State Auditor Shad White’s office is launching a new initiative to crack down on potential wasteful spending and noncompliance with state law among small agencies, boards, and commissions.
White, a Republican, announced Thursday that the effort will be led by his team’s government accountability division. The new campaign follows a similar one, called “Project Momentum,” which assessed larger state agencies. The auditor reported, as part of that initiative, his office identified $335 million in improper government spending.
“During my time as State Auditor, we’ve identified hundreds of millions of dollars in waste across state government, and we’re not stopping,” White said. “It doesn’t matter if it’s a large federal program or a small state agency; if they’re wasting your tax dollars, we’re going to find it and let taxpayers know.”
White noted that, as a result of Project Momentum, his team uncovered wasteful spending on state vehicles, office space, and technology. He also contended that Mississippi has an expensive and unneeded state plane and that too much money earmarked for education does not end up in the classroom. He added that a discovery of that magnitude justifies looking into smaller agencies.
“It’s time to look at the small agencies, too, so I’ve tasked my staff with auditing and analyzing these tucked-away, sometimes-forgotten government offices,” White said.
The new initiative is expected to wrap up by the end of 2027. By that time, White, who has publicly expressed interest in a gubernatorial run, will have made an announcement regarding his future aspirations. He has confirmed to SuperTalk Mississippi News that he will not seek a third full term as auditor.
At this time, those who have announced runs to succeed him are former state Rep. Nick Bain, state Sen. Daniel Sparks, and Adams County Supervisor Kevin Wilson. All three are Republicans.