Email Insights: Gary Palmer challenges EPA Administrator McCarthy on overreach
Congressman Gary Palmer, a member of the Science, Space and Technology Committee, questioned EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy at a hearing today on the Environmental Protection Agency‘s overreach: The EPA is an agency that increasingly claims more authority than it rightfully ought to have. It claims the authority to regulate ditches and small ponds as ‘navigable waters.’ It is busy crafting some of the most expensive regulations in history on power plants. It unreasonably refuses to consider the potential costs of regulations on to the economy,” said Palmer. “The EPA’s agenda is destroying jobs and hurting the poorest Americans disproportionately. This is especially true in the minority community. According to a report by the National Black Chamber of Commerce, due to the EPA’s regulatory agenda, by 2025, blacks will lose almost 2.2 million jobs and Hispanics 3.8 million. Also, the poverty rate will increase for blacks by 23% and Hispanics by 26%. During her testimony, Administrator McCarthy admitted that the proposed new ozone standard would be achieved by the majority of counties without additional regulations. Additionally, Administrator McCarthy admitted that the previous standard has yet to be implemented. Palmer asked why, if this were true, the EPA is now proposing a new standard which cannot be met by many counties using currently available technology. You can watch Congressman Palmer’s exchange with Administrator McCarthy below:
Where politics and music collide. Roby interns tweet Taylor Swift.
Taylor Swift has two concerts in DC next week. The pop star known for engaging fans on social media has a new invite waiting for her on twitter today. Check out the tweet with photo from Rep. Martha Roby‘s interns. Not a bad idea if I do say so myself. FYI, @taylorswift13, my interns say they’re available to give a Capitol tour while you’re in DC next week #1989TourDCpic.twitter.com/C6O3Lpwi1I — Rep. Martha Roby (@RepMarthaRoby) July 10, 2015
Martha Roby: Finally. Replacing “No Child Left Behind”
Politicians have tried for decades to fix our schools with a “Washington-knows-best” approach. But, this top-down scheme hasn’t improved student achievement, and our schools are more bogged down in federal mandates and red tape than ever before. Teachers, parents, principals and superintendents that I’ve talked to all agree: one size does not fit all when it comes to education. They are frustrated with endless regulations and directives from Washington. Since coming to Congress, I’ve worked to replace “No Child Left Behind” with policies that return decision-making back to states and local communities where it should be. I’m pleased to report that this week the House acted to do just that by passing H.R. 5, the “Student Success Act.” This bill eliminates more than 65 ineffective, duplicative and unnecessary programs, replacing them with flexible grants that state and local districts can use to benefit students the best way they see fit. I’m further pleased to report that the bill includes language I proposed and have championed expressly prohibiting the federal government from using funding grants and policy waivers to coerce states into adopting certain standards and curricula. In addition to getting the federal government out of the standards and curricula business, this bill includes many other positive provisions supporting parents, locals and states: Eliminating the “Adequate Yearly Progress,” or “AYP” metric and returning the responsibility for proficiency systems to the states where they belong; Repealing the federal “Highly Qualified Teachers” requirements, or “HQT,” which will enable state and local-driven efforts to customize teaching evaluations; Enhancing student mobility and school choice by repealing Title I restrictions and allowing money to “follow the student” to the school of the parent’s choice, whether that’s a traditional public school or a public charter school; Supporting the start-up, replication and expansion of high-quality public charter schools, which Alabama can now access to support its recently-enacted charter school program; Of course this isn’t a perfect bill – I’ve yet to read one that is. But, the Student Success Act finally replaces top-down Washington mandates with conservative reforms that reduce the federal footprint in education, restore local control and empower parents, teacher and community leaders to improve their schools. Martha Roby represents Alabama’s 2nd Congressional District. She is currently serving her third term.
Statewide grassroots leaders ask Governor to call education special session
Grassroots activists aren’t ready to give in on their attempt to repeal Common Core and change the states education system. Today they sent the following letter asking Gov. Robert Bentley to call an education special session to take up the bill that failed during regular session. Governor Robert Bentley, We the parents and concerned citizens of Alabama respectfully demand that you, the Governor of Alabama, call a Special Session of the Legislature, and request that SB101 and HB242 be revisited. You have repeatedly expressed to grassroots leaders and concerned parents working to repeal the Common Core Standards, that you were also opposed to them. Support of Common Core will be a dark mark on your legacy, and will also severely damage anyone with future political aspirations. You are calling for tax increases to balance the general budget, but you refuse to address the fact that Common Core will bankrupt the State of Alabama. No amount of federal dollars will stay this process. The “Repeal Common Core Battle Cry” will not stop. It is rampant throughout our country. The children of Alabama will not be easily surrendered to the untested mandates of the politick. We are giving you an opportunity to stand with us, the parents of Alabama, and prove you are still a man of your word. We await your answer. Make no mistake, we are not going away. Signed, Ann Eubank Co-Chair Rainy Day Patriots Zan Green Founder Rainy Day Patriots Dawn Ray, Shelby County Republican Women Bash Agricola, Montgomery Tea Party Dee Shirley, Shelby County Republican Women Dexter Bland, Calhoun County Rainy Day Patriots Steven D. Guede, Calhoun County Rainy Day Patriots Steve Henry, Oxford, AL Lou Campomenosi, Common Sense Campaign Kelly Berry, The Madison Institute Don and Kay Day, Mobile, AL Dee L. Voelkel Lee James, Sr. George Barry, Madison, AL Richard Schultz John Mahan Lei Peavy, Huntsville, AL Mike Parsons, Huntsville, AL Dr. Miles F. Jones, Fairhope, AL Mary Lynn and Charles P. Bailey, Gurley, AL Cathy Odom Steve and Irene Stone Janet Oglesby Priscilla J. Owens Roberta Burckardt Beverly Burks Kimberly Knight Alex Balkum James Giddens, Opelika, AL George B. Williams, Athens, AL Walter F. Gray, Daphne, AL Linda King Butch Daniel, Enterprise, AL Dianna Crews, Stand in the Gap Ron Hei Steve Johnson, Rainy Day Patriots
Alabama Supreme Court expands juvenile sex abuse rules
A decision by the Alabama Supreme Court could make it easier to prosecute child-sex cases. The court on Friday overturned a lower court’s ruling that threw out the sodomy conviction of a teen accused of abusing a young child at a day care in Jefferson County. Criminal Appeals judges previously reversed Eric Lemont Higdon‘s first-degree sodomy conviction, ruling prosecutors didn’t prove he used force. But the justices ruled 8-1 that prosecutors don’t have to prove the use of force since the Higdon had authority over the child. They say the case should be considered from the child’s perspective, not the adult’s. Chief Justice Roy Moore dissented, saying fellow justices are encroaching on lawmakers’ decision-making role. Prison records show Higdon is serving a 23-year term on a related sodomy conviction. Republished with permission of The Associated Press.
10 lines from Gov. Robert Bentley’s special session press conference to make you say “what?”
Friday morning the Governor held a press conference to talk about his call for a special session. Here are some key take aways. From the “makes you think” file courtesy of Gov. Robert Bentley: “I truly believe they [legislators] are ready to solve the problems with this state” (This is in spite of both the Speaker and the President Pro Tem releasing statements saying they aren’t) “I just listened and nodded my head.” (On leadership “across the street” calling for an Aug. special session.) “Even though the people of the state are not in favor of many taxes and increase in taxes they are more unfavorable of cuts.” “Called for two reasons: I believe the legislature is ready… to take the pressure off the membership of the legislature related to the gambling issue.” “If they fail in this session we’ll come back into another one.” “We actually have not finalized the bill yet.” “I wanted to basically surprise. This in an element of surprise,” “They’ll have to override my veto” (In response to the question “What if they send a budget back like the last one?”) “Let me say, that it’s a little hard to explain because most people do not even understand what FICA is. They do not even realize that it comes out of their checks each month.” (Did he just say people don’t know they’re paying social security taxes or don’t read their pay stubs?) “You know the Senate has not been quite as ready as the House.” (In response to Sen. Del Marsh saying he will adjourn when called in on Monday.) Bonus technical stuff worth noting: “Expressly exclude gaming in this call.” “BP money will be used to pay off debts.” Says his idea is not to include taxes to water and juice as we have previously reported. Ideas you may hear including combining budgets and unearmarking. Watch the whole video on WSFA. The text of the call can be found here.
Presidential TV ad roundup: July 10 edition
Here’s a roundup of all the Presidential TV ads from this past week. Jeb Bush Title: Someone who’s done it Published: July 7, 2015 Tone: Encouraging Title: Responsible Published: July 10, 2015 Tone: Informative Chris Christie Title: Telling It Like It Is Published: June 28, 2015 Tone: Sincere Title: Leadership Published: July 10, 2015 Tone: Honest Hillary Clinton Title: A Pledge Published: June 29, 2015 Tone: Promising Mike Huckabee Title: Iran Daisy Published: July 10, 2015 Tone: Eerie
Alabama business roundup: Headlines from across the state
Here’s a roundup of some of the top business headlines from across the state this week: AL.com: BP paying Pelham $106,760 to settle claims in Deepwater Horizon litigation BP’s landmark $18.7 billion settlement agreement involving litigation surrounding the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico is resulting in a $106,760 payment to the City of Pelham to resolve any claims. The Pelham City Council tonight held a special meeting to approve a resolution concerning the settlement terms and releasing BP and other parties in the case from any claims. Under terms of the settlement for Pelham, the city will receive a payment from BP Exploration and Production Inc. for $106,760, minus 15 percent for attorney’s fees paid to Gulas Law Firm as well as up to $1,000 for the out-of-pocket expenses incurred by the firm. After the 15 percent and other payment to the Birmingham-based Gulas Law Firm, the city’s share will be roughly $90,000. The settlement money will go into the city’s general fund. Council President Rick Hayes said during tonight’s special meeting the city had until July 15 to approve the release agreement and settlement terms. Hayes would not discuss any further details of the action, citing a confidentiality order in the case. Before the council’s vote, Hayes said the “judge’s order said we have to be very confidential about everything.” He declined to answer any questions about the matter after the meeting. Gov. Robert Bentley and Attorney General Luther Strange on July 2 announced that Alabama will receive $2.3 billion in the settlement with BP for environmental and economic damages resulting from the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. For Alabama, the settlement amount includes economic damages at $1 billion paid over 18 years and environmental damages of $1.3 billion. Among the other financial aspects of the settlement that involves Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas, up to $1 billion will be paid to resolve claims made by more than 400 local government entities. The Birmingham City Council this week approved a resolution accepting a settlement totaling more than $1 million for economic losses associated with the oil spill. Birmingham Business Journal: Blue Bell to conduct first trial production runs at Sylacauga plant Blue Bell has announced it will begin trial runs at its Sylacauga location, which will be the first plant to begin work since a listeria contamination halted production across the company’s footprint in April. The Brenham, Texas-based Blue Bell Creameries notified the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and Alabama state health officials that the company hopes to begin test production of ice cream products at its Sylacauga facilities in the next several weeks, according to a report from our sister publication the Houston Business Journal. The first instance of listeria was confirmed at the Sylacauga production facility in June. The plant then laid off a third of its workforce, with 48 Sylacauga workers being temporarily laid off. While the company is optimistic about test productions, no firm dates have been set for when trial operations will begin or when products will return to markets. “When production resumes at the Sylacauga plant, it will be on a limited basis as the company seeks to confirm that new procedures, facility enhancements and employee training have been effective,” said Blue Bell in a statement. “Ice cream produced will be closely monitored and tested. Upon completion of this trial period, Blue Bell will begin building inventory to return to the market.” Birmingham Business Journal: Intermark Group lands $6M Alabama Tourism Department contract Birmingham-based Intermark Group on Monday was announced as the new agency of record for the Alabama Tourism Department’s $6 million annual advertising contract by director Lee Sentell. The agency will succeed Luckie & Co. on the account, according to a release from the Alabama Tourism Department. “Luckie has created memorable and successful campaigns based on the themes our agency has suggested, including branding ‘Sweet Home Alabama.’ Most importantly, the amount of tourism expenditures in the state has increased by 80 percent to $11.8 billion during the 12 years that Luckie has handled the account,” said Sentell. Additionally, he said the tourism department has won numerous regional and national tourism awards, including a silver award last month from the Advertising Federation of America for the Alabama Civil Rights Trail. The two Birmingham-based agencies – who are also the largest agencies in the state – were the lowest bidders among 12 companies that submitted proposals State contracts are limited to two years before rebidding, and are awarded based on a combination of agency capabilities and cost, the release said. Intermark will be tasked with creating the 2016 “year of” marketing campaign, to be announced this fall. The agency will also handle the state’s bicentennial celebration from 2017 through 2019, Sentell said that Intermark’s psychology driven marketing approach, along with their deep experience in digital marketing, makes them a great choice to carry on a long tradition in the growth of tourism in Alabama. Intermark, with 117 full-time employees, has recent brand experience with Toyota, Mohawk, Krispy Kreme, BBVA Compass, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama, the U.S. Space & Rocket Center and Talladega Superspeedway. Dothan Eagle: Peanut acreage up, cotton down due to Farm Bill, diversification options Local agriculture officials said good weather and potentially promising Farm Bill provisions have resulted in a productive peanut season so far. But lower market prices and fewer financial options for commodities like cotton might cause some farmers to reconsider what they plant in future years. The Alabama Peanut Producers Association reported an estimated 215,000 planted acres of peanuts statewide, with 212,000 of those acres expected to be harvested. That number is up from the 189,000 acres of peanuts harvested last year, which the Alabama Farmers Federation said resulted in 400 million pounds of peanuts valued at $118 million. The U.S. Department of Agriculture showed the F arm B ill, formally known as the Agriculture Act of 2014, allowed producers of peanuts and some other commodities to choose between Price Loss Coverage (PLC) or Agricultural Risk Coverage
Email Insight: Special election for District 5 set
Governor Robert Bentley has called set the dates for the special election to for house District 5 to replace Representative Dan Williams. According to WHNT Rep. Williams announced in February that he had leukemia and had recently been under the care of hospice. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and loved ones at this time. See below for his statement and the details. Governor Robert Bentley on Thursday announced the timeline for a special election to fill the vacant District 5 seat in the Alabama House of Representatives. The District 5 seat was previously held by Representative Dan Williams who died on July 1. “Rep. Dan Williams worked hard for the people in the 5th district and the city of Athens,” Governor Robert Bentley said. “My prayers are with Dan’s family during this difficult time. I know Dan will be truly missed, but his legacy will forever live on.” District 5 covers Limestone County. According to the election timeline released Thursday: A Special Primary Election will be held on Tuesday, September 29, 2015. If necessary because of one candidate not receiving a majority of the votes in the Special Primary Election, a Special Primary Runoff Election will be held on Tuesday, December 8, 2015. If a Special Primary Runoff Election is not necessary because one candidate receives a majority of the votes in the Special Primary Election, the Special General Election will be held on Tuesday, December 8, 2015. If a Special Primary Runoff Election is required, the Special General Election will be held on Tuesday, February 16, 2016. “This election timeline is designed to have a representative in place for the citizens of District 5 as soon as possible,” Governor Bentley said. “The timeline gives candidates time to qualify, it allows voters time to learn about candidates, and it allows time for those who are unable to vote in-person to arrange to vote by absentee ballot.” Candidates qualifying with major political parties must do so by Monday, July 27, 2015, at 5:00 p.m. The two major political parties are to certify their qualified candidates to the Secretary of State as soon as possible after the qualification deadline but by no later than 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, July 29, 2015. All third-party candidates, independent candidates, and/or minor party candidates seeking ballot access are advised that their deadline for filing the appropriate notification, petitions, or supporting paperwork with the Secretary of State is Tuesday, September 29, 2015, at 5:00 p.m. The formal election proclamation can be viewed here.
