GAO tracks states' progress implementing the Recovery Act
The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, also known as the stimulus bill, is a $787 billion plan intended to address the economic challenges facing our nation. The act tasks GAO with a range of responsibilities to help promote accountability and transparency and ensure that these funds are used as specified. Among other efforts, GAO's responsibilities include:
- conducting bimonthly reviews on how funds are used by selected states and localities;
- reviewing specific areas, such as trade, education, small business, and health care; and
- commenting on reports filed by fund recipients.
The stated purposes of the Recovery Act include:
- preserving and creating jobs and promoting economic recovery;
- assisting those most impacted by the recession;
- investing in transportation, environmental protection, and other infrastructure that will provide long-term economic benefits; and
- stabilizing state and local government budgets in order to minimize and avoid reductions in essential services and counterproductive state and local tax increases.
