Some readers are getting lost in all the threads of this story, so let me capsule it for everyone:

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Last summer, Abate of Florida's state president and paid lobbyist James 'Doc' Reichenbach II claimed there was "... a state budgetary item that earmarks $500,000 for motorcycle safety to be administered by ABATE of Florida, Inc." and that this was "... the first time that a state motorcyclists' rights organization has succeeded in getting safety funding approved through the state budget."

He was lying on all counts:

1. There was no "state budget item". Instead, there was an "Abate Partner Program" established with the Florida DHSMV.

2. Abate of Florida was never given any authority to "administer" state MSAP or other funds. Instead, they were only given permission to "request" how certain funds might be spent by the state through the DHSMV.

3. The amount of such funds was never $500,000. Instead, a "maximum of $400,000" *might* be allocated to the program.

4. This was NOT the first SMRO/state partnership of its kind. Abate of Arizona--for one example--has been partnering with the State of Arizona on MSAP billboard programs for at least three years.

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Like I keep saying, I don't mind a lobbyist that lies FOR us, but I will not tolerate an SMRO president who lies TO us!

Bruce