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Group getting millions in state tax money is leading Madison's protests and calling for defunding of police departments
[JSONLINE] The Madison-based nonprofit has advocated for the release of all African Americans from jail and the defunding of police departments. As for the current protests, the group's leaders say "all actions against racist state violence are justified." "Stop murdering black people, and your glass will be safe," Monica Adams, co-executive director for Freedom Inc., said while leading the third day of police protests in the state's capital on Monday. "Thank all the youth freedom fighters who were in the streets fighting (Sunday) night and Saturday night," said Mahnker Dahnweih, community power-building coordinator for Freedom Inc. "Every action is a contribution to liberation." So where does a group like this get the money it needs to promote its agenda? A lot of it comes from you. Records show that the state has awarded contracts and grants worth $3.6 million to Freedom Inc., which advocates for minority and LGBTQ communities, over the past five years. That includes $876,674 in federal grants awarded by the state Department of Justice since January 2019, when Attorney General Josh Kaul took office. The state Department of Children and Families has paid out $732,403 to Freedom Inc. under Gov. Tony Evers over the past 1½ years. That's a lot of money for an organization that reported a total budget of $3.3 million in 2018, according to federal tax records. Freedom Inc.'s income has increased tenfold since 2014, when it reported revenue of just $311,670. Adams' salary has doubled in the past few years. She reported earning an annual paycheck of $104,230 in 2018 — up from $52,154 two years prior. The group has a net fund balance exceeding $2 million. It lists its purpose on tax forms as trying to "achieve social justice through coupling direct services with leadership development and community organizing." State Sen. Steve Nass, a Whitewater Republican, said he was concerned that state tax dollars may be going to help Freedom Inc.'s "radical" political agenda. He called on the governor and attorney general, both Democrats, to investigate. Related: Tony Evers: 2020-05-18 Dem-imposed coronavirus orders face lawsuits across the nation Tony Evers: 2020-05-15 ‘Unlawful, invalid, unenforceable’: Wisconsin Supreme Court nukes Dem Governor’s lockdown extension Tony Evers: 2020-04-27 'Mad City' madness, be glad you don't live there (a slideshow) Posted by: Fred 2020-06-05 |
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