For years, Carolina Journal reporters have scrutinized and chronicled the activities of the Golden Leaf Foundation, which was created in 1999 to accept and distribute half of North Carolina’s share of the lawsuit settlement with tobacco companies. The group has raised eyebrows for its funding of questionable tourism projects around the state, including a horse park and a teapot museum.
Except for occasional talk here and there, for the most part, this incredibly powerful and well funded group of unelected officials – now led by former Easley aide Dan Gerlach – has functioned under the radar. But that may change, thanks to the state’s major budget hole. Legislators from both sides of the aisle are now eyeing Golden Leaf’s pot of money, and it looks mighty enticing to them. From the News & Observer:
Two proposed bills would siphon funds from a foundation created to boost rural areas as lawmakers try to shore up the state’s finances amid the recession.
The legislation would redirect about $70 million that the Golden LEAF Foundation receives annually to help pay for other state services. One bill would take all future money. The other would do so for three years.
The foundation’s leader said either action would penalize communities that are struggling the most.
In this recent Carolina Journal Radio interview, Brian Balfour of the Civitas Institute discusses his recommendation to dissolve Golden Leaf and move its considerable assets into the state’s general operating fund.
