FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
September 18, 2018
Contact: Sen. Cowles: (608) 266-0484 / Rep. Kerkman: (888) 529-0061
Work of Legislative Audit Bureau Again Affirmed
MADISON– Joint Legislative Audit Committee co-chairpersons, Senator Robert Cowles (R-Green Bay) and Representative Samantha Kerkman (R-Salem Lakes), responded today to the announcement that the nonpartisan Legislative Audit Bureau (LAB) has received the highest rating possible on its system of quality control from an external, independent peer review team.
The team of outside reviewers, which was organized under the auspices of the National State Auditors Association and was composed of government auditing professionals from other states and the federal government, reviewed selected LAB financial audits released during the period from August 1, 2017, through July 31, 2018. The reviewers found that LAB’s system of quality control “has been suitably designed and was complied with during the period to provide the audit organization with reasonable assurance of performing and reporting in conformity with Government Auditing Standards in all material respects.” This outcome is consistent with LAB’s performance in past peer reviews, which are completed every three years.
“The Legislative Audit Bureau is absolutely top-notch,” said Rep. Kerkman (R-Salem Lakes). “This review encompassed a period when the State of Wisconsin was navigating the implementation of new accounting and payroll systems, as well as Federal Uniform Guidance. That the LAB continues to earn the highest rating speaks to the commitment of the Bureau to providing an unquestionably accurate and exceptional service to the Legislature and the taxpayers we represent. We are fortunate to have their work informing and reinforcing our work.”
“Congratulations on achieving the highest possible rating for your peer review. I am consistently amazed by the high quality work achieved by our state’s Legislative Audit Bureau. This rating just reiterates the confidence and trust I have in the LAB’s ability to maintain accountability and oversight of government programs. I look forward to continuing to work with our State Auditor and the LAB to identify and eliminate waste, fraud, and abuse while ensuring agency’s compliance with our laws in Wisconsin,” said Senator Robert Cowles (R-Green Bay).
LAB is a nonpartisan legislative service agency responsible for conducting financial and performance evaluation audits of state agencies and programs. LAB’s purpose is to provide assurance to the Legislature that financial transactions and management decisions are made effectively, efficiently, and in compliance with state law. LAB reports typically contain reviews of financial transactions, analyses of agency performance or public policy issues, conclusions regarding the causes of problems found, and recommendations for improvement. LAB reports are submitted to the Joint Legislative Audit Committee and made available to other committees of the Legislature, individual legislators, and to the public.
Copies of audit reports, as well as the 2018 external peer review report, are available on LAB’s website at www.legis.wisconsin.gov/lab or may be obtained by calling (608) 266-2818. To report fraud, waste, and mismanagement in state government, please contact LAB’s toll-free hotline at 1‑877-FRAUD-17.
###