California official accused of high-end journey utilizing taxpayer cash

California’s insurance coverage commissioner has been accused of taking extravagant journeys on the taxpayers’ dime.

Newsweek and different retailers, citing a report from local media in San Francisco, defined that Ricardo Lara “spent thousands of dollars of taxpayers’ money on trips bearing little relation to the insurance industry.”

Insurance Business added that Lara “embarked on at least 48 trips since 2019, with unclear or undocumented business justifications for many of them.”

“Records obtained show taxpayers covered significant expenses, including five-star hotels, luxury transportation, and upgraded flights,” Insurance Business detailed.

Deputy Insurance Commissioner Michael Soller advised KTLA that Lara’s journeys have been vital for his duties, and stories on the contrary are lacking context, resulting in “incomplete reporting” and and article that “contains numerous false claims.”

“By working with fellow state commissioners and leading national and international delegations, he is advancing strong, coordinated regulation that protects California consumers and safeguards the integrity of our insurance marketplace,” Soller mentioned.