Martha Roby: Highlighting productive discussions with military leaders
Serving on the House Appropriations Committee gives me a valuable and unique opportunity to participate in the conversations surrounding funding for the various functions of our federal government. It’s hard to believe it, but the debates on funding for the Fiscal Year 2019 have already begun. I’ve been glad to be part of these important discussions and advocate for programs that are critically important to the State of Alabama and our country as a whole. Recently the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee, on which I’m grateful to serve, held hearings to review the Fiscal Year 2019 budget requests from various services. So far during this budget request season, our subcommittee has heard from the Navy and the Marine Corps, the Air Force, and the Army. I was glad to take part in all these discussions for several reasons. I have always been a strong advocate for properly supporting our military so that our men and women in uniform have everything they need when we send them into harm’s way. Secondly, our state and district have a very large military presence, and I consider fighting for our interests one of my greatest responsibilities in Congress. When the Air Force testified before Defense Appropriations, I was glad to have the opportunity to have a conversation with Secretary of the Air Force Heather Wilson and Chief of Staff General David Goldfein. You may remember that Secretary Wilson was the key decision maker for the F-35 mission. We talked about the Air Force’s priorities for the next year, and I thanked her in person for making the decision to send the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter to the 187th Fighter Wing at Dannelly Field in Montgomery. As I told Secretary Wilson, the men and women of the 187th could not be more thrilled about this extraordinary opportunity, and our entire state and community share in this excitement. When the Navy and Marine Corps came before the subcommittee to discuss their budget request, I asked Chief of Naval Operations Admiral John Richardson about the F-35 mission’s potential to enable the Navy fleet as a whole to be more capable. I was thrilled when he assured me that yes, this would definitely be the case. In my role on the Appropriations Committee, I will also continue to support the Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) program manufactured in Mobile as well as the other important priorities for our state. During the Army’s testimony before Defense Appropriations, I reviewed the Army’s budget request with Secretary of the Army Dr. Mark Esper and Chief of Staff General Mark Milley. The people of Southeast Alabama care greatly about the Army, and we are so proud that our very own Fort Rucker is the home of Army Aviation. Unfortunately, the Fiscal Year 2019 budget request for Army Aviation aircraft is significantly reduced from this year, so I pressed Secretary Esper about this. I appreciated his response and his assurance that operations will proceed as usual at Fort Rucker. This news on top of the announcement we recently received that 17 Lakota helicopters will soon be added to the fleet at Fort Rucker are both great indications that this proud military installation in our backyard will continue to excel for years to come. Of course, in my role on the Appropriations Committee, I will continue push for strong Army Aviation funding. I deeply appreciate these distinguished military leaders for taking the time to review their budgets and priorities with us. Each of these individuals have led lives of dedicated service to our country, and I am grateful to their families for the many sacrifices made on our behalf. I will continue to prioritize the national security of this great nation, and as always, I will never stop advocating for the important work being done in Alabama’s Second District at Maxwell-Gunter Air Force Base and Fort Rucker. ••• Martha Roby represents Alabama’s Second Congressional District. She lives in Montgomery, Alabama with her husband Riley and their two children.
State Senate unanimously approves $6.6 billion Education Budget
The 2019 education budget unanimously passed the State Senate on Thursday. The body approved SB165, the $6.6 billion Education Trust Fund for Fiscal Year 2019, which starts October 1 on a 29 to 0 vote. It is the largest education budget for Alabama’s schools since the great recession of 2008. “Nothing is more important than ensuring a quality education for every student in Alabama, and this education budget is a statement of strong support for our teachers and schools,” said Decatur-Republican State Senator Arthur Orr, Chairman of the Finance and Taxation Education committee. “This is also a sustainable budget that protects taxpayers. From 2001 to 2011, proration – the midyear slashing of local school budgets because of irresponsible fiscal plans from the Legislature – occurred six times. Proration hasn’t happened once since 2011.” The FY19 education budget includes a $18.5 million increase for First Class, Alabama’s nationally-recognized, volunteer pre-kindergarten program. A University of Alabama at Birmingham study, released in February by the Department of Early Childhood Education, showed that students who participated in First Class outperformed their peers in reading and math assessments. First Class, currently available in 941 classrooms, has been named the nation’s best pre-kindergarten program in the nation for eleven years in a row by the National Institute for Early Education Research. The $18.5 million increase will help fund approximately 120 new Pre-K classrooms. “I want to commend Senator Orr and the Finance and Taxation Education committee for their hard work in passing the Education Trust Fund. This fiscally-responsible budget is another step in the right direction as we were able to include a pay raise for teachers, increased funds for school security, and additional money for classroom supplies,” added Anniston-Republican Senate Pro Tem Del Marsh. The Senate’s education budget is paired with a 2.5% pay raise for K-12 and two-year college education employees, at a cost of $102 million to Alabama taxpayers, along with a $1.1 uptick for K-12 career tech and a $6 million increase for K-12 transportation. “This budget is an investment in the future of Alabama. Conservatives in the legislature are strongly committed to fighting for Alabama’s students and teachers, and improving our schools to ensure that every student in every county in Alabama has access to a quality education,” said Jasper-Republican Senate Majority Leader Greg Reed. “We have set aside additional money for school security, given a much-deserved raise to teachers, and invested more money in our vital career tech programs.” The $6.6 billion FY19 education budget includes funds for a new robotics program for middle and high school students, and at the request of Governor Kay Ivey, allocates $500,000 for mental health counselors to be available for K-12 students in the aftermath of school shootings. The budget boosts spending on textbooks by $11 million, along with a $4 million increase for new technologies in classrooms. Earlier in the week, the Senate approved a proposal that will allow local school boards to use money from the Advancement and Technology Fund to improve school security by hiring new security officers and installing metal detectors at school entrances. The FY19 education budget now goes the House of Representatives for either concurrence with the Senate’s version, or a conference committee between the two chambers before it heads to the Governor’s desk.
Mike Rogers: Putting Americans first
America may be a country of immigrants, but it’s also a country of laws. No one is exempt from those laws regardless of what some local officials in sanctuary cities may think. As you may have seen on the news recently, Attorney General Jeff Sessions recently announced a lawsuit against the State of California for failure to completely cooperate with federal immigration enforcement officers. I stand with AG Sessions’ decision. From the mayors and local politicians disregarding federal immigration law to the illegal immigrants they are prioritizing over American citizens, it’s about time we hold these lawless individuals accountable. The “leaders” in these cities are violating their oath of office and the Constitution. They should be immediately removed from their positions and the illegal immigrants they are protecting should be deported. Period. I agree with President Donald Trump that we need to strengthen our borders. We should build the wall and we should continue to support law enforcement’s crackdown on violent foreign gangs like MS-13. These efforts mean nothing though if illegal immigrants and criminals can continue to seek refuge in some of our country’s largest cities. It boils down to fairness, safety and what it means to be a sovereign nation. A country without borders is hardly a country at all. I’m fed up with seeing the tax dollars from hard-working families across East Alabama go to cities who snub their nose at the very ideals that make America great. Congress should withhold funding from sanctuary cities that refuse to uphold federal law. President Trump has proven his tough stance on illegal immigration is much more than just campaign rhetoric. He has already done so much to curtail our illegal immigration crisis but he can’t do it alone. Elected officials – from the state and local level to Members of Congress – must do their part. And if they refuse, then they aren’t fit for public service. ••• 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.
US government to rewrite 2 endangered species rules, AG Steve Marshall applauds
The Trump administration will rewrite rules governing how to choose areas considered critical to endangered species to settle a lawsuit brought by 20 states and four trade groups, according to state attorneys general. The endangered species director for an environmental nonprofit says that’s terrible news. Noah Greenwald of the Center for Biological Diversity says the administration has “shown nothing but hostility toward endangered species.” The attorneys general for Alabama and Louisiana said in news releases Thursday that the administration made the agreement Thursday to settle a lawsuit brought by 20 states and four national trade groups, challenging two changes made in 2016. According to the lawsuit, the rules are now so vague that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and National Marine Fisheries Service “could declare desert land as critical habitat for a fish and then prevent the construction of a highway through those desert lands, under the theory that it would prevent the future formation of a stream that might one day support the species.” A spokeswoman for Fish and Wildlife referred a request for comment to the U.S. Justice Department, which did not immediately respond to phoned and emailed queries. A NOAA Fisheries spokeswoman did not immediately respond Thursday. “We are encouraged that the Trump administration has agreed to revisit these rules, which threaten property owners’ rights to use any land that the federal government could dream that an endangered species might ever inhabit,” Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall said in his news release. “These Obama-era rules were not only wildly unreasonable, but contrary to both the spirit and the letter of the Endangered Species Act.” Greenwald said, “Their case didn’t have a leg to stand on.” But, he said, “The Trump administration doesn’t want strong and needed protection for endangered species. It’s not surprising they would just roll over and agree to rewrite the rules.” He said critical habitat doesn’t require landowners to do anything. “It requires federal agencies to ensure that actions they take don’t adversely modify critical habitat,” Greenwald said. “So it’s only when the federal government is involved in a project — either through funding or through permitting — that there’s additional requirements.” Critical habitat is at the center of a separate lawsuit before the U.S. Supreme Court. The high court agreed in January to review district and appeals court rulings that upheld Fish and Wildlife’s designation of 1,500 acres (607 hectares) of Louisiana timberland as critical habitat for the dusky gopher frog, an endangered frog found only in Mississippi. The 3½-inch-long frogs once lived in Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama, but now live only in a few parts of Mississippi with temporary ponds that dry up in the summer, leaving them free of fish that might eat the frogs’ eggs. Adults come out of underground burrows in the winter and spring to breed in those ponds. The Louisiana tract is the only land outside Mississippi that could be made suitable as a breeding ground, experts testified. Greenwald said he doesn’t think new regulations would be approved in time to affect that suit. He says he doesn’t know of any other active suits involving critical habitat. Republished with permission from the Associated Press.
Deadline near for ‘Rise of the Rest’ Birmingham startup competition for $100,000
Birmingham area startups have only a few days left to be considered for a $100,000 investment from “Rise of the Rest” founded by Steve Case. Birmingham is among five cities chosen for the America Online founder’s latest initiative aimed at championing innovation ecosystems in the U.S. The Rise of the Rest bus tour arrives in Birmingham May 9, but the deadline for startups to apply for the six-figure prize is March 20. Interested companies are encouraged to go to the website and apply. Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin said having Rise of the Rest in Birmingham is great exposure for what is happening in the Birmingham entrepreneurial scene but the $100,000 could make a major difference for a company on the rise. “This is an amazing opportunity for local startups because now we get a chance to highlight and showcase what they’re already doing so well,” Woodfin said in the video below. “They deserve national exposure.” The tour stop in Birmingham also features Google for Entrepreneurs, a longtime Rise of the Rest partner, which will provide coaches to help startup founders with their investment pitches. Republished with permission from the Alabama NewsCenter.
Bill to strip Lieutenant Governor of powers delayed in State Senate
Legislation that would propose an amendment to the Alabama Constitution stripping the Lieutenant Governor’s office of any legislative duties was delayed in the State Senate Thursday when it was pulled from the floor before a vote. Sponsored by Lineville-Republican State Senator Gerald Dial, SB88 stipulates the “sole responsibility” of the Lt. Governor’s post would be “to succeed to the Office of Governor upon the Governor’s removal from office, death, or resignation.” Under current legislation, the Lieutenant Governor is the President of the Senate and is entitled to vote in the event of a tie, much like that of the Vice President of the United States. They are also vested with certain prescribed legislative duties, powers, and responsibilities. Gov. Kay Ivey has been a vocal critic of the bill. In her State of the State address, she explained her time presiding over the Senate as Lt. Governor prepared to assume the office of the Governor when former. Gov. Robert Bentley resigned. “The smooth transition of government, brought me full circle – from the legislative to the executive – and I am better able to lead and govern because of it. I support having a lieutenant governor who presides over the Senate. Our current order of succession serves the state well. I know this firsthand, having experienced it. I strongly support our current order of succession,” Ivey said in her speech earlier this month. Nevertheless, Senate President Pro Tempore Del Marsh said the bill was a priority to consider, but failed to say whether or not it would make it back to the floor before the Senate is scheduled to end in two weeks. The position for Lt. Governor currently vacant, and has been since Ivey assumed office in April 2017. Republicans Will Ainsworth, Twinkle Cavanaugh and Rusty Glover, along with Democrat Will Boyd are running to fill it the position this year.
Get to know: Scott Dawson, Republican candidate for Governor
Evangelist Scott Dawson is one of the four main Republican candidates vying for their Party’s nomination for governor this year. Dawson is a lifelong resident of Alabama, reared on the west side of Birmingham. The son of Paul and Ann Dawson, Scott grew up in a modest, blue-collar family with traditional values and a strong work ethic. For the last thirty years, Dawson has shared the good news of the Gospel with enthusiasm and clarity across the Southeast. Now he’s running for Governor because “if you want to fix what’s wrong with Alabama, the first step is to stop electing politicians and start electing leaders.” With a little over four months until voters head to the ballots, AlabamaToday.com is inviting all candidates running for office in Alabama this year, to complete a questionnaire we believe offers an interesting, albeit, thumbnail sketch of who they are and why they are running. If you are a candidate and would like to complete the questionnaire, email Elizabeth@ALToday.com. Here Dawson is in his own words: Significant other? How long married? Kids? I’ve been married to my wife, Tarra, for 26 years and we have two kids: our son, Hunter (22), and our daughter, Hope (18). Education background? Professional background? I graduated from Ensley High School in 1985 and then went on to graduate from Samford University in 1989. I earned a Master of Divinity from Beeson Divinity School in 1993. I started my non-profit ministry thirty years ago—it was me, a Bible, and a mailbox. Today, I’m blessed to be part of an organization with over a dozen full-time, paid team members and an annual budget that exceeds three million dollars. We have worked with churches, faith-based organizations, businesses, schools, student groups, Major League Baseball, and the National Football League to make an impact across the nation and globe. Last year alone, I spoke to over one hundred thousand people face-to-face sharing the transformational power of the Gospel. What was your first job before college/adulthood and after? A work ethic was instilled in me by my parents at an early age. At 15, I worked at a neighborhood shoe store. Then, as a full-time student in college, I got a job as a bagger at a grocery store and eventually moved up the line to become the assistant manager. In 25 words or less, why are you running for office? For decades, Alabama has suffered corruption and mediocrity from career politicians. I’m an outsider casting a bold vision to restore faith in Alabama’s future. Did you speak with anybody in your political party before deciding on running? Receive any encouragement? From whom? When this journey began, I was part of a group of concerned, grassroots citizens who were frustrated with the status quo and in search of an energetic leader with integrity. When they turned to me and said I should run I was surprised and very, VERY hesitant. I declined. When they remained persistent for several weeks, I began to prayerfully consider and sought the counsel of people I knew and trusted. Among those friends were former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee, U.S. Senator James Lankford (Oklahoma), Rick and Bubba, and a host of others from various walks of life. Who do you count on for advice besides significant other or clergy? One key to effective leadership is to place a diverse multitude of counselors, with their unique perspectives, around you. That’s been a consistent practice in my ministry, on this campaign, and it’s what I’ll do as governor. I’ve received wisdom and advice from teachers, first-responders, small business owners, organizational leaders and many others. Unlike the typical politician, I don’t pretend to have all the answers. During this campaign, I have constantly reached out to those with the extensive, relevant experiences I don’t possess, asked questions, and relied on the wealth of their invaluable life lessons. Who is your political consultant? Campaign manager? Jonathan Gray with Strategy, Inc. is our General Consultant and Rick Renshaw is Campaign Manager. Who was the first person to contribute to your campaign? Why did they donate? One of my earliest contributors was Tom Bradford. He’s been a mentor to me for over fifteen years. He’s a devout man of faith, a gentleman in every regard, a respected pillar in our community and a person who passionately believes that Alabama needs a principled, visionary leader at the helm. Who, if anyone, inspires you in state government? Well, I certainly have admiration for some dedicated servant-leaders in Montgomery. Frankly, the ones who have earned my deep respect and gratitude are the ones I’ve talked with in small groups: corrections officers, teachers, mental health professionals, and those who serve our veterans and the elderly. Many of them love what they do, do it well everyday, and don’t receive fat paychecks or fancy titles. THESE are the ones who make me proud and inspire me to be their champion and partner when we get to the governor’s office. Why do people mistrust elected officials and what are you going to do about it? Mistrust exists because of our long history of corruption, incompetence, and mismanagement. It’s no secret—we’ve all seen it, year after year after year. We are constantly over-promised and perpetually under-delivered. To reverse course, our leaders must prove that they are here TO serve not BE served. I’ll bring a can-do spirit of collaboration and greater purpose to Montgomery and as we raise the bar for performance and demand excellence, leadership-by-example will foster reform and become the norm. To regain trust, we must go above and beyond what the people expect; deliver real, exemplary results; and create a new era of ethics, integrity and honest behavior. A Dawson administration will work tirelessly to do exactly that. What are 3 specific policy positions that you’re running on? (Please don’t simply say “education” or “improving the schools”). First of all, I want to see our kids excel, not just at school, but in life. I will be rolling out details of my plan to implement drug-testing for every high school student who wants to participate in an extracurricular activity as a
