BOSTON, MA — State Auditor Suzanne M. Bump today testified before the Joint Committee on Ways and Means in support of her budget request, where she highlighted the work her office is doing to assist state agencies and departments to modernize government services and improve the effective management of government resources.
“One of my priorities – which I know you share – is to ensure that our government keeps pace with technological innovation that improves operations, enhances accountability, and improves service for the taxpayer,” Bump told the members of the committee. “We have the opportunity to be at the forefront of using technology to improve government. It is crucial that we do it efficiently and securely so that we can continue to innovate without stumbling.”
In her testimony, Bump highlighted the work of her office’s IT audit unit, and a forthcoming series of audits that will help agencies better protect their information technology infrastructure and bolster cyber security. In addition, she announced that her office would be conducting a multi-agency audit to examine the “Internet of Things” in state government, and provide recommendations on protecting internet connected devices. She also noted her office’s efforts to strengthen the social safety net by identifying barriers to accessing public benefits programs faced by qualified individuals.
Bump requested a $351,350 increase to her office’s budget, the majority of which will go to the agency’s administrative account. These funds will support additional hiring to fully staff the IT audit unit.
A copy of Bump’s testimony, along with a photo from the event are .
About the Office of the State Auditor
The Office of the State Auditor conducts performance audits of state government’s programs, departments, agencies, authorities, contracts, and vendors. With its reports, the OSA issues recommendations to improve accountability, efficiency, and transparency. The OSA has identified more than $1 billion in unallowable, questionable, or potentially fraudulent spending and saving opportunities for the Commonwealth since 2011. Last year, auditees report implementation of 91 percent of the OSA’s audit recommendations. This year, the office received the Einhorn-Gary Awardfor its success furthering government accountability.