Editorial: Follow the money

Tuesday, Oct. 3, 2006 | 7:46 a.m.

Audits of two state agencies have shown a need for more funding in one and for better record keeping in another.

According to a story in the Las Vegas Sun on Monday, the Nevada Division of Internal Audits shows in one report that the state's prisons are fully staffed only 83 percent of the time.

This means higher risks for prisoners, guards and residents. In one instance, the audit shows, an inmate escaped through an understaffed gate and committed robbery, auto theft and kidnapping before being captured. Auditors said the state needs to spend an additional $14 million annually to hire correctional officers to fill the gaps.

In another report, state auditors said that the Division of Employment Security isn't tapping into a national database that could help it avoid paying unemployment benefits to ineligible workers. Such overpayments, the audit says, are costing the state $2.6 million a year.

The division's computer database doesn't cross-reference workers who are receiving Nevada unemployment benefits with the national database that shows whether these beneficiaries also hold jobs in other states or work for the federal government. Auditors suggested that the agency use a $100,000 federal grant to link to the national database.

The Nevada Legislature needs to fully fund our corrections system to ensure the safety of those working inside prison walls and those living outside of them.

And the Employment Security Division needs to link up with the national database to avoid wasting $2.6 million a year in errant unemployment payments.