CA: Using nonprofits to pay for junkets (Corps. bankroll tax-exempt groups that finance trips)

SFGate.com ^ | 3/4/07 | Tom Chorneau

[NormsRevenge]

Sacramento -- Some of the same corporate interests that dominate the Capitol through high-priced lobbyists and campaign donations also bankroll nonprofit organizations that in turn spend tens of thousands of dollars a year entertaining state lawmakers and administration officials far from home -- gifts that otherwise would exceed state limits.

Since 2002, the largesse has included a weekend at a fashionable beachfront golf resort south of Rio de Janeiro for 14 state officials, including Assembly Speaker Fabian Núñez, D-Los Angeles, and the governor's chief of staff, Susan Kennedy.

There was also a luncheon cruise on New Zealand's Hauraki Gulf for two state senators and three Assembly members; dinner at Harry's Bar in Rome for Núñez and another lawmaker; and golf at the renowned Kapalua Resort on Maui -- a treat enjoyed by state Sen. Jeff Denham, R-Salinas, and Bill Leonard, a member of the state Board of Equalization.

The trips, which typically involved study groups and conferences, are sponsored by organizations such as the Pacific Policy Research Foundation, the American Legislative Exchange Council and the California Foundation on the Environment and Economy.

According to a Chronicle investigation, each of these organizations receives substantial funding from major corporations such as ChevronTexaco, Sempra Energy, Pacific Gas and Electric Co. and Altria Corp. (the lobbying arm of Altria Group, which owns Philip Morris tobacco).

Some critics said the practice -- similar to that made famous by jailed lobbyist Jack Abramoff -- is just a vehicle to circumvent rules that limit the value of gifts that companies can give directly to California lawmakers.

"It's really important that the public know that these trips are getting around the rules," said Bob Stern, president of the Center for Governmental Studies in Los Angeles. "It ought to be stopped."

[goldstategop]

Politicians and junkets go together. Do-Gooders who thought they'd give up the practice didn't know how much politicians are addicted to junkets. We will always have junkets with us.

"Show me just what Mohammed brought that was new, and there you will find things only evil and inhuman, such as his command to spread by the sword the faith he preached." - Manuel II Palelologus