WASHINGTON   –  U.S. Rep. Jo Ann Emerson (MO-08) today said that all federal funds for ACORN included in the federal budget should be stripped out, including nearly $2 million in the FY2010 appropriation for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

“There are no illusions here that the federal money going to ACORN helps facilitate the blatantly illegal activities which have been extensively reported on over the past several months.  In no way, shape or form should U.S. taxpayers be forced to support this abhorrent behavior,” Emerson said.

The organization, embroiled in controversy over fraudulent voting registration practices and recorded tapes of ACORN employees dispensing advice on obtaining housing loans and evading taxes to two undercover filmmakers posing as leaders of a prostitution ring, has taken in more than $53 million in direct federal funding since 1994.

“For the kind of money ACORN takes in, a lot of good could be done for aspiring homeowners who need help and guidance seeking a first place of their own.  This $53 million is just the tip of the iceberg – ACORN gets millions more in indirect funds from states and local municipalities.  These public funds are clearly subject to misuse, and the flow of tax dollars to ACORN should be shut off immediately,” Emerson said.  “At the end of the day, there are far better ways to achieve the principles of responsible homeownership and community advocacy ACORN says it stands behind.”
 
Last week, the U.S. Census Bureau severed its relationship with ACORN, with whom it had intended to partner for the decennial census in 2010.