Pledging not only to be “good stewards of our resources” but to also “provide oversight of all spending” during the current pandemic, Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has created a new office of accountability regarding the use of state, federal and philanthropic dollars flowing to the battle against the coronavirus.
That new office will provide oversight of all spending to address the COVID-19 pandemic going forward.
Governor Whitmer announced in her update today that she has signed Executive Directive 2020-5, which creates the Michigan COVID-19 Office of Accountability within the State Budget Office. The Accountability Office will provide oversight of all spending to address this crisis, and must report regularly on its work to the governor and the state budget director.
Gov. Whitmer said today, “Protecting the people of Michigan and lowering the chance of a second wave has demanded flexibility and decisiveness, and has also required funds from the state treasury, philanthropic sources, and the federal government,” and added, “Michiganders have the right to expect that state government will be responsible stewards of their resources, especially in a time of crisis. I will continue to work around the clock to ensure these resources are spent wisely, in compliance with the law, and in a transparent and accountable manner.”
The Department of Technology, Management and Budget will designate a Chief COVID-19 Accountability Officer to lead the Accountability Office. The interim selection for that post by Gov. Whitmer is a woman identified only as Michelle Lane.
All departments, agencies, committees, commissioners, and officers of the state are being directed by the governor to give to the Accountability Office any necessary assistance they require. Departments, agencies, committees, and officers must also provide free access to any books, records, or documents in their custody relating to matters within the scope of inquiry, study, or review of the Accountability Office.
To view Executive Directive 2020-5, click the link below:
Asked about additional sectors of the Michigan economy being able to open anytime soon, Whitmer said only that she would address that later in the week. She declined to indicate which, if any, sector might be allowed to return to work next, deferring to her update on Wednesday for any announcement in that regard at the earliest.
Gov. Whitmer also focused on tomorrow’s May 5th election process and allowing flexibility for those who wish to vote through absentee ballot, as she was joined at the podium by Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson.
Benson promised that those who want to vote in person will be able to find at least one physical polling place in every unit of government that has an active election tomorrow, Tuesday, May 5th. Those who utilize that option are instructed to wear a mask, maintain social distancing of at least 6 feet and clean their hands immediately after voting in person.
She points anyone with questions regarding balloting to go to the link below:
