expand on the first article State Senators Criticize Misuse of Funds in Little Saigon

by on 11-13-2024 in News

State senators are raising serious concerns about the misuse of taxpayer funds by Rep. Michelle Steel. According to an investigative report by LAist, Steel awarded $1.2 million in taxpayer meal funds to her campaign mail vendor during her run for Congress in 2020. This revelation has sparked criticism from both Democratic and Republican senators, including state Senate Judiciary Chair Tom Umberg and state Sen. Janet Nguyen, who represents many of the same communities as Steel¹.

Nguyen has called for an immediate freeze on the county's contract with Steel's campaign mail firm, DTN Tech, and a comprehensive audit of all pandemic relief funds. Umberg echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the need for proper oversight and accountability in local government¹. The meals in Steel’s program cost $24 per meal, three times as much as in two of the other districts. Nguyen is on track to replace former O.C. Supervisor Andrew Do, who recently resigned and pleaded guilty to bribery in connection with a scheme to steal millions he awarded from the same pandemic meals program¹.

Nguyen's letter to the county supervisors' chair highlighted the "extremely concerning" misuse of federal pandemic relief funds intended for senior citizens. She stressed the importance of completing audits of all pandemic relief funds before any additional taxpayer funds are dispersed¹. Umberg, in his news release, called Steel's actions a "misuse of funds" and "inappropriate," urging the Orange County Board of Supervisors to take serious and extensive action to uncover any other wrongdoing and ensure this cannot happen again.

The only county supervisor to respond to a request for comment from LAist was Vicente Sarmiento, who called for an investigation. Sarmiento has been advocating for the Board of Supervisors to hire an outside auditing firm to investigate pandemic relief and mental health service dollars¹. Both of those funding sources were awarded by Do to the nonprofit at the center of the bribery scheme he pleaded guilty to. Steel's campaign spokesperson, Lance Trover, responded to the criticism by accusing politicians of lying to their constituents and defended the program, stating that 50,000 meals were provided to people while helping restaurants during the pandemic.

This situation underscores the need for transparency and accountability in the use of taxpayer funds, especially during times of crisis. The ongoing scrutiny and calls for audits reflect a broader concern about the integrity of local government operations and the proper stewardship of public resources.

¹laist.com