Jeff Proposes Coach Airfare (Rita Cheng) Law for Government Officials

President of NAU Rita Cheng & her husband spent over $30,000 of NAU funds for first & business class airfare to Russia. NAU buys Rita Cheng's husband $5,000+ business class ticket to travel with her to Israel despite a sponsor willing to pay for coach tickets. In total, Cheng was ordered by Auditor General to pay back $37,964.

So what are the consequences, what'd she do in response? She paid back $179 out of her pocket and the non-profit NAU Foundation paid NAU $37,785 on her behalf. How in the HELL did this ever happen? Why is this foundation that many donate to for scholarships and other causes bailing out Rita Cheng? How do you spend $30,000 to go to Russia! Why did she only pay $179 with her own money? By the way she makes $475,000 per year plus benefits! Why are public figures and those in a position of public trust flying first class on the public dime?

Jeff finds airfare to Russia for under $1,000!

Jeff proposes 3 things that should happen now...apology anyone! And what was the NAU Foundation thinking!

Finally Jeff proposes a NEW LAW for ARIZONA and he has support for a bill in the Legislature!

The Coach Class Travel Bill
(I know many of you want to call it the Rita Cheng Bill)

Government officials and/or employees on official government travel shall only be reimbursed for coach and/or lowest price economy airfare. The tax payer and/or public entity of which the public official represents will not pay for airfare upgrades such as business class or first class. Further, travel by the public official’s family shall not be reimbursed. The spouse of the government official/employee has to pay for their own ticket. Government officials include:

Elected representatives and their staff.

Employees of government entities such as towns, cities, counties, the state and state agencies, special districts, universities and community colleges. 

Upgraded travel by public officials is allowed if the public official pays the difference of the upgraded cost minus the coach fare full price ticket.

Jeff also gives updates on a mountain lion issue near Tucson and Rep. Warren Petersons private border wall bill. Rep. Peterson should be on the show this week!

Find out who will sponsor & co-sponsor the Coach Class Travel Bill on Tuesdays Jeff Oravits Show on 97.1 the Big Talker and www.TalkWithJeff.com