• In recent months, a number of news stories have been written about alleged wrongdoing by a former employee of the state economic development office. I called for an investigation into this matter last spring, and released the Attorney General's report of his findings in the fall. We have also continued to aid the federal investigation into this wrongdoing. The allegations brought to light evidence that public dollars may have been misappropriated.
• Good stewardship of public money is important to me, and I know South Dakotans share that concern. In November, I sent every member of the Legislature a memo explaining that I have ordered three separate, independent audits and reviews of the economic development office, in response to this situation.
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