Economic Stimulus Package Likely To Boost Whistleblower Claims

Attention, employers: The economic stimulus plan that President Obama signed into law on February 17, 2009 takes effect March 19, 2009, and contains significant new whistleblower protections that will catch the unwary by surprise.

If you receive funds under the plan, formally called the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 ("ARRA" or "the Act"), chances are good that many people will be watching how you use the money. And if you take action against an employee who reports suspected wrongdoing, chances are even better that you will be accused of violating the ARRA, even if you used the money properly. The Act contains several protections for "whistleblowers," or people who report suspected wrongdoing, and makes it unlawful for employers to retaliate against them.