Federal audits conducted annually from 2002 to 2008 show that the Torres-Martinez Desert Cahuilla Indians of California misused millions of dollars in Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) funding, according to a special investigative report published by The Desert Sun on Jan. 17.
The Desert Sun's report examines years of questionable spending by the tribe’s TANF program, including inflated salaries and raises for program execs, and accountability problems, such as missing documentation to support expenditures.
The report says that in 2005 the Administration for Children and Families found “potential misuse of federal TANF funds” by the tribal program totaling more than $6 million from FY 2002 and FY 2003.
“A lot of abuse was happening that shouldn't have been able to happen,” Ronald Sells, president of The Sells Group, which conducted the tribal program's audits from 2002 to 2005, told the paper.
The Torres-Martinez has fewer than 500 members. Its TANF program has received more than $123 million in federal and state funding since its inception.
The Washoe Tribe of Nevada & California needs the same audit to occur. Misapproriation of funds; Regional Managers travel abuse. More $ spent on management than clients. Management staff do not work full 40 hours a week; staff come and go as they will. Tribal chairman allows the former TANF executive dire3ctor still dictate how services are provided. Clients do not know what services they are eligible for. Turnover of employees is high; you are denied due process through the human resources department. If you are Hispanic you are guaranteed to get hired and hold high positions.
ReplyDeleteI am from Kings County in Central CA and wonder how the locak TANF Programs run over here. It is true that there is a lot of turnover regarding TANF Employees. You have some really dedicated individuals who are there to help the American indian Community and once they start to, they get terminated for little things like playing music on a computer during work hours.
ReplyDeleteTANF sounds good, but it is still controlled by the Government.
The govt. want you to spend $ how they want it spent but if you don't then grants are taken back...Maybe the Spells should to see the NC tribe of MT who need some emphasis!!!!! We need help to open up our Casino....which is by the Wyoming border line, we live on the Southeastern boundary of the State of Montana. We are a proud nation for our history but now we get the poverished mentality we will rise someday with the right leaders, to keep our budgets where they are really supposed to go, & not for the OfficialS going on trips all the time....& no Travel money it seems...WHEN SOME ONE GETS IN THE COUNCIL..THEN CALL THEM, TRAVELERS...THAN COUNCIL.....man!!!!!!! Some one come help us!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteHey anon, Jan 19, 3:20pm. Sounds like you couldn't hold your job there with the WT and it is everyone else's fault.
ReplyDeleteThere is a lot of corruption within this tribe and im glad the government is finally catching on.. They are not fit to run their tribe! Sadly there are needy families that deserve the help and need the money!
ReplyDeleteWe have politicians with outdated ideas/mentalities - who won't step down from their positions. These people have been in these positions for 30 years and their programs have no projects that have materialized, I am surprised the communities don't ask for their resignations.
ReplyDeleteHey Anon, Feb. 2, you know what they are saying is true. The WNTP lacks leadership and it shows. Jorge made that program a mess and Chairman let him......... Well Buh-Bye Washoe, Hello Shingle Springs!
ReplyDelete