During Rep. Karen Bass’ first year in Congress in 2011, she contacted government ethics officials with a request: Could she accept a full scholarship for a graduate degree at USC. The House Committee on Ethics cleared Bass’ request to accept the USC School of Social Work tuition award, ultimately valued at over $95,000. Flynn learned of Bass’ interest in graduate school and approached her about a joint social work and public administration master’s degree. Smith Meyer, then a USC social work professor who is also married to former Warner Bros. chairman Barry Meyer, first contributed to Bass’ state Assembly campaign in 2007. At least one piece of legislation Bass authored originated from a USC social work professor.

Source: Los Angeles Times November 10, 2021 19:53 UTC