APT Under Fire for Anti-Trump Lobbying?

Alabama Public Television (APT), funded by our tax dollars, is catching flak for seemingly lobbying against President Trump's rescission package. What's the deal?

The Proposed Cuts

Trump's plan aims to retract around $9.4 billion in previously approved spending. This includes a chunk of change, around $1.1 billion, from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. The U.S. House already gave it the thumbs up, and it's now navigating the Senate.

APT's Concerns

APT claims these cuts could cost them about $3 million annually. That's a lot of dough!

APT's Response

Wayne Reid, APT's executive director, released a statement saying that if the Senate approves the cuts, it could severely impact their service. "We will be forced to make difficult decisions," Reid warned. "You could lose some of your favorite programs...as well as trusted PBS Kids content, educational outreach...and other vital outreach programs." He argues that these services cost just $1.60 per person each year, and cutting funding would barely impact the federal debt.

Americans for Prosperity Responds

Adam Thompson, the Alabama state director for Americans for Prosperity, isn't happy. He called out APTV for allegedly using taxpayer money to try and kill the rescissions package. Thompson questions why a state agency, flush with funds from the Alabama Education Trust Fund, is asking Alabamians to lobby for more federal cash.

Thompson's Take

Thompson didn't hold back on FM Talk 106.5, stating, "APT's a government agency using taxpayer money to lobby another government agency to get more taxpayer money...It doesn't make any sense why we should allow this."

The Big Picture

Trump's rescission package has already passed the U.S. House, with support from Alabama's Republican representatives. What happens next in the Senate will determine the fate of this funding.