Mike Rogers: Making our broken tax code simpler and fairer for East Alabama
As most folks across East Alabama have seen in the news lately, President Donald Trump and Congress are working together to help make our broken tax code fairer and simpler. The House and Senate have both passed the Fiscal Year 2018 Budget Resolution which clears the path to start tax reform and it has been quite some time since this has happened. Guy Hunt was elected first Republican Governor of Alabama in over 100 years, Auburn’s Bo Jackson was first pick of the NFL Draft by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, The Bangles were topping the charts, The Oprah Winfrey Show made its first national broadcast, Teddy Ruxpin was every child’s dream toy and the TV show “Dallas” brought Bobby Ewing back from the dead. That was the last time the tax code was reformed – the year was 1986. These are all great memories to look back on, but it’s amazing how much has changed since we’ve done anything on tax reform. Now Congress will begin the overhaul by simplifying our tax code. Hard-working American families deserve to take home more of their hard-earned paychecks, and President Trump’s tax plan will help make that happen. The plan will also give families more time together by making it easier to file. Instead of spending countless hours on filing taxes, the plan will make filing as easy as filling out a form the size of a postcard. The plan will give families back that time and money spent on preparing for Tax Day. The tax plan will also help our small businesses, which are the backbone of our local economies, by lowering tax rates and leveling the playing field. Closing special interest loopholes and rewarding hard work should help encourage investment back in America and help bring more good-paying jobs back home. I support President Trump’s efforts to reform our broken tax code to make things easier on the hard-working families across East Alabama. Learn more about the plan at fairandsimple.gop and sign up for SMS notifications on tax reform by texting “TAX REFORM” to 50589. I want to hear from you on this or any issue. ••• Mike Rogers is a member of U.S. Congress representing Alabama’s 3rd Congressional District. Sign-up for his e-Newsletter by visiting www.mikerogers.house.gov. To stay up to date, you can also like him on Facebook at Congressman Mike D. Rogers, follow him on Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram at RepMikeRogersAL, on Tumblr at www.repmikerogersal.tumblr.com.
Grant program to provide healthy foods to underserved Alabama communities now accepting applications
In 2015, the Alabama legislature passed a law, the Alabama’s Healthy Food Financing Act, to establish a statewide program to provide financing to increase the availability of fresh and nutritious food in underserved communities. Now the state is one step closer to ensuring that everyone has access to healthy foods with the rollout of a grant program designed to help retailers open grocery businesses in underserved areas of the state, Gov. Kay Ivey announced Wednesday. The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA) has been provided with $300,000 by the legislature to distribute to projects statewide through a one-time grant competition. The program will enable retailers to obtain a grant of up to $50,000 to build or open a grocery store, market or other fresh-food outlet in communities where residents do not have immediate access to fresh and healthy foods. Applicants are required to match the grant amount awarded to them. “It is unbelievable that in Alabama, where we have farms that produce an enormous amount of produce, grains, meats and dairy items, people in some communities cannot buy those products without having to travel long distances,” said Ivey. “Healthy, fresh foods help children properly develop and do better in school and help reduce overall health-care costs that can be attributed to an unhealthy diet. This important program will lead to the opening of markets in some of Alabama’s food deserts, hopefully helping many Alabamians.” Ivey, then lieutenant governor, was a major proponent of the bi-partisan bill when it was passed by the Legislature in 2015. “It was a privilege to sponsor the Healthy Food Financing Act – this grant program will encourage economic growth by giving business owners access to additional capital to open or expand grocery stores and food markets in communities that may not have a local grocery option,” said Jasper-Republican and Alabama Senate Majority Leader Greg Reed, sponsor of the 2015 legislation. “In some areas of the state, people have to drive over a dozen miles to reach the nearest grocery store. That’s a huge burden on a family and it’s also a public health challenge for our state. I am optimistic this grant program will bring economic growth and additional grocery stores to areas that desperately need both.” The program endeavors to reach those individuals found in “food-deserts.” According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), a “food-desert” is an urban area where at least 33 percent of the population lives a mile or more – or 10 miles in rural areas – from a store that offers fresh produce at affordable prices. “Food deserts exist in many parts of my district and our state,” Greensboro-Democrat State Senator Bobby Singleton said. “The Healthy Food Financing Program is a real solution to provide access to fresh and healthy foods in areas where it does not exist. I am proud to support this program, and I know it will make a significant difference in rural Alabama.” ADECA is accepting grant applications now until until 5 p.m. on Dec. 20.
Newt Gingrich throws support behind Roy Moore’s Senate bid
Former Alabama Chief Justice Roy Moore has picked up the endorsement of yet another big name in Republican politics in his bid to be Alabama’s next U.S. Senator. Former U.S. Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich announced his endorsement of Moore early Wednesday morning. “There’s nothing more important for advancing the President’s agenda than having another conservative voice in the U.S. Senate – which is why we need Judge Roy Moore in Washington,” Gingrich said. “Roy Moore is a West Point graduate, Vietnam Veteran and constitutional scholar who has been a fighter for our conservative values. He will help rebuild our military and stop the gross overreach of Federal power.” “I’m proud to endorse Judge Roy Moore for Senator and ask you to join me in supporting him,” Gingrich concluded. Gingrich, who served as the Speaker of the House of Representatives from 1995-1999, is a prolific author and the husband of Callista Gingrich, the recently confirmed United States’ Ambassador to the Vatican. “Newt Gingrich is a visionary leader, not only for the conservative cause, but for the entire country. The Contract with America of 1994 was a landmark in American political history and forged the modern Republican Party’s identity as a party committed to tax cuts, welfare reform, and fiscal responsibility,” Moore said. “I welcome Newt’s support, and I look forward to working with him on policy ideas to rebuild the military, reduce spending, and rein in the national debt.” Moore faces Democrat Doug Jones in a special election on Dec. 12.
Illegal immigrant deported multiple times, trafficked son in Alabama
An illegal immigrant — who has twice been deported, once in 2011 and again in 2012 — is being held in federal custody for forcing his teenage son into a sexual relationship with a Huntsville, Ala. man in exchange for money. In 2014, the man reentered the United States, illegally smuggling his son from Honduras with him and has since forced in son into at least one sexual relationship. Madison County investigators arrested Huntsville-resident Billy Randolph Edwards in late September following an ongoing investigation by the sheriff’s office and the Department of Homeland Security. Edwards was paying money to be in a sexual relationship with the boy. He faces sex abuse, sodomy, and human trafficking with the teen. Court documents reveal a note found in Edwards’ home from the victim’s father asking Edwards to pay $25,000 even after the sexual relationship ended, threatening Edwards that he would go to the authorities. Jail records reveal Edwards posted bail the same day as his arrest. He has a hearing in Huntsville November 2. The boy’s father remains in federal custody.
On this day in Alabama history: Apple’s Tim Cook was born in Mobile
November 1, 1960 Apple Inc. CEO Tim Cook was born in Mobile, Ala. A graduate of Auburn University, Cook joined Apple in 1998 and became CEO of the company in 2011 after the resignation of founder Steve Jobs. As CEO, Cook has overseen one of the greatest growth periods in Apple’s history while continuing to promote its progressive core beliefs of valuing diversity, equality and humanity. He is the first CEO of a Fortune 500 company to publicly identify as gay and, in 2015, was named “Fortune” magazine’s World’s Greatest Leader. Cook was inducted into the Alabama Academy of Honor in 2014. Republished with permission from the Alabama NewsCenter.
Steve Flowers: Alabama’s Silver Haired Legislature to convene next week
With all the changes and uncertainty surrounding Alabama government in recent months, including political appointments, high level resignations, special elections, runoff elections and a host of new candidates tossing their names into the 2018 election circus, Alabamians might be relieved to know one thing remains steady and solid and many may never have heard of it – Alabama’s Silver Haired Legislature is one of Alabama’s crown jewels. This illustrious and distinguished array of Alabama’s senior leaders will convene in Montgomery next week. This elected body of 105 members will meet to discuss issues related to seniors but in some cases, they may have positive impacts on the State in general. Alabama’s Silver Haired Legislature has met now for 24-years. They have had a significant impact on Alabama Public Policy. The idea of a body to represent seniors has been around the nation since 1973. Most states now have a Silver Haired Legislature. The idea of a senior legislative institution was created to educate older Americans about issues of local, state, and national concern. The purpose is to insure that all 105 legislative districts have a senior legislator to mirror and provide some liaison with our 105 regular state legislators, assist them, and keep them apprised of senior issues that affect their constituents. The Silver legislators serve as conduits between the state’s area agencies on aging, Senior Centers, nutritional centers and generally being the eyes and ears of seniors related to finances, education, recreation, health and wellness. Unlike the regular legislature, the Silver Hairs body is unicameral and nonpartisan. They are from all parts of the state. The age requirement is that one must be over age 60. They pass resolutions, not bills. Their nonpartisanship makes for a much more effective and harmonious legislative session than our regular legislature. Many of these senior legislators have historically been an extremely experienced collection of retired state employees, educators, business people, judges, former legislators, mayors, and public servants. Many have been involved with governance at all levels. Alabama is an aging state. By 2030 those age 60 and above will represent 27 percent of Alabama’s population. It is often overlooked, but this age shift is evolving. Currently it is estimated that nearly 20 percent of Alabama’s population is over 60. The fastest growing segment of our state’s population is our folks 70-85. Projections are at the next census one of every five Alabamians will be over 65. Therefore, it is apropos that we have a senior legislature of over 60 year olds looking after their interests. They were at the forefront and subsequently were the reason that an Elder Abuse Statue was passed in the state. They were the first to address the issue of texting and driving. Legislation came out of that resolution. They have impacted the Medicaid budgeting problems and nursing home enhancements and regulations. They were the first to bring attention to the predatory payday lending business. They brought about public transportation for senior citizens who live in rural areas and small municipalities. They have sought assistance to better fund all Department of Senior Services. Their current leadership is stellar. The Speaker of the House is Steve Griffin of Tuscaloosa. Winston Griggs of Headland is Speaker Pro Tem. George Boswell of Wetumpka is Secretary. Sandra Harris of Alexander City is treasurer. Other leaders who serve on the board and are legislative leaders are Mary Jo Martin of Demopolis, Dean McCormack of Tuscumbia, Warner Floyd of Montgomery, Homer Homan of Brundidge, Selena Daniel of Opelika, Carol Oden of Vinemont and Ann Holman of Dothan. While much of the focus is on the younger generation, it will be those that have helped build the state who are quietly listening to the issues and helping plan the trajectory of state programs and politics who may actually have the loudest input at the ballot box and in helping shape the legislation that insures that Alabama remembers the needs of its seniors along with all of its citizens. See you next week. ••• Steve Flowers is Alabama’s leading political columnist. His weekly column appears in over 60 Alabama newspapers. He served 16 years in the state legislature. Steve may be reached at www.steveflowers.us.
