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Prince William County government is reconsidering its allocation of $2 million in federal coronavirus relief funds. The reassessment follows concerns over the original decision to allocate these funds to CASA, a nonprofit organization that supports working-class communities. The funding was intended to build an immigrant welcoming center in Prince William County.
Details of the proposed reassignment are as follows:
- Allocates an additional $190,000 to Northern Virginia Food Rescue for food distribution and administrative costs.
- Sets aside $60,000 for counties to enhance food inventories for community feeding programs.
- Directs $270,400 to develop community safety strategies focused on violence prevention and intervention.
- Reallocates $1,466,592 to cover additional costs associated with the Justice Center renovation project.
Woodbridge District Superintendent Margaret Franklin, who played a key role in the initial allocation to CASA on June 7, 2022, is directing the county’s $90 million ARPA fund to support Latino broadcasting and support for Lawton’s Metropolitan area food bank.
However, following a county audit that allegedly revealed mismanagement of funds allocated by CASA, a resolution is currently being passed to recover those funds. Despite the lack of public documents detailing the audit’s findings, sources say County Executive Christopher Shorter will mention CASA’s name on a related Feb. 20, 2024, agenda item. This suggests that he was aiming to protect CASA’s reputation by not doing so.
In response to these allegations, CASA Executive Director Gustavo Torres told Insidenova.com that the organization has a history of responsible financial management, as evidenced by annual independent audits.
The debate over funding allocation is controversial. On June 16, 2020, a meeting of the County Board of Supervisors was severely disrupted by CASA members, creating significant tension between the organization and Republican officials, including Supervisor Yesli Vega and former Supervisor Janine Lawson.
CASA members called Vega, the first Hispanic elected to the county commission, “the devil” and accused him of supporting the federal 287(g) program in county jails. In response, he told her to “shut your mouth.” Identify illegal aliens charged with crimes.
CASA’s actions during this period influenced perceptions of CASA’s relationship with local governments and its influence on local politics. The organization consistently donates to progressive Democratic campaigns.
CASA’s campaign contributions to state and local politicians include large contributions at the state level to figures such as former Attorney General Mark Herring ($291,667) and former Governor Ralph Northam ($82,950). Prince William County politicians like Jennifer Carroll Foy ($275,804 total across various campaigns) and Elizabeth Guzman ($264,935 across campaigns) have also benefited.
Margaret Franklin, who received $5,125 from CASA, is seeking the Democratic nomination for Congress in Virginia’s 7th District. District 7 of Virginia (includes eastern Prince William County, Stafford County, Spotsylvania, Fredericksburg City, King George, Caroline, Culpeper, Madison, Greene, and Orange Counties)
As debate continues over the allocation of these federal funds, the Prince William County Board of Supervisors is scheduled to address the issue at a February 20, 2024, meeting at the County Government Center in Woodbridge.
State-level campaign contributions from CASA since 2019
- Mark Herring, former Virginia Attorney General: $291,667
- Ralph Northam, former Virginia governor: $82,950
Prince William County campaign contributions from CASA since 2019
- Governor Carol Foy – Jennifer: $170,383
- Senator Carol Foy – Jennifer: $53,656
- Delegate Carol Foy – Jennifer: $51,765
- Delegate Elizabeth Guzman: $148,318
- Sen. Elizabeth Guzman: $115,617
- Prince William County Sheriff Josh King – Joshua: $71,255
- Senator Danica Roem – Danica: $57,753
- Kenny Boddy appointed to Prince William County Board of Supervisors: $55,794
- Delegate Brianna Sewell: $52,340
- Candy King for Representative: $17,556
- Delegate Josh Thomas: $12,203
- Deshundra Jefferson as chair of the Prince William County Board of Supervisors: $11,904
- Michelle Maldonado as delegate: $5,713
- Electing Margaret Franklin to the Prince William County Board of Supervisors: $5,125
- Andrea Bailey becomes Prince William’s supervisor: $3,540
- Victor Angry for Prince William County Supervisor: $1,450.
Fredericksburg and Stafford County Area Campaign Contributions from CASA since 2019
- State Sen. Joel Griffin: $102,109
- Joshua Cole as delegate: $17,660
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