Virginia A.G. Says No State Funds Can Legally Go to Charities

Virginia’s attorney general says government grants to nonprofit organizations violate the state’s constitution, writes The Washington Post.

In an opinion issued Friday, Ken Cuccinelli II wrote that the state constitution bars appropriating money, property, or real estate “to any charitable institution which is not owned or controlled by the Commonwealth.”

Such grants have largely dried up during the recession, but in recent, more economically stable years legislators approved tens of millions of dollars in earmarks to hundreds of charities, evading the constitution’s language by terming the recipients “cultural” or historical” organizations.

Gov. Robert F. McDonnell has proposed amendments to the state’s budget to benefit nonprofit groups. A spokesman said the governor’s office is reviewing the opinion.