From the [email protected] inbox:
Two more state employees have been indicted on fraud charges involving the South Dakota Department of Revenue.
AG: 2 more indicted for fraud in DOR investigation (keloland.com)
Jackley’s proposed legislative package will hinge on four points: mandatory reporting from supervisors who suspect a theft, whistleblower protections for employees to report alleged fraud, a stronger state auditor position and transparency.
Jackley leverages newest criminal charges into push for legislative overhaul (thedakotascout.com)
So far, we agree with the direction Jackley is proposing. Most if this seems so common sense one has to wonder why it has taken so long to address these potential issues. Mandatory reporting encourages a culture of accountability. This proactive approach can deter potential theft and foster a more ethical workplace environment. Providing protections for employees who report fraud is crucial for encouraging individuals to come forward without fear of retaliation. This can lead to the discovery of misconduct that might otherwise remain hidden. Transparency is key. Enhancing the powers and resources of the state auditor can lead to more effective oversight and auditing processes. A robust auditor can identify discrepancies, improve financial accountability, and ensure that taxpayer money is used appropriately. Promoting transparency in operations and financial dealings helps build trust among stakeholders, including employees, customers, and the public. It allows for greater scrutiny and can help prevent corruption and mismanagement by making information readily available.
Our previous coverage: Legislative TO DO List: Empowering the state auditor who is directly accountable to the people of SD – The Rushmore Republican
This is very simple.
The auditor needs to be given the accounting system again. They need to control opensd, records retention and the internal controls program. They should also oversee the acfr process.
BFM needs to get back to budgeting for the governor instead of being the deep state agency it is.