Nebraska Governor Pete Ricketts recently awarded a man, who is suspected of fraud, an economic recovery grant. The grant, amounting to $1,900, was given to a man named Francisco Morejon on the premise that he was experiencing financial hardship due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Morejon has been accused of running a fraudulent check cashing scheme and has a criminal record, which includes a previous conviction for theft.
The decision to award Morejon the grant has sparked controversy and criticism, with many questioning the Governor’s judgment in giving money to someone with a history of fraud. The Governor’s office defended the decision, citing the criteria set by the program which focused on helping individuals who were financially impacted by the pandemic.
Critics argue that the Governor should have conducted a more thorough background check on applicants before awarding them grants. They also question the vetting process for recipients of the economic recovery grants, as it seems to have allowed individuals with questionable backgrounds to receive financial assistance.
In response to the backlash, Governor Ricketts stated that the program was designed to quickly provide financial aid to those in need and that it was not feasible to conduct extensive background checks on every applicant. He also mentioned that the program has helped many Nebraskans who were struggling due to the pandemic.
Overall, the decision to award a suspected fraudster an economic recovery grant has raised questions about the vetting process for recipients of such grants. Critics are calling for more oversight and transparency in the distribution of funds to ensure that they are going to those who truly need them.
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