Tennessee Agency Funds Anti-Conservative Rhetoric Using $20,000+ In Taxpayer Dollars
Image Credit: anonymous source
The Tennessee Conservative [By Adelia Kirchner] –
Throughout the run of Covid-19, states across the U.S. were bestowed millions upon millions of dollars in relief funds from the federal government.
Now, in this “post-Covid” era many state governments are still in possession of, and debating, how exactly to expend these large sums of money and Tennessee is no exception.
In April of 2020, Gov. Bill Lee announced the creation of a Financial Stimulus Accountability Group (FSAG), meant to “ensure proper fiscal management” of funds received by the state through the CARES Act Coronavirus Relief Fund and the American Rescue Plan.
Members of this group include Gov. Lee, Lt. Gov. Randy McNally, House Speaker Cameron Sexton, Sen. Bo Watson, Sen. Raumesh Akbari, Rep. Pat Marsh, Rep. Harold Love. Jr., Comptroller of the Treasury Justin P. Wilson, Finance & Administration Commissioner Butch Eley, and the COVID-19 Unified Command’s Stuart McWhorter.
As recently as April 26th, the FSAG held a meeting to review three separate budget request options from the Tennessee Housing Development Agency (THDA) ranging from $10 million all the way up to $21.9 million to go towards an affordable housing initiative.
Like with many state agencies, some if not many things are outsourced to the private sector.
THDA’s budget request outlines their plan to partner with NeighborWorks Alliance of TN and the Tennessee Association of Housing and Redevelopment Authorities, as well as the Federation of Appalachian Housing Enterprises (FAHE) as an intermediary for the state government’s investment in affordable housing.
However, THDA’s budget requests do not seem to be the issue here. Instead, the problem looks to be with funds that THDA, a state government agency, has already spent in association with FAHE.
In September, FAHE hosted their 2022 annual meeting in Kingsport, Tennessee, boasting a variety of speakers, including African American and Appalachian Studies expert Dr. William H. (Bill) Turner whose upcoming book release is titled An Open Letter to My White Appalachian Friends and Colleagues Who Are Serious About Making Our Old Appalachia a New Appalachia.
THDA was listed as their platinum sponsor for 2022 which means that this state government agency contributed $20,000 or more in what was likely in part, taxpayer dollars, to FAHE for the event.
Throughout Dr. Turner’s speech he consistently affirmed that FAHE President and CEO Jim King agreed with his ideals and at one point even made a quip about how “white” the room was. The diversity statements did not stop there.
“What does your office look like?” Dr. Turner asked FAHE employees, “Stop calling it diversity and call it equal opportunity. I challenge people wherever I go saying, name two black people you know that are entrepreneurs or businesswomen and men, and that have no connection to entertainment or sports.”
One presentation slide even featured images of Former President Donald Trump and Sen. Lindsey Graham with the text, “Trump warns of ‘problems’ like ‘we’ve never seen’ if he’s indicted. It’s not the first time Republicans have hinted at potential civil unrest.”
This was paired with Dr. Turner’s commentary on the Oath Keepers, the Klu Klux Klan, and January 6th and followed up by an emphasis on the speaker’s key question as he phrased it.
“Are we ‘One nation under God, indivisible?’ Or are we at an inflection point?” asked Dr. Turner.
It seems THDA made the choice to not just partner with the organization, but to also sponsor an event that publicly espouses ideals rooted in critical race theory and criticizes conservatism.
How many other government agencies are donating taxpayer dollars to left-leaning nonprofits and businesses? Did Gov. Lee know this was happening? Is Gov. Lee in support of government housing? What makes FAHE the best possible organization for THDA to partner with?
And most importantly, why should Tennesseans have to watch their tax dollars go towards an event, boasting speakers who will make fun of them for their political leaning or skin color?
About the Author: Adelia Kirchner is a Tennessee resident and reporter for the Tennessee Conservative. Currently the host of Subtle Rampage Podcast, she has also worked for the South Dakota State Legislature and interned for Senator Bill Hagerty’s Office in Nashville, Tennessee. You can reach Adelia at adelia@tennesseeconservativenews.com.
Until the trap – the 501-c-3, etc. is removed, there will be no relief. The IRS IS the problem.
This garbage needs to stop ASAP! Defund!!
NOTHING new BILL LEE is not the man we thought he was, and he needs to be recalled.