ACORN Lives!`

By Robert Brodsky

It appears ACORN may have more lives than a creature from some bad horror movie.

Nearly six months after Congress passed a series of provisions banning the Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now from receiving federal contracts or grants, the Office of Management and Budget has alerted agencies that it can begin funding the controversial group again.

In a March 16 memo, OMB Director Peter Orszag told agencies that the legislative provisions were declared unconstitutional by the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York and were thereby voided. Agencies were told that ACORN can legally secure government funding for its non-profit operations.

If you remember, ACORN got into some trouble last year after company officials were filmed by a pair of conservative activists--dressed as a pimp and prostitute--offering guidance on how to hide their income.

The Department of Justice is filing an appeal of the District Court decision and is seeking a stay pending appeal.