Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) grants should only go to US vendors

Economy
1

The Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) must prioritize awarding grants to U.S.-based companies over foreign entities, especially in industries like animation and interactive media. This policy ensures that taxpayer funds support American jobs, foster domestic innovation, and counteract the competitive disadvantages posed by foreign subsidies, particularly from Canada.

Policy Rationale:

  1. Strengthening the U.S. Economy:
    U.S. taxpayers fund CPB grants. These funds should be reinvested domestically to generate economic growth and create jobs for American workers. Awarding grants to foreign companies redirects economic benefits abroad, weakening the U.S. animation and interactive industries, which are critical to our creative economy.

  2. Combating Foreign Subsidies:
    Canadian companies receive substantial government subsidies, often exceeding 30% of production costs, making it difficult for U.S. companies to compete. By outsourcing work to Canada, CPB inadvertently supports a system that undercuts American businesses. Keeping CPB funding within the U.S. helps level the playing field for our domestic industries.

  3. Promoting National Innovation and Talent Development:
    U.S.-based companies are global leaders in creative industries. By prioritizing domestic entities, CPB can nurture American talent, innovation, and intellectual property. This approach ensures that the benefits of CPB projects extend to U.S. workers and educational institutions, fostering long-term industry growth.

  4. Retaining Taxpayer Dollars:
    When CPB awards grants to foreign companies, a portion of U.S. taxpayer money effectively subsidizes foreign economies. Prioritizing U.S.-based vendors ensures that every dollar of grant funding circulates within the American economy, supporting local businesses, workers, and communities.

  5. Encouraging Domestic Workforce Growth:
    CPB-supported industries like animation and interactive media are integral to the U.S. creative workforce. With increasing competition from subsidized foreign entities, domestic talent is often left underemployed or forced to work abroad. Keeping CPB-funded projects within the U.S. supports a thriving creative workforce.

Proposed Guidelines for CPB Grant Recipients:

  1. Eligibility:
    Grant funding should be available only to U.S.-based companies that employ a majority of their workforce domestically.

  2. Domestic Spending Requirement:
    At least 90% of grant funds must be spent within the U.S., ensuring the economic benefits of CPB projects remain within the country.

  3. Annual Review:
    CPB should annually assess grant awards to ensure compliance with domestic spending requirements and evaluate their impact on the U.S. economy.

By adopting this policy, CPB can ensure its grants align with its mission to serve American audiences and support the U.S. creative economy, fostering a stronger and more competitive industry at home.