Many of you have asked me what to do about the proposed state spending (now over $30 Million) on non-governmental organizations (NGOs). Please consider what I attempted to do with my own state representative who requested funding for a NGO.

(To find the NGOs and the leges who requested them see steps below my email.)

Below is a list of questions that I submitted to Rep. Steve Pugh, R-Ponchatoula.

Message refused

Perhaps you will have better luck than me. My email to Rep. Pugh was returned to me marked “REFUSED.

C.B.

Rep. Pugh,

I note that you are requesting (HB 1, 2008 R.S.) $2,091,753 in state funds for a non-governmental entity called “Francis Special Services, Inc.”

I’m relatively new to Tangipahoa Parish and a constituent of yours and not familiar with Francis Special Service, Inc. I have some questions which I would like you to address:

1. I do not find Francis Special Services, Inc. registered with the LA Secretary of State’s Office. Why?

2. According to your request, the organization is a non-profit corporation. However, you do not list the names of the incorporators as required by House Rule 11.6. Who are they?

3. What is the total budget of Francis Special Services, Inc.?

4. Specifically, what are the other sources of funding for the organization?

5. What is the current payroll amount and who is employed by the Francis Special Services, Inc.?

6. You are asking for over $200,000 in “professional services.” Specifically, to whom and for what will that money be used?

7. You are requesting over $2 Million for “Major repairs.” What are the addresses of the houses on which that money be spent?

8. Please provide me with any information that will help me understand why my tax dollars are being given to a private organization?

Your proposed amendment to HB 1 could be voted on by the House Appropriations Committee as early as Monday. Therefore, time is of the essence in getting the above information.

An acknowledge of your recipient of this email is requested.

C.B. Forgotston

Steps to find NGOs and their sponsors:

1. Go the lege website ( http://www.legis.state.la.us/). On the left hand side is a blue column. Click on “How Do I…”

2. Under “Other Questions” click on #2.

3. Then go to the 3rd line at the end where it says “click here.”

4. Click on it.

5. A search can be made by lege name or particular organization.

or

5. Or you can see the entire list by clicking on the “view all” box.