Doug Jones visits Birmingham school to celebrate ‘Read Across America Day’
U.S. Senator Doug Jones kept his promise to Henry J. Oliver Elementary School students in Birmingham, Ala. by celebrating Read Across America Day with them on Friday. Earlier in February, the STAIR program released this video on twitter, inviting Jones to come and read with them: We need your help! Our students would LOVE to meet @SenDougJones to show him what they’ve learned this year at STAIR. Please RT to help get the message to him! #Birmingham #ChildhoodLiteracy pic.twitter.com/AS2N37ChgJ — STAIR of Birmingham (@stairbirmingham) February 8, 2018 And Jones responded with his own video: 👋🏻 pic.twitter.com/CazzNhBKtv — Doug Jones (@SenDougJones) February 9, 2018 Jones read with 16 second-grade students who attend the Start the Adventure in Reading (STAIR) program at the elementary school; Read Across America Day is held annually on Dr. Seuss’ birthday, and celebrates its 20th anniversary this year. “I have been looking forward to meeting with these talented students for some weeks and I was so grateful to receive their very thoughtful invitation. For nearly twenty years, STAIR has been a model program in the Birmingham community and has provided thousands of underserved second-graders with the tools they need to improve their reading skills,” said Jones. Just finished spending time with students @stairbirmingham! After seeing the incredible work they are doing firsthand, I encourage folks Birmingham to volunteer with this outstanding program: https://t.co/18b2VFVJ09 pic.twitter.com/M1PjM6kLBh — Doug Jones (@SenDougJones) March 2, 2018 STAIR of Birmingham will provide 200 students from 13 different Birmingham City Schools with two hours of one-on-one tutoring in reading each week this year. Each week, students work with the same two trained volunteers who provide support for the entire school year. Generally, STAIR students improve their reading scores by an average of 90 percent upon completing the program.
Business Council of Alabama applauds Richard Shelby
The Business Council of Alabama (BCA) on Wednesday voted to commend U.S. Sen. Richard Shelby for his service to the state of Alabama. “Senator Shelby has always conducted himself on the national stage in a way that reflects the values, decency, and strength of the people of Alabama,” said Perry Hand BCA chairman. “During his service in the Alabama Legislature, his 39 years in Congress, including 31 in the U.S. Senate, Senator Shelby has significantly increased critical support for Alabama medical research and has transformed science, technology, engineering, and mathematics education at our colleges and universities.” Shelby has served as an Alabama Senator since he was elected in 1986. The BCA board of directors voted unanimously to approve a resolution extolling Shelby’s virtues and his advocacy for the conservative principles of smaller government, lower taxes, free enterprise, the right to keep and bear arms, and his pro-life stance. Shelby has increased funding into Alabama’s college and universities, transforming science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education at Alabama’s colleges and universities, and has increased critical support for medical research throughout the state. The group also cited several of Shelby’s more recent accomplishments including Toyota and Mazda’s announcement to invest $1.6 billion in a plant in Huntsville Ala. resulting in 4,000 new jobs, the announcement to locate the F-35 fighter jet with the Alabama Air National Guard in Montgomery, as evidence of Shelby’s excellence as a legislative bread-winner for the state of Alabama. “The BCA commends Senator Shelby for his extraordinary contributions, his dedication to our national security, and his service to the state of Alabama, its economy, and most importantly, its people,” said William J. Canary, President and CEO of BCA.
Frontier Airlines offers new non-stop, low fare flights from Birmingham
On Thursday, low fare carrier Frontier Airlines, announced new non-stop service to three destinations from Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport. Beginning in April, Birmingham, Ala.’s first ultra-low cost airline will begin nonstop flights to Denver, Philadelphia and Orlando, Fla. Frontier will not have daily service in Birmingham. Flights to and from: Denver will be offered on Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday; Philadelphia will be offered on Wednesday and Saturday; Orlando will be offered on Monday and Friday. “We are thrilled to help reduce the cost of flying to and from Birmingham,” said Daniel Shurz, Senior Vice President, commercial. “We are proud to be the first airline to offer ultra-low fares to the community and to offer the only nonstop service to Denver, Philadelphia on-full size jets and new low-fares to Orlando. We look forward to serving The Magic City and introducing this community to our unique brand of Low Fares Done Right.” “It is indeed a momentous occasion to celebrate these new routes by Frontier Airlines,” stated Interim BAA President and CEO Miguel Southwell. “We will work diligently to build a partnership with Frontier, our local economic development partners and business community, to further expand the airline’s schedule and link Birmingham to even more cities with non-stop flights.” Frontier flies one the youngest fleet in the industry consisting of Airbus A320 Family jet aircraft. With nearly 200 more new aircraft on order, Frontier will continue to grow and modernize its fleet to deliver on the mission to provide affordable travel across America. “Frontier is pleased to deliver Low Fares Done Right aboard Airbus A320 Family aircraft,” Shurz continued. “This year, we will proudly call Alabama home not only with new flights from Birmingham, but with new aircraft from Airbus’ U.S.-based Mobile, Ala. production facility.” Flights are already available for purchase at flyfrontier.com with introductory fares as low as $39, through Feb. 12, each way.
Personnel Note: Paige Boshell earns elite privacy certificates
Paige Boshell has earned four elite certifications in privacy policy from the International Association of Privacy Professionals (IAPP). Boshell, a partner in the Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP Birmingham, Ala. office, acts as team leader for the firm’s Cyber Security and Privacy team, as well as leading the Digital Services and Electronic Contracting Team and Cybersecurity and Financial Privacy Team. Boshell’s new certifications include: Certified Information Privacy Professional/United States (CIPP/US), which certifies her as having an understanding of privacy and data protection laws within the U.S. Certified Information Privacy Professional/Europe (CIPP/E), certifies her as having an understanding of privacy and data laws in Europe. Certified Information Privacy Manager (CIPM), certifies her as being able to establish, maintain and manage a privacy program throughout it’s lifecycle. Fellow of Information Privacy (FIP), signifies Boshell as having demonstrated comprehensive knowledge of privacy laws, data protection and privacy program management. According to the firm, Boshell councils “financial institutions, creditors, and their service providers regarding a variety of federal and state regulatory issues related to all aspects of their operations. She regularly advises financial institutions regarding the delivery of commercial and consumer products and services through traditional channels and via the Internet and mobile devices. She has broad experience negotiating vendor and outsourcing contracts for various clients, and advises clients on information security protection, data breach response, and cyber-risk management.”
Here are Alabama’s most paycheck friendly counties
Alabama has relatively low income taxes, but if you’re wondering where your paycheck goes the furthest in the Yellowhammer State — wonder no more. SmartAsset, a financial technology company, recently calculated the most paycheck-friendly places in the state, and ranked each county based on four financial criteria: semi-monthly paycheck, purchasing power, unemployment rate and income growth. Basically paycheck friendliness is how much of a paycheck a worker gets to keep after taxes are paid and required purchases are made, combined with prospects for future growth and job security. “Our study aims to find the most paycheck friendly places in the country. These are places in the country with favorable economic conditions where you get to keep more of the money you make,” said SmartAsset. The Heart of Dixie has a variable income tax rate, in which the amount of tax withheld depends on which of three tax brackets you fall under. This generally means that you’ll be taxed more if you earn more. Residents of Alabama usually have their federal tax, along with their state tax, withheld from each paycheck. Depending on which county you live in, local income taxes are also withheld. Here are the 10 most paycheck-friendly counties in Alabama: Shelby County, Ala. Madison County, Ala. Limestone County, Ala. Tuscaloosa County, Ala. Elmore County, Ala. Saint Clair County, Ala. Henry County, Ala. Bullock County, Ala. Autauga County, Ala. Lee County, Ala. Alabama paycheck quick facts: State income tax rate: 2 percent – 5 percent Median household income: $42,830 in 2014 (US Census Bureau) Number of cities with local income taxes: 4
2018: Year of the Woman in Alabama politics
If there ever was a “Year of the Woman” in Alabama, it’s 2018. Following the national trend, more Alabama women are stepping up to run for political office as a major party candidate than ever before, according to the Center for American Women and Politics at Rutgers University. Statewide Executive Office Currently only two women serve in statewide elected executive positions — Gov. Kay Ivey and Alabama Public Service Commission President Twinkle Andress Cavanaugh. But that could all change in 2018, as 16 women are vying ten executive positions this year. Governor Gov. Kay Ivey (Republican candidate) Sue Bell Cobb (Democratic candidate) Lt. Governor Twinkle Andress Cavanaugh (Republican candidate) Attorney General Alice Martin (Republican candidate) Secretary of State Lula Albert (Democratic candidate) Heather Milam (Democratic candidate) State Auditor Miranda Joseph (Democratic candidate) Chief Justice of the Alabama Supreme Court Lyn Stuart (Republican candidate) Public Service Commission Robin Litaker (Place 2, Republican candidate) Alabama Court of Criminal Appeals Donna Beaulieu (Place 3, Republican candidate) Alabama Court of Civil Appeals Christy Olinger Edwards (Place 1, Republican candidate) Michelle Manley Thomason (Place 1, Republican candidate) Terri Willingham Thomas (Place 2, Republican candidate) Associate of the Alabama Supreme Court Debra Jones (Place 1, Republican candidate) Sarah Hicks Stewart (Place 1, Republican candidate) U.S. Congress Currently only two women represent the Yellowhammer State in the United States Congress — 2nd District U.S. Rep. Martha Roby and 7th District U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell. Hoping to join them, or replace them and their colleagues, are five additional women. Alabama 1st District in the U.S. House of Representatives Lizzetta Hill McConnell (Democratic candidate) Alabama 2nd District in the U.S. House of Representatives Rep. Martha Roby (incumbent, Republican candidate) Tabitha Isner (Democratic candidate) Audri Scott Williams (Democratic candidate) Alabama 3rd District in the U.S. House of Representatives Mallory Hagan (Democratic candidate) Adia McClellan Winfrey (Democratic candidate) Alabama 7th District in the U.S. House of Representatives Rep. Terri Sewell (incumbent, Democratic candidate) State Legislature According to both of the major party’s websites, 63 women — 49 Democrats and 14 Republicans — also qualified for state legislative offices by the deadline.
Martha Roby: Fixing the leak
The congressional calendar has been extremely busy lately. This is great for getting important work accomplished in Washington, but unfortunately it prevents me from being able to travel throughout the Second District and catch up with those I represent as often as I’d like. During these times when I’m required to be in Washington for votes, I try to find different ways to connect with my constituents, so I recently held two telephone town hall events to hear directly from individuals throughout our district. I believe both of these events were successful, and I really appreciate everyone who took the time to participate and ask questions. We discussed a variety of topics, including rebuilding our military, returning to regular order with government funding bills, continuing to repair the VA, standing up for the unborn, and many others. Throughout both of these town halls, the central issue that kept coming up was illegal immigration, so I would like to offer an update on what we are doing to crack down on the problem. As many of you are likely aware, the immigration debate is currently ongoing in Congress. The Trump Administration recently released a basic framework of their immigration proposal, and since it is just a framework, those negotiations are ongoing. I’m glad to be involved in these important conversations with my colleagues, and I’m eager to learn more from the President about his plan so that we can put a permanent solution into place. At the end of the day, my priority is reaching a solution that serves the best interest of the people who live and work in Alabama’s Second District. During both town hall events, I asked what everyone’s top priority is regarding our country’s illegal immigration issue, and the majority of participants said they are most concerned about securing our border. I feel the same way, and I am excited to report that I have cosponsored a bill that would do just that. I’ve signed onto my colleague Representative Bob Goodlatte’s (R-VA) bill, the Securing America’s Future Act, because I believe it represents what would be the best case scenario for our country. To put it broadly, the bill would accomplish three big things: It would secure our borders by authorizing construction of a border wall. It would refocus our legal immigration standards on the skills we actually need in this country, and it would create a responsible solution for the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. In addition, you might also recall that last year in the House we put a down payment on construction of the border wall by passing a funding bill called the Make America Prosperous and Secure Appropriations Act. The bill contains $1.6 billion for construction and security upgrades at the southern border, which was President Trump’s full request for funding in Fiscal Year 2018. I was proud to support it, and I remain frustrated that Senate Democrats have yet to allow a vote on this vital funding for our border. I believe that most Americans, including many of the people I spoke to during my telephone town halls this week, are ready for a sensible immigration system that prioritizes our country first. I have always said that in order to truly fix our immigration system, we absolutely have to start by securing the border. If you had a leak in your house, you probably wouldn’t start replacing the dry wall without first fixing the leak. The same idea applies to our country’s illegal immigration problem – we will only be able to make real progress towards fixing the issue once we secure our border once and for all. I am proud to strongly support these efforts in the House, and I will remain actively involved as we work to tackle this problem. ••• Martha Roby represents Alabama’s Second Congressional District. She lives in Montgomery, Alabama with her husband Riley and their two children.
Airbus mulls raising output of jet built in Alabama as demand soars
Airbus SE is considering increasing production rates for its best-selling single-aisle A320 jetliners, as airlines around the world place orders for hundreds of planes to meet surging demand for air travel. “The success of the products is forcing us to look at any opportunities we can have to improve the rate,” Eric Schulz, Airbus’s new sales chief, said at the Singapore Airshow on Tuesday. “We have not come to any conclusion yet. But this is something we are looking at very, very closely.” Airlines, particularly in Asia, are scrambling to secure aircraft to support the rapid expansion in emerging markets, including China and India, where more and more people are taking to the skies for the first time. The demand has boosted orders for both Airbus’s A320 family of single-aisles as well as Boeing Co.’s 737 — models that form the backbone for short-haul travel. Airbus said previously it aims to produce 60 A320s a month by mid-2019, up from an average of 50 in the first quarter of last year, across production lines in Mobile, France, Germany and China. Outgoing Chief Operating Officer Fabrice Bregier indicated last month that there is enough demand for Airbus to be producing as many as 70 of the aircraft a month, adding that any decision would be left to his successor. Output hurdles Production hurdles that have hindered deliveries of engines for both Airbus and Boeing narrow-bodies have leveled out in recent months, with Schulz saying he was “confident” that the European manufacturer’s supply chain would be able to cope with a higher target. CFM, a joint venture between General Electric Co. and Safran SA, said in January it had been approached by each planemaker about reaching a rate of 70 planes a month. Tight aircraft availability is already hindering deals, including for a possible order of 50 narrow-bodies from India’s Vistara, sources said on Monday. The airline may have to agree to lease some aircraft to bridge the time until it can get new jets off Airbus’s production line. Boeing’s 737 Max is available for delivery only after 2020, the company’s senior vice president for sales in Asia and India, Dinesh Keskar said. The company has already indicated that rates on its narrow-bodies will reach 57 jets a month this year. Asia Pacific is likely to have 3.5 billion airline passengers by 2036, more than doubling the forecast for North America and Europe combined, according to estimates by the International Air Transport Association. Airbus’s Schulz was making his first appearance as sales chief, succeeding industry legend John Leahy, who secured aircraft orders worth more than $1 trillion during his decades-long tenure. Leahy has said he intends to stay on at Airbus to help with the transition. Republished with permission from the Alabama NewsCenter.
AT&T expands high-speed internet across Alabama
AT&T has expanded it’s high-speed internet service across the Sate of Alabama, impacting over 37,000 Alabama locations in parts of 32 counties. “The thousands of dedicated men and women who work for AT&T and call Alabama home are proud to provide the connectivity Alabama’s residents and businesses demand,” said president of AT&T Alabama, Wayne Hutchens.“ The expansion is in compliance with the FCC’s “Connect America Fund” which has committed to providing the approximately 23 million Americans, in rural areas without access to the internet, access to at least 10/Mbps fixed broadband. “In today’s digital economy, access to high-speed internet is critical, and I’m excited to see AT&T’s continued investment and innovation,” added Anniston-Republican and Senate President Pro Tem Del Marsh. “Using multiple technologies to enhance internet access across our state, we can close the remaining gaps and continue competing for the best jobs and grow economic opportunity for all Alabama.” The expansions take place mostly in rural areas, with few urban area expansion. AT&T has also expanded their AT&T Fiber network to over 150,000 locations in Alabama. Customers who purchase the “internet 1000” service can download 25 songs in one second, or a 90-minute HD movie in less that 34. “I am thankful for the leadership of our elected officials who work to ensure a pro-consumer business environment and am delighted to see so many Alabama residents benefiting from this innovative technology made possible by private investment,” said Business Council of Alabama President and CEO William J. Canary. According to a press release, parts of these counties in Alabama are now eligible for this service from AT&T: Autauga, Barbour, Bibb, Blount, Butler, Calhoun, Chambers, Chilton, Coosa, Cullman, Elmore, Escambia, Franklin, Greene, Hale, Jefferson, Lauderdale, Lawrence, Limestone, Lowndes, Macon, Marengo, Montgomery, Morgan, Russell, Shelby, Sumter, Talladega, Tallapoosa, Tuscaloosa, Walker and Winston.
Italian ambassador visits Tuskegee to support Leonardo T-100 project
Italian Ambassador Armando Varricchio and Leonardo DRS Chief Executive William Lynn III on Monday visited the historic home base of the Tuskegee Airmen, where the aerospace company wants to manufacture the U.S. Air Force’s next-generation trainer aircraft. If Leonardo’s T-100 jet trainer is selected by the Air Force, the company plans to build a manufacturing facility at Moton Field, where the celebrated Tuskegee Airmen trained before being deployed to Italy in World War II. The project will create 750 jobs in Tuskegee. Varricchio said he was impressed by the community’s eagerness to see the T-100 project become a reality. “I can tell you that it is my first visit here, but it will not be my last,” he said during a lunch with community leaders. “I will spare no effort because we want Tuskegee to be not just a place of memory but a place of the future. “Let’s move ahead,” he added. “Let’s work together.” Job-creation engine With an Air Force decision expected in the summer, Lynn said Leonardo DRS is prepared to launch the T-100 program quickly once the aircraft is selected. The Leonardo trainer is already being used by the air forces of Israel, Poland, Singapore and Italy, and it’s complemented by a sophisticated, integrated ground-based simulation system. “It would create jobs all across the U.S.,” Lynn said. “The engines would be built in Arizona. The training simulators would be built in Florida. We have suppliers in almost every state, so it would be thousands of jobs.” Last November, Leonardo officials told an Alabama delegation visiting the company’s Italian manufacturing plant that preparations for the Tuskegee facility were on track. After their Tuskegee visit, Varricchio, Lynn and a Leonardo team traveled to Montgomery for talks with Gov. Kay Ivey and Commerce Secretary Greg Canfield, followed by a dinner. Long-standing bonds Varricchio said he sees the Leonardo project as a way to “connect the dots that are linking Italy and the United States.” While in Tuskegee, the ambassador toured a museum dedicated to the accomplishments of the Tuskegee Airmen, who were based at an airfield in Ramitelli during their stay in Italy. “I was very moved walking around in the beautiful museum that was retracing the memory of those heroes, those brave men who are not forgotten in Italy,” he said. “What they did when they came to Italy, during those difficult times, that was the moment that bonds were created – and those bonds are more present than ever.” This story originally appeared on the Alabama Department of Commerce’s Made in Alabama website. Republished with permission from the Alabama NewsCenter.
