LANSING, Mich. — Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed an executive directive today to create the Michigan COVID-19 Office of Accountability within the State Budget Office.
The accountability office will provide "oversight of all spending to address this crisis," according to the governor's office today.
The office must "report regularly" on its work to the governor and the state budget director.
The governor's office said that all state departments, agencies, committees, commissioners and officers must give the accountability office "any necessary assistance they require."
They must also provide free access to any books, records or documents on matters within the accountability office's scope of inquiry, study or review.
The Michigan Department of Technology, Management and Budget will designate a chief COVID-19 accountability officer to lead the new office.
“Protecting the people of Michigan and lowering the chance of a second wave has demanded flexibility and decisiveness and has also required funds from the state treasury, philanthropic sources and the federal government,” Whitmer said.
“Michiganders have the right to expect that state government will be responsible stewards of their resources, especially in a time of crisis.
"I will continue to work around the clock to ensure these resources are spent wisely, in compliance with the law, and in a transparent and accountable manner.”