them in service to the education of Oklahoma’s kids is harmful to us all. As public servants, we owe the public so much better than this.” Rep. Annie Menz, D-Norman, says Oklahomans deserve to know where accountability is coming from. “I was frustrated but not surprised by this news,” Menz said. “State Superintendent Ryan Walters is willfully and gleefully burning through millions in taxpayer dollars because he thinks people aren’t paying attention. We are. And every voter in Oklahoma deserves to know who is holding him accountable before they head to the polls next month.” Read the full report here. -END-
