A new state audit plan could save taxpayers money

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2/16/2011: Radio Story - State auditor Tom Schweich unveiled what he calls a more aggressive approach to auditing.

Intro:	The Missouri state auditor proposed a plan that he estimates will save the state millions of dollars.
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Wrap: The plan is to take a deeper look at how the largest government agencies are run.

State Auditor Tom Schweich says he wants to compare each agency to one another.

The bill's sponsor on the Senate side, Kurt Schaefer says he supports Schweich's new plan.

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Description: The purpose of this audit is to do a comparative analysis, basically for efficiency. And look at how state agencies that may have different areas that they operate in but have similar functions are carrying out those functions.

The auditor will take the best practices of each agency and recommend them to other government agencies.

Schweich says this bill has strong support including the approval of Governor Nixon.

From the State Capitol, I'm Kadee Brosseau

Intro:	The State Auditor could have expanded power to audit state agencies under a new plan.
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Wrap: If this legislation passes, State Auditor Tom Schweich will run one-time audits in order to compare the practices of state departments with each other.

The operation would cost 300 thousand dollars but Schweich says it will save the state millions by eventually implementing the most efficient practices in every office.

The Bill's sponsor on the Senate side Kurt Schaefer says he wants these agencies to run the most effectively and efficiently as possible.

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Description: It really puts it into perspective, you're not looking at apples and oranges, you're looking at apples and apples. And it makes a lot more sense and I applaud the auditor; I think it's a great idea.

Representative Mike Talboy says he questions the necessity of the proposal.

From the State Capitol, I'm Kadee Brosseau.

Intro:	The State Auditor seeks to audit government agencies in order to save the state millions.
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Wrap: State Auditor Tom Schweich proposed a plan that would create transparency among government agencies.

He plans to evaluate the practices of each agency and compare them with others.

Schweich says the audits will allow the state to use the most efficient practices and save the taxpayer's money.

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Description: "We think it's really going to introduce a new ability for the legislature to evaluate agencies and budgets in the future."

Schweich is optimistic about the passing of the bill. He says it has strong support including that of Governor Nixon's.

Mike Talboy, the democratic leader, questions if the plan is necessary.

From the State Capitol, I'm Kadee Brosseau.