Ill. senators vote for ACORN funds

TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTHI) - Last week, ACORN employees were filmed allegedly offering advice to a couple posing as a pimp and prostitute.

ACORN, the Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now, said it's a non-partisan organization that receives federal funding.

ACORN employees were videotaped giving advice that ranged from hiding a proposed prostitution ring from the IRS to how to claim underage prostitutes as dependents.

On Sept. 14, the Senate voted whether to ban federal money - tax dollars - given to ACORN. Both Illinois Senators Dick Durbin and Roland Burris voted to continue funding ACORN.

Durbin and Burris refused interview requests. But Senator Burris released a statement that read in part, "I believe it would be a mistake to pass judgment based on a few isolated incidents."

Durbin also released a statement saying he was appalled. But it goes on to read, "Congress should not deny assistance to thousands of families.. because of the misconduct of these ACORN employees."

ACORN has seen controversy before. The organization made headlines during the 2008 presidential election amid allegations of widespread voter registration fraud.

 Click here , here or here to view the undercover videos.

Statement from Ill. Sen. Roland Burris:

"I am deeply troubled by the serious allegations against ACORN. We've all heard the reports, and they are cause for grave concern. As with any private contractor, we need to exercise strict oversight to ensure that such practices are immediately stopped. However, I believe it would be a mistake to pass judgment based on a few isolated incidents. ACORN is a community-based organization that employs thousands of Americans, and they do a lot of good work. Those responsible for these incidents should be held accountable, but a few bad apples don't spoil the whole bunch.

"I voted to keep federal dollars flowing to low-income and minority communities across the country, where it can make a real difference in the lives of many Americans. ACORN plays a key role in these neighborhoods, and despite the grave errors made by a few isolated employees, it would be a serious mistake to punish the hundreds of ACORN workers who have a significant impact on these communities."

Click here to contact Sen. Roland Burris.

Statement from Ill. Sen. Dick Durbin:

"I am appalled by the videotapes of ACORN workers in Washington, Baltimore and New York," said Durbin. "Their behavior should be investigated and dealt with by legal authorities. But ACORN is also one of the country's largest organizations providing assistance to families so they can avoid predatory loans. The amendment voted on by the Senate last night went too far. It prohibited all federal housing funding from going to ACORN, an organization that has helped more than 100,000 families acquire homes totaling more than $14.7 billion since its inception in 1986. Congress should not deny assistance to thousands of families struggling to avoid foreclosure because of the misconduct of these ACORN employees who have now been terminated."

Click here to contact Sen. Dick Durbin.