Could ACORN reap windfall from stimulus bill?

In criticizing the economic stimulus bill, Republicans have found an old villain: ACORN.

A frequent object of Republican derision and scorn during the presidential election campaign, the Association of Community Organization for Reform Now (ACORN) has become a popular target in GOP attacks on the $819 billion, Democratic-backed economic stimulus plan.

How? Some Republican leaders believe money for ACORN is cleverly hidden in a part of the stimulus package that calls for "neighborhood stabilization." As much as $4.2 billion has been set aside for groups to buy up abandoned and foreclosed homes, to rehabilitate them and then sell or rent them out. By including language that allows nonprofits to compete for such projects, some Republicans believe Democrats have created a back door to fund liberal groups like ACORN.

Leading the Republican charge is House Republican Leader John Boehner, who stated in a Jan. 26 news release, "The legislation could open billions of taxpayer dollars to left-wing groups like the Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now (ACORN), which has been accused of voter fraud, is reportedly under federal investigation, and played a key role in the housing meltdown."

We explored the Republicans' allegation and rated their claim Barely True .