Freedom Partners Chamber of Commerce, the political and policy network tied to the conservative billionaire Koch brothers, raised nearly $147 million in 2016, according to newly released tax returns.
The group, which describes its services as supporting "broad-based coalitions to advance free markets and a free society," gave $48.7 million to Americans for Prosperity, $12.6 million to Concerned Veterans for America, $7.6 million to Libre Initiative and $4.6 million to Generation Opportunity.
Americans for Prosperity, or AFP, describes itself as protecting "the American Dream by fighting each day for lower taxes, less government regulation and economic prosperity for all," and is pushing for Congress to rewrite the tax code.
Freedom Partners is on pace to spend nearly $400 million on national and state politics and policy during the 2017-2018 cycle, reports USA Today. The Republican National Committee in 2016 spent $323 million.
The Koch brothers, Charles G. and David, are known for using their wealth and political connections to advance conservative causes and shape political discourse. Their $650 million investment into Meredith Corp. helped finalize a deal Sunday for Meredith to buy Time Inc., one of the world's largest publishers.
Their involvement may raise new questions about political influence on the news media despite a statement saying the brothers' investment arm won't have a seat on Meredith's board or have influence on managerial or editorial operations.
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