Washington state governments

The State Auditor's Office received 410 reports of suspected or known loss in 2020. While some of these reports were from citizens and whistleblowers, more than 80 percent of reports came from management at state agencies and local governments.

That's because state law (RCW 43.09.185) requires all state agencies and local governments to immediately notify SAO of any known or suspected loss of public resources or other illegal activity, including cyberattacks and other activities that potentially affect financial records or systems.

This article was originally published in the April 2021 edition of The Audit Connection newsletter.

State and federal governments invested more than $14.6 billion in Medicaid—known as Apple Health in Washington—during fiscal year 2020. With one in four Washingtonians enrolled, Medicaid is one of the most important services the state funds. As one of the state's major expenditures, accountability for Medicaid spending is critical. Legislators, agency leaders and the public need access to facts about Medicaid spending so the program can continue helping Washingtonians in need.

This presentation tells the story of Washington's Unemployment Insurance program during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, from the first American coronavirus patient diagnosed January 21 through the end of the year.

Here is a downloadable and printable PDF version.

Staff from the Office of the Washington State Auditor are happy to (virtually) join our colleagues here to connect as we all navigate the COVID-19 pandemic. We have a lot to share with you.

Audit Connection Newsletter, special WFOA edition

Here is a printable version of this infographic.

The coronavirus pandemic has created many novel situations across Washington and the world — social distancing, disruptions to the school schedule, and the temporary closure of many businesses. Governor Inslee's “Stay Home, Stay Healthy” order allows for those occupations that can be conducted via telework to continue, which includes many state and local government workers.

Here is a pdf version of this infographic.

Two fire protection districts received a State Auditor's Office Stewardship Award (SASA) from State Auditor Pat McCarthy this week for their dedication to improving government for the residents of Washington state.

Yakima County Fire Protection District No. 12 was awarded a SASA for working through what were “difficult staff transition[s] and significant prior audit recommendations.” The District “demonstrates…leadership and guidance on a regular basis,” for which State Auditor McCarthy commended them.