State Rep. Jon Cross, R-Ohio
Checks & Balances Project has filed a records request with the Ohio legislature seeking all communications between state Rep. Jon Cross and the nonprofit group for which Cross secured a $5 million grant in the state budget.
Cross, a Findlay Republican, got the grant for the Indian Lake Advocacy Group (ILAG) ostensibly for dredging and weed clearance in Indian Lake in north central Ohio.
ILAG, a 501c3 nonprofit, advocated for Cross’ reelection on its website, an apparent violation of federal law that prohibits electioneering by nonprofits.
C&BP reported on Cross, his support for the $5 million grant and ILAG’s electioneering for Cross last month. C&BP followed its reporting by filing a complaint with the Internal Revenue Service seeking an investigation into ILAG’s apparent violation of the law.
Records wanted
C&BP is seeking all communication between Cross, state Sen. Rob McColley, ILAG and its chairman, Bud Christman, related to the Indian Lake grant. McColley’s district includes Indian Lake.
Cross obtained the money for ILAG for dredging although the Ohio Department of Natural Resources is already doing that work.
ILAG received its 501c3 status in August 2022 and IRS records show the group has never received the $50,000 in annual revenues required to file a detailed tax return showing how and where it spends its funds.
Christman a major donor to Cross
Christman, who owns a marine shop near the lake in north central Ohio, is a major supporter of Cross, who engineered the earmark for ILAG in the state budget. Ohio campaign finance records show Christman held a June 16, 2022, fundraiser for Cross that cost $8234.89 and gave Cross another $5,000 on that date.
ILAG’s website calls for people to vote for Cross.
He gave Cross another $5,000 on Sept. 29, 2023.
Cross, who joined Democrats in backing the current Ohio House speaker, Jason Stephens, lost his reelection bid in March by a 66-34 percent margin.
Ray Locker is the executive director for Checks & Balances Project, an investigative watchdog blog holding government officials, lobbyists, and corporate management accountable to the public. Funding for C&BP is provided by Renew American Prosperity and individual donors.
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