Auditors found that broadband grants were not always awarded to areas with the greatest need, but to areas most prepared to receive and make use of the funds. The Oregon Broadband Office distributed $10 million in CARES Act grants across 28 projects, but due to emergency timelines, prioritized readiness over need.
This item is based on findings from an official government audit. The summary reflects auditor conclusions.
Concern Score Assessment
Source Document
Oregon Secretary of State Audits →See More Like This
$1.9B
Oregon Health Authority Awards $1.86 Billion to Linn County
Oregon Health Authority
The Oregon Health Authority awarded an eye-popping $1.86 billion to Linn County for mental health and addiction services over just two years. This appears to be a data error, as the amount equals roughly half of Oregon's entire annual budget going to a single county with 130,000 residents.
$300K
Preschool Provider Enrolled 2 of 46 Kids
Oregon Department of Education
A preschool provider received over $300,000 in state grant funding over two years to support 46 kids from low-income households — but enrolled just two children. The Oregon Secretary of State found $1.4 million in potentially wasteful payments across the Preschool Promise program due to inadequate oversight.
$150K
Grants to Closed Preschools
Oregon Dept of Early Learning and Care
The Oregon Secretary of State found $150,000 in grant payments went to preschool sites during months when they weren't even open. Additional funds went to providers who committed to expanding but never increased enrollment.