Scott MacFarlane, the Cox Media reporter who broke the story about the TSA exposing a teenage girl’s breasts, is tweeting about a new investigation today. Federal judicial employees reportedly blew over $100,000 on a 2011 conference.
Another junket by federal judges? Even amid budget crisis. Just got strong reaction from Sen Charles Grassley (R-Iowa) to story I'm working
— Scott MacFarlane (@MacFarlaneNews) April 3, 2013
An unknown sum was spent on travel and expenses for the 2012 Eighth Circuit Judicial Conference, which included a “social program” called “The College Basketball Experience.” The conference’s “Social Events” page includes an all-caps “WARNING” for attendees: “This is not a museum. You may sweat.”
MacFarlane reports that the Sweatin’ with the Judges shindig included a slam-dunk competition and free throw contest. Your tax dollars at work!
Agenda for federal judges' conference in Kansas City in 2012. What stands out to you, taxpayers? pic.twitter.com/t6pywGUfFm
— Scott MacFarlane (@MacFarlaneNews) April 3, 2013
Taxpayers sent federal judges to Kansas City for 2012 conference.Including special performance of Elton John's "Aida" & cocktail party
— Scott MacFarlane (@MacFarlaneNews) April 3, 2013
Your tax money sent federal judges to Kansas City in 2012. Conference that *also* included bball slam-dunk competition, free throw contest
— Scott MacFarlane (@MacFarlaneNews) April 3, 2013
8th circuit judicial conference cost taxpayers $100k in '11. Cost unknown for '12 event which included "College Basketball Experience" party
— Scott MacFarlane (@MacFarlaneNews) April 3, 2013
Slam dunk competition, free throw shooting contest offered to judges who attended 8th circuit judicial conference in 2013. Tax $ paid travel
— Scott MacFarlane (@MacFarlaneNews) April 3, 2013
The amazing things your tax money funds. You paid to send federal judiciary staff to —-> pic.twitter.com/kF5PaFcwxc
— Scott MacFarlane (@MacFarlaneNews) April 3, 2013
Do government conferences need "social committees"? 8th circuit court conference in 2012 staged judges' trip to Elton John's "Aida" show
— Scott MacFarlane (@MacFarlaneNews) April 3, 2013
Good question. The taxpayers deserve answers.
Update:
MacFarlane reports that your tax dollars paid for 91 federal judges to get the “Basketball Experience.”
NEW: 91 federal judges attended 2012 basketball party in Kansas City. W/ slam dunk contest, shooting competition. Your tax $ flew them in
— Scott MacFarlane (@MacFarlaneNews) April 3, 2013
Here's the invitation for the 8th circuit court judges conference in 2012. Look at how they promote the opening night pic.twitter.com/cMrEugEqic
— Scott MacFarlane (@MacFarlaneNews) April 3, 2013
106 federal judges attended Tony award winning "Aida" during 2012 Kansas City conference. Your tax $ paid for travel pic.twitter.com/VfPogXquwP
— Scott MacFarlane (@MacFarlaneNews) April 3, 2013
Update:
Read more about MacFarlane’s investigation here:
My investigation into the "basketball junket" attended by 92 federal judges. Your tax $ paid for the travel — http://t.co/RPnlzJ7BkV
— Scott MacFarlane (@MacFarlaneNews) April 4, 2013
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