Lawmakers to join anti-embargo group to promote U.S.-Cuba relations
Prominent state lawmakers will join with a national advocacy group aimed at promoting economic ties between the United States and its island neighbor to the south to announce a new move to improve relations between the two nations. Leaders of a group called Engage Cuba will be joined by Democratic Sen. Vivian Figures and Republican Sen. J. T. “Jabo” Waggoner along with state business leaders to announce the creation of the Engage Cuba Alabama State Council. The group has launched similar councils in eight others states — Arkansas, Georgia, Iowa, Louisiana, Minnesota, Ohio, Tennessee, and Texas — and plans another state-level group in Mississippi this week. Executive Director of the Alabama Poultry Association, Johnny Adams, and a Commissioner John McMillan of the Department of Agriculture & Industries will also be on hand for the announcement. According to the group’s website, the state councils aim to “push for an end to trade and travel restrictions with Cuba” and “build a movement across the country for congressional action on ending the trade and travel ban.” The group touts support from top American corporations like Choice Hotels, Comcast and P&G.
Alabama becomes latest state to advocate lifting Cuban trade embargo
On Tuesday, the Alabama House of Representatives passed SJR43 from Sen. J.T. Wagonner (R-Vestavia Hills), which urges Congress to lift the Cuban trade embargo that has been in place for more than 50 years. The resolution has been unanimously passed by both chambers. Last October, Bentley joined with governors from eight other states – Arkansas, California, Georgia, Illinois, Michigan, Mississippi, Oklahoma and Texas – to urge Congress to drop the embargo, which has stifled American trade with the caribbean island for half a century. Already, Alabama is making its place in Cuba – Cleber, LLC, the Alabama-based agricultural equipment manufacturer, will be the first U.S manufacturer in Cuba. “The Alabama legislature is sending a loud and clear message that Alabama is paving the way for a new relationship with the Cuban people,” James Williams, President of Engage Cuba, said in a statement Tuesday. “Lifting the embargo and expanding commerce opportunities will benefit Alabama businesses and help improve the lives of the Cuban people. It is time for Washington to listen to the majority of Americans and Cubans to end the embargo.” With its earlier passage by the Senate, the resolution’s next stop is the desk of Gov. Robert Bentley.
