Press Release from Ed Hatchett,
Kentucky Auditor of Public Accounts

Subject: EEO Compliance Weak, Small and Minority Business Set Asides Ignored by State Government
Release Date: June 15, 2000
Online at:www.auditor.ky.gov/

Commonwealth of Kentucky
Auditor of Public Accounts
144 Capitol Annex
Frankfort, KY 40601

Contact:
Harold McKinney
Legal Counsel
Phone 502-573-0050
FAX 502-573-0067
APA.PressReleases@auditor.ky.gov
(Frankfort - June 15, 2000) Auditor of Public Accounts Ed Hatchett reports that the Finance and Administration Cabinet (FAC) failed to enforce compliance with equal employment opportunity contract laws and habitually neglected statutorily-mandated set-asides for small and small minority businesses. These findings were revealed in the 1999 Statewide Single Audit of Kentucky (SSWAK).

Finance and Administration Cabinet Criticized in Statewide Audit

"Our auditors found that FAC has neglected its responsibilities to enforce EEO laws and comply with small and small minority business set-asides," said Hatchett. "This alarming inattention to civil rights in the State's commerce risks federal sanctions."

Hatchett's observations came in the annual compliance audit of state agencies that receive federal awards. His auditors raised numerous questions about Cabinet EEO and set-aside practices, including

  • Not requiring contractors to certify attempts to employ minority persons
  • Accepting incomplete minority employment records
  • Weakening the verification of sub-contractor EEO compliance
  • Failing to exact penalties for non-compliance
  • Neglecting to conduct site visits by Office of EEO/Contract Compliance
  • Ignoring statutory mandates for small and small minority business set-aside

"Those who handle state business must be committed to adhering to the laws and regulations relating to equal opportunity for all people," said Hatchett, "And we will continue to monitor that adherence."

 

Edward B. Hatchett Jr.
Auditor of Public Accounts
144 Capitol Annex
Frankfort, KY 40601
WEB: www.auditor.ky.gov/