Today, the Assembly Accountability and Administrative Review and the Assembly Governmental Organization Committees will host panel discussions on the state’s failed contract with one company – Blue Flame. News reports have since exposed more troubling failures in administration contracting efforts. Senator Jim Nielsen (R-Tehama) who, along with a group of lawmakers, has requested a thorough audit through the Joint Legislative Audit Committee of the sole source contracting practices in these multi-million dollar legal commitments, issued the following statement:

“This hearing is a step in the right direction.

“But taxpayers deserve a thorough forensic audit of how the state signed contracts committing hundreds of millions of dollars to bring federally certified masks but failed.

“Lack of an independent, nonpartisan audit by competent experts is not acceptable. Without a full investigation into the procurement process that transpired, there will be public mistrust.”

PLEASE NOTE: As stated on its website, “The California State Auditor is the only state entity that is given full access to all records of state and local agencies, special districts, and school districts. General powers of the California State Auditor include the ability to subpoena records, take depositions, and administer oaths. In all cases, information obtained by the California State Auditor that is legally confidential must be protected from release from the public.”