A South Dakota legislative committee Monday debated proposals designed to help combat government fraud and there were clear differences of opinion on whether a key office should be given more powers.
Senate Bill 60 is one of a handful of measures this session following recent examples of former employees at various state agencies being accused of abusing their position for financial gain. The bill would expand the investigative reach of the state auditor.
Marty Jackley, South Dakota Attorney General, testified in support of the plan, noting his office has been busy with such cases.
"The Attorney General has brought five criminal cases," Jackley pointed out. "These investigations range from significant amounts of alleged $1.8 million to less significant amounts but still important taxpayer dollars."
Jackley argued the auditor needs more room to access the accounts and other financial records for all state agencies when looking at suspicious behavior. However, the Bureau of Finance and Management commissioner said existing state controls are catching such activity and additional resources are coming on board to help close gaps. Retail and banking leaders worry the plan would lead to government overreach.
In advancing the bill, a Senate committee added an amendment to exclude political subdivisions in giving the auditor account access. It was seen as a way to alleviate concerns about the motivations of future investigations.
Karl Adam, president of the South Dakota Bankers Association, told the panel it is one of his big concerns.
"This risk is especially high in politically charged environments, where investigations could be launched not based on merit, but on political motives, targeting opponents or shielding allies," Adam asserted.
In neighboring Minnesota, combating fraud is a big topic this year with outside rings accused of providing phony medical-related services for reimbursements. There are debates about tightening controls but also keeping social safety programs accessible.
get more stories like this via email
Gov. Kay Ivey delivered her 2025 State of the State address this week, focusing on education, public safety, and economic growth in Alabama. She pointed to improvements in math and reading scores and expanded school choice options. But beyond academics, she also called for tighter regulations on cell phone and social media use in classrooms, saying it's time to tackle this issue nationwide.
"Sen. Donnie Chesteen, R-Geneva, and Rep. Leigh Hulsey, R-Helena, will carry a bill to put a ban on cell phones in schools, she said. "This legislation will also require local boards to adopt internet safety policies and provide students with social media training."
Ivey also wants to strengthen support for teachers, particularly those looking to start families. One way, she says, is by improving maternity-leave policies. On the economy, Ivey outlined plans to turn the Department of Labor into the Department of Workforce, aiming to create more job opportunities across the state. She also emphasized supporting veterans by making their department part of her Cabinet.
Public safety was another priority in her address, particularly gun violence. Ivey pushed for a ban on Glock switches and stricter monitoring of high-risk youths, and called for expanding legal protections for police officers while backing second-chance legislation aimed at criminal justice reform.
"While we are moving forward in building two new men's prisons and graduating a number of corrections officers, we must also see that the DOC resources are reserved for the worst of the worst offenders," she continued. "That's why I'm supporting the Second Chance Act."
Ivey did not shy away from national issues either, reaffirming Alabama's commitment to border security and offering state resources - including the Alabama National Guard and ALEA - to assist where needed. Other topics on her agenda included water and sewer infrastructure, broadband expansion and policies related to gender and religion in classrooms.
get more stories like this via email
A new report showed New York State loses nearly $3 billion a year due to tax exemptions.
The state Senate report found most exempted items cost the state millions, which could be spent elsewhere. The list of exempted items includes sales tax on private jet service, which would net around $6 million, and the sale of precious metals like gold, which could mean another $601 million in tax revenue.
Sen. Andrew Gounardes, D-Sunset Park, said such exemptions were not made for everyday New Yorkers.
"All of these exemptions don't serve the 99.9% of New Yorkers who are just trying to live ordinary lives," Gounardes asserted. "These are things that, I don't know about you, but I'm not buying gold bars in thousand-dollar increments, and I don't have a private jet to finance or maintain. Who's really benefiting from these carveouts and why can't we do better?"
Revising the state's tax code is what it would take to end the exemptions. Gounardes wants to see any additional revenue to be spent on programs to help families in poverty. A 2024 New York State Comptroller report found the state's child poverty rate is among the worst in the nation.
One option for cutting the child poverty rate is working its way through the Legislature. The Working Families Tax Credit bill would streamline existing tax credits into a single credit, raising the maximum tax credit to $1,600, with a $100 minimum credit per child regardless of income. Gounardes argued it could ensure more families can afford life in New York State.
"It would help us reduce deep child poverty by nearly 25%," Gounardes pointed out. "It would help us reduce child poverty overall by approximately 17%. That's significant. The total cost of that is approximately $3 billion. I think there's a great place to start. Let's actually help families afford living here."
He added the bill would also help the state achieve its goal of cutting child poverty in half by 2031. The state's Child Poverty Reduction Advisory Council has recommended public benefits reform and major investments in child care and housing to complete the goal.
get more stories like this via email
A federal judge will hold a court hearing today on the legality of President Donald Trump's recent executive order to freeze federal grants and loans last week.
Despite the original memo having been rescinded, Nevada groups said federal cuts remain in place and pose threats to Nevada's clean energy future.
Jarrett Clark, spokesperson for the advocacy group For Our Future Nevada, said he worries about the precedent and instability recent executive orders will set, especially in Nevada where federal funding makes up 37% of the state's budget.
"With all of the federal incentives, the tax credits, rebates, investments, things that have been coming from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the Inflation Reduction Act, businesses have been counting on those to expand their operations in our state," Clark pointed out. "And are already underway in adding jobs, building this infrastructure."
Trump's actions would leave more than 21,000 jobs and more than $15 billion in investments within Nevada's clean energy sector in limbo. The White House has stated the freeze was needed to ensure federal spending was in line with Trump's priorities. Clark countered disruptions, even if temporary, can pose dire consequences for people on the ground.
Audrey Peral, program director for the advocacy group Chispa Nevada, part of the League of Conservation Voters, called the state a clean energy leader. Since the passage of the Nevada Clean Energy Fund, 20 new clean energy projects have taken root in the Silver State.
Peral cautioned despite the progress, many are still suffering from the effects of rising costs and climate change.
"Consumers want options to save money on their electricity and gas bills, like discounts to buy more efficient appliances or programs that just give access to community solar," Peral contended. "Trump is taking all these options away from consumers and leaving them with these higher bills with no options or solutions for anything better."
Kristee Watson, executive director of the Nevada Conservation League, urged elected officials, regardless of political party, to feel empowered to fight for federal dollars, which she stressed are crucial for all Nevada.
Watson pointed out Project 2025 is the playbook currently getting rolled out.
"We knew it was coming, we told voters it was coming," Watson emphasized. "Trump and his allies, that are billionaires and big polluter donors, told us what they would do. This is not surprising. Is it chaos? Is it disappointing? Is it heartbreaking? Yes. Is it surprising? No."
Watson encouraged Nevadans to pay attention and make their voices heard to their elected officials.
Disclosure: For Our Future Nevada and the Nevada Conservation League contribute to our fund for reporting on Civic Engagement, Climate Change/Air Quality, Health Issues, Housing/Homelessness, Public Lands/Wilderness, and Water. If you would like to help support news in the public interest,
click here.
get more stories like this via email