Barrar Renews Calls for ACORN Investigation, Proposes Ban on State Funding for Political Groups
Democrats turn back attempt to ban state tax dollars to ACORN
Rep. Stephen E. Barrar (R-Chester/Delaware) attempted to add a provision to the state’s fiscal code today that would ban political groups, like the Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now (ACORN), from receiving public funding, but House Democrats refused to consider the motion.
“This organization has portrayed itself as a nonprofit, nonpartisan, social justice organization, but it appears to be a partisan political organization, consistently mired in voter fraud allegations, and now its staffers have apparently shown people how to break the law,” said Barrar. “The people of Pennsylvania do not want their hard-earned tax dollars to fund the political activities of such groups.”
Barrar’s amendment to House Bill 1614 would have denied all public funding for groups that are engaged in political activities, such as:
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Actively managing a political campaign.
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Soliciting or handling political contributions.
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Soliciting votes.
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Endorsing or opposing candidates.
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Circulating partisan nominating petitions.
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Organizing partisan voter registration drives.
Barrar has also introduced similar legislation in House Bill 1901 that would bar such groups from receiving funds from the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency. That legislation is awaiting consideration by the House Commerce Committee.
Barrar noted that the United States Senate took similar action on Monday when it passed a measure to deny federal housing funds to ACORN by a vote of 83-7.
“Clearly, this group has operated as if it is above the law, to the extent that the Democrat-controlled United States Senate has overwhelmingly taken action against them. But, by refusing to allow a vote on my amendment, the Pennsylvania House Democrats still want them funded with tax dollars,” said Barrar. “Not only should this group be denied public funds, but I want to see an investigation into their alleged illegal activities and voter fraud.”
House Resolution 426, which was authored by Barrar, would institute a formal request by the House of Representatives for the state attorney general to investigate ACORN.
Barrar noted that along with many allegations of wrongdoing, the Pennsylvania Department of State has had a Cease and Desist Order on its Web site against ACORN, dating back to November 2007. According to the Web site, any organization subject to the cease and desist order “cannot legally solicit contributions in Pennsylvania.” ACORN has failed to register with the Department of State, as required by law. As of today, the organization still has not filed in Pennsylvania.
“I believe that if the state conducts an investigation of ACORN’s activities, they could uncover new cases of voter fraud and other illegal activities,” said Barrar. “This group has been so caught up in controversy that even the United States Census Bureau has dissociated from them. It is time to clean up the corruption and ensure that such groups cannot pervert our democratic system.”
Rep. Stephen E. Barrar
160th District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
(610) 485-7606
(717) 783-3038
Contact: Nicole Wamsley
House Republican Public Relations
(717) 783-8063
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