A new bill in Nevada aims to create a first-of-its-kind watchdog to track your tax dollars and reduce government waste. Assembly Bill 33 would create the Nevada Office of the Inspector General, giving regular folks a way to make sure their money isn’t being wasted.
Your Money, Your Right to Know Where It Goes
Think about it this way: When you work hard to earn money, you want to know it’s not being thrown away. Right now, Nevada doesn’t have anyone specifically looking for fraud or waste in government spending.
“Taxpayers deserve to know that public officials are being responsible with public resources,” says Nevada Controller Andy Matthews (R), who introduced the bill. “Any money allocated by the state should be used for its intended purpose.”
The new Inspector General would act like a financial detective, looking into how state agencies, local governments, school districts, and even private organizations spend public money. Unlike current auditors who mostly check if programs are working well, this office would hunt for actual fraud and waste.
Financial Detective With Real Power
The Inspector General would have serious powers to investigate tips about fraud or wasteful spending. They could look into any group that gets state money, no matter if it’s a government agency or private organization. The office would have authority to issue subpoenas to get documents and testimony when necessary. They would then recommend ways to fix problems and save money based on what they find.
The bill includes a special phone line where you could confidentially report suspected waste or fraud without fear of retaliation. This gives everyday citizens a direct line to report problems they see with government spending.
Limited Government Supporters Find a Champion
For those who believe in limited government, this bill hits the mark in several important ways.
First, it creates accountability without expanding government programs. The focus is on making existing government work properly, not growing its size or reach.
Second, it helps ensure tax dollars aren’t wasted on ineffective spending. When government has to account for every dollar, it tends to be more careful about how money is spent.
Third, it gives regular citizens a way to report when they see wasteful spending. This puts power back in the hands of taxpayers rather than bureaucrats.
“Creating an Office of the Inspector General would bring an unprecedented level of oversight to state finances,” Matthews explains. This approach aligns with conservative principles of government that is both limited and accountable.
Opposition Voices Concerns About New Office
Not everyone is on board with the plan. Some worry about creating another government office with broad powers. Others question if the estimated costs for staffing the office might grow over time.
Government employee unions might also push back, concerned about investigations targeting their members or programs. Some administrators worry the additional oversight could slow down government operations.
Supporters counter that the cost of the office would be minimal compared to the potential savings from reduced waste and fraud. They also point out that honest government employees have nothing to fear from increased transparency.
The Road Ahead for Accountability
The bill is scheduled for a hearing on March 3, 2025, at the Assembly Committee on Government Affairs. If you care about how your tax dollars are spent, this is worth watching.
If the bill passes, the Inspector General would be appointed by unanimous agreement of the Lieutenant Governor, State Treasurer, and State Controller. The position would have a four-year term and could only be removed through impeachment, giving it independence from political pressure.
Making Your Voice Heard at the March 3 Hearing
If you think government needs more accountability, you can make your voice heard directly at the upcoming hearing. The Assembly Committee on Government Affairs will meet Monday, March 3, 2025, at 8 a.m. in Room 4100 of the Legislative Building in Carson City. The meeting will also be videoconferenced to Room 1 of the Nevada Legislature Hearing Rooms in Las Vegas.
Want to comment or testify? You can call (888) 475-4499. When prompted, provide Meeting ID 820 9314 6743 and press # when asked for a Participant ID.
Public comments are limited to 2 minutes per person. If you have trouble connecting, call (775) 684-1300 for assistance.
You can also watch the meeting live on the Nevada Legislature’s website at https://www.leg.state.nv.us by clicking “View Events” or on the Legislature’s YouTube Channel.
If you prefer to submit written testimony, send your documents in PDF format to AsmGA@asm.state.nv.us at least 24 hours before the meeting (unless the Chair grants an exception). Remember to provide 20 copies of your documents if submitting in person.
You can also contact your state representatives directly to share your thoughts or learn more about the proposal by visiting controller.nv.gov.
Remember, government works for you – not the other way around. This bill gives you more power to make sure your hard-earned money isn’t wasted. When government knows someone is watching, it tends to behave better. The Inspector General could be the watchful eye Nevada taxpayers have been waiting for.
This article was written with the assistance of AI. Please verify information and consult additional sources as needed.
