The Government Operations & Audit Committee of the South Dakota legislature began two days of hearings today with a discussion of the statutory authority of the committee. That is related to the issues surrounding the GEAR UP program, and Mid Central Educational Cooperative of Platte that managed the program.

Senator Neal Tapio of Watertown said the committee needs the authority to follow up on the legislation they pass……….

Doug Decker, an attorney with the Legislative Research Council says the committees authority is limited….

South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley was next before the committee, answering questions about the GEAR UP investigation.