Twinkle Andress Cavanaugh announces endorsements from AGC, ALVMA
With less than three months to go to Republican June 5 primary, Lieutenant Governor candidate Twinkle Andress Cavanaugh on Friday announced two major endorsements of her candidacy. A lifelong conservative Republican and current President of the Alabama Public Service Commission (PSC), Cavanaugh received the endorsements of the Alabama Associated General Contractors (AGC) and the Alabama Veterinary Medical Association (ALVMA). The AGC and ALVMA join the Business Council of Alabama and Manufacture Alabama in endorsing Cavanaugh’s campaign for Lt. Governor. “I am honored to receive the endorsements of job creators across our great state,” Cavanaugh said of the endorsements. “Having owned several small businesses, I have signed both sides of a paycheck and am committed to sound conservative policies that allow job creators to do what they do best. With education and workforce development as priorities, Alabama’s brightest days are ahead of her.” Since January 1, 1920, Alabama AGC has brought together qualified construction contractors and industry-related companies dedicated to skill, integrity and responsibility. Alabama AGC is a $100 million+ construction trade association with holdings all over Alabama and the Panhandle of Florida with 26 full-time employees and own offices in Florence, Huntsville, Birmingham, Montgomery, Mobile and Pensacola. With over 1,000 members statewide, Alabama AGC is the oldest and largest non-residential construction trade association in Alabama. Founded in 1907 and comprised of approximately 700 veterinarians from around the state, the ALVMA is the oldest and largest professional veterinary association in the state of Alabama and is nationally recognized as one of the most active. ALVMA members are dedicated to the advancement of the art and science of veterinary medicine, the promotion and support of sound legislation as it affects veterinarians and small business owners, and the encouragement of responsible pet ownership. Cavanaugh has caught the attention of many organizations by the way she has led the PSC by refusing a state car, and over the past seven years she has “right-sized” the PSC, reduced overall spending by 30%, and saved the taxpayers over $50 million. In 2017 alone, the PSC returned a record $13 million to the general fund. “Politicians always talk about cutting government, but talk is cheap,” Cavanaugh added. “I have actually cut government. As Alabama’s Lt. Governor, I’ll work to right-size state government just like I right-sized the PSC. And I’ll fight to make Alabama a land of economic opportunity so we all can enjoy a brighter future in the years ahead.”
Barry Moore receives endorsements from State House colleagues
Enterprise Republican State Rep. Barry Moore is running for Alabama’s 2nd District Congressional seat in the U.S. House of Representatives. On Thursday, several of his State House colleagues congregated outside of the State House to announce their endorsements of him: Rainsville-Republican, State Rep. and Majority Leader Nathaniel Ledbetter: I have seen firsthand his dedication to conservative principles and sincere love of country. Barry is a relentless pro-life advocate, pro-veteran leader, and pro-freedom conservative. He is exactly the kind of leader we need fighting for us in Congress. Decatur-Republican State Rep. Ed Henry: Barry and I are two of the most conservative legislators in Alabama, and he understands the desperate need we have for true conservative change in Washington. He has stood with Donald Trump from the very beginning, and he will always put America First. Montgomery-Republican State Rep. Dimitri Polizos: For too long, we have accepted the status quo. I am encouraging all of District 2 to stand together to make a difference, make a change, and Make America Great Again by electing Barry Moore to Congress. Wetumpka-Republican State Rep. Mike Holmes: For the last 10yrs,our district has been represented by a pro-Pelosi Democrat and a liberal Republican, but, now, we have an opportunity to send a strong, unapologetic conservative to Washington…We need Barry Moore representing our values in Congress. Watch the endorsements below:
Donald Trump plans to meet Kim Jong Un for nuke talks
North Korea’s Kim Jong Un and President Donald Trump plan to meet in May for nuclear disarmament talks, a whiplash development that would put two leaders who’ve repeatedly insulted, threatened and dismissed each other in the same room, possibly in the North Korean capital of Pyongyang. It would have been an unthinkable suggestion just a few months ago, when the insults were at their peak — Trump was a “senile dotard” and Kim was “Little Rocket Man” — and the North was snapping off regular weapons tests in a dogged march toward its goal of a viable nuclear arsenal that can threaten the U.S. mainland. Liberal South Korean President Moon Jae-in, who some believe has maneuvered the two leaders to this position, reflected the hope and relief many here feel about the planned summit when he declared Friday that it will be a “historical milestone” that will put the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula “really on track.” But there’s also considerable skepticism. North Korea, after all, has made a habit of reaching out, after raising fears during previous crises, with offers of dialogue meant to win aid and concessions. Some speculate that the North is trying to peel Washington away from its ally Seoul, weaken crippling sanctions and buy time for nuclear development. It has also, from the U.S. point of view, repeatedly cheated on past nuclear deals. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson says Kim Jong Un was surprisingly forward-leaning in talks with a South Korean delegation, and that led to President Trump’s decision to meet with the North Korean leader. (March 9) And now the North has landed a face-to-face meeting with the leader of the world’s most powerful country, a nation that North Korea has long sought to draw into talks that it hopes would establish a peace treaty to end the technically still-active Korean War and drive out all U.S. troops from the Korean Peninsula, removing what the North says is a hostile encirclement of its territory by Washington and Seoul. Trump’s hastily reached decision to accept the meeting sent White House staff scrambling. Earlier Thursday, South Korean national security director Chung Eui-yong had briefed Trump and other top U.S. officials about a rare meeting with Kim in the North Korean capital. Trump then made a surprise visit to the White House press briefing room to alert reporters of an upcoming “major statement” on North Korea by South Korea. At a quickly called appearance on a White House driveway, Chung told reporters that Kim had “expressed his eagerness to meet President Trump as soon as possible” and that “President Trump appreciated the briefing and said he would meet Kim Jong Un by May to achieve permanent denuclearization.” “Great progress being made,” Trump tweeted after the announcement. That remains to be seen. North Korea still produces propaganda declaring its continuing dedication to the “treasured sword” of its nuclear program. Washington still remains publicly dedicated to annual war games with the South that the North claims are invasion rehearsal —they’re expected to resume next month, after being postponed during the Winter Olympics in the South — and to keeping 28,500 troops in the South and 50,000 in Japan, largely as a way to deter North Korean aggression. North Korea is engaged in “a ploy to serve its own interests” and make Kim look like “a bold leader of a normal, peace-loving nuclear power,” according to Duyeon Kim, a visiting research fellow at the Korean Peninsula Future Forum think tank in Seoul. “But in spite of the deceptive cloak, the agreement posed an opportunity for the United States. It put the ball in Washington’s court, and provides a window for the Trump administration to engage and test the regime through direct negotiations,” Kim wrote on the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists web page. U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said in Djibouti on Friday that the decision to meet with Kim was made by Trump himself and resulted from a sharp change in the North Korean leader’s stance. “What changed was his posture in a fairly dramatic way. It was a surprise to us that he was so forward-leaning,” Tillerson said. He said it would take “some weeks” before the timing of the talks is worked out. North Korea appeared to confirm the summit plans. A senior North Korean diplomat at the United Nations in New York, Pak Song Il, told The Washington Post in an email that the invitation was the result of Kim’s “broad minded and resolute decision” to contribute to the peace and security of the Korean Peninsula. Talks between Washington and Pyongyang have previously been overseen by lower-level experts, and have often bogged down, even when so-called “breakthroughs” have come, in the pesky details, such as allowing outsiders in to inspect North Korea’s nuclear compliance, for instance. Now, the talks will start at the top. And there will be no time to settle all the problems that have scuttled previous negotiations. It’s anyone’s guess what Trump and Kim might decide in the highest-level meeting in what has been essentially a bloody, seven-decade standoff between their countries. The announcement Friday followed weeks of softening ties between the Koreas, orchestrated by the South Korean leader, Moon, and culminating in a visit by Kim Jong Un’s sister to the South to observe the Olympics in Pyeongchang and then Chung’s trip to meet with Kim in Pyongyang. “This is a tried-and-true North Korean tactic, reaching out at the height of crisis in hopes of breaking out of spiraling tensions with the United States,” according to a report by Zhixing Zhang and Evan Rees, Asia specialists at Stratfor, a geopolitical analytical group. “In this instance, Pyongyang has skillfully played on South Korea’s fear of a military strike and hopes of reunification.” Trump took office vowing to stop North Korea from its pursuit of a working long-range nuclear-tipped missile. He’s oscillated between threats and insults directed at Kim that have fueled fears of war, and more conciliatory rhetoric. The historic announcement
Alabama Women’s Hall of Fame inducts Jessie Welch Austin, Jeanne Friegel Berman
Two exemplary Alabama women were added to the Alabama Women’s Hall of Fame on Thursday during a luncheon ceremony in Marion, Ala. held in their honor. Jessie Welch Austin and Jeanne Friegel Berman joined the ranks of 87 other women who have been inducted since the Hall of Fame’s inception in 1970. Wetumpka-native, Austin was the first woman elected Sheriff in any County in Alabama, serving Elmore County. Her Husband ‘Will’, was sheriff and could not succeed himself, so she ran and served a four-year term. Following her husband’s death in 1947, Austin was appointed warden of Julia Tutwiler Prison for Women in Wetumpka by Alabama Governor James Folsom. She served as Tutwiler’s warden for six years, where she oversaw the care and counseling of female prisoners until her retirement. Berman was a political activist and civic leader in Montgomery, Ala. She founded the Alabama League of Women Voters and organized most of the local League chapters in the state. During the administration of Alabama Governor Gordon Persons, Berman persuaded him to introduce a bill in the Legislature forming the Mental Health Association of Alabama. She was instrumental in lobbying for its passage. Governor Kay Ivey was the guest speaker at the induction ceremony. “Grateful to honor two women who came before us as they were inducted into the AL Women’s Hall of Fame. Because of Ms. Berman & Ms. Austin, I can serve today as only the 2nd female governor in AL & it’s my hope that women continue to lead & be the change in our state & world,” Ivey tweeted after the event. The Hall of Fame began in 1970 to honor the lives of outstanding women from the state of Alabama. Inductees must be deceased for two years and be from or affiliated with Alabama. Women to be inducted are selected by unanimous vote of the board of directors of the AWHF. The board is from a cross section of the state and represents broad areas of interest. Helen Adams Keller, Julia Strudwick Tutwiler, Coretta Scott King, Amelia Gayle Gorgas, and Rosa Parks are some of the incredible Alabama women who’ve been inducted over the years.
Following suicide of 5th grader, State House passes anti-cyberbullying legislation
Following the suicide of an Alabama fifth grader, the State House unanimously passed a bill aimed to protect school children against cyberbullying. Montgomery-Democrat State Rep. John Knight introduced HB366, also known as the Jamari Terrell Williams Act, after the bill’s namesake committed suicide in October after he was bullied online. Existing law already prohibits bullying in schools, but Knight’s legislation expands the existing law to prevent to prevent student against student harassment, intimidation, violence, and threats of violence to students off campus as well. HB366 specifically includes cyberbullying in the definition of harassment. The legislation seeks to ensure that each local board of education adopt procedural policies to manage and possibly prevent these acts against any student by another student. It also requires all Alabama schools to develop plans or programs, including, but not limited to, peer mediation teams, in an effort to encourage students to report and address incidents of harassment, violence, or threats of violence. The bill, which had 88 co-sponsors in the 105-member House, now moves to the Senate for consideration.
Fatal school shooting reignites Alabama legislative debate
A shooting in an Alabama high school that left one student dead and another injured reignited debate Thursday among state lawmakers trying to come to a school safety solution before the end of the session. House Speaker Mac McCutcheon met separately with Republicans and Democrats who sponsored school safety bills to consider proposing a package or reaching a compromise after Wednesday’s shooting. House members at the meetings said the Speaker’s actions showed hope for passing legislation this year, but bills face a rapidly approaching deadline in the next three weeks. “We have a responsibility to do something,” said McCutcheon, who emphasized that he didn’t want to rush bills through the legislature. “I don’t want this issue to turn into a political issue, because our children are more important than politics and getting re-elected. This is something we need to take very seriously. We need to work on this and have a comprehensive plan.” McCutcheon said he would speak with Senate leadership and respond next week with recommendations. A day before the shooting, Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey had introduced a school safety council and called for a report with security recommendations to be released in April. Senate President Pro Tempore Del Marsh said he hoped legislators would wait for the report before “throwing in bills.” He projected nothing would pass until 2019. Birmingham police have taken one person into custody while they investigate the shooting, which took place the same day Florida lawmakers passed a school security bill package. It includes raising the age to buy an assault weapon and arming teachers, measures which have also been proposed in Alabama. Alabama House members said they would review and consider Florida’s legislation. The shooting renewed calls from House Democrats for gun control. “That young man should not have been able to bring a gun into the school,” said Rep. Mary Moore, a Democrat who proposed a bill to ban the future sale of assault weapons. “Whether accidental or not, it should not have happened.” State Sen. Linda Coleman-Madison, who represents the district where the shooting took place, got emotional on the Senate floor Thursday. She said lawmakers aren’t doing enough to protect children. “I don’t have the answers, but I do believe that among all of us, we can find a way to make our children have a safe environment,” Coleman-Madison said. Republished with permission from the Associated Press.
Auburn 100+ Women Strong is engineering careers for students
Alejandra Restrepo said as a college freshman at Auburn University the thought of one day becoming an engineer was scary and overwhelming. But now, four years later, her dream is coming true with the help and support of the friends she has made through the university’s 100+ Women Strong program. “When I arrived on campus, I attended a 100+ Women Strong event and saw the potential benefits and supportive community that this organization offers,” said Restrepo, an industrial engineering student and a co-op employee at Alabama Power. “This organization really helped me to see what engineering is all about and has given me the practical skills needed to succeed in this field.” Engineering is still primarily a man’s world. That’s why in 2014, Auburn University brought together a network of female alumni and corporate supporters who share one of the College of Engineering’s missions: to recruit, retain and reward female students. Alabama Power’s Pam Boyd was among the small group that played an instrumental role in forming 100+ Women Strong. Since then, 27 Alabama Power and Southern Company employees have become part of this network. Alabama Power is a sponsor. “We started with just a handful of women, and now we have grown to 167 Auburn alumni,” said Boyd, Power Delivery Technical Services manager who is on the 100+ Women Strong executive council. “When the university asked me to get involved in this program, I saw it as a great opportunity to mentor these students, share my experiences and let them know that engineering is possible. They can achieve their dreams.” The university seeks to attract and retain young women through a variety of initiatives, including engineering summer camps for high school students, an event each fall for college freshmen and new graduate students, workshops and a springtime leadership development conference. Financial support contributed by members helps provide students with access to scholarships, programs to study abroad and research fellowships. The organization opens the way for female professionals to connect with engineering students. Alumni, like Boyd and Alabama Power Environmental Affairs General Manager Markell Heilbron, have served as mentors, forging relationships with students, offering advice and support, and sharing their experiences. “I’m passionate about developing talented employees and helping them succeed, and that includes women engineers,” Heilbron said. “Valuing diversity and retaining talented women not only fosters innovation, but also helps us model the demographics of our customer base. Women bring a different perspective to the table, and it’s valuable to have all employees’ perspectives represented to continue to grow and succeed as a company.” An Auburn senior electrical engineering student, Brooke Clark is a co-op employee at Alabama Power’s Dadeville Office and will begin working full-time at the company after graduation in May. She said for her, 100+ Women Strong has been all about making connections and building relationships. “It introduced me to other female students in engineering,” she said. “I was able to make friends with people who are in the same boat as I am and are facing the same obstacles and experiences. It has provided a support system.” The organization is reaping results. In 2017, more than 1,000 female undergraduate students enrolled in engineering at Auburn for the first time. That represents 20 percent of the overall student enrollment in engineering – up from 14 percent in 2006. Similarly, over the past 10 years, the percentage of undergraduate engineering degrees awarded to women has risen from 14 percent to 21 percent. According to research conducted by Program Assessment and Graduate Studies at Auburn University, female students who participate in 100+ Women Strong programs are significantly more likely to remain in engineering. “Alabama Power’s sponsorship and its employees’ participation have allowed our organization to reach out to future and current Auburn women in engineering as we help them pursue their goals,” said Myra Girard, coordinator of 100+ Women Strong. “As our membership increases, so will our reach to recruit, retain and reward the best AU women in engineering.” Christine Baker, Alabama Power director of Regulatory Pricing and Costing, said she is proud to be part of an organization that provides women today with more opportunities than she and her friends had during their years at Auburn. “One of my favorite experiences has been to see students show up for the annual welcome event a bit nervous and mostly alone, and then see them leave with the confidence that this is all going to work out,” Baker said. “They have already begun to form a network of friends before classes even start. They know they will have somewhere to turn when they have questions. They are taking advantage of the opportunities that we are offering them, and their experience will definitely be better for it.” *This story originally appeared in Alabama Power’s Powergrams magazine. Republished with permission from the Alabama NewsCenter.
Senate Passes ’30 days to pay’ bill to reform payday lending
On Thursday, the Alabama Senate passed a bill that seeks to issue reforms to Alabama’s payday loan industry. The bill passed with bipartisan support on a vote of 20-4, and now moves to the House. Under current law, lenders are allowed to set the terms of their loans from 10 to 31 days, and can charge up to a 17.5 percent fee for the loan; giving a loan with payment due in 14 days an annualized interest rate of 456 percent. SB138 seeks to drop this rate to 200 percent by requiring payday lenders to give borrowers 30 days to repay their loans. Decatur-Republican Sen. Arthur Orr, the bill’s sponsor, believes it is a simple, but necessary change, and will make repayment easier for Alabamians who pay their loans monthly, alongside their household bills. “This simple reform enjoys bipartisan, overwhelming, statewide support, we are grateful for the responsive leadership that carried this bill through the Senate. Now, we look toward the House seeking the same level of commitment to the well-being of Alabama’s borrowers. Predatory lending reform is a priority for many Alabama voters who are tired of seeing this can kicked down the road year after year, and this bill is an opportunity for legislators to finally deliver on the change that their constituents have requested for so long.” Dana Sweeney with the Alabama Appleseed Center for Law & Justice, told Alabama News. Madison-Republican Sen. Bill Holtzclaw, Rainbow City-Republican Sen. Phil Williams, and Birmingham-Democrat Sen. Rodger Smitherman are co-sponsors of the bill.
