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Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsObama’s Top Choice for OMB Led Walmart Foundation’s Targeted Giving
http://www.thenation.com/article/172952/obamas-top-choice-omb-led-walmart-foundations-targeted-givingSylvia Mathews Burwell. (Courtesy of Walmart.com.)
Recent reports suggest that President Obama is about to nominate Sylvia Mathews Burwell, the president of the Walmart Foundation, as director of the Office of Management and Budget. Her nomination would be a coup for Walmart and its foundation, which under Burwells watch has wielded its massive budget to expand the retail giants influence at all levels of government and to pave the way for store expansions.
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The most recent tax disclosure from the Walmart Foundation, obtained by The Nation, shows that between February 2011 and January 2012, the company gave over $175.68 million in grants to charities, municipalities, churches and various community groups across the country, from the Environmental Defense Fund to Friends of NRA to Puppies Behind Bars. Our review of the foundations giving reveals that it has donated considerable cash to groups that have gone on the record to support Walmart during its most contentious political disputes, including the ongoing effort to open stores in New York City. The foundation also donates directly to municipalities, funds groups tied to powerful elected officials and instructs grantees to publicize Walmarts generosity.
Leslie Dach, who oversees the foundation as Walmarts most senior executive devoted to political affairs, touted the benefits of the companys philanthropy during a presentation to investors in October 2010. According to a transcript, Dach described our reputation as a lever in pursuing the companys goals, which he said include new markets, among them urban America. A former Democratic Party operative, Dach also extolled the companys improved polling numbers among self-identified liberals and moderates.
Activists allege that Walmarts charitable outreach is part of a bid to co-opt potential critics and isolate workers demanding changes to Walmarts labor practices. They are very clear about the fact that theyre trying to use their political giving as a lever to pry open these markets, said Russ Davis, the executive director of Massachusetts Jobs With Justice and a leader of the coalition Massachusetts Stands Up to Walmart.
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Obama’s Top Choice for OMB Led Walmart Foundation’s Targeted Giving (Original Post)
xchrom
Feb 2013
OP
Teamster Jeff
(1,598 posts)1. Walmart is the largest funder of Charter school start ups in Chicago
The Walton Family Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Wal-Marts founder, gave more money to Chicago to start new charter schools last year than it did to any other city $3.8 million.
That brings the total donated to Chicago schools to $22.8 million since 1997 by the largest private funder of charter school startups.
http://www.suntimes.com/news/education/17443345-418/chicago-largest-recipient-of-walton-family-foundation-money-for-charter-schools.html
Lately, they are funding community meetings to "discuss" Chicago Public School closings.
Obama > Rahm > Walmart > Sylvia Mathews Burwell
woo me with science
(32,139 posts)2. k&r