 Despite efforts to improve the diversity of the state employees, a new audit shows that there's a lot of work to be done. An audit found that the state historically has strong policies to promote equal opportunities for minorities and other targeted groups, but the efforts are underfunded and inadequately staffed. In 2015, about 3% of roughly $2 billion in contracts awarded by the state went to businesses owned by someone from a targeted group. The majority of that 3% went to businesses owned by women, leaving the rest to business owners of color. The audit was proposed by state and local chapters of the NAACP. If you've enjoyed this segment of Lakeland News, please consider making a tax-deductible contribution to Lakeland Public Television.