States, Cities and Counties
Here's a look at documents covering state government, cities and counties
Featured Stories
Pa. Insurance Dept.: Shapiro Administration PBM Study Shines Light on Prescription Drug Chain's Middlemen, Increases Transparency in the Pharmaceutical Market
HARRISBURG, Pennsylvania, May 22 (TNSrpt) -- The Pennsylvania Insurance Department issued the following news on May 21, 2026:
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Shapiro Administration PBM Study Shines Light on Prescription Drug Chain's Middlemen, Increases Transparency in the Pharmaceutical Market
Report commissioned in line with Act 77's requirement that PID assess impact of PBMs on prescription drug access and affordability gives unprecedented transparency to PBM practices.
Governor Shapiro's pressure on PBMs and Act 77 reforms causing PBMs to move away from spread pricing that hurts pharmacies.
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The Pennsylvania
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HARRISBURG, Pennsylvania, May 22 (TNSrpt) -- The Pennsylvania Insurance Department issued the following news on May 21, 2026:
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Shapiro Administration PBM Study Shines Light on Prescription Drug Chain's Middlemen, Increases Transparency in the Pharmaceutical Market
Report commissioned in line with Act 77's requirement that PID assess impact of PBMs on prescription drug access and affordability gives unprecedented transparency to PBM practices.
Governor Shapiro's pressure on PBMs and Act 77 reforms causing PBMs to move away from spread pricing that hurts pharmacies.
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The PennsylvaniaInsurance Department (PID) today released a study on pharmacy benefits managers' (PBMs) activities across Pennsylvania's commercial, fully-insured insurance markets. The new PID study delivers important transparency to the prescription drug market and evaluates the potential impact of a uniform approach to pharmacy reimbursement.
In July 2024, Governor Josh Shapiro signed into law the Pharmacy Benefit Reform Act (Act 77 of 2024), a state law that expanded PID's authority over PBMs to increase fairness and transparency of prescription drug coverage in fully-insured plans. As part of this historic reform, Act 77 tasked PID with studying the scope and impact of steering and spread pricing on prescription drug access and affordability in the Commonwealth. The law also specifically charged PID with evaluating a proposal to require pharmacy reimbursement to be based on the national average drug acquisition cost (NADAC) plus a $10.49 professional dispensing fee.
"Just over two years ago, Governor Shapiro called out certain PBM practices that were harming independent pharmacies across the commonwealth and enacted pro-consumer reforms in Act 77. Since that time, and under intense state and federal scrutiny, we've seen PBMs moving away from spread pricing where PBMs kept more money than they paid pharmacies for prescriptions towards more transparent pricing," said Pennsylvania Insurance Commissioner Michael Humphreys. "Reports like this one bring clarity to a market where little existed and open up PBM practices for all to see as Act 77 begin to take shape."
The study is available for review, and specific findings include:
* Limited evidence of steering having a broad effect on prescription drug costs and pharmacy access;
* Spread pricing exists but is relatively limited (and decreasing) in the context of overall drug spending;
* Requiring reimbursement based on NADAC pricing plus a $10.49 dispensing fee would likely redistribute payments rather than significantly increase total spending, and this change would benefit non-affiliated retail pharmacies and independent (non-chain) retail pharmacies the most, increasing their revenue; and
* Adopting NADAC plus a $10.49 dispensing fee solely for independent retail pharmacies would result in an additional $14 million in annual revenue for independent retail pharmacies, which is approximately 0.3 percent of the total prescription drug costs in the fully-insured market in the Commonwealth.
PBMs are the "middlemen" of the pharmaceutical supply chain. They typically negotiate the price of prescription drugs between health insurance companies and drug manufacturers, set compensation formulas for pharmacy payments, and may contribute to how formularies are structured within health benefit plans, which in turn affects drug coverage and shapes what patients pay at the counter. Despite their influence and outsized role in our healthcare system, many Pennsylvanians are unaware of the existence of PBMs.
PID contracted with Freedman Healthcare, LLC, to collect and analyze data on prescription drug utilization, pharmacy reimbursement, dispensing fees, and costs borne by health plans and members in the fully insured market for calendar years 2022 through 2024. The fully insured market accounts for approximately 24 percent of the overall healthcare market.
The analysis is based on data from five PBMs (Caremark, Express Scripts, Navitus, OptumRx, and Prime Therapeutics) which together represent 100 percent of the fully insured individual and small group insurance markets and approximately 84 percent of the total fully insured large group commercial insurance market in Pennsylvania.
The Shapiro Administration is committed to supporting a health care system that works for consumers, and access to pharmacy care and medications are an essential part of this work. In support of this, PID recently launched an online portal for pharmacists seeking to file a complaint against an insurer or PBM or challenge an insurer or PBM's classification of a drug as a specialty drug, which can impact availability and costs of medications.
PBMs and pharmacies looking for more information about Act 77 can visit PID's Pharmacy Benefit Reform Act (https://www.pa.gov/agencies/insurance/laws-regulations-notices/act-77-pharmacy-benefit-reform-act/specialty-drug-designation) page.
To learn more about insurance, visit PID's website (https://www.pa.gov/agencies/insurance).
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REPORT: https://www.pa.gov/content/dam/copapwp-pagov/en/insurance/documents/posted-filings-reports-orders/posted-reports/pbm/act-77-impact-study.pdf
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Original text here: https://www.pa.gov/agencies/insurance/newsroom/shapiro-admin-pbm-study-shines-light-middlemen-increases-transparency-pharmaceutical-market
N.J. A.G. Davenport, Division of Consumer Affairs Warn Hotels and Short-Term Rental Providers Against Junk Fees Ahead of 2026 FIFA World Cup
TRENTON, New Jersey, May 22 -- New Jersey Attorney General Jennifer Davenport issued the following news release on May 21, 2026:
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AG Davenport, Division of Consumer Affairs Warn Hotels and Short-Term Rental Providers Against Junk Fees Ahead of 2026 FIFA World Cup
As New Jersey prepares to welcome visitors from around the globe for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Attorney General Jennifer Davenport and the Division of Consumer Affairs (Division) are issuing guidance warning hotels and short-term rental housing providers against charging junk fees to consumers and putting them on notice that hidden
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TRENTON, New Jersey, May 22 -- New Jersey Attorney General Jennifer Davenport issued the following news release on May 21, 2026:
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AG Davenport, Division of Consumer Affairs Warn Hotels and Short-Term Rental Providers Against Junk Fees Ahead of 2026 FIFA World Cup
As New Jersey prepares to welcome visitors from around the globe for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Attorney General Jennifer Davenport and the Division of Consumer Affairs (Division) are issuing guidance warning hotels and short-term rental housing providers against charging junk fees to consumers and putting them on notice that hiddenfees and deceptive pricing tactics violate the law in New Jersey.
Guidance published by the Division today reminds businesses that New Jersey's consumer protection laws require honest, transparent pricing and prohibit bait-and-switch tactics that mislead consumers about the true cost of lodging. The guidance comes as New Jersey is set to host eight World Cup matches in June and July 2026.
"As the world comes to New Jersey this summer, it's critical that consumers not be blindsided by hidden fees or deceptive pricing schemes that make accommodations less affordable than advertised," said Attorney General Davenport. "Hidden fees and deceptive pricing tactics hurt consumers and make it harder for honest businesses to compete in the marketplace. Transparent pricing helps consumers make informed decisions, compare costs fairly, and avoid surprise charges that can put travel out of reach. We expect hotels and short-term rental providers to compete honestly and comply with the law."
"Consumers have a right to know the total price of lodging before they book their stay," said Jeremy E. Hollander, Acting Director of the Division of Consumer Affairs. "Hotels and short-term rental housing providers that hide mandatory fees, mislead travelers, or inflate costs through deceptive practices risk violating New Jersey's consumer protection laws. We're making sure they are aware of their obligations under the law."
Under the New Jersey Consumer Fraud Act and the Federal Trade Commission's Unfair or Deceptive Fees Rule, hotels and short-term rental providers must clearly disclose mandatory charges and avoid misleading representations about fees and pricing.
The guidance, published online at www.njoag.gov/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/2026-0521_World-Cup-Hotel-Junk-Fees-Notice.pdf, highlights five key requirements for lodging providers:
* Advertise the true total price upfront. Listings and advertisements must clearly and conspicuously disclose the total price, including mandatory fees and surcharges. Optional charges and government-imposed fees may be excluded;
* Do not misrepresent fees. Businesses may not mislead consumers about the amount, purpose, or refundability of fees, or omit material information about those charges;
* Display the final payment amount before checkout. Before consumers pay, businesses must clearly show the full amount owed--including taxes, government charges, and optional add-ons-and identify any fees not included in the advertised price;
* Avoid excessive credit card surcharges. Businesses cannot charge consumers more than the actual cost of processing a credit card payment and must disclose any surcharge before the charge is incurred; and
* Follow local short-term rental laws. Municipal rules governing short-term rentals vary across New Jersey and may impose minimum stay requirements or other restrictions. Businesses should not advertise rentals that violate local ordinances and could be cancelled by local authorities.
Consumers who encounter misleading hotel or rental listings are encouraged to file a complaint on the Division's website at: New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs Consumer Complaints Page. Listings or conduct that violate local or municipal ordinances should also be reported to local authorities.
Review Guidance (http://www.njoag.gov/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/2026-0521_World-Cup-Hotel-Junk-Fees-Notice.pdf)
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Original text here: https://www.njoag.gov/ag-davenport-division-of-consumer-affairs-warn-hotels-and-short-term-rental-providers-against-junk-fees-ahead-of-2026-fifa-world-cup/
N.H. Gov. Ayotte Launches 2026 New Hampshire Ice Cream Trail
CONCORD, New Hampshire, May 22 -- Gov. Kelly Ayotte, R-New Hampshire, issued the following news release on May 21, 2026:
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Governor Ayotte Launches 2026 New Hampshire Ice Cream Trail
Today, Governor Kelly Ayotte joined state tourism and agriculture leaders at Richardson's Farm in Boscawen to kick off the summer tourism season and unveil the 2026 New Hampshire Ice Cream Trail.
"I'm excited to unveil this year's New Hampshire Ice Cream Trail," said Governor Ayotte. "With more stops than ever, this is a fun way for residents and visitors to support local businesses and enjoy some delicious
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CONCORD, New Hampshire, May 22 -- Gov. Kelly Ayotte, R-New Hampshire, issued the following news release on May 21, 2026:
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Governor Ayotte Launches 2026 New Hampshire Ice Cream Trail
Today, Governor Kelly Ayotte joined state tourism and agriculture leaders at Richardson's Farm in Boscawen to kick off the summer tourism season and unveil the 2026 New Hampshire Ice Cream Trail.
"I'm excited to unveil this year's New Hampshire Ice Cream Trail," said Governor Ayotte. "With more stops than ever, this is a fun way for residents and visitors to support local businesses and enjoy some deliciousice cream.
I look forward to visiting old favorites and discovering some new ones while we're out traveling the state this summer, and I hope everyone will do the same!"
This year's Ice Cream Trail includes 69 stops throughout the state, more than ever before.
Learn more about the New Hampshire Ice Cream Trail and download the 2026 map (https://www.visitnh.gov/things-to-do/food-drink/ice-cream-trail).
Richardson's Farm, which hosted today's kick-off, has been making homemade ice cream, pies, and crisps, since 1956 and has been in their Boscawen location since 2001.
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Original text here: https://www.governor.nh.gov/news/governor-ayotte-launches-2026-new-hampshire-ice-cream-trail
Ill. Auditor General: 'Northeastern Illinois University -- Compliance Examination'
SPRINGFIELD, Illinois, May 22 (TNSLrpt) -- The Illinois Auditor General issued the following report involving Northeastern Illinois University -- Compliance Examination.
Here are excerpts:
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REPORT DIGEST
NORTHEASTERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY COMPLIANCE EXAMINATION
FOR THE YEAR ENDED JUNE 30, 2025 Release Date: May 19, 2026 FINDINGS THIS AUDIT: 11
CATEGORY: NEW -- REPEAT - TOTAL Category 1: 2 -- 2 -- 4
Category 2: 2 -- 5 -- 7
Category 3: 0 -- 0 -- 0
TOTAL: 4 -- 7 -- 11
FINDINGS LAST AUDIT: 11
State of Illinois, Office of the Auditor General
FRANK J. MAUTINO, AUDITOR GENERAL To
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SPRINGFIELD, Illinois, May 22 (TNSLrpt) -- The Illinois Auditor General issued the following report involving Northeastern Illinois University -- Compliance Examination.
Here are excerpts:
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REPORT DIGEST
NORTHEASTERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY COMPLIANCE EXAMINATION
FOR THE YEAR ENDED JUNE 30, 2025 Release Date: May 19, 2026 FINDINGS THIS AUDIT: 11
CATEGORY: NEW -- REPEAT - TOTAL Category 1: 2 -- 2 -- 4
Category 2: 2 -- 5 -- 7
Category 3: 0 -- 0 -- 0
TOTAL: 4 -- 7 -- 11
FINDINGS LAST AUDIT: 11
State of Illinois, Office of the Auditor General
FRANK J. MAUTINO, AUDITOR GENERAL Toobtain a copy of the Report contact: Office of the Auditor General, 400 West Monroe, Suite 306, Springfield, IL 62704-9849
(217) 782-6046 or TTY (888) 261-2887 This Report Digest and Full Report are also available on the worldwide web at www.auditor.illinois.gov
INTRODUCTION
This digest covers the Northeastern Illinois University (University) Compliance Examination for the year ended June 30, 2025. Separate digests covering the University's Financial Audit and Single Audit as of and for the year ended June 30, 2025 were previously released. In total, this report contains 11 findings, 8 of which were reported in the Financial Audit and Single Audit collectively.
SYNOPSIS
* (25-09) The University was not in compliance with personal services guidelines.
* (25-11) The University did not comply with the College Student Immunization Act and the Illinois Department of Public Health's administrative rules.
FINDINGS, CONCLUSIONS, AND RECOMMENDATIONS INADEQUATE CONTROLS OVER PERSONNEL FILES The University was not in compliance with personal services guidelines.
During our payroll testing, we noted 2 of 25 (8%) employees tested did not complete their required annual ethics training.
During our leave of absence testing, we noted 1 of 5 (20%) employees tested did not have their status change reported as required to the Department of Central Management Services. (Finding 9, page 28) This finding has been reported since 2023.
We recommended the University take steps to ensure all required employee training is completed and to ensure all leaves of absence are properly reported.
The University agreed with the recommendation.
NONCOMPLIANCE WITH THE COLLEGE STUDENT IMMUNIZATION ACT
The University is not in compliance with the College Student Immunization Act and the Illinois Department of Public Health's (IDPH) administrative rules.
We noted the following in our testing:
* The University was unable to reconcile the total number of students entering the University during the Fall 2024 semester to the number of students entering the University as reported to the IDPH.
* The University does not place holds on the students' accounts if they do not provide proof of immunization, certification of medical exemption or a statement of religious objection. (Finding 11, pages 31-32). This finding has been reported since 2023.
We recommended the University strengthen procedures for documenting immunization compliance and implement enforcement mechanisms, including registration holds, for students who do not submit required documentation, in accordance with statutory requirements.
The University agreed with the recommendation.
OTHER FINDINGS
The remaining findings are reportedly being given attention by the University. We will review the University's progress towards the implementation of our recommendations in our next State compliance examination.
AUDITOR'S OPINIONS
The auditors stated the financial statements of the University as of and for the year ended June 30, 2025 are fairly stated in all material respects.
The auditors also conducted a Single Audit of the University as required by the Uniform Guidance. The auditors stated the University complied, in all material respects, with the types of compliance requirements that could have a direct and material effect on the University's major federal programs for the year ended June 30, 2025.
ACCOUNTANT'S OPINION
The accountants conducted a State compliance examination of the University for the year ended June 30, 2025, as required by the Illinois State Auditing Act. The accountants qualified their report on State compliance for Findings 2025-001, 2025-006, 2025-007, and 2025-008.
Except for the noncompliance described in these findings, the accountants stated the University complied, in all material respects, with the requirements described in the report.
This State compliance examination was conducted by Plante & Moran, PLLC.
COURTNEY DZIERWA
Deputy Auditor General
This report is transmitted in accordance with Section 3-14 of the Illinois State Auditing Act.
CHRISTOPHER B. MEISTER
Auditor General
CBM:JGR
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The report is posted at:
Governor Spanberger Announces Innovative Defense Technologies Invests $19 Million to Expand Headquarters in Arlington
RICHMOND, Virginia, May 22 -- Gov. Abigail Spanberger, D-Virginia, issued the following news release:
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Governor Spanberger Announces Innovative Defense Technologies Invests $19 Million to Expand Headquarters in Arlington
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RICHMOND, VA -Governor Abigail Spanberger today announced that Innovative Defense Technologies (IDT) will invest $19 million to expand operations and create 210 new jobs at the company's Arlington County headquarters. IDT delivers mission-critical solutions that accelerate the delivery and fielding of complex, software-driven capabilities to support U.S. servicemembers.
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RICHMOND, Virginia, May 22 -- Gov. Abigail Spanberger, D-Virginia, issued the following news release:
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Governor Spanberger Announces Innovative Defense Technologies Invests $19 Million to Expand Headquarters in Arlington
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RICHMOND, VA -Governor Abigail Spanberger today announced that Innovative Defense Technologies (IDT) will invest $19 million to expand operations and create 210 new jobs at the company's Arlington County headquarters. IDT delivers mission-critical solutions that accelerate the delivery and fielding of complex, software-driven capabilities to support U.S. servicemembers.
"Innovative Defense Technologies' expansion in Virginia is a reflection of our position as a leader in advanced technology -and a shared commitment to strengthening our national security," said Governor Abigail Spanberger. "This investment will create hundreds of high-quality jobs for Virginians as we continue to prove why defense, technology, and innovation continue to be among our Commonwealth's top strengths."
"Virginia's talent pipeline is the differentiator for companies like Innovative Defense Technologies when they decide to expand," said Secretary of Commerce and Trade Carrie Chenery. "Our workforce brings the specialized expertise and mission focus needed to deliver complex solutions quickly and effectively. We are proud to support IDT's continued growth as they create jobs and help advance capabilities critical to our national defense."
"The mission we support is complex and Virginia has been central to how we execute that work, with deep technical talent and close proximity to the customers we support every day," said IDT Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Bernie Gauf. "We appreciate the Commonwealth and the Virginia Economic Development Partnership for their support as we expand. This investment allows us to grow our team and continue delivering trusted capability faster while investing in the region."
IDT solves one of the hardest challenges for the Department of War by helping programs integrate, test, and deliver new capability for operational use faster. As a rapid capability integrator, the company uses automation, advanced integration technologies, and digital engineering to turn slow, manual processes into fast, repeatable workflows. This allows critical systems to be fielded sooner with greater confidence and lower risk.
"Innovative Defense Technologies' expansion in Ballston reflects Arlington's strength as a place where advanced technology companies can grow and thrive," said Arlington County Board Chair Matt de Ferranti. "IDT will join a vibrant community of companies and institutions driving innovation in Ballston and will add to our highly skilled workforce."
"I am delighted that Innovative Defense Technologies is expanding its operations in Arlington County," said Senator Barbara Favola. "This expansion is a testament to the value of targeted investments made by Arlington County and the Commonwealth to create a highly skilled workforce and a community that is inviting, diverse, and first class in every way. Arlington's top-notch public education system, multi-modal transportation options, and opportunities for life-long learning make this community special. Thank you to the Virginia Economic Development Partnership and to all the local and regional leaders who have made Arlington a great place to live, work, and recreate. I look forward to seeing Innovative Defense Technologies continue to thrive and contribute to the important work of protecting the nation's national security."
"I am thrilled to welcome Innovative Defense Technologies' expansion in Arlington, which further solidifies our region's standing as a premier hub for technical talent and national security innovation," said Delegate Patrick Hope. "This $19 million investment and the creation of 210 new jobs reflect the strength of our workforce and our commitment to supporting mission-critical solutions for our country."
The Virginia Economic Development Partnership worked with Arlington County to secure the project for Virginia. Governor Spanberger approved an $800,000 grant from the Commonwealth's Opportunity Fund to assist Arlington with the project. Funding and services to support the company's employee training activities will be provided through the Virginia Jobs Investment Program.
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Original text here: https://www.governor.virginia.gov/newsroom/news-releases/2026/may-releases/name-1118377-en.html
Florida Auditor General: Leon County District School Board - Florida Education Finance Program - Attestation Examination
TALLAHASSEE, Florida, May 22 (TNSLrpt) -- The Florida Auditor General released the following report (No. 2026-172) on May 13, 2026, entitled "Leon County District School Board - Florida Education Finance Program - Attestation Examination."
Here are excerpts:
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SUMMARY
SUMMARY OF ATTESTATION EXAMINATION
Except for the material noncompliance described below involving teachers and reporting errors or records that were not properly or accurately prepared or were not available at the time of our examination and could not be subsequently located for students in Basic, Basic with Exceptional
... Show Full Article
TALLAHASSEE, Florida, May 22 (TNSLrpt) -- The Florida Auditor General released the following report (No. 2026-172) on May 13, 2026, entitled "Leon County District School Board - Florida Education Finance Program - Attestation Examination."
Here are excerpts:
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SUMMARY
SUMMARY OF ATTESTATION EXAMINATION
Except for the material noncompliance described below involving teachers and reporting errors or records that were not properly or accurately prepared or were not available at the time of our examination and could not be subsequently located for students in Basic, Basic with ExceptionalStudent Education (ESE) Services, English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL), ESE Support Levels 4 and 5, Career Education 9-12, and student transportation, the Leon County District School Board (District) complied, in all material respects, with State requirements relating to the classification, assignment, and verification of the full-time equivalent (FTE) student enrollment, including teacher certification, and student transportation as reported under the Florida Education Finance Program (FEFP) for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2024. Specifically, we noted:
* State requirements governing teacher certification, School Board approval of out-of-field teacher assignments, notification to parents regarding teachers' out-of-field status, the earning of college credits towards certification in the out-of-field subject areas, or the earning of required in-service training points in ESOL strategies were not met for 22 of the 141 teachers in our test. Seventeen (12 percent) of the 141 teachers in our test taught at charter schools and 7 (32 percent) of the 22 teachers with exceptions taught at charter schools.
* Exceptions involving reporting errors or records that were not properly or accurately prepared or were not available at the time of our examination and could not be subsequently located. The table below shows the total number of students included in each of our tests, as well as the number and percentage of students who attended charter schools who were included in our tests.
The table also shows the number of students with exceptions in each of our tests, as well as the number and percentage of students with exceptions who attended charter schools.
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The report is posted at: https://flauditor.gov/pages/pdf_files/2026-172.pdf
[Category: TNSStaRep]
ATTORNEY GENERAL RAOUL URGES FUNDS TO REEVALUATE DECISION TO CUT OFF DONATIONS TO SOUTHERN POVERTY LAW CENTER
CHICAGO, Illinois, May 22 -- Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul issued the following news release:
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ATTORNEY GENERAL RAOUL URGES FUNDS TO REEVALUATE DECISION TO CUT OFF DONATIONS TO SOUTHERN POVERTY LAW CENTER
Attorney General Kwame Raoul, as part of a coalition of 15 attorneys general, urged several large donor-advised charitable fund sponsors to carefully evaluate their decisions to stop payments to the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) following the Department of Justice's (DOJ) highly controversial indictment of the SPLC. In a letter to the donor-advised fund sponsors, the coalition
... Show Full Article
CHICAGO, Illinois, May 22 -- Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul issued the following news release:
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ATTORNEY GENERAL RAOUL URGES FUNDS TO REEVALUATE DECISION TO CUT OFF DONATIONS TO SOUTHERN POVERTY LAW CENTER
Attorney General Kwame Raoul, as part of a coalition of 15 attorneys general, urged several large donor-advised charitable fund sponsors to carefully evaluate their decisions to stop payments to the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) following the Department of Justice's (DOJ) highly controversial indictment of the SPLC. In a letter to the donor-advised fund sponsors, the coalitionwarns of the harm that could result from penalizing nonprofit organizations being targeted by the Trump administration for exercising their First Amendment rights.
"The Trump administration has a well-documented pattern of using the power of the federal government to target the president's perceived political enemies and those who hold opinions or enact policies that are unfavorable to this administration," Raoul said. "These retribution campaigns are made even more effective when private sector organizations capitulate and are willing to contribute to the harm. I join my colleagues in calling on donor-advised charitable funds to stand up to this unlawful bullying by the president."
In their letter (https://illinoisattorneygeneral.gov/News-Room/Current-News/2026-05-21%20SPLC%20-%20DAF%20Letter.pdf?language_id=1), Raoul and the attorneys general note the Trump administration's history of targeting nonprofits and charitable organizations that President Trump feels oppose his political agenda. The letter also highlights w histleblower reports that the DOJ pressured prosecutors to obtain speedy indictments against the SPLC, despite prosecutors' misgivings.
The Southern Poverty Law Center is a civil rights nonprofit that works to combat white supremacist organizations and other hate groups in numerous ways. For years, the SPLC has used paid informants to gather intelligence on the plans and operations of hate groups and use this information to disrupt their operations. The use of paid informants is also a common tactic employed by law enforcement agencies. Despite that, the DOJ indicted the SPLC on April 21, alleging that the SPLC's payments to confidential informants amount to the defrauding of their donors.
Following the DOJ's indictment, the Fidelity Investments Charitable Gift Fund, the Vanguard Charitable Endowment Program, and Donor Advised Charitable Giving Inc. all either restricted or halted payments to the SPLC.
Donor-advised funds allow donors to access tax deductions on their charitable giving and can help them focus giving strategically to meet philanthropic priorities. According to the National Philanthropic Trust, donor-advised funds controlled more than $327 billion in assets and held nearly 3.6 million accounts in 2024. While donor-advised funds would be expected to evaluate the risk to donors when a nonprofit is under investigation or indictment, automatically cutting donors off from being able to give to organizations runs the risk of turning these funds into a powerful tool for retribution. The attorneys general argue that it would be harmful if the fund sponsors allow politically motivated prosecutions to suppress, chill or help dismantle organizations doing important work on behalf of civil rights, public safety and democracy.
State attorneys general across the country are the chief regulators of charitable nonprofit corporations, charitable trusts and charitable solicitations, and they work to ensure that those organizations are properly registered under their states' laws.
Raoul and the attorneys general ask the fund sponsors to carefully consider whether their actions would undermine donor intent and help the Trump administration weaponize government power against nonprofit organizations simply for exercising their protected First Amendment rights.
The coalition's letter also expresses concern that the fund sponsors in question have refused to disclose other nonprofits to whom they have paused donations, amplifying concerns that the fund sponsors are furthering the administration's clear viewpoint discrimination campaign.
Joining Attorney General Raoul in sending the letter are the attorneys general of California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Nevada, New York, Oregon, Vermont, Virginia and Washington.
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Original text here: https://www.illinoisattorneygeneral.gov/news/story/attorney-general-raoul-urges-funds-to-reevaluate-decision-to-cut-off-donations-to-southern-poverty-law-center
