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.
Senate committee tackles several bills ranging from veterans to background checks
The Senate Committee on Governmental Affairs met shortly before the start of session Tuesday to move on a variety of bills. First on the committee’s agenda was SB325 from Sen. Gerald Dial (R-Lineville), which codifies the jobs of the newly formed Legislative Services Agency. Currently, three departments are responsible for various legislative tasks: the Alabama Law Institute, the Legislative Reference Service and the Legislative Fiscal Office. Dial’s bill would establish the Legislative Services Agency, which would oversee the operations of the three. Dial noted that the move would decrease future spending. Sen. Arthur Orr (R-Decatur) opposed the bill, noting that earlier discussions had decided that a codification of the agency wouldn’t happen until lawmakers were able to see how the changes worked, but the bill garnered a favorable report despite the opposition. Dial also brought SB161 before the committee, which would provide businesses owned by veterans of Operation Enduring Freedom (Afghanistan) and Operation Iraqi Freedom with preferred vendor status in competitive bids. Essentially, if a veteran-owned business is within 5 percent of another bidders offering, the veteran-owned operation is given preference. The committee gave the bill a favorable report with a unanimous vote. The committee also approved a bill from Sen. J.T. Waggoner, SB304, which will allow sheriff’s to issue pistol permits to residents of different counties. The National Rifle Association-drafted legislation is said to be for “convenience purposes” and would still allow sheriffs to revoke licenses provided to residents of their counties. The committee also approved a bill that would require polygraph examiners to pass a background check to attain their license, as well as a bill that would extend the renewal period for driver licenses to six months prior to expiration. Currently, residents receive a notification only 30 days prior to their license’s expiration. The bill would allow residents more time to renew their driver licenses.
J.T. Waggoner offers resolution to lift Cuban trade embargo
As the Senate session got underway Tuesday, Sen. J.T. Waggoner (R-Vestavia Hills) offered a resolution urging Congress to normalize relations with Cuba and lift the trade embargo which has been in place for more than 50 years. SJR43 claims that the embargo creates “significant restrictions and prohibitions on 20 American-Cuban relationships, notable on trade, travel, and 21 financial transactions.” Further, the resolution alleges that such restrictions make access to American goods “burdensome,” if not completely prohibited. As a result, Waggoner’s resolution suggests that the easing of restrictions against Cuba would create “new opportunities to grow our nation’s agricultural sector and create jobs in rural communities across the U.S.,” adding that Cuba is home to 11 million consumers, and in close proximity to the U.S., which makes it a “logical target for expanded U.S. food and agricultural exports.” The resolution further states that easing restrictions against the island would improve the quality of life for Cuban citizens and significantly boost the Cuban economy. Waggoner’s resolution is currently pending action in the Senate Rules Committee.
Jeb Bush adds three more Alabama legislative endorsements
The 2016 presidential campaign of Jeb Bush has featured an unusual focus on Alabama amid the south’s new “SEC primary,” and the former Florida governor’s efforts continued to yield fruit this week. You can add state Sens. Steve Livingston, Gerald Dial and Jimmy Holley to his list of elected supporters, according to an announcement on Thursday. The trio of Montgomery lawmakers cited his conservative bona fides and experience in discussing why they chose Jeb over, say, Donald Trump or Dr. Ben Carson, who according to recent polls are leading Bush in the Yellowhammer State. “I have a lot of experience in the energy field, and Jeb’s plan to unleash America’s oil and natural gas reserves as economic drivers is brilliant. Jeb is decisively laying out an agenda that will create jobs and opportunity in Alabama, and that’s I am endorsing him for President,” said Steve Livingston in a statement. Gerald Dial seemed to get take a dig at both Washington and his non-traditional opponent in Trump, whose blustery rhetoric has powered his campaign. “I am a big fan of Jeb’s record in Florida, because it shows he’s more than just talk. If Jeb tells you he’s going to reform the tax code, cut spending, and roll back Obama’s oppressive regulations, then he’s going to do it. His long record as one of the most conservative governors proves it, and I’m proud to sign on to his campaign. We need a president with a proven record of action, not talking,” said Dial. “I’m one of the most conservative legislators in Alabama, and I firmly believe Jeb Bush’s record and agenda shows he’ll govern this nation as a pro-growth conservative,” said Jimmy Holley. “We need a leader to restore America’s economy and its presence in the world, and I think Jeb Bush has the record and platform to get the job done. The Republican Party should nominate Jeb, and the country would do well to send him to the White House.” In recent weeks, Bush has picked up the endorsements of U.S. Congressman Mike Rogers, Board of Education member Mary Scott Hunter, and State Sen. J.T. Waggoner.
Jeb Bush picks up support from Alabama Republicans
Former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush announced Friday he has gained the support of three high-level elected officials from Alabama in his quest to take back the White House for the Republicans in 2016. Over the last few days Bush – who is coming in third in most national primary polls, behind frontrunner Donald Trump and Dr. Ben Carson, both largely seen as “non-traditional” candidates – has racked up endorsements from Congressman Mike Rogers, State Board of Education member Mary Scott Hunter and state Sen. J.T. Waggoner. Rogers, a seven-term congressman from Alabama’s third district, said Bush’s recently-released economic plan was what clinched his support. “I believe Gov. Bush has the right plan to reform our tax code, which will spur economic growth and put millions of Americans back to work. Gov. Bush has a proven record of cutting spending and standing up for agriculture families, two things that are very important to Alabama voters,” said Rogers this week. Meanwhile, Mary Scott Hunter cited Bush’s education policies – which have been controversial among Tea Party-inflected elements of the Republican base – in explaining her support for the former two-term Florida executive. “Jeb’s commitment to a better future for children is unparalleled in this field. His reforms in Florida resulted in a better education and better future for millions of kids,” Hunter said. “He understands that parents want choices when it comes to educating their children, and he believes that states are the best laboratories for education innovation.” Sen. Waggoner, on the other hand, had more holistic reasons for lending his support to Bush. “If there’s one Republican Governor that stands out as a true policy visionary during my time in public service, it is Jeb Bush,” Waggoner said. “His record of cutting spending, cutting taxes and growing Florida’s economy is clearly translating into his presidential platform, given the clear, conservative agenda he’s rolling out. Jeb is the only candidate with a clear plan to grow our economy and deliver better opportunities for the next generation. We can trust Jeb Bush to get the job done in The White House because of his proven results in Florida.” The key Yellowhammer State endorsements come after Bush secured the support of former Alabama congressman and governor Bob Riley earlier in 2015. Gov. Robert Bentley announced last month he will support Ohio Gov. John Kasich for the presidency in 2016.
