Waugh Questions Distribution of Federal Stimulus Funds to ACORN 

HARRISBURG – In response to recent reports surrounding the Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now (ACORN), Senator Mike Waugh (R-York) has asked Pennsylvania Stimulus Oversight Commission Chairman Ron Naples to determine if ACORN or any ACORN-related groups are receiving federal stimulus dollars through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA).   

"Recent videotapes of ACORN workers advising individuals on how to evade tax and housing laws show me there is reason to be concerned with how this organization is spending taxpayer dollars," said Waugh. 

"As the Senate Republican representative on the Governor's Stimulus Oversight Commission, I felt it important to look into whether or not ACORN is receiving federal stimulus money."

In a letter to Chairman Naples dated September 23, 2009, Waugh inquired about whether Pennsylvania’s ARRA dollars have been distributed to ACORN or its affiliated organizations in the Commonwealth.  Primarily, Waugh believes ACORN could qualify for ARRA money allocated to the Department of Housing and Urban Development to implement the Neighborhood Stabilization Program. 

"I look forward to Mr. Naples' response to my inquiry," said Waugh.  "The Oversight Commission has been charged with overseeing the distribution and proper spending of federal stimulus dollars, and it concerns me to think we could be distributing this money to an organization whose reputation continues to be called into question."
 

Letter to Chairman Naples