Tracking federal stimulus money in Oklahoma
There’s going to be an avalanche of federal money coming into Oklahoma in the next 12 to 18 months from the recently enacted stimulus bill.
Will we be able to track it? I’ve already blogged about the federal site, recovery.gov. But it appears the same kind of transparency at the local government level could be lacking. ProPublica has more on the latest memo by the Office of Management and Budget’s director, Peter Orszag:
“For instance, a grant could be given from the federal government to State A, which then gives a subgrant to City B (within State A), which hires a contractor to construct a bridge, which then hires a subcontractor to supply the concrete,” Orszag explains. “In this case, State A is the prime recipient and would be required to report the subgrant to City B. However, City B does not have any specific reporting obligations, nor does the contractor or subcontractor for the purposes of reporting for the Recovery.gov Web site.”
More credit to you if you can follow that convoluted trail of money. I got lost at “subgrant,” and I’m still working my way through Orszag’s 62-page memo. (PDF link)
If it’s any consolation, our elected officials don’t seem any more sure of how the money will trickle down to the states. Both the Wall Street Journal and New York Times had stories today about that issue.
Before it’s too late, maybe we should let our state officials know we’re interested in transparency. State Auditor and Inspector Steve Burrage had some encouraging words in a recent AP story:
Steve Burrage, state auditor and inspector, said his office will work with federal agencies to provide oversight and audit results will be posted on the Internet.
“Everything is geared around accountability and transparency,” he said.
“I think as this whole thing plays out, it will become a lot clearer what the legislative intent was behind this stimulus money,” Burrage added.
Hopefully, Burrage isn’t talking about posting a bland report several years after the fact. Maybe this is an issue that gubernatorial aspirant Sen. Randy Brogdon can get behind? After all, he’s already been the force behind opening up recipients of state tax credits.
–Paul
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Comments
I am from a smaller town than okc. I have been watching all the news about money comming to oklahoma. I am also seeing where they are doing all this okc updates. as well as a possable amtrack. but my question is one not one news channel has thought to ask….
WHAT ABOUT ALL THE OTHER TOWNS BIG OR SMALL IN OKLAHOMA. DO THEY GET ANY MONEY AND WHAT HAPPENS TO IT…. AM I THE ONLY ONE WONDERING THIS???
thajek
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