MADISON — On Jan. 15, the nonpartisan Legislative Audit Bureau (LAB) released its statutorily required Biennial Report (report 21-1) summarizing its work in 2019 and 2020. From Jan. 2019 through Dec. 2020, LAB published 60 reports, including financial audits, performance evaluations and reviews, and numerous other audit opinions and certifications. 

Report 21-1 describes LAB’s statutory responsibilities and highlights noteworthy findings, including matters that are likely to be topics of ongoing legislative consideration. The report also highlights the activities of LAB’s Fraud, Waste, and Mismanagement Hotline, which was established in April 2008 and provides the public, state employees and contractors a way to confidentially report potential fraud, inefficiencies, abuse and other improper activities in state agencies or programs. 

From April 2008 through Dec. 2020, 1,301 reports were made to the hotline. In 2019 and 2020, LAB received 203 hotline reports, 140 of which were specific to state agencies or programs. These reports involved a variety of topics, including state agency mismanagement, compliance with applicable laws, contractor issues and personnel issues. 

“I strongly encourage individuals who suspect or are aware of waste, fraud, or mismanagement in state agencies to contact the hotline,” said Representative Samantha Kerkman (R-Salem Lakes). “Reports to the hotline are an essential tool in the drive for efficient, effective government services.” 

“The work of the Legislative Audit Bureau cannot be overstated. The audit reports they produce help to shape state policies and keep the legislature informed on the efficiency of state programs and finances. In such tumultuous times as we find ourselves, their work to help to fight waste, fraud and abuse in Wisconsin is needed now more than ever,” said Senator Cowles (R-Green Bay). 

Individuals may report concerns related to state government activities, including those involving the University of Wisconsin System and its institutions, to LAB by calling the toll-free hotline at 1-877-FRAUD-17, through a secure online reporting form available at www.legis.wisconsin.gov/lab/hotline, or by mail. By law, the identity of the individual making the report will remain confidential. 

Copies of the Biennial Report (report 21-1) may be obtained from LAB’s website at www.legis.wisconsin.gov/lab or by calling 608-266-2818.