Gov. Jeff Landry is calling on Louisiana State Treasurer John Fleming to tighten oversight of more than $113 million in taxpayer-funded appropriations to nongovernmental organizations after a state review identified weaknesses in how some of the money is monitored and distributed.
Louisiana Inspector General and Chief Integrity Officer Angele Davis reviewed appropriations authorized during the 2026 Regular Session totaling approximately $113.5 million for 272 nongovernmental organizations.
The Louisiana Department of the Treasury is responsible for administering approximately $107.2 million of that funding.
Landry highlighted the findings Tuesday, saying the review uncovered what he characterized as serious failures in oversight.
“Our great Inspector General Angele Davis found serious oversight failures in $113.5M of taxpayer-funded NGO spending,” Landry said. “Her work protects YOUR tax dollars. Fighting waste, fraud, and abuse has been my priority from Day One. Now it is up to Treasurer Fleming.”
The Inspector General’s review identified weaknesses involving payment practices, financial oversight, vendor verification and reporting requirements and recommended stronger controls before taxpayer dollars are released.
Among the examples cited was the National Association for African American Economic Development, which received an initial $400,000 payment from an $800,000 appropriation.
According to the governor’s office, a Legislative Auditor review found that $205,123 was transferred from the organization’s dedicated account within six months and required progress and cost reports had not been filed. Treasury subsequently withheld the remaining $400,000 payment.
Another case involved Divine Kingdom Ministries, which received a $37,500 advance on a $75,000 appropriation.
A review of the organization’s cost report resulted in a referral to the Inspector General. An investigation conducted with assistance from the Louisiana Bureau of Investigation later resulted in the organization’s director being arrested on felony theft and false public records charges.
Those charges are allegations, and the accused remains presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
The review also cited an unnamed 2026 recipient where $13,000 of $46,615.88 in claimed expenses allegedly went to connected parties, while another $250,000 agreement from 2025 reportedly listed subcontractors responsible for 90 percent of the award simply as “to be determined.”
Davis’ office is recommending tighter payment controls, improved vendor verification and stronger financial and performance reporting requirements.
The Office of Inspector General is an independent state law-enforcement agency responsible for investigating waste, fraud, financial mismanagement and corruption within Louisiana’s executive branch. Davis has served as Inspector General since February 2026.
Landry’s comments now place pressure on Fleming and the Treasury Department to determine whether additional safeguards will be implemented for future NGO payments.
At the time of publication, Cajun Conservatism had not located a new public response from Fleming addressing Landry’s October 21 comments specifically.
The broader question is likely to remain front and center: How much scrutiny should organizations receiving taxpayer money face before the state writes the check?
Sources:
Office of Gov. Jeff Landry — Review of $113.5 Million in Nonprofit Appropriations
