A new state audit found that 42 Maryland offices spent about eight-point-five-billion dollars last year with little oversight as the state faces a billion-dollar budget deficit. Investigators say several agencies lacked required procurement policies, raising concerns about how taxpayer funds were allocated. The findings flagged gaps at agencies such as the Lottery and Gaming Control Agency, the Maryland Corps Program, the State Archives, and the Maryland Energy Administration. Taxpayer advocates say the system’s checks and balances failed and that billions are moving without proper accountability. They are urging stronger oversight to protect public money.