header

Statement from Auditor of State Mary Taylor

Friday, October 31, 2008

-

“Recent articles and news stories have made certain allegations regarding the use of Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) and several other state and local agencies’ databases for political purposes.  This concerns me because an individual’s private information should be protected and not be used for political or other inappropriate purposes by any state or local government entity.

 

“The Auditor of State’s office will, for all ongoing and future audits, expand the audit steps to include a thorough review of policies and procedures that govern the storage, use and distribution of personal information.

 

“As the Auditor of State, I am certainly concerned that the State collects any debts it may be owed, but equally important is protecting the privacy rights of individuals.  There should be appropriate safeguards in place so that the citizens of Ohio are not concerned that their personal information is used for inappropriate purposes.  Each state and local government entity should have policies and procedures to prevent the misuse of an individual’s private information.”