Gov. Kay Ivey signs legislation making Yellowhammer Cookie Alabama’s official state cookie
On Friday, Alabama Governor Kay Ivey met with Montgomery 4th grader and recipe creator Mary Claire Cook to consider whether or not to sign legislation making Cook’s creation, the Yellowhammer Cookie, the official state cookie of the State of Alabama. Governor Ivey taste-tested the cookie for herself and gave it the stamp of approval. Ivey added her signature on the bill to officially name the Yellowhammer Cookie the official state cookie. Governor Ivey commented, “Sweet Home Alabama just got a little sweeter!” House Bill 421 (HB421) is sponsored by State Representative Reed Ingram (R-Montgomery). The legislation was carried in the Alabama Senate by State Senator Will Barfoot (R-Pike Road). “This week, you all have had the opportunity to see, and more importantly taste, the yellowhammer cookie,” Barfoot said, holding one up in the air for members to see. “This was brought to me by some fourth graders at Trinity Presbyterian School.” Reed explained that the students learned that Alabama did not have an official state cookie, so the students resolved to fix this situation by holding a cookie contest. The fourth graders submitted cookies, and the seniors judged them. Ultimately the Yellowhammer Cookie was judged the best cookie to submit to the legislature. “Twenty-four recipes were submitted,” Barfoot said. “That was narrowed down to five. Seniors from the government class at Trinity were brought in to judge the cookies, and the yellowhammer cookie was selected.” The cookies contain peanuts, pecans, and oats – all crops grown and well-adapted to Alabama. The pecan is already the official nut of Alabama, and the peanut is the official legume of the state of Alabama. Alabama Today asked Cook if making the cookie was something an ordinary person could do or if it required a factory to produce. “George Washington Carver’s work at Tuskegee Institute on peanuts is important to Alabama,” Barfoot said. Sen. David Sessions (R-Mobile) said, “It has peanuts and pecans. I raise both of them on my farm.” The legislation passed the Senate 35 to 0. Cook was joined at the Statehouse by her teachers Katherine Bandy and Kylie Osborne to lobby legislators. Former Congresswoman Martha Roby (R-AL02) also played an active role in these efforts. Lieutenant Governor Will Ainsworth recognized Cook for her work, and she was applauded by the members of the Senate. Tuesday will be the last day 25 of the 2023 Alabama Regular Legislative Session. To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Supreme Court to rule soon on Alabama Congressional Districts
Alabama’s Congressional Districts could be thrown into chaos in the coming weeks if the U.S. Supreme Court upholds a lower court decision in a case challenging the 2021 congressional redistricting by the Alabama Legislature. The Supreme Court decision in the case of Milligan versus Merrill will be announced in the next few weeks. This decision could have a wide-ranging impact on when states must draw minority-majority districts. The plaintiffs claim that since Blacks are over 27% of the population of Alabama, the Legislature should have drawn two majority-minority districts, not one (Alabama’s Seventh Congressional District). A federal three-judge panel ruled for the plaintiffs and ordered the Legislature to redraw the districts. The state appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court, which voted 5 to 4 to stay the lower court decision until they hear and decide the case. Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall said that the Supreme Court granted the State’s motion, allowing the Alabama Congressional District map as drawn by the Legislature in November to stand for now. “I’m gratified that the Supreme Court has stepped in to halt the district court’s order, which would have resulted in a congressional map that would have unconstitutionally divided Alabamians based on race,” Marshall stated. “As we have explained throughout this litigation, Alabama’s 2021 plan is an ordinary plan that looks much like the plan approved by a federal court in 1992, the plan approved by a majority-Democratic legislature in 2001, and the plan approved by a majority-Republican legislature in 2011. “Plaintiffs demand a significant overhaul to the map to create a second majority-Black district, but their own experts showed that no such map could be drawn unless traditional race-neutral principles took a back seat to voters’ race,” Marshall explained. “Indeed, one expert used her algorithm to draw two million random versions of Alabama’s map based on race-neutral principles, and not a single one had two majority-black districts. That is why each of the plans proposed by Plaintiffs would split Mobile County for the first time ever, to join voters in Mobile with voters as far away as Phenix City, based on race, all while dividing long-recognized communities centered on the Gulf Coast’s unique economy and culture.” The lawsuit challenging the map was brought by Evan Milligan, Khadidah Stone, Letitia Jackson, Shalela Dowdy, Greater Birmingham Ministries, and the Alabama State Conference of the NAACP, who are represented by the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, Inc. (LDF), the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), the American Civil Liberties Union) of Alabama, Hogan Lovells LLP, and Wiggins, Childs, Pantazis, Fisher & Goldfarb. Civil Rights groups are concerned that the opinion could further narrow the Voting Rights Act, similar to the landmark decision in Shelby v. Holder, which found that the preclearance section of the Voting Rights Act was an arcane measure that had no relevance in the modern world. As a result of the landmark Shelby v. Holder decision, the 2021 redistricting was the first in the state of Alabama in decades that did not have to get preclearance from the U.S. Department of Justice. A victory for the state of Alabama could give state legislatures nationwide more flexibility in how they draw their districts. A strong for the plaintiffs could impact districts beyond Alabama and spark more lawsuits as the two political parties use the courts to gain advantage over the other. On November 2022, six Alabama congressional incumbents (5 Republicans and 1 Democrat) easily sailed to re-election with little drama in districts that look much like how their districts were drawn a decade ago. Alabama congressional Republicans held on to the open Fifth Congressional District. No Alabama congressional district has flipped parties since the Second Congressional District flipped from Democrat to Republican control in 2010. Then Montgomery City Councilwoman Martha Roby defeated incumbent Congressman Bobby Bright. That was also the last time that an Alabama Congressional incumbent lost re-election. The decision is due before the end of June. To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Alabama House votes to advance state cookie legislation
On Tuesday, the Alabama House of Representatives voted to pass legislation establishing the yellowhammer cookie as the official state cookie. House Bill 421 (HB421) is sponsored by State Representative Reed Ingram. Reed explained that legislation making the “Yellowhammer Cookie” the official state-designated cookie was brought to him by the Fourth graders at Trinity Presbyterian School in Montgomery. Katherine Bandy is a counselor at Trinity. “We are learning about state symbols and Alabama history,” Bandy said. “And we figured out that Alabama doesn’t have a state cookie.” Reed explained that the students resolved to fix this situation by holding a cookie contest. The fourth graders submitted cookies, and the seniors judged them. Ultimately the Yellowhammer Cookie was judged the best cookie to submit to the legislature. “We needed a state cookie,” Bandy said. Mary Claire Cook developed the winning recipe. Alabama Today asked Cook if making the cookie was something an ordinary person could do or if it required a factory to produce. “Anyone can make it,” Cook assured. “I make it myself.” The Yellowhammer Cookie contains oats and pecans and has a peanut butter filling. Bandy explained that those three ingredients are essential because they are grown here in Alabama by Alabama farmers. The pecan is already the official nut of Alabama, and the peanut is the official legume of the state of Alabama. Cook explained that she began this project with her grandmother. They looked up recipes and began substituting in Alabama ingredients before arriving at the Yellowhammer Cookie. The Yellowhammer Cookie was chosen over two dozen other submissions. The fourth graders from Trinity were on hand at the House gallery to watch the bill be debated on the Alabama House of Representatives floor. Ingram explained that the last state symbol passed by the legislature was the decision to make the sweet potato the official state vegetable. Speaker of the House Nathaniel Ledbetter recognized the fourth graders for their involvement in the legislative process. At Ledbetter’s request, the whole body gave them a round of applause in recognition of their work. State Rep. A.J McCampbell told Ingram, “Usually when you have a bill, I have got to scrutinize it. The only problem I have with this bill is that you are asking us to designate this the state cookie, and I have not had one. I need a cookie. Where’s my cookie?” Ingram said, “I think they can arrange that.” Rep. Danny Garrett told Ingram, “One thing I have learned about you other than you are a great legislator and a great man is that you know cookies.” Rep. Napoleon Bracy said, “I got into politics when I ran for president of the SGA.” “Students learn Alabama history in the fourth grade,” Bracy explained. Ingram said, “We had a big shout-out to George Washington Carver for his work with the peanut.” Ingram explained that the Yellowhammer Cookie “is kind of like an oatmeal cookie with peanut butter in the middle.” “Is this something that we can mass produce? Have we trademarked this?” Bracy said. “This is something they can talk about on Shark Tank.” “This is something great for these students,” Bracy said. “It is uncontroversial. A lot of times, the first two bills on the calendar are kind of divisive.” Rep. Mary Moore said, “I want to thank you for paying attention to young people. I appreciate you for highlighting Dr. Carver and his work.” Speaker Ledbetter thanked former Congresswoman Martha Roby for helping the children navigate the legislative process with their bill. HB421 was passed 103 to 0. It now goes to the Alabama Senate for their consideration. Ingram told Alabama Today that he thinks Senator Will Barfoot will carry the bill in the Senate. The Art of Alabama Politics Facebook page shared the recipe. Wednesday will be day 22 of the 2023 Alabama Regular Legislative Session. To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Personnel Update: Ex-aide Stephen Boyd joins Huntsville consulting firm Horizons Global Solution
Stephen Boyd, a former top aide to Sen. Tommy Tuberville, has joined a Huntsville-based firm Horizons Global Solution. Boyd announced earlier this month that he would be leaving the office to pursue opportunities outside of government. The boutique government relations consulting firm announced today that longtime Boyd is joining as Partner. Boyd’s consulting practice will focus on aerospace, defense, intelligence, and investigative and law enforcement matters. “Stephen is the quintessential Washington expert,” said David Lasseter, Founder and Partner at Horizons Global Solutions. “His career serving at the top echelons of both the Executive and Legislative Branches makes him elite, with few equals having this level of experience. We are ecstatic to have such a respectable and thoughtful professional joining our HGS team.” Boyd brings nearly twenty years of high-level government experience. He was a Presidentially nominated and Senate-confirmed Assistant Attorney General at the U.S. Department of Justice, a Chief of Staff in both the U.S. Senate and the U.S. House of Representatives, and a Communications Director for a prestigious Senate committee. Boyd has served as Senator Tuberville’s chief of staff since the Senator assumed office in 2021. The Birmingham native served as the Senate-confirmed assistant attorney general for the Office of Legislative Affairs at the U.S. Department of Justice. He previously worked as chief of staff to former U.S. Representative Martha Roby and in various roles for former U.S. Senator Jeff Sessions. Boyd is an alumnus of the University of Alabama College of Communications and School of Law. The press release said Boyd will focus his consulting practice on aerospace, defense, intelligence, and investigative and law enforcement matters. Boyd expressed excitement about the new position and the opportunity to build relationships. “The way that Washington works has changed dramatically in the last two decades. Strong relationships will always matter, but to gain a strategic advantage today, you must truly understand the decision-making process behind the scenes — not just on Capitol Hill but also at the highest levels of the Executive Branch, inside the legal and enforcement arena and in media newsrooms,” Boyd said in the announcement. “I’m excited to join HGS because the firm has the real-world Washington experience to navigate every area of policy making and implementation and the agility to integrate with business leaders to seize strategic opportunities, build valuable relationships, and manage political risk.” Mary Blanche Hankey has been tapped to serve as Tuberville’s next chief of staff. Hankey also served as Tuberville’s chief counsel and policy advisor.
Todd Stacy’s inaugural Capitol Journal show to air January 7
Alabama Public Television’s public affairs series CAPITOL JOURNAL will begin the new year with its new host, Todd Stacy. Stacy, a Montgomery resident and publisher of Alabama Daily News, is taking over the reins on January 7 after previous host Don Dailey retired in December after 10 years in the anchor’s chair. Stacy will join veteran reporters Karen Goldsmith and Randy Scott as the Alabama Legislature begins its 2022 regular session. “I’m grateful to the Alabama Public Television leadership for their confidence in me to host such a meaningful news space in Alabama politics,” Stacy said. “I grew up watching APT and have enjoyed working with their team professionally over the years. It’s more than a little intimidating to fill the shoes of Don Dailey, who is a mainstay at the State House and universally well respected, but I’m honored by the opportunity and eager to get started.” Stacy is a veteran of both Washington, D.C. and Montgomery politics. He previously worked for former Gov. Bob Riley and former U.S. Rep. Martha Roby. He launched Alabama Daily News in January 2018 and will continue as publisher. Phil Hutcheson, interim executive director and CFO of Alabama Public Television stated, “We are excited to welcome Todd Stacy to the team. Viewers can rely on CAPITOL JOURNAL for straight-forward and balanced coverage of news from Montgomery and around the state and the most in-depth television coverage of the Legislature available.” Guests for this Friday’s show include Senate President Pro Tem Greg Reed, House Minority Leader Anthony Daniels, Finance Director Bill Poole, and State Health Officer Dr. Scott Harris.
Kay Ivey appoints Casey Rogers to external affairs director
Gov. Kay Ivey announced she has appointed Casey Rogers to serve as her external affairs director. Rogers has been the director of state legislative programs for the Alabama Farmers Federation. As external affairs director, Rogers will serve as a staff contact for federal government offices and Alabama constitutional offices, cities, counties, and other organizations. “The Ivey Administration will always be committed to being the most open governor’s administration, and I am glad to have Casey on board to help further that mission,” said Governor Ivey. “Every member of my cabinet and staff are here to be resources for the people of Alabama, and I am confident in them as we work every day to make Alabama a great place to live, work and raise a family.” Prior to her time at the Alabama Farmers Federation, Rogers served as a field representative in the U.S. House of Representatives for Martha Roby. The Greenville native graduated from the University of Alabama in 2013 and worked as a communications specialist for Pioneer Electric Cooperative for four years. She was communications director for Public Service Commissioner Jeremy Oden’s 2014 campaign.
Bradley Arant Boult Cummings adds Martha Roby as senior advisor
Former congressman Martha Roby has joined Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP as a senior advisor in the Governmental Affairs and Economic Development group. Roby served as the U.S. Representative for Alabama’s Second Congressional District from 2011 to 2021. She served on the Agriculture, Armed Services, and Education and Workforce committees and was also the chairman of the Subcommittee of Oversight and Investigations of the House Armed Services Committee. Ms. Roby received her J.D. from the Cumberland School of Law at Samford University. She also received a B.M in Music Business from New York University. She was in private practice in Montgomery, Alabama, and then served on the Montgomery City Council from 2003 to 2010. During her tenure in Congress, Roby sponsored and cosponsored more than 500 bills. She spent much of her time focusing on issues relating to veterans’ health, military mobility, and abuses in the Veterans Affairs health system. In her new position, Roby will provide governmental affairs, but not legal, services for clients. Managing Partner and Chairman of the Board Jonathan Skeeters stated, “We are extremely pleased to welcome Martha as a senior advisor for governmental affairs and economic development. Martha has a decade of service as a member of Congress and service on the Montgomery City Council, as well as a background in private legal practice. She brings tremendous experience to our firm and will be able to help advance the interests of our clients in Alabama and across the country.” “I have had the pleasure of working with Martha since her election to Congress in 2010,” stated David Stewart, Bradley’s Governmental Affairs Practice Group leader. “During her service in Congress, she distinguished herself for her ability to solve problems for her constituents and to work well with all members of Congress. Martha has a wide breadth of experience from her time in Washington and on the Montgomery City Council. We are very excited to have Martha join us.” Roby was the first representative from Alabama’s Second Congressional District to serve on the House Appropriations Committee, where she served on six of the 12 subcommittees, including the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee, the Labor, Education, Health and Human Services Subcommittee, the Commerce, Justice and Science Subcommittee, the State and Foreign Operations Subcommittee, the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Subcommittee, and the Legislative Branch Subcommittee. In this position, she had direct oversight of over 90 departments and related agencies. With offices in Alabama, Florida, Mississippi, North Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and the District of Columbia, Bradley’s 550 lawyers represent clients in several industries, including banking and financial services, construction, energy, healthcare, life sciences, manufacturing, real estate, and technology.
Alabama lawmakers split on Covid relief and omnibus bill, passed with bipartisan support
Late Monday night, both the Senate and House of Representatives passed a $900 billion relief measure designed to provide long-awaited coronavirus assistance to Americans, small businesses, and industries. The package is paired with a $1.4 trillion omnibus spending bill that funds the federal government through September reported CBS. According to govtrac.us, the bill, which is 5,593-pages, passed overwhelmingly and with bipartisan support in the House. The first portion of the bill was for the appropriations for some federal departments including Commerce, Justice, Defense, Treasury, and Homeland Security. It passed by a vote of 327 to 85. The second vote was on the remaining portion of the bill, which included appropriations for the remainder of the federal government as well as coronavirus stimulus passed by a margin of 359 to 53. The Bill was then bundled together and passed the Senate 92-6. The bill will now head to President Donald Trump for approval. Alabama Senators Doug Jones and Richard Shelby both voted in favor of the bill. Alabama House of Representatives were mostly in favor of the bill. Robert Aderholt, Bradley Byrne, Martha Roby, Gary Palmer, and Terri Sewell all voted yea for both parts of the bill. Mo Brooks voted in favor of part one of the bill and against part two. Rep. Mike Rogers did not vote. Gary Palmer posted on Twitter, “The House passed and appropriates and #COVID19 relief package today. Read more here on why I decided to support it.” The House passed an appropriations and #COVID19 relief package today. Read more here on why I decided to support it: https://t.co/kzC9tVkOlz — Gary Palmer (@USRepGaryPalmer) December 22, 2020 Terri Sewell posted on Twitter, stating, “Last night, Congress finally passed a bill to: provide $600 to each adult and child, add $300 per week in unemployment benefits, and extend the eviction moratorium. But it’s not enough- I’ll keep fighting until families get the help they need.” Last night, Congress finally passed a bill to: – provide $600 to each adult and child– add $300 per week in unemployment benefits – extend the eviction moratorium But it’s not enough — I’ll keep fighting until families get the help they need. https://t.co/0o7Arqa0ZZ — Rep. Terri A. Sewell (@RepTerriSewell) December 22, 2020
Martha Roby: Final remarks on the House floor
U.S. Representative Martha Roby (R-AL) on Tuesday gave her final speech on the floor of the House of Representatives to commemorate her time in Congress and service to Alabama’s Second Congressional District: “Mr. Speaker, I rise before you and my colleagues here today to speak for my final time on the House floor. “Seventeen years ago, my husband, Riley, and I prayerfully decided I would put my name on the ballot for the first time. Never could we have imagined the original decision to run for the Montgomery City Council would lead us to serve five terms in the U.S. House of Representatives. We are so grateful that God allowed us to serve our country in this way, and we give all honor and glory to Him. “I count it a great privilege to have served the people of Alabama’s Second Congressional District over the past decade, and I cannot adequately express how deeply thankful I am for the confidence my constituents have placed in me over the years. “Each of you sitting here before me knows the responsibility that comes along with being a Member of Congress. Yes, we are required to vote and to be the conscience of those we represent, but serving our constituents back home truly changes lives and our communities for the better. “As I look back on the wonderful things Team Roby was able to accomplish, along with the help of my colleagues in the Alabama delegation, I realize that our most significant duty is to help those who need us. “Whether it is requesting assistance with the VA or another federal agency, assisting with clean up following a large-scale weather event, voicing an opinion, or booking tours of the U.S. Capitol, my doors have always remained open to each person I represent. “I am thankful for the unique opportunities given to me by those who came before me, especially the chance to serve on several impactful committees including Appropriations, Judiciary, Agriculture, Armed Services, Education and the Workforce, and the Select Committee on Benghazi. Much work has been done in each of these revered committees to impact the lives of my constituents, and for that I am forever grateful. “I have been asked many times over the past few months what I will miss the most upon my departure, and my answer has remained the same – the relationships. The genuine friendships formed with my colleagues, my constituents, and so many others over the years and interacting with these individuals on a daily basis is what I will truly miss most. “For many, this past year was and continues to be very challenging. We have all experienced plenty of unfamiliar hardships. Not only has a global health pandemic taken center stage, but America is marked by intense division and polarization. Every time you turn on the television, you see a depiction of disunity among the American people. I imagine many Americans struggle to believe that friendship can actually exist within the halls of Congress. “It is incumbent upon us, Members of Congress, to join forces and work together to get things done for the good of the American people. When we reach across the aisle and work with the other side to arrive at a compromise for the benefit of those we serve, we are truly at our best. “I believe the American people are starving to see bipartisanship in action, especially during this time of much suffering and uncertainty. People want to know their leaders are working together for the common good and not just shouting each other down. “My greatest hope and prayer moving forward is that all Members of Congress – new and old, regardless of party identification, beliefs, or opinions – will come together and work toward a common goal to deliver real results for the American people. I have faith in this institution, and I have faith in each of you. “Now, I want to especially thank the people of the Second District. It is your faith and trust in me as your representative that helped me every step of the way. I am honored to have been given this incredibly unique opportunity, and I thank you for letting me be your voice in Congress. “Together, we have been able to deliver some incredible results for our military, veterans, agricultural community, and the unborn. While we made much progress together, the fight is not finished. “I want to thank my congressional colleagues for your kindness and friendship throughout the years. Not too far into my time in Congress, I woke up realizing the people I served with had become some of my very best friends. I am confident these relationships will continue. I will certainly miss our time spent together, having conversations about our families and encouraging one another. “I want to thank my incredible staff, all former and present members of Team Roby for your hard work on behalf of the people of Alabama and our country. I know all Members say this, but I truly believe I have the greatest staff in the world. I would never be able to execute this job without the dedication and support of my staff. They have worked tirelessly to serve the people of the Second District. We have a special saying on our team, “once Team Roby, always Team Roby.” “And lastly, I want to thank my husband, Riley, and our two children, Margaret and George, my parents, the Robys, and our entire village for supporting our decision to serve our country. Your steadfast love and constant support have carried us through the easy and the hard times, and I love each of you dearly. “On behalf of Riley, Margaret, George, and myself, we sincerely thank all those who made our service to our country and the great State of Alabama possible and those who offered their services along the way. “Thank you, and for the very last time, I yield back.” [Download broadcast-quality footage of Representative Roby’s remarks.]
Martha Roby: Remembering our troops this Christmas season
While the holiday season brings family and friends together, it serves as a time to remember our military families and troops overseas. This year especially brings new challenges as we continue to navigate the holidays during a global pandemic. Data from the Alabama Department of Health shows that numbers are sharply rising across the state, and we are setting consecutive new records for daily number of new cases of the Coronavirus (COVID-19). The virus may alter how we spend this Christmas season, as well as the direct and indirect effects for our men and women in uniform serving around the world. Each year, Members of Congress participate in the American Red Cross’ Holiday for Heroes program. This annual event provides an opportunity to express our gratitude and pass along holiday greetings and wishes to service members, their families, and veterans. Like many other events this year, we were unable to gather and convey our appreciation in writing. The Red Cross instead organized a virtual initiative for Members of Congress to send video messages wishing our servicemembers a happy holiday. I am grateful for the opportunity to send a special message to our deployed troops, and I encourage you this Christmas season to find a way to extend your appreciation to our military men and women for their daily sacrifices to preserve our freedom. I am honored to serve a district that many active-duty military families and veterans call home. Our service members go to great lengths to defend this nation and everything it stands for, especially during these challenging times. I want to give a special thank you to all members of the military and their families, as well as our veterans. I hope you all stay healthy and safe this holiday season. From the Roby family to yours, thank you for your service, and Merry Christmas! Martha Roby represents Alabama’s Second Congressional District. She lives in Montgomery, Alabama, with her husband Riley and their two children.
Tommy Tuberville names Stephen Boyd as chief of staff
Senator-elect Tommy Tuberville on Wednesday announced that Assistant Attorney General Stephen Boyd, an Alabama native with a lengthy Washington D.C. resume, will serve as his chief of staff. Boyd is currently the assistant attorney general for the Office of Legislative Affairs at the U.S. Department of Justice. The post is responsible for managing the Justice Department’s relationship with Congress. He was nominated to the position by President Donald Trump in 2017. He previously was chief of staff for U.S. Rep. Martha Roby and also worked for former Sen. Jeff Sessions in policy and communications roles. Boyd is a 2004 graduate of the University of Alabama School of Law and 2001 graduate of the University of Alabama College of Communications. “He is well-known throughout Alabama and knows how to get things done on Capitol Hill. Stephen is a leader of tremendous integrity and during my discussions with him, it became abundantly clear that he is the right person for the job,” Tuberville said in a statement announcing the appointment. “Stephen is a true conservative who has fought for our Alabama values since moving to Washington D.C. and I’m proud to announce him as my chief of staff,” Tuberville said. Boyd is Tuberville’s first announced staff hire. Tuberville defeated incumbent Sen. Doug Jones to win back the Alabama Senate seat for Republicans. The former college football coach who has never held public office has acknowledged he will have a steep learning curve in the U.S. Senate. He told The Associated Press in an earlier interview that one of his first priorities will be to put together an experienced staff. Republished with the permission of the Associated Press.
Martha Roby: Coronavirus Cases Continue to Rise
Thanksgiving is less than two weeks away, which means the Christmas holiday season will be here before we know it. The holidays bring many exciting opportunities to gather and celebrate with family and friends, and this holiday season, it’s important to remember that the coronavirus (COVID-19) continues to progress across our communities. The United States surpassed 1 million new confirmed cases of the coronavirus in the first ten days of November, and several states broke their record for the daily number of new COVID-19 cases reported. Health officials earlier this year warned Americans of the probability of a second wave as winter approached, and it is evident that we are entering this predicted phase of the pandemic. Governor Kay Ivey and State Health Officer Dr. Scott Harris recently announced an extension to the current Safer at Home order which is now set to expire on Friday, December 11. The updated order keeps the statewide mask mandate in place, and I encourage you to become familiar with the rest of the current guidelines. Public health orders are only as successful as the public’s awareness and adherence to them. This is a time for everyone to recognize the ongoing changes from the climb in cases to updated health and safety measures in place. The number of coronavirus-related hospitalizations and daily deaths across the state are on the rise. Although it may not be as sharp an increase in Alabama as we are seeing in other areas of the country, it is still imperative Alabamians take this virus seriously and adhere to all guidelines implemented by our public officials. I know we are all desperate to get back to our normal routines, but as the holidays approach, please be mindful of your health and the health of those around you. We have already lost over 3,200 precious lives across Alabama throughout the course of this pandemic, and we must remain responsible and diligent to ensure this virus does not continue to rapidly claim the lives of Alabamians. Martha Roby represents Alabama’s Second Congressional District. She lives in Montgomery, Alabama, with her husband Riley and their two children.
