Oklahoma – Governor Kevin Stitt has instructed the Oklahoma Department of Commerce to immediately halt the weatherization program administered by the Community Action Agency of Oklahoma City, and Oklahoma and Canadian Counties, Inc (CAAOKC), following findings of significant mismanagement.
The decision comes after a forensic investigation identified at least $663,000 in questioned or unallowable costs tied to the program. State officials indicated the findings raised serious concerns about how public funds were being managed under the initiative.
In response, Stitt also directed the Oklahoma Attorney General to investigate potential violations of state and federal law related to the alleged misuse of funds. The investigation will focus on whether any criminal or civil statutes were violated in connection with the program’s administration.
The Community Action Agency of Oklahoma City, and Oklahoma and Canadian Counties, Inc (CAAOKC), which oversees the weatherization efforts, is now under heightened scrutiny as state leaders move to address the findings.
Governor Stitt emphasized the state’s position on accountability in a public statement, saying taxpayer funds must be protected and properly managed. “Taxpayer dollars are not a slush fund,” Stitt said. “When state or federal funds are mismanaged, we are going to stop it, investigate it, and hold people accountable. Oklahomans deserve transparency, accountability, and a government that protects every dollar entrusted to it.”
He also commended John Budd and the Department of Commerce for identifying the issue and taking swift action to protect taxpayers as the investigation moves forward.
Governor Stitt orders immediate halt to weatherization program after investigation reveals $663,000 in questionable spending and directs Attorney General to launch legal probe into CAAOKC
