Ohio lawmaker promises changes for breast cancer license plate funds

CLEVELAND - An Ohio lawmaker is calling for sweeping changes for groups receiving millions for special license plates in the wake of a Five On Your Side investigation.

The Breast Cancer Fund of Ohio came under scrutiny when board members said they could not account for some of the $347,000 raised in special license plate fees.

The special plates are sold through the Ohio Department of Motor Vehicles and the Breast Cancer Fund of Ohio promises to spend 100 percent of the $25 fee for things like transportation, housing assistance and child care for breast cancer survivors.

State Senator Shirely Smith promises to introduce new legislation that would require mandatory audits for all groups sponsoring special issue Ohio license plates. The new legislation would be modeled after a similar state law in Florida that requires annual audits for all groups receiving funds through special license plate fees.

In Ohio, 3 million dollars was raised last year in fees for special plates ranging from breast cancer awareness to autism.

A Five On Your Side investigation first broke details of questionable spending Monday in an exclusive report that found 5,400 dollars was spent on back scratchers.

Another $40,000 was spent on professional fees, according to a 2008 federal income tax return.

The same tax returns claimed to have received $79,425 in income even though the Ohio Department of Motor Vehicles reports it gave the group $94,400 the same year.

C. Ellen Connally is president of the board for the Ohio Breast Cancer fund and has filed complaints with both the Ohio Attorney General's Office and the Summit County Prosecutor's Office.

Connally said wants the business practices of former treasurer Rachel Kirk reviewed. Kirk resigned from the organization last week and denies any wrondoing. She has not been charged with any crimes.