Legislator stresses need for functionality and financial accountability within government programs

State Rep. Mark Huizenga, chair of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on General Government, this week held a hearing focused on the effectiveness and efficiency of the state’s financial accounting software known as SIGMA. This important programming handles financial bookkeeping in its entirety for all state agencies across Michigan.

The committee is examining the issue due to various reports from state employees about difficulties working with the system. The program is used in a variety of different ways, including reimbursement documentation for state workers, vendor dealings and other fiscal processes.

“This isn’t a broken system, but we’re always looking for ways to improve as a state and this is a program that serves as the lynchpin for our state’s financial system,” said Huizenga, of Walker. “I want to make sure programs that are funded by people’s tax dollars are working for those very same people. It’s a simple concept that sometimes falls by the wayside.”

Representatives from the State Budget Office testified before the committee regarding the procurement of the SIGMA program, current issues with the program, and a plan for future software updates.

Huizenga explained complaints from state workers and residents about SIGMA compelled him to hold the informational hearing. Issues also surfaced when looking at state spending options within the appropriations process.