Senator Seeks Information On Financial Accountability From Six Tele-Evangelists

Yesterday's Houston Chronicle reports that Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley, ranking member on the Senate Finance Committee, has sent letters to six tele-evangelists asking for information about alleged misuse of donations to the religious organizations. As church groups, they are exempt from filing the usual Form 990 that non-profits submit to the IRS. Saying that he was acting after receiving complaints from the public and seeing news media coverage, Grassley said that "allegations involve governing boards that aren't independent and allow generous salaries and housing allowances and amenities such as private jets and Rolls Royces." Sen. Grassley's website links to the six letters, each of which asks for extensive information and documents. His letters to each begins by saying: "The Finance Committee has a long tradition of reviewing tax-exempt organizations. It is important that Congress and the public have confidence that public charities, which benefit from very significant tax breaks, are operated in a manner that promotes continued trust and that the adhere to guidelines established by the Internal Revenue Service."