News
A review of the state government's federally-funded $118.8 million weatherization assistance program has found it lacks sufficient controls and guidelines to make sure grants are reaching low-income households, according to an audit released Monday by the Office of the State Auditor.
The audit identified examples of approvals given to ineligible applicants by various agencies that answer to the state Department of Community Affairs.
The audit found, among other things, that a woman who works for a school district applied for a grant during the summer when her income was reduced from the $100,000 she makes annually.
A man reported his earnings from rental property, but not the $108,000 he earned working two jobs at a municipality and local school board.
A woman included her daughter as a household member, yet the daughter applied for the assistance herself at a different address.
State Community Affairs Commissioner Lori Grifa, whose department oversees the program, said she is moving to improve the program's guidelines, staffing and verification process.
Assemblyman David P. Rible (R-Monmouth) is angered by the audit's findings.
"This disappointing audit is outrageous, but not surprising, because last year many of us had concerns that New Jersey government would misuse its share of federal stimulus funds, especially when state Comptroller Matt Boxer said the situation was ‘ripe' for misuse or theft," Rible said. "I am, however, pleased that the new administration has taken the audit seriously and is implementing rigorous controls and oversight that did not exist in the previous administration.
"This money is meant to help needy New Jersey families improve their homes to reduce utility bills during rough economic times, not provide another avenue for dishonest residents to steal from their fellow taxpayers,'' Rible said.
The audit identified examples of approvals given to ineligible applicants by various agencies that answer to the state Department of Community Affairs.
The audit found, among other things, that a woman who works for a school district applied for a grant during the summer when her income was reduced from the $100,000 she makes annually.
A man reported his earnings from rental property, but not the $108,000 he earned working two jobs at a municipality and local school board.
A woman included her daughter as a household member, yet the daughter applied for the assistance herself at a different address.
State Community Affairs Commissioner Lori Grifa, whose department oversees the program, said she is moving to improve the program's guidelines, staffing and verification process.
Assemblyman David P. Rible (R-Monmouth) is angered by the audit's findings.
"This disappointing audit is outrageous, but not surprising, because last year many of us had concerns that New Jersey government would misuse its share of federal stimulus funds, especially when state Comptroller Matt Boxer said the situation was ‘ripe' for misuse or theft," Rible said. "I am, however, pleased that the new administration has taken the audit seriously and is implementing rigorous controls and oversight that did not exist in the previous administration.
"This money is meant to help needy New Jersey families improve their homes to reduce utility bills during rough economic times, not provide another avenue for dishonest residents to steal from their fellow taxpayers,'' Rible said.
