A lawmaker is calling on Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara to resign in the wake of investigation that he allegedly used taxpayer dollars to take luxurious trips.
The Fair Political Practices Commission is looking into a complaint into Lara following reports that at least a dozen of Lara’s international trips were paid with taxpayer money.
Assemblyman David Tangipa, R-Fresno, is calling for Lara to step down from his role, after receipts show expenses for at least 13 trips, with travel expenses for at least a dozen international destinations remaining missing.
Related: California’s Insurance Commissioner Is Seeking Changes to The Intervenor Process
According to an ABC7 report, receipts show “tens of thousands of department funds” were spent on resorts that turned into extended trips, including an African safari and an extended stay at a five-star resort in Dubai.
A California Department of Insurance spokesperson declined to comment on the matter.
The complaint to the commission alleges that Lara availed himself of free items not listed on his form 700 (a required statement of economic interest) over several reportable years.
“He has been given transportation, lodging, meals, and gifts by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) and only reports de minimis items and not the full accounting of the gifts he has accepted,” the complaint states.
Topics California Legislation
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