Latest news with #P-cards
Yahoo
28-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Maui IRS office closes amid federal budget cuts, raising concerns for taxpayers
HONOLULU (KHON2) — As tax season enters its final stretch, residents of Maui are facing an additional hurdle: the temporary closure of the IRS office in Wailuku. Hawaii fentanyl deaths quadrupled in 4 years, experts warn of more potent version The closure comes as the federal government slashes spending and services, including cuts to travel expenses, which are impacting the ability to provide in-person assistance. The IRS confirmed that its Maui office is currently closed due to staffing shortages, with no timeline for reopening. The closure follows a broader issue of frozen or canceled federal expense spending cards, known as P-cards, which are essential for interisland travel. Hawaii lawmakers and advocates argue that this cutback is hitting at the worst possible time, as residents rely on these services to navigate tax season. 'Which, for Hawaii, means you can't travel to the neighbor islands. You can't provide services on each island,' said Rep. Jill Tokuda (D-Hawaii). 'In many states, it might be fine, they have full-time employees and communities that people can get to. You can't drive from Oahu to Maui.' The IRS has pointed out that most services can be done online, but for many, especially older residents, that's not a feasible option. Advocates for seniors, like Audrey Suga-Nakagawa, director of advocacy for AARP, say the lack of in-person assistance is a significant barrier.'I can imagine that would be quite a big concern,' said Suga-Nakagawa. 'AARP has tax aid centers on Maui as well, but they're already packed with individuals who had made their appointments well in advance.' The shutdown of the Wailuku office is just one of many challenges facing residents. A major overhaul of Social Security will also end phone identity verification in mid-April, which could complicate matters further for those unable to navigate online systems. 'That's going to be a big difference for those individuals,' Suga-Nakagawa said. 'It's really difficult for those who have transportation barriers and trying to get out to the office, or even get an appointment.' The cuts don't stop with tax services. Federal health and human services programs, including Medicare, SNAP, and Meals on Wheels, are also facing significant budget reductions. While the impact on Hawaii is still unclear, these cuts could affect essential services for residents across the state. 'Do we even know the Hawaii impact yet? Not yet. We do not at this time,' said Suga-Nakagawa. 'We are closely monitoring what this means.' In response, Rep. Tokuda and other members of Hawaii's congressional delegation are pushing to restore services and are urging constituents to reach out for help navigating the federal agencies. Download the free KHON2 app for iOS or Android to stay informed on the latest news 'If it's about a federal agency, reach out to our offices and let our people help navigate you through the situation,' Tokuda said. 'At the very least, we'll connect you with folks who can assist you.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
27-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
CSCU to launch new P-Card policy after audit revealed systematic misuse of funds
HARTFORD, Conn. (WTNH) — In the latest effort to bring more transparency and accountability to the Connecticut State Colleges and Universities system, a board has approved a new system-wide policy for purchasing cards, also known as P-Cards. In an announcement made Thursday, officials with CSCU said the Connecticut Board of Regents for Higher Education approved the new policy. Connecticut comptroller's college system audit reveals 'systematic' misuse of state funds Going into effect on April 1, the policy will establish clear guidelines for the use of P-Cards and appropriate use of institutional funds. This change was one of nearly a dozen proposed by Comptroller Sean Scanlon in December, when his office released an audit of CSCU that showed a systematic misuse of taxpayers' funds. In a statement released Thursday, Scanlon said the new P-Cards policy includes many of the recommendations proposed in his office's report- including standardized spending limits, improvements to recordkeeping, and restoring internal audits and controls. Connecticut state colleges see increase in student enrollment 'I applaud the Board of Regents, CSCU leadership, and staff who worked together in crafting this. The Office of the State Comptroller stands ready to support the implementation of this plan to restore trust for the taxpayers and, especially, CSCU faculty and students,' Scanlon said. The policy included spending limits, items prohibited from purchase, digital record-keeping, and a reduction of the number of P-cards. The CSCU system office is also working on a new system-wide policy for travel and has created a Policy Committee that will review, revise, recommend, and implement the Board of Regents' adopted system-wide policies to ensure consistency and compliance. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
