New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman is in preparation to release a report regarding an investigation into the financial dealings of the popular Puerto Rican Day Parade. After the chairwoman of the Parade was asked to step down, a state senator says the celebrated event is in hot water.
DNAInfo reported on the resignation of Parade chairwoman Madelyn Lugo, who says the AG ordered her to step down from her post. State Sen. Ruben Diaz Sr. spoke out against Lupo’s removal from her post, saying that it may possibly disrupt the June parade’s chances of happening.
More from DNAInfo:
Schneiderman launched an investigation into the National Puerto Rican Day Parade Inc. last year after a controversial marketing effort with MillerCoors that wrapped what looked like a Puerto Rican flag around Coors beer cans set off questions about the sponsorship arrangement. DNAinfo New York first reported news of the outrage over the beer can design.
MillerCoors at first defended the advertising campaign and its relationship with the Puerto Rican Day Parade, citing a long-running scholarship fund. That’s when Schneiderman asked MillerCoors and the Puerto Rican Day Parade for more information regarding the fund.
After the AG’s investigation into the financial arrangement between MillerCoors and the Puerto Rican Day board, it was found that the finances were in shambles. After raising $2.4 million between 2007 and 2011, the board reported a deficit over $1 million in 2012.
Ramon Jimenez, attorney for Boricuas for a Positive Change, says that Sen. Diaz may be exaggerating the seriousness of the matter and thinks a parade should and will still happen.
“There is still enough time to hold a parade that highlights our history and culture but there might be less floats advertising beer and less naked women,” said Jimenez, whose group protested the Puerto Rican beer cans.
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Photo: WENN
