From March 2020 through June 2022, the Department of Administration (DOA) was provided $5.7 billion in supplemental federal funds through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act; the Consolidated Appropriations Act; and the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). The State has the discretion to spend $4.5 billion of the $5.7 billion, but federal law requires that $1.1 billion be spent for specified purposes. We found that DOA paid $2.2 billion to other state agencies that used the funds for programs they administered, and DOA spent $1.5 billion on its own programs. As of June 30, 2022, $1.9 billion was remaining, including $1.8 billion in discretionary funds. However, in December 2022, DOA indicated it had plans for using most of these funds. We recommend DOA improve the transparency and clarity of the State’s use of supplemental federal funds.

www.legis.wisconsin.gov/lab  AskLAB@legis.wisconsin.gov

(608) 266-2818 • Hotline: 1‑877‑FRAUD‑17

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