As California teeters near default in many areas, news is breaking that Gov. Jerry Brown may have taken up to $3 million from a fund created “in honor of the victims of the 2001 terror attacks” to make up for shortfalls.
The fund, which was raised by the sale of specialized plates within the state, totals approximately $250 million, and the AP reports that both Brown and former Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger each allegedly dipped into the monies in an effort to make ends meet.
According to AP reports, Brown is now referring to the money he allegedly took as a “loan.” Responding to pressure from Republican and Democrat state legislators alike, Brown’s office has announced that the state’s Department of Finance will audit the plate program, and the results of that audit will be used to structure a payback for the $3 million.