By AP/KWMU
Jefferson City, Mo. – An audit released today finds Missouri state agencies may have wasted up to $1.2 million on promotional items over the past two years.
State Auditor Claire McCaskill's report says about one-third of total state spending on promotions and freebies may have been unnecessary.
The audit highlights such freebies as 30,000 bumper stickers, 15,000 rub-on tattoos and 800 rain bonnets.
The biggest spender of promotional items is the state Lottery followed by the departments of transportation and conservation.
State spending for promotional items has been slashed in recent years, falling from $3 million in 2000 to $1.4 million last year.