Investigating Power
A number of Koch-linked nonprofits that advocated against federal aid to states and cities facing crushing coronavirus budget deficits received up to $5.4 million in forgivable Paycheck Protection Program loans; additional anti-government spending groups took millions more.
GOP-aligned redistricting group failed to disclose $225,000 channeled through DonorsTrust, the conduit of choice for the Koch political donors network.
Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine already slashed state spending by $775 million, the state faces another $2.4 billion shortfall, and county and municipal governments face staggering deficits due to the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, but Koch-funded groups are lobbying to stop a federal government bailout.
Koch advocacy arm works with ALEC to block federal funds for cities and states that have seen their tax revenues plummet during the coronavirus lockdowns.
Friday’s decision puts Koch-darling Dunleavy back in the hot seat after allowing Americans for Prosperity to run his budget-cut roadshow last year angered voters.
National deep pockets backing GOP and corporate interests have pumped more than $9 million into the Buckeye Institute and the Freedom Foundation, the two groups leading attacks on public employee unions in Ohio.
Documents obtained by CMD show the extent of the corporate lobby group’s role in pressuring the states to force a rapid reopening of the economy despite strong public resistance and health concerns.
The Koch-funded policy group calls for broad cuts to Medicaid, education, and water quality protection on top of Governor DeWine’s hiring freeze and budget cuts.
Koch Industries spent $2.7 million in the first quarter of 2020 on lobbying Congress to block climate progress, weaken environmental protections, and protect its bottom line.
FreedomWorks and Convention of States Action, both with Koch network ties, have new initiatives to promote state-based protests against COVID-19 social distancing measures.