Compiled by Speakin’ Out News
Alabama State Senator Rodger Smitherman is taking a firm stand against proposed state budget cuts that would eliminate funding for key cultural and historical events in Birmingham, including the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute and the Magic City Classic football game.
During a Senate session on Tuesday, Smitherman voiced strong opposition to the removal of these allocations, which were included in Governor Kay Ivey’s proposed General Fund budget. The cuts also appeared in the version approved by the House Ways and Means General Fund Committee that same day.
“If anybody thinks that’s going to happen and I’m not going to be at this mic from this moment until we leave, you can forget it,” Smitherman declared from the Senate floor. Known for using extended debate rules to filibuster, Smitherman warned he will use every tool available to resist the changes unless the funding is restored.
Although the items in question represent a small portion of the proposed $3.7 billion budget—$200,000 for the Magic City Classic and $100,000 for the Civil Rights Museum—they are considered deeply symbolic and essential to the Birmingham community.
Senate Minority Leader Bobby Singleton and Smitherman met with Republican budget leaders, including Sen. Greg Albritton and Rep. Rex Reynolds, to discuss the issue. While Singleton confirmed that adjustments were under consideration, no specific details were released.
Budget Chairman Rep. Reynolds said the move reflects a shift toward funding core state agencies over one-time appropriations. “You’ve heard me say publicly we’ve got to get back to what I call prioritized budgeting,” Reynolds said.
Still, Smitherman drew a connection between the proposed cuts and broader efforts to dismantle diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, accusing state leadership of trying to silence and erase key elements of Black history and culture.
“You want us to be extinguished,” Smitherman said. “You want to shut our museum. You want to shut us all the way down. You don’t want us to have nothing. That’s not going to happen.”
With 13 legislative days remaining before the session ends in May, there is still time for changes to the budget. The Senate is scheduled to reconvene on Thursday.