The Republic
It’s bad enough when government officials or employees steal public funds. They break a public trust in doing so, and make community residents more skeptical of those in governmental positions.
But when those who are convicted of stealing public funds are unable to repay that money themselves, that’s another gut punch to their harmed community.
Thankfully, a new law will assist with restitution.
Gov. Eric Holcomb recently signed into law a bill authored by state Rep. Ryan Lauer, R-Columbus, that imposes tougher penalties on government officials or employees who are convicted of stealing public funds.
Now, those who are convicted must repay the stolen amount through their pensions if they cannot pay themselves. Previously, an offender could not be required to use their pension as a means of restitution.
This will help with accountability, and ensure that local governments defrauded by their actions do not suffer again with no reimbursement.
Locally, this should be a welcome change. In the last decade, there have been too many instances of officials stealing from the cookie jar. A few examples are cases involving the former trustees for Wayne, Rockcreek and Clay townships, and treasurers for the Hope and Jonesville fire departments.
Those actions raise a separate issue about the need for and effectiveness of township government, but this new law will help hold government employees more accountable for their actions should they cross the line.
We commend Lauer and the other state lawmakers who supported this legislation for taking this step.
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