The Alabama Democratic Party has condemned state Sen. Sam Givhan, R-Huntsville, for comments made on a Huntsville radio show on the recent passage of the massive $772 million in federal COVID-19 relief funds now appropriated for broadband connectivity, water, and sewer improvements, and state hospitals and nursing homes.
Givhan’s was the sole vote against the measure in the Senate during final passage.
In a recent appearance on The Dale Jackson Show, broadcast from Athens’ WVNN “The Dale Jackson Show,” Givhan suggested that funds allocated for rural hospitals in the bill were “apparently to appease the Democrats” and questioned whether hospitals receiving funds are sustainable.
Givhan also mentioned that the areas of funding were already decided “before it hit the floor,” referring to the ARPA appropriation package, and he wasn’t given the opportunity to offer his input.
“Sam Givhan was one vote, but he represents most of the Alabama Republican platform – screw first responders, shut down hospitals, reject clean water, and instead build new prisons,” said Wade Perry, executive director of the Alabama Democrats. “Sam should spend less time on talk radio and more time talking to voters in North Alabama – folks want faster internet, quick access to hospitals, and to know that if they call the fire department – somebody can show up. They don’t want new prisons,” Perry said.
In September 2021, Givhan voted to approve the use of $400 million in COVID-19 relief funds to construct new prisons during the previous special session on prison construction and reform.
Democrat Korey Wilson is challenging Givhan’s seat in the Alabama Senate in the upcoming state Senate elections scheduled for later this year.
