Legislators gathered on the anniversary of Abraham Lincoln's death to hear arguments over the Abraham Presidential Library and Museum and a private fundraising foundation that the ALPLM says is overly secretive about finances.
The foundation says that it has given millions of dollars to help the ALPLM, including $1.8 million during the most recent fiscal year. But ALPLM officials say that the nonprofit provides scant financial support for the institution's programs and infrastructure needs.
With no legislation pending on ALPLM governance or finances, legislators on the House Tourism Committee asked why the fray over money and power landed in their laps. Lawmakers urged the two sides to hire a mediator, an idea the foundation supports and the ALPLM rejects. Two legislators suggested repealing a 2019 law that gives the foundation a role in running the institution.