Alabama politicians react to the death of Barbara Bush
Barbara Bush, wife of the 41st president George H.W. Bush and mother of the 43rd president George W. Bush, died on Tuesday at the age of 92. Members of the members of Alabama’s Congressional delegation along with Alabama politicians took to social media and statements to remember the former First Lady: Gov. Kay Ivey: I am saddened to hear about the death of former First Lady Barbara Bush. She was a dynamic Republican woman, as First Lady she lead an effort to increase family literacy, an issue she championed to this day. She was matriarch of the Bush family, that produced governors and a president. Her life is a shining example of how strong women can serve their country and help improve the lives of all Americans. My thoughts and prayers are with the Bush family and all of America tonight. U.S. Sen. Richard Shelby: My deepest condolences to the Bush family following the loss of former First Lady, Barbara Bush. She was a remarkable woman. Her legacy and service to our country will never be forgotten. U.S. Rep. Bradley Byrne (AL-01): What a wonderful woman. I certainly admired her as a citizen, but especially as a son who had a tough but lovable mom. God bless her. The prayers of the nation are with the Bush family. U.S. Rep. Martha Roby (AL-02): Barbara Bush led a remarkable life, and her legacy will impact our country for many years to come. My prayers are with the Bush family during this very sad time. U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers (AL-03): Our hearts and prayers go out to the Bush family tonight after the passing of Mrs. Bush. She was a strong woman, wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and proud American. She served her country with poise and dignity and will be sincerely missed. U.S. Rep. Robert Aderholt (AL-04): My family and I are sad to hear of the passing of former First Lady Barbara Bush. She was the rock of the Bush family and I know she will be deeply missed. My sincere condolences to the Bush family.
Former first lady Barbara Bush dies at age 92
Barbara Bush, the snowy-haired first lady and mother of a president whose plainspoken manner and utter lack of pretense made her more popular at times than her husband, President George H.W. Bush, died Tuesday, a family spokesman said. She was 92. Mrs. Bush brought a grandmotherly style to buttoned-down Washington, often appearing in her trademark fake pearl chokers and displaying no vanity about her white hair and wrinkles. “What you see with me is what you get. I’m not running for president — George Bush is,” she said at the 1988 Republican National Convention, where her husband, then vice president, was nominated to succeed Ronald Reagan. The Bushes, who were married Jan. 6, 1945, had the longest marriage of any presidential couple in American history. And Mrs. Bush was one of only two first ladies who had a child who was elected president. The other was Abigail Adams, wife of John Adams and mother of John Quincy Adams. “I had the best job in America,” she wrote in a 1994 memoir describing her time in the White House. “Every single day was interesting, rewarding, and sometimes just plain fun.” On Sunday, family spokesman Jim McGrath said the former first lady had decided to decline further medical treatment for health problems and focus instead on “comfort care” at home in Houston. She had been in the hospital recently for congestive heart failure and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. In 2009, she had heart valve replacement surgery, and she had a long history of treatment for Graves’ disease, a thyroid condition. “My dear mother has passed on at age 92. Laura, Barbara, Jenna, and I are sad, but our souls are settled because we know hers was,” former President George W. Bush said in a statement Tuesday. “Barbara Bush was a fabulous First Lady and a woman unlike any other who brought levity, love, and literacy to millions. To us, she was so much more. Mom kept us on our toes and kept us laughing until the end. I’m a lucky man that Barbara Bush was my mother. Our family will miss her dearly, and we thank you all for your prayers and good wishes.” George H.W. Bush held his wife’s hand all day Tuesday and was at her side when she died, according to Jean Becker, chief of staff at George H.W. Bush’s office in Houston. A funeral is planned Saturday at St. Martin’s Episcopal Church in Houston, which Mrs. Bush and her husband regularly attended. Mrs. Bush will lie in repose Friday at the church for members of the public who want to pay respects. Saturday’s service will be by invitation only, according to the George Bush Presidential Library Foundation. “Barbara Bush challenged each of us to build a better world by empowering people through literacy. As only one of two women in American history who can be called First Lady and First Mother, she was matriarch of a family that remains as dedicated to public service as it was to politics,” said former Secretary of State and White House Chief of Staff James Baker III. The publisher’s daughter and oilman’s wife could be caustic in private, but her public image was that of a self-sacrificing, supportive spouse who referred to her husband as her “hero.” In the White House, “you need a friend, someone who loves you, who’s going to say, ‘You are great,’” Mrs. Bush said in a 1992 television interview. Her uncoiffed, matronly appearance often provoked jokes that she looked more like the boyish president’s mother than his wife. Late-night comedians quipped that her bright white hair and pale features also imparted a resemblance to George Washington. Eight years after leaving the nation’s capital, Mrs. Bush stood with her husband, the 41st president, as their son George W. was sworn in as the 43rd president. They returned four years later when he won a second term. Unlike Mrs. Bush, Abigail Adams did not live to see her son’s inauguration. She died in 1818, six years before John Quincy Adams was elected. Mrs. Bush insisted she did not try to influence her husband’s politics. “I don’t fool around with his office,” she said, “and he doesn’t fool around with my household.” In 1984, her quick wit got her into trouble when she was quoted as referring to Geraldine Ferraro, the Democratic vice presidential nominee, as “that $4 million — I can’t say it, but it rhymes with rich.” “It was dumb of me. I shouldn’t have said it,” Mrs. Bush acknowledged in 1988. “It was not attractive, and I’ve been very shamed. I apologized to Mrs. Ferraro, and I would apologize again.” Daughter-in-law Laura Bush, wife of George W., said Mrs. Bush was “ferociously tart-tongued.” “She’s never shied away from saying what she thinks. … She’s managed to insult nearly all of my friends with one or another perfectly timed acerbic comment,” Laura Bush wrote in her 2010 book, “Spoken from the Heart.” In her 1994 autobiography, “Barbara Bush: A Memoir,” Mrs. Bush said she did her best to keep her opinions from the public while her husband was in office. But she revealed that she disagreed with him on two issues: She supported legal abortion and opposed the sale of assault weapons. “I honestly felt, and still feel, the elected person’s opinion is the one the public has the right to know,” Mrs. Bush wrote. She also disclosed a bout with depression in the mid-1970s, saying she sometimes feared she would deliberately crash her car. She blamed hormonal changes and stress. “Night after night, George held me weeping in his arms while I tried to explain my feelings,” she wrote. “I almost wonder why he didn’t leave me.” She said she snapped out of it in a few months. Mrs. Bush raised five children: George W., Jeb, Neil, Marvin and Dorothy. A sixth child, 3-year-old daughter Robin, died of leukemia in 1953. In a speech in 1985, she recalled the stress of raising a family while married
Gary Palmer: Tax reform is giving back
On this Tax Day, I’m glad to think of the many families in America who are reaping the benefits of tax reform. Since its passage in December 2017, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act has continued giving back to the American people in tangible ways. It has allowed families to keep more of their hard-earned paychecks, lowered the corporate tax rate, enabled businesses to increase worker pay and benefits, and stimulated economic growth. I recently spoke on the House floor to share stories of how the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act has positively impacted Alabama’s sixth district. In case you missed it, the full speech can be watched here. I’d like to share some examples with you of how tax reform is giving back to the American people. The rewards are clear within Alabama and throughout the country. In the sixth district of Alabama, many organizations are raising pay, giving bonuses, and increasing their charitable giving. Regions Bank, also headquartered in Birmingham, has raised its minimum pay to $15 per hour, plans to contribute $40 million to their charitable foundation in 2018, and is increasing their capital expenditures by $100 million this year. Small businesses are also seeing benefits. Wadsworth Oil, a heating oil supplier in Clanton, recently gave over $22,000 in bonuses to its employees. Individual pay raises and increased financial flexibility for businesses will have positive effects across the sixth district. I have also heard from many constituents that the tax cuts are helping their families to pay monthly bills, make college tuition payments, and put away more in savings. For example, a Mountain Brook resident recently noted that she deposited a $1,000 bonus into her health savings account. Another constituent from Hoover shared that he now keeps more of his paycheck, which has allowed him to make payments toward his mortgage principal and contribute more to his 401(k). Finally, there is also general optimism about the economic future of America as a whole. In 2019, the majority of tax relief is projected to flow to families that make under $200,000 per year. Currently, unemployment rates are at their lowest since 1973, and 31,000 jobs were added to the labor market in February 2018 alone. Despite opposition, Republicans in the House and the Senate delivered a significant win for the American people with the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. I remain committed to building on this win by pursuing more policies that continue to strengthen the economy and give back to American families. ••• Gary Palmer represents Alabama’s 6th Congressional District in the U.S. Congress.
BCA, Alabama Technology Network announce Manufacturer of the Year awards
The Business Council of Alabama and the Alabama Technology Network announced the 2018 Manufacturer of the Year (MOTY) winners on Wednesday. The winners were announced during an awards luncheon ceremony at the Alabama Activity Center in Montgomery, Ala. Awards were broken down into large, medium, and small manufacturer categories. This years winner are: Large Manufacturer of the Year (400 or more employees): ADTRAN Inc., Huntsville Medium Manufacturer of the Year (100 to 399 employees): Birmingham Fastener & Supply Inc., Birmingham Small Manufacturer of the Year (1 to 99 employees): Ecovery LLC, Loxley Governor Kay Ivey was the keynote speaker for the ceremony. “From automobiles to aerospace to everyday products and equipment, whether for our own use or for export around the globe, Alabama’s manufacturers create high-quality jobs and produce substantial economic benefits,” Ivey said. “Our manufacturers are very important to us and we are committed to helping them succeed and thrive.” Each year, the MOTY awards recognize manufacturing enterprises in Alabama who exhibit excellence in leadership, performance, profitability, and workforce relations. An independent panel of judges select the winners based on their performance in several categories including: customer focus, operating excellence, employee commitment, profitable growth, continuous improvement, and investment in training and retraining. BCA Chairman Perry Hand, chairman of Volkert Inc. recognized MOTY finalists for 2018. “The annual Manufacturer of the Year Awards seek to honor Alabama manufacturers – from the largest industrial employers to the smallest businesses – for displaying efficiency, safety, and excellence in their products and the process for making them,” said William J. Canary, president and CEO of the BCA. “Quite simply, manufacturing is an economic engine powering the state’s economy.” ATN Executive Director Keith Phillips said; “The companies acknowledged today represent the best in Alabama manufacturing and the use of technology. Now in its 19th year, the Alabama Technology Network and the Business Council of Alabama are honored to salute Alabama’s best manufacturers for their valuable participation in not only the state’s economy but also the economies of their employees and the suppliers who do business with them.” More about the 2018 Manufacturers of the Year ADTRAN Inc.: Since its creation in 1985, ADTRAN Inc. in Huntsville, Ala. has been a worldwide leader in the information and communications technology industry. After AT&Ts divestiture of the Regional Bell Operating Companies, ADTRAN founder Mark C. Smith saw an opportunity to supply network equipment to the new Regional Bell businesses and thousands of independent telephone companies. From an initial seven employees to a workforce of almost 2,200 today, including 1,500 in Huntsville, ADTRAN serves more than 2,400 customers in 68 countries. The publicly traded company has shown consistent revenue growth, devises ways to cut costs, supports employee education and career development, encourages and supports community involvement, and supports more than 200 organizations. ADTRAN is a two-time winner, having won a MOTY award in 2010. Birmingham Fastener & Supply Inc.: Birmingham Fastener & Supply Inc. has successfully built a manufacturing company by valuing customers and people, providing quality products with customer service, and emphasizing development of its people. Founded by the late Howard P. Tinney in 1980, Birmingham Fastener & Supply is the South’s largest and most diversified fastener supplier. It makes and distributes fasteners for structural steel fabrication, metal building manufacturers, transportation, water works and utilities, original equipment manufacturers, agricultural equipment manufacturers, construction and maintenance, and repair and operations industries. Birmingham Fastener & Supply provides two scholarships a year through Wallace State Community College, education assistance to employees, and partners with Workshops Inc. that focuses on training people with disabilities. Ecovery LLC: Ecovery LLC in Loxley was formed in 2008 by Larry Sloan and Walter Norris originally to recycle and process electronic waste such as computers, televisions, and cell phones. In 2013, the company shifted to processing primarily copper and aluminum radiators from commercial and residential HVAC units. Ecovery LLC separates, shreds, and re-packages the pure raw material to fit customer needs. Ecovery also melts aluminum flakes from the shredding operation and mixes it with other scrap to produce recycled secondary ingots. Ecovery has two plants that employed 66 men and women in 2017.
Kay Ivey announces grant to fund Alabama Drug Task Force
Governor Kay Ivey announced $64,054 in grants on Tuesday to fund additional support for The Alabama Drug Task Force. The task force, which began operations in October of 2017, lead by the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, was established by Ivey to provide a concerted legal effort to reduce the impact of drugs and to dismantle drug organizations in the state. “My administration is committed to supporting the strong efforts of ALEA and law enforcement agencies across the state to take drugs off the streets and put offenders in jail,” Ivey said. “I commend these brave officers, who are united behind a single cause, for their dedication to make Alabama a better and safer place to live.” The total task force is comprised of more than 90 officers from over 40 agencies forming seven regional multi-jurisdictional offices. This grant boost will provide funding for a variety of purposes, including equipment and overtime pay. The funds were made available by the U.S. Justice Department, and will be administered by the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA). Within the first six months of operation, the task force made 146 arrests involving 312 drug cases, seized an assortment of illegal and prescription drugs and confiscated 145 firearms, according to ALEA. “The Alabama Drug Task Force is working tirelessly to improve the safety of communities across our state,” added Kenneth Boswell, ADECA Director. “ADECA is pleased to join Governor Ivey in supporting the efforts and operations of this task force.”
Women of Influence: Alabama Democratic Party Chair Nancy Worley
Nancy Worley has been an influencer in the state of Alabama for over forty years. Worley, a lifelong resident of the Yellowhammer State, grew up in New Hope, Ala. on a family farm. She attended the University of Montevallo receiving her Bachelors degree in 1973; then continued her education at Jacksonville State University, obtaining a Master’s degree in 1975. After graduation Worley taught in the public school system in Decatur for 25 years. In addition to teaching English and Latin she was very active in the school, sponsoring and leading numerous professional and civic organizations, student clubs, as well as coaching the cheerleaders. Worley also fundraised for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and American Heart Association. All the while also teaching part-time for Northeast State Community College and John C. Calhoun Community College. Her work within the Decatur school system earned her the Teacher of the Year award. Twice. She was also nominated to the Teacher Hall of Fame. The Alabama Jaycees, a Junior Chamber civic organization, recognized Worley as Alabama’s Outstanding Young Educator, and Good Housekeeping magazine honored her as one of the “100 Young Women of Promise.” Worley received several more honors and awards including being named by The Decatur Daily as one of the “Twenty Leaders of Decatur,” the Alumnus of the Year honor at the University of Montevallo, and the Education Award by the Alabama Senior Citizens Hall of Fame. Worley’s career in leadership began in 1983 when she was elected statewide to serve as President of the Alabama Education Association, she later won this election again and served from 1995-1997. She held many leadership positions since then, serving four terms on the Alabama Democratic Executive Committee; State President of the Association of Classroom Teachers, twice, and twice as State President of the American Association of University Women (AAUW). She was also the President of the Decatur Education Association, the Alabama Foreign Language Teachers Association, Alabama Classical Association and the Opportunity Toastmistress Club. Career of public service From 2002-2007 Worley served as the Alabama Secretary of State implementing substantial reforms to voting practices including longer and uniform polling hours, voter identification, and automatic recounts in close races. Worley previously served on the Welfare Reform task force, the Education Reform task force, the Lt. Governor’s Legislative Council, and the Tuition Eligibility Board. She spent time lobbying with the AARP Capital City Task Force on Senior Citizen issues, and worked with retired educators from The Alabama Retired Teachers’ Association, and was one of only seven super delegates to the 2016 Democratic National Convention from Alabama. In 2007, Worley became vice-chair of the Alabama Democratic Party until 2013 when she was elected to serve as the party’s chairman; a position she has continued to hold. Worley is a woman who is absolutely dedicated to serving others, and her many years of experience in education and politics speak for themselves; but just in case you needed to hear directly from her, she was kind enough to answer some of Alabama Today’s questions about her life, work and influences: How have other women influenced your success? Several women in my family, along with numerous female teachers, church, community, civic and political leaders taught me the value of hard work, the importance of education, the need for involvement in community and causes, and respect for the dignity of all persons. Looking back over my life, these women “took me under their wing,” and nourished, protected, promoted, and pushed me to set goals, and work to achieve those goals. What shaped your desire to work with education and government? Several family members were educators, and a few were involved in government; therefore, I grew up knowing that both professions made a difference in many lives. I began my professional career as an educator with a strong desire to make a difference, to enhance young minds, to move students forward and to see them succeed. Although my career as an educator was quite fulfilling, I realized that government also played a large role, perhaps a larger role, in making a difference. After all, government controls our economic well being, our basic health needs, our access to public education, the quality of air we breathe, the cleanliness of the water we drink, the affordability of housing, etc..; therefore, I became involved in government to make a difference. What has been your favorite area of service, and what is your favorite thing about that position? I have enjoyed all my positions of service; however, every job has its good days and its bad days. I loved the classroom (most days), and I will always be an educator “at heart,” but I am equally inspired by how much government can do to help others. Have you read any books that have shaped your perspective on life? I grew up with a Mother who took me to church “every time the door was open”; therefore, at an early age, the Bible and its teachings certainly shaped my perspective on life. I studied and taught English and Latin; therefore, classical to modern authors/books also shaped my perspective on life. What advice would you give to young women who want to work in education or politics? My best advice to young women who want to work in education or politics is listen and study at home, in school and beyond, learn as much as possible about a variety of subjects, get involved in the community in which one lives, work hard with the “perfection ethic” as a guide to complete any job, no matter how menial, and always try to do what is right, to the best of one’s ability. How do you spend your (rare) free time? My free time is rare; however, I enjoy reading a magazine or book, attending the theatre, a concert, etc., going to a place I’ve never been, from a “tourist trap” to an isolated location, sitting and talking with a friend in a restaurant, or hearing an excellent speaker, panel, etc
Alabama named top state for gun industry
A new analysis of the 50 states ranked Alabama the top spot in country for the gun industry. According to Zippia, a website that tracks career and industry data, southern states are the friendliest to the gun industry. “A general rule of thumb emerged from the data — head south if you are looking to get one of as many as 141,500 jobs generated by companies that make, distribute, and sell guns,” explained Chris Kolmar at Zippia. “Not to mention the the 159,623 jobs in ancillary industries.” Top ten states for the gun industry: Alabama Arkansas Georgia Idaho Arizona Florida Indiana Alaska Missouri Louisiana How the states were ranked Gun jobs. A composite of the raw number of gun jobs and per capita gun jobs from the National Shooting Sports Foundation, added to the number of licensed manufacturers from the ATF. State friendliness to manufacturers. The index took into consideration the number of states laws concerning gun manufacturers and dealers and each state’s percentage of federal excise taxes from the manufacture and sale of guns. States’ gun cultures. The percentage of homes with guns in each state, the total number of guns in each state, and guns per capita. We factored in the number of regulations on buying guns as well. Other factors. Factors such as whether a state mandated that manufacturers give employees breaks, if states are right-to-work, and average wages for employees. National look at gun friendly rankings
Terri Sewell introduces bill to allow direct Medicare payments to physician assistants
Given the shortage of physicians and the ever increasing demand for medical services, many physicians depend heavily on physician assistants (PAs) to provide care within their practice. But PAs across the country are running into a problem: they are the only Medicare-eligible health professionals not paid directly by Medicare for the services they provide. Which is why Alabama-Democrat, 7th District U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell reached across the aisle to Nebraska-Republican, 3rd District U.S. Rep. Adrian Smith to propose a solution. Their answer: H.R. 5506: the Physician Assistant Direct Payment Act. The bill would amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to provide for direct payment to physician assistants under the Medicare program for certain services furnished by such physician assistants. “In many communities across the country, including many in my district, medical professional shortages threaten healthcare access and quality. We know that there is tremendous need for more primary care providers in rural areas today and that this need will only grow during the next decade,” explained Sewell. “Our Medicare payment policies must eliminate any barriers that stand in the way of our ability to attract qualified medical talent to rural and underserved areas, including both physician and non-physician providers, such as physician assistants.” Sewell believes H.R. 5506 is a “step forward” in Congress’ overall work to improve access to quality healthcare in rural areas. Smith agrees. “Rural communities, like many in Nebraska’s Third District, continue to lack the variety of healthcare options afforded to other areas of the country,” added Smith. “This narrowly-targeted, bipartisan solution repeals a burdensome regulation which disincentivizes the hiring of physician assistants. At present, Medicare payments to PAs must pass through a third party medical practice, which is an unnecessary and bureaucratic step. This bill will improve access to care in rural communities without impacting the scope of practice, education, or licensing requirements for PAs.” H.R. 5506 has been referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Ways and Means.
Alabama Retail Association endorses over 50 candidates
With less than two months until the June 5 primaries, the Alabama Retail Association’s state political action committee, Alabama RetailPAC made a large number of endorsements on Friday. “The Alabama Retail Association believes these candidates understand the issues retailers face and that, if elected, these individuals will give retailers’ interests a fair hearing,” said Alabama Retail Chairman Jacob Shevin. The association evaluated each candidate’s record and discussed the ramifications of each race before providing their endorsement; “We are confident these candidates are the best choices for these positions,” said Rick Brown, Alabama Retail President. The Alabama Retail Association is an organization for retailers by retailers who represent retail businesses in Alabama Legislature and U.S. Congress. The association currently represents 4,200 members and 6,000 locations statewide, ranging from small, family owned retail stores to large national chains. Read the full list of candidate endorsements below: For the state’s constitutional offices, RetailPAC endorses: Governor Kay Ivey Lieutenant Governor: Twinkle Cavanaugh Attorney General Steve Marshall Secretary of State John Merrill State Treasurer: John McMillan For the appellate court races, RetailPAC endorses: Supreme Court Chief Justice Lyn Stuart Place 1 Associate Supreme Court Justice Brad Mendheim Place 4 Associate Supreme Court Justice: Jay Mitchell Place 1 Court of Civil Appeals Judge: Christy Edwards Place 2 Court of Civil Appeals Judge Terri Thomas Place 1 Court of Criminal Appeals Judge: Richard Minor Place 2 Court of Criminal Appeals Judge: Chris McCool Place 3 Court of Criminal Appeals Judge: Bill Cole For the Alabama Senate, RetailPAC endorses: District 2: Tom Butler, R-Huntsville District 4: Garlan Gudger, R-Cullman District 6: Larry Stutts, R-Tuscumbia District 8: Steve Livingston, R-Scottsboro District 10: Mack Butler, R-Rainbow City District 12: Del Marsh, R-Anniston District 13: Randy Price, R-Opelika District 21: Gerald Allen, R-Tuscaloosa District 25: Ronda Walker, R-Montgomery District 26: John Knight, D-Montgomery District 33: Vivian Davis Figures, D-Mobile District 34: Jack Williams, R-Wilmer For the Alabama House of Representatives, RetailPAC endorses: District 4: Parker Moore, R-Decatur District 9: Scott Stadthagen, R-Hartselle District 10: Mike Ball, R-Madison District 12: Corey Harbison, R-Cullman District 14: Tim Wadsworth, R-Arley District 16: Kyle South, R-Fayette District 19: Laura Hall, D-Huntsville District 22: Ritchie Whorton, R-Owens Cross Roads District 27: Wes Kitchens, R-Arab District 30: Robert McKay, R-Ashville District 31: Mike Holmes, R-Wetumpka District 32: Barbara Boyd, D-Anniston District 33: Ron Johnson, R-Sylacauga District 39: Ginny Shaver, R-Leesburg District 42: Jimmy Martin, R-Clanton District 45: Dickie Drake, R-Leeds District 48: Jim Carns, R-Birmingham District 49: April Weaver, R-Alabaster District 55: Rod Scott, D-Fairfield District 56: Louise Alexander, D-Bessemer District 58: Rolanda Hollis, D-Birmingham District 60: Juandalynn Givan, D-Birmingham District 64: Harry Shiver, R-Bay Minette District 65: Elaine Beech, D-Chatom District 67: Prince Chestnut, D-Selma District 69: Kelvin Lawrence, D-Hayneville* District 73: Matt Fridy, R-Montevallo District 76: Thad McClammy, D-Montgomery District 82: Pebblin Warren, D-Tuskegee District 85: Dexter Grimsley, D-Newville District 97: Adline Clarke, D-Mobile* District 102: Willie Gray, R-Citronelle District 105: Chip Brown, R-Mobile Alabama Retail Association PAC endorses these federal candidates: 2nd District: U.S. Rep. Martha Roby, R-Montgomery 4th District: U.S. Rep. Robert Aderholt, R-Haleyville Twinkle Andress Cavanaugh candidate for Lieutenant Governor released a statement on Monday regarding her endorsement. “I am honored to receive the endorsements of job creators across Alabama,” said Cavanaugh. “Through the sale of food, clothing, furniture, medicine and much more, the Alabama Retail Association’s thousands of members touch almost every aspect of daily life in our great state. 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, infrastructure, and workforce development as priorities, our brightest days are ahead of us.” Alabama Attorney General candidate Steve Marshall said he was honored to receive the endorsement. “The backing of the Alabama Retail Association signals significant momentum for our campaign and I’m truly honored to receive their support.”
How a Supreme Court case could affect your online purchases
Do businesses have to collect sales tax on purchases made on the internet? The answer right now is: It depends. But a Supreme Court case being heard Tuesday could change that. Some questions and answers about the issue and the case: Q: Who charges sales tax online right now?: A: Large retailers such as Apple, Macy’s, Target and Walmart, which have brick-and-mortar stores nationwide, generally collect sales tax from their customers who buy from them online. But other online sellers can often sidestep charging sales tax. If a business is shipping to a state where it doesn’t have an office, warehouse or other so-called physical presence, it doesn’t have to collect the state’s sales tax. Q: Where does the physical presence rule come from? A: The rule is the result of two decades-old Supreme Court cases. The court first adopted its physical presence rule on sales tax collection in a 1967 case dealing with a catalog retailer. At the time, the court was concerned in part about the burden collecting sales tax would place on the catalog company. The court reaffirmed the rule in 1992. Q: What are examples of online retailers that don’t collect sales tax nationwide? A: Jewelry website Blue Nile, pet products site Chewy.com, clothing retailer L.L. Bean, electronics retailer Newegg, internet retailer Overstock.com and home furnishings site Wayfair are among the sites that don’t collect sales tax nationwide. Sellers on eBay and Etsy, which provide platforms for smaller sellers, also don’t collect tax nationwide. Amazon.com has since 2017 collected sales tax in every state that imposes one, but third-party sellers who sell goods on the site don’t have to. Q: How does this affect states? A: States say they’re losing out on billions of dollars in tax revenue each year because of the Supreme Court’s physical presence rule. States generally require residents who weren’t charged sales tax on a purchase to pay it themselves, often through self-reporting on their income tax returns. But states have found that few people comply. States say their losses mean cuts to critical government programs and that those losses compound as online shopping grows. More than 40 states are asking the Supreme Court to get rid of the physical presence rule. Q: What is the case for businesses that don’t currently collect sales taxes nationwide? A: Sellers who defend the current rule say collecting sales tax nationwide would be costly and extraordinarily complex, especially for small sellers. Tax rates and rules vary not only by state but also by city and county. Taxes can even vary within a zip code. Sellers who want the court to keep the current rule say free or inexpensive software touted as a cure for the challenges of tax collection isn’t accurate. They say more sophisticated software is expensive and collecting taxes nationwide would also subject them to potentially costly audits. Q: Why is the Supreme Court taking up this issue now? A: South Dakota passed a law in 2016 designed to challenge the Supreme Court’s physical presence rule. The law requires out-of-state sellers who do more than $100,000 of business in the state or more than 200 transactions annually with state residents to collect and turn over sales tax to the state. It’s South Dakota’s law that’s now at the center of the case at the Supreme Court. Republished with the permission of the Associated Press.
Steve Scalise undergoes planned surgery 10 months after shooting
Rep. Steve Scalise, badly wounded by a gunman at a Republican baseball practice 10 months ago, underwent planned follow-up surgery Monday, and doctors were planning additional procedures. The Louisiana congressman, seen as a potential successor to retiring House Speaker Paul Ryan, was treated at MedStar Washington Hospital Center. That’s the same facility where Scalise was rushed after the June 2017 shooting that also wounded four others. The medical center and the lawmaker’s office said in a statement that he has “initiated a series of planned, inpatient procedures” but provided no other detail. They said he was in “excellent spirits” and was expected to remain hospitalized for several days. The 52-year-old Scalise, the third-ranking House GOP leader, wrote to colleagues earlier Monday that he would be “fully engaged” as he recovers from the surgery and would return to the Capitol “as soon as my doctors say I’m able.” Ryan, R-Wis., announced last week that he won’t seek re-election in November. The front-runner in the contest to replace Ryan as top House Republican seems to be Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., his party’s No. 2 House leader. Scalise spokesman Chris Bond said Monday that when the leadership election is held, the congressman will support McCarthy. That essentially left it up to McCarthy to round up the 218 votes needed in the 435-member House to prevail but left the door open for Scalise should McCarthy fall short. Scalise suffered shattered bones and damaged internal organs in the shooting, which left him near death. He was hospitalized for more than a month. U.S. Capitol Police and other officers killed the gunman, who had nursed grievances against President Donald Trump and the GOP. Scalise now maneuvers around the Capitol on crutches and an electric scooter. Republished with the permission of the Associated Press.
Women of Influence: Republican Party State Chairman Terry Lathan
Starting her political involvement at the age of 18, Terry Lathan has been a driving force for the Alabama Republican party for over 40 years. A native of Mobile, Ala. Lathan earned her bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Auburn University at Montgomery, and taught fifth and sixth grade in a public school for a decade. She went on to serve as a Board member to the Boys and Girls Club of Greater South Alabama, and in 2012 was named the Boys and Girls Club Alabama Board Member of the Year — out of 735 members. In 2013 graduated from Leadership Mobile, a program whose mission is to train and empower leaders in Mobile who are committed to supporting and leading community growth and progress. Her years spent as en educator came full-circle when was appointed by former Gov. Robert Bentley in 2011 to the Alabama State Mathematics Textbook Committee. A longtime sustaining donor to the Women’s Resource Center, a Pro-Life Organization in Mobile, Lathan has also served there as a counselor and Life Chain coordinator. Political career Lathan’s career in politics started in In 1977, when she volunteered for former Governor of Alabama Guy Hunt‘s campaign. Since that time she has served in many different capacities for several campaigns including: former President Ronald Reagan‘s, both of George W. Bush‘s in 2000 and 2004; was an Alabama College Elector for former Governor of Massachusetts Mitt Romney in 2012, and a RNC delegate to the 2016 Republican National Convention from Alabama, supporting President Donald Trump at the convention. She has been a member of the Alabama Republican Executive Committee since 1990, and became county chair of the Mobile County Republican Party in 2010. In 2004, 2010 and 2014 she and her husband Jerry Lathan won the Alabama Republican of the Year awards. She is also a winner of the Mobile County Republican Party Lifetime Achievement Award, 2008. In 2015 Lathan was elected chair of the Alabama Republican party, a position she still holds today; pledging to work toward transparency and unity within the Republican Party. It’s safe to say, Lathan is a political sage, with many years of experience in the political world. She was kind enough to take time out of her busy schedule to answer some of Alabama Today’s questions about her life, work and influences: How have other women influenced your success? The first day of school I went home and announced I wanted to be a teacher. My teachers mesmerized me. I had a great desire, even at six, to be like them. The strength, compassion and caring they had was a huge influence on me. They modeled that anyone could do anything they wanted in life. I taught 5th and 6th grades for ten years. I then wanted to spend time with my two children helping at their school so I stepped away from teaching. I still miss being in a classroom. What shaped your desire to work with education and government? I love children and teaching. If I have a choice of standing at a political event or sitting on the floor with children, I’ll be down on the floor. I also love mentoring teens and College Republicans. When I was a teenager and started tuning in to current events, I became very pro-life. I realized I could never be a part of a political party who fights for the destruction of unborn children. My life values and Democrat actions clashed inside of me. I would do what I could to use our system to get in that arena. History and the love of country greatly appealed to me- the military, veterans, first responders and volunteers who helped others in times of need. I also grew to recognize that more freedom and less government in our lives ramped up my interest in volunteering in the Republican Party. Instead of reading or hearing about issues I disagreed with, I simply started volunteering to change things. What has been your favorite area of service, and what is your favorite thing about that position? Meeting thousands of Republicans who love Alabama and America is up lifting. I have visited all 67 counties meeting with Republican committees, clubs, auxiliary groups, elected officials and grassroots activists. Helping fellow citizens to win elections with conservative issues is still exciting after forty years. I love teaching about the mechanics of elections, new technology uses and sharing the conservative policies of the Republican Party. Being a teacher didn’t end for me in a classroom door. I love sharing information with my Republican teammates. I also try to be a political ambassador that believes raising the bar of decency, integrity and putting people first in politics is imperative. We have so many great public servants who work hard everyday. I reject the sayings of “They’re all like that” or “That’s just politics”. That’s a false excuse that should never be accepted for lowering the bar of expectations of public service. I try to share that message everywhere I speak. Have you read any books that have shaped your perspective on life? Other than the Bible, there is not one particular book that has shaped my perspective. I was moved by the autobiography of former slave and Republican Frederick Douglass. His story is breathtaking and gives a foundation of freedom, will power and strength that everyone should read. From a slave who died a millionaire and counseled several presidents, it’s a true story of the power of the human spirit. What advice would you give to young women who want to work in education or politics? Jump in. Find a place to use your strengths. Be prepared to lose some along with the wins, but keep going. Know that not everyone will always agree with you politically, but that’s with everything in life. Don’t back down on something you feel strongly about but learn to work with what you can. Be patient and keep going forward no matter what. Always remember the big picture. How do you spend your (rare) free time? My GOP state chairman position is a volunteer job which runs 30-50 hours a week. We
