Why funding was cut in the state budget for Magic City Classic, Birmingham Civil Rights Institute

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WIAT) — In her budget recommendation, Gov. Kay Ivey cut funding for some line items. This includes money for the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, Magic City Classic, and Jazz Hall of Fame. Some see it as an attempt to suppress conversations about race. But, others reassure funding will be restored.

The state’s General Fund made it’s way through the House of Representatives this week. Rep. Rex Reynolds (R-Huntsville) said a software program determines what cuts are made. And, some have to be reinstated. He said some were one time appropriations made with COVID relief money and that’s why they didn’t appear in this year’s budget.

Sen. Bobby Singleton said he’s been assured funding will be restored. “We thought that was just a stomp in the face to those events that’s there, that’s most important to those of us in the African American community,” said Singleton. “Because, it seems like those were the only ones that got struck.”

But, Reynolds said funding for the Law Enforcement Medal of Honor Awards also had to be restored. House Speaker Nathaniel Ledbetter (R) commended Reynolds for his work on the budget this year. He described in a statement that the budget process is calculated and transparent.

The Birmingham Civil Rights Institute is urging Alabamians to call their lawmakers. In a statement, they said in part quote, “The Birmingham Civil Rights Institute will continue to be a beacon of truth, a space for courageous dialogue, and a guardian of the stories that shape our democracy.”

Sen. Singleton said they will continue to keep a watchful eye on the budgets. “We’ve been seeing how we’ve been hit over at UAB, and research dollars,” he said of federal cuts. “And, we’re possibly losing doctors, and things of that nature. And, no one in our state is stepping up and talking about it. So, we gotta be the voice for those who need to understand. Because, it’s hurting people.”

The General Fund passed in the House yesterday without allocations for the Magic City Classic, and those other line items. Reynolds said Sen. Greg Albritton (R-Atmore), budget chairman in the Senate, will make the changes when they get the budget sometime next week.