Ethics limbo

ryanteaguebeckwith — Mon, 16 Apr 2007 11:52:31 -0400

Ethics regulations written last year have put a nonprofit in limbo.

The N.C. Legislative Black Caucus Foundation gives scholarships to minorities and sponsors education seminars. As a 501(c)(3), it does not have to disclose its contributions.

But the group is also closely associated with the N.C. Legislative Black Caucus, currently made up of eight state senators and 20 representatives, including Reps. Mickey Michaux and Larry Hall of Durham, and Sen. Vernon Malone and Reps. Linda Coleman and Dan Blue of Wake, all Democrats.

As The Greensboro News & Record reported Sunday, the arrangement means groups with an interest in upcoming legislation can give "virtually unlimited donations" to a cause dear to state lawmakers without disclosing them to the public.

Rep. Alma Adams, a Greensboro Democrat, has asked the N.C. State Ethics Commission for advice and ordered an audit of its finances.

Click here to read its most recent tax forms.

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Ethics limbo