Governor Rell: Executive Order Ensures

Transparency, Accountability of Stimulus Funds

Provides for Unprecedented Level of Oversight

to Comply With American Recovery and Reinvestment Act

            Governor M. Jodi Rell today announced that she has signed an executive order to give the state multiple levels of oversight and transparency to ensure federal stimulus dollars are used prudently and within the strict timeframes mandated under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

“Taxpayers have every right to know how their money is being used as we position the State of Connecticut for economic recovery with job creation and critical investments,” Governor Rell said. “The hallmarks of this unprecedented federal act are transparency and accountability. This executive order will provide oversight on every state project, every application and every deadline to ensure Connecticut meets the letter of the law.”

Executive Order No. 25 calls for the creation of a State Accountability Officer, a State Transparency Officer and Stimulus Project Oversight Officer. The Governor noted that none of these positions will require new hiring, but will be filled by current state employees.

·        The State Accountability Officer will be responsible for ensuring the state provides all reports, certifications and assurances required by the ARRA.

·        The Transparency Officer will maintain and keep current the CT Recovery Web site, posting all applications, receipts for spending stimulus funds and other required documentation.

·        The Governor said the Stimulus Project Oversight Officer, would act as the state’s “clerk of the works,” coordinating with every state agency receiving stimulus funds and oversee the progress of all stimulus-funded infrastructure project, ensuring they have the required permits and applications and meet deadlines.

The Executive Order, signed March 23, also requires that every state agency that applies for or receives stimulus funds appoint an agency accountability officer responsible to ensure that the money is used in accordance with the ARRA. Each agency is also required to maintain a detailed Web page on the agency’s Web site, listing the agency’s stimulus activities.

Overall, Connecticut will receive about $3 billion in federal stimulus dollars. Approximately $1.65 billion is in direct aid and grants while $1.3 billion is in the form of Medicaid assistance. The federal government estimates the ARRA will create and/or save more than 40,000 jobs in Connecticut.

The federal act also mandates that states make public contacts with lobbyists and consultants. Governor Rell said the State of Connecticut will post a log every Monday on the official CT Recovery Web site listing any contact Executive Branch employees have had with registered lobbyist and consultants concerning projects, issues and other topics related to the ARRA.

            For more information on the ARRA in Connecticut and to view Executive Order No. 25, visit the state’s official stimulus Web site at: www.ct.gov and click on the CT Recovery link.

 “The State of Connecticut is committed to keeping the public informed every step of the way,” Governor Rell said.