The Legislative Audit Bureau has released its 2011 summary of the Fraud, Waste, and Mismanagement Hotline. The summary highlights hotline activities in 2011 and describes outcomes and findings related to selected reports that illustrate the variety of issues addressed through the hotline.

The Legislative Audit Bureau has operated the Fraud, Waste, and Mismanagement Hotline since April 2008. It was established by 2007 Wisconsin Act 126 so that the public, state employees, and contractors could easily and confidentially report suspected fraud, waste, mismanagement, and other improper activities within state government.

From April 2008 to December 2011, the Audit Bureau received 389 reports. In 2011, the Audit Bureau received 79 reports, of which 58 were specific to state programs.

18 of the 58 state-related reports received in 2011 involved allegations that individuals had either submitted false information to qualify for a state public assistance program or had failed to report information that would limit their eligibility. 17 reports alleged mismanagement by state agencies, including inadequate control over spending, lack of oversight of staff, or noncompliance with statutory requirements. 15 reports alleged general waste and inefficiency in state programs. The final five reports alleged abuses or misconduct by state employees, including allegations that individuals were inappropriately benefiting from their state positions.