Gaines Calls For Audit

Sacramento, CA — An area lawmaker is among a group asking for a review of the state’s specialty license plate program.

The request was made to the Joint Legislative Audit Committee, after an Associated Press investigation found little oversight of the $250 million raised since the program was first started in 1992. The request was signed by District One Republican Senator Ted Gaines, who represents Calaveras County, as well as Democratic Senator Mark De Saulnier and Democratic Assemblywoman Susan Bonilla.

The AP investigation found that $3 million was taken from funds raised by a September 11th memorial plate to help balance the state budget. It happened under the Governorships of both Jerry Brown and Arnold Schwarzenegger. The money was designed to go towards scholarships for children impacted by the attacks, and to fund anti-terrorism efforts.

The committee will take up the request next week.