News: FOX45 2-5-2026

“Governor Moore’s announcement is not a revelation — it is a late acknowledgment of accountability failures Senate Republicans have been raising for years,” Hershey said.”

- Senator Steve Hershey, quoted in FOX45 News

Senate Minority Leader Steve Hershey calls Moore audit directive “long overdue”

Annapolis, Md.:

Senate Minority Leader Steve Hershey responded to Governor Wes Moore’s directive ordering state agencies to review audit procedures, calling the announcement “long overdue” in light of repeated findings and longstanding oversight concerns.

The governor’s directive follows a series of troubling state audits revealing systemic failures across multiple agencies, including billions in spending with minimal oversight, repeat audit findings, procurement deficiencies, and serious breakdowns within the Social Services Administration. The administration has proposed $24 million in the state budget to address fiscal oversight, modernize financial systems, and improve accountability practices.

Hershey emphasized that the issues raised in recent audits are not new and have been highlighted by Senate Republicans for years.

“Audits have repeatedly flagged the same issues, and Republicans have consistently called for transparency, oversight, and corrective action,” Hershey said. “Calling this a new focus on accountability doesn’t change the fact that these are old problems that should have been fixed years ago.”

Recent audits found that 34% of reviewed agencies had repeat findings, with some issues recurring across multiple audit cycles — levels not seen in more than a decade. Additional reports detailed unauthorized federal spending within the State Highway Administration and serious lapses in foster care oversight, including failures in background checks and compliance with federal performance requirements.

Hershey noted that while reform efforts are welcome, restoring public trust requires consistent leadership and measurable results.

“Marylanders expect accountability, not explanations,” Hershey said. “We will continue to push for real oversight, transparency, and responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars.”

Read the full article in FOX45 News:
Gov. Moore orders audit process review after string of reports.