A Lake Charles-based entity is one of 19 non-governmental organizations that will be referred to the state Office of Debt Recovery to collect money owed to taxpayers because they did not file the legally required financial paperwork, according to a news release issued Thursday by Treasurer John Kennedy’s office.

The National Empowerment Coalition, Inc., reportedly owes $150,000 to the state and did not file the paperwork by Wednesday’s deadline. Click here to see the complete list.

Final demand letters were sent to the coalition and other NGOs on Aug. 13 alerting them to submit paperwork. Non-governmental organizations are “required to submit progress reports and corresponding documentation to the Treasury in order to maintain their appropriation.”

According to the release, the state Legislative Auditor will conduct a “thorough review” of the NGOs.

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(mgnonline.com)