**PRESS RELEASE**
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 28, 2019
Statement from Auditor Gallion on Attorney General Opinion
Contact information: Brianna Ludwig, North Dakota State Auditor’s Office, 701-328-2453, bsludwig@nd.gov
State Auditor Gallion today released the following statement after reviewing the Attorney General’s opinion on the effects of SB2004.
“One of the fundamental elements of providing objective and balanced information is having an independent auditor. With today’s opinion from the Attorney General that section 3 of SB2004 would violate the encroachment theory of the separation of powers, he has reaffirmed the coequal branches of government and that the fundamental core function of the executive branch is to operate independently.
I’d like to express my appreciation to the Attorney General and his team for their efforts in providing a speedy response. Moving forward, our team will continue to educate citizens and policymakers regarding the operation of their government.”
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The North Dakota State Auditor’s Office is a constitutional office that produces informative audits to improve government. The Office of the State Auditor is a valuable tool for North Dakota state agencies and local government entities, providing an opportunity to improve operations, fiscal responsibility and taxpayer services.