The contract was awarded in just seven days to Connecticut-based Rellevate, a gift card company with clients like Crocs and Dunkin’ Donuts, but no prior experience with government contracts. This decision was made despite the availability of two other bidders, Conduent and Stralto, both of which had extensive experience processing government benefit payments and robust security measures. According to the audit, state contracts of this nature typically take four to six months, or even up to a year, to finalize, raising further concerns about the expedited process.
Problems from the Start: Users Unable to Access Funds
On September 20, 2022, the first $350 cash assistance cards were distributed, coinciding with the dispatch of overseas and military ballots for the 2022 general election. Nearly immediately, tens of thousands of recipients reported issues accessing the funds on their cards, prompting public outcry and accusations of mismanagement. The timing of the program’s rollout, so close to the election, fueled further speculation about the administration’s motives and the potential for political gain.
Calls for Accountability Go Unanswered
Despite clear evidence of legal violations and numerous calls for accountability from state officials and watchdogs, no formal investigation has been launched by either the Attorney General or the Inspector General. Critics argue that the Kemp Administration has failed to take responsibility for the alleged missteps, leaving questions unanswered about the integrity of the contracting process and the decision-making behind the selection of Rellevate.
Lack of Oversight Undermines Public Trust
The absence of an investigation into the Kemp Administration’s handling of the $1.1 billion cash assistance program has drawn criticism from various quarters. Observers argue that the lack of transparency and accountability not only undermines public trust but also sets a concerning precedent for future state procurement practices. As the anniversary of the program's launch passes without any clear resolution, the demand for accountability continues to grow.
Get updates delivered to you daily. Free and customizable.
It’s essential to note our commitment to transparency:
Our Terms of Use acknowledge that our services may not always be error-free, and our Community Standards emphasize our discretion in enforcing policies. As a platform hosting over 100,000 pieces of content published daily, we cannot pre-vet content, but we strive to foster a dynamic environment for free expression and robust discourse through safety guardrails of human and AI moderation.
Comments / 0