The Legislative Black Caucus has recently come under fire when it was discovered that children and close family members of the caucus were recipients of scholarships that were intended to go to economically challenged students.

According to the Legislative Black Caucus’s form 990 for 2005 filed with the IRS, additional money has been given to individuals with close ties to members of the Black Caucus.

Listed under “Compensation of the five highest paid independent contractors for Professional Services” are three names:
Irma Avent was paid $2,250 for consulting;
Ann Raeford was paid $2,500 for consulting; and
Phyllis Cameron was paid $3,562 for consulting.

What is not listed on the form is that all three also work for members of the Legislative Black Caucus. Ms. Avent is the legislative assistant for Sen. Ed Jones; Ms Raeford for Rep. Beverly Earle and Ms.Cameron for Sen. Katie Dorsett.