The California Report with Carl DeMaio

The California Report with Carl DeMaio

The California Report with Carl DeMaio offers candid discussion on the latest in local and national political headlines, policies and reform. The...Full Bio

 

Taxpayer-Funded Left-Wing Groups Fail to Register as Lobbyists

The Transparency Foundation has found that 7 out of 10 Left-wing organizations receiving taxpayer funding and engaging in lobbying activities in San Diego County failed to register as local lobbyists. 

Earlier this month, the Transparency Foundation released a major report detailing that, following Democrats taking control of several government agencies in 2020, at least $6.6 million in inappropriate taxpayer funding was diverted to Left-wing groups in San Diego county — all while those same groups engaged in significant lobbying, issue advocacy, and political activities.

The Transparency Foundation confirmed that of the groups they analyzed for funding streams, 7 out of 10 failed to register as lobbyists with either the City of San Diego, County of San Diego, or both – despite engaging in significant lobbying activities.

Carl DeMaio, chairman of the Transparency Foundation, says the discovery should lead to further investigation and penalties if warranted.

“Failing to register as a lobbyist while engaging in significant lobbying activity — funded by taxpayers — is completely inappropriate and could bring thousands in fines and legal problems for these groups,” said DeMaio.

Left-wing groups that engaged in significant lobbying activities but did not register as lobbyists with either the City or County included:

  • Alliance San Diego
  • Environmental Health Coalition
  • Mid-City CAN
  • Youth Will
  • San Diego Pride
  • San Diego LGBT Community Center
  • San Diego Organizing Project

 

Last week, the Transparency Foundation referred their findings to a number of government oversight agencies including the U.S. House of Representatives Oversight Committee, the San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG), and the San Diego Grand Jury for immediate investigation. 

The Transparency Foundation has confirmed that at least one agency has launched a formal investigation into the allegations.

“We’re hopeful that these oversight agencies will thoroughly investigate these findings and immediately implement policies to stop this abuse of taxpayer funds going forward,” said DeMaio.

Read the full report here.

“With investigations like this, we can hold our government accountable and ensure transparency,” said DeMaio. “But we can’t continue our work without the support of those that want to see this corruption brought to light.”

Join the Transparency Foundation: Help Expose Government Corruption

Photo Credit: Getty Images


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