Florida congressman questions ABATE spending
A Florida legislator is questioning the use of ABATE’s state funding and has asked for an audit of the organization.
State Rep. Bryan Nelson (R-Apopka) was set to ask a joint Legislative Auditing Committee on Monday to audit the state funds that go to ABATE, arguing that the private organization uses the money on “trinkets” that he doesn’t believe improve motorcycle safety, according to a report from WCTV in Tallahassee. ABATE has received $250,000 this year from a $2.50 fee tacked on to motorcycle registrations.
James “Doc” Reichenbach, the president of ABATE, said the money does go to purchase items such as refrigerator magnets and key chains, but he added that the items have contributed to declining motorcycle crash deaths.
An independent auditor already examined the organization, reporting that ABATE is abiding by its contract because the contract states that the money can be used for “any other needs with the express purpose of promoting biker safety/training to include promotional products.” In addition to the key chains and magnets, ABATE also spends its state funds on kickstand pads, billboards, radio ads, bus ads and other informational items.
Click here to read the full WCTV story.
- For more of the latest news, click here.
