Thread by @weareoversight

Yesterday, a South Dakota judge ruled that our lawsuit seeking Gov. Kristi Noem’s travel and expense records could proceed, rejecting efforts by Noem’s office to prevent public accountability.

Here’s how we’ve been investigating Noem’s use of taxpayer dollars. #FoiaFriday

In 2021, we uncovered records that showed Noem spent thousands on decor and furnishings for her office and residence. Her office spent about $60,000 between January 2019 and September 2021.
americanoversight.org/new-records-de…

In May 2022, we requested travel and expense records from Noem’s office. In June, the office rejected the request. We followed up later that month with a “formal” request, which was again denied, leading us to sue in September.
americanoversight.org/american-overs…

The lawsuit, brought under South Dakota’s Sunshine Law, seeks information from the governor’s office regarding Noem’s travel expenses — including the potential use of taxpayer funds for five out-of-state trips, including to a CPAC event.

We’re also seeking records from the state Dept. of Labor and Regulation reflecting any legal costs related to the alleged forced retirement of a state employee following Noem's intervention in her daughter’s application for an appraiser license.

There are ongoing concerns about Noem’s personal use of state resources, including reporting last year suggesting she may have used a state-owned airplane to travel to a family wedding. Learn more here:
americanoversight.org/south-dakota-j…