Prince George’s County is facing a $200 million budget shortfall, and yet some members of the County Council are behaving like it’s Christmas morning. One name stands out: Chairman Edward Burroughs III, who recently unveiled a $9.7 million annual spending plan from the MGM Local Impact Grant. At first glance, the plan seems generous. But a closer look raises disturbing questions.
Buried inside the proposal is a $2 million grant to Joan’s House, a nonprofit that reportedly spent less than 15% of its funds raised on community programs last year. This is not the first time Joan’s House has received public funds either—this comes on top of funds already reallocated to them earlier this year.
So why is Burroughs funneling millions to a nonprofit with a poor track record and virtually no public accountability?
Even more alarming, credible sources within county government suggest there may be a kickback scheme in play. While no formal charges have been brought and we must be careful not to assert what hasn’t been proven, the pattern is deeply troubling.
Let’s be clear:
The American Red Cross and the Capital Area Food Bank, long-established institutions with proven reach and infrastructure, were defunded or deprioritized.
In their place, Joan’s House, a nonprofit with questionable effectiveness and almost no transparency, is now swimming in cash.
The organization’s connection to local power brokers, including Burroughs, is no longer just a whisper in political circles—it’s become a roar.
If Burroughs has nothing to hide, then why is the Council pushing money to a group with no audited financials available to the public, no annual report detailing results, and no accountability mechanism?
District 8 voters deserve answers. The people of Prince George’s County deserve better than a government that takes from effective charities and shovels millions into the hands of unproven friends.
Here’s the question:
Is Edward Burroughs III receiving kickbacks from the grants directed to Joan’s House?
We don't yet have the smoking gun. But the smoke is thick, and it’s time someone pulled the fire alarm.
In a county that’s facing real financial pain, families who are behind on rent, food insecurity, and school budget cuts, it’s offensive to see councilmembers treating public funds like private piggy banks.
This isn’t bold leadership—it’s backroom favoritism. And if the County Inspector General or State Prosecutor isn't already watching, they should be. But really, is the fix already in, rumours swirl that the new States Atttorney has been prromised a Judgeship if she keeps things quet.
“If Burroughs has nothing to hide, then why is the Council pushing money to a group with no audited financials available to the public, no annual report detailing results, and no accountability mechanism?”
How does the Council’s action here provide cover for Burroughs? This quote seems like a non-sequitur.