The investigation into loan fraud among disaster recovery recipients and Louisiana politicians highlights concerns about the legitimacy of taxpayer-funded assistance. Over 100 businesses donated politically after receiving nearly $200 million in federal funds. Calls for accountability include repayments from recipients who misused funds and government scrutiny of fraudulent PPP loans persists.
The investigation of loan fraud committed by disaster recovery recipients and Louisiana politicians is alarming. Businesses issued large political donations after receiving taxpayer-backed federal money. During the pandemic, they received PPP loans that are tied to political donations.
Understandably, this raises concerns about the legitimacy of their need for assistance and calls for investigations. According to Motion to Quash, disaster recovery recipients who issued campaign contributions after receiving their awards should repay the taxpayers.
How PPP Loans Are Tied to Fraudulent Political Contributions in Louisiana- Analysis
According to an analysis of federal data by Motion to Quash LLC, political donations flowed from over 100 businesses. These donations came after they received nearly $200 Million in taxpayer backed government funds.
These funds are meant for struggling small businesses, not for political contributions. Fraud schemes like these are the costliest for taxpayers
Louisiana Lawmakers Repeal Campaign Limits After PPP Loans
After the SBA issued PPP loans, Louisiana lawmakers made a significant change to an essential law when they passed SB4. By removing certain campaign finance limitations, donors can contribute to multiple campaigns. (Repeals R.S. 18:1505.2(H)(7))
Still Under Scrutiny
The COVID-19 pandemic effects continue to reverberate for the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). Whether forgiven or not, these loans are still under scrutiny for how PPP loans are tied to campaign finance.
The federal government continues to pursue a quiet campaign against Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) fraud. It is expected to continue to pursue civil False Claims Act cases for up to ten years after the offense.
Click the link to view the recipient’s federal award profile.
How PPP Loans Are Tied to Fraudulent Political Contributions in Louisiana
“When the pandemic started, the SBA took on an out sized role in restarting our nation’s economy. The PPP and EIDL programs were vital to saving small businesses, but that fact does not excuse $200 billion in fraud,” explained Chairman Roger Williams (R-TX). “It’s a top priority of this Committee to recoup these stolen funds, and yesterday’s hearing looked at new, innovative private sector solutions to do just that. I’m very grateful for our four witnesses, and we’ll continue our work on holding these fraudsters accountable.”
From the PRAC Chairman
Follow the link to read the Statement of Michael E. Horowitz, Chair, Pandemic Response Accountability Committee, Inspector General, U.S.
Also, the Department of Justice made a statement before the U.S.House of Representatives Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Crisis about “Examining Federal Efforts To Prevent, Detect, And Prosecute Pandemic Relief Fraud To Safeguard Funds For All Eligible Americans”
Recognized by the NWC,Tracie Burke is author of Motion to Quash. M2Q supports the Whistleblower Protection Act. If you would like to support journalism in the public interest, click here to donate.Motion to Quash ISSN 2644-1594 is the copyrighted property of Motion to Quash LLC .
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