Hyundai’s new engine plant, Santa Fe will drive the future of the automaker’s Alabama operations
Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama’s (HMMA) $388 million new engine plant and boosted SUV production are moves to position the South Korean automaker’s Montgomery plant as a key component of its global innovation efforts. On its own as an economic development project, the 260,000-square-foot engine plant and the 50 new jobs would be remarkable. But officials said it’s more than that. “This facility really is positioning itself for the future with this investment,” said Alabama Commerce Secretary Greg Canfield. “This is about technology. This is about taking a facility that’s been around for a couple of decades and really taking it and launching it into the next 20, 25, 30 years of productivity and ingenuity and technology.” With Tuesday’s announcement of the engine plant and today’s launch of the new Santa Fe SUV, HMMA is demonstrating its competitiveness and viability, Robert Burns, HMMA public relations director said. “We’re going to feel like we have a good product mix – Sonata, Elantra, Santa Fe – to meet the market demand in the U.S. and Canada as well as Mexico,” he said. Burns said more than 80,000 new Santa Fes will be produced the rest of this year with a goal of producing more than 100,000 in 2019. Santa Fes will make up about 40 percent of the production at the plant while the Sonata and Elantra sedans will each make up around 30 percent, he said. The engine plant will produce 700,000 engines annually for vehicles at both HMMA and those at the sister Kia plant in Georgia. “It’s important to point out that this engine machining line that’s being built is freeing up that space we need in the assembly plant that we have right now,” Burns said. “Because of the new process, we need more assembly line space to do that part of the process.” The new engines are expected to be more efficient with better fuel economy, but little else is being revealed. Canfield said Hyundai is showing its ability to respond to customer demand, a flexibility the automaker is known for throughout the world. “A plant like this could just sit here and continue to do the things that it does well,” he said. “This is the next stage of innovation technology that happens to evolve around engines and the power plant as well as other technology that will be developed not only for the Kia line but also the Hyundai line here at home.” It positions Hyundai’s Alabama plant as a linchpin for the company’s growth. “This investment really plants that flag for a long time to come,” Canfield said. Republished with the permission of the Alabama Newscenter.
Where the candidates will be on election night
Tuesday is Primary Election Day in Alabama, where candidates from both major parties — Republican and Democratic — will face off at ballot boxes across the state to see who advances to the November General Election. If you’re hoping to hang out and catch a glimpse of the candidates, here is where you will find them Tuesday night: Governor’s race Tommy Battle What: Battle for Governor watch party When: 7 p.m. Where: EarlyWorks Museum ( 404 Madison Street SE in Huntsville, Ala. 35801) Scott Dawson What: Election night watch party When: 7 p.m. Where: The Barn at Shady Lane (290 Sunbelt Parkway in Bessemer, Ala. 35022) Bill Hightower What: Hightower for Governor will host a Primary Election Night party. When: 7:30 p.m. Where: Hightower campaign headquarters: Pinebrooke Shopping Center (3964 Airport Boulevard in Mobile, Ala.) Kay Ivey What: Election night watch party When: 7 p.m. Where: Renaissance Hotel (201 Tallapoosa St. in Montgomery, Ala. 36104) Walt Maddox What: Election night watch party Where: River Market (1900 Jack Warner Pkwy in Tuscaloosa, Ala. 35401) Lt. Governor’s race Will Ainsworth Where: Returns watch party When: 7 p.m. Where: Wintzell’s Oyster House (14455 US-431 in Guntersville, Ala. 35976) Twinkle Andress Cavanaugh What: Election night watch party When: 7:00 p.m. Where: The Embassy Suites Hotel (300 Tallapoosa St. in Montgomery, Ala. 36104) Attorney General race Chess Bedsole What: Election night party When: 7:30 p.m. Where: Caveat Coffee Shop (2832 Linden Ave in Homewood, Ala. 35209) Troy King What: Election night watch party When: 6:30 p.m. Where: Montgomery Biscuits Stadium Box Office at Riverwalk Stadium (200 Coosa Street in Montgomery, Ala.) Steve Marshall What: Election night watch party When: 7 p.m. Where: Above Central Restaurant (129 Coosa Street in Montgomery, Ala. 36104) Alice Martin What: Election night watch party When: 7 p.m. Where: Habitat Feed and Social in the Grand Bohemian Hotel (2655 Lane Park Road in Birmingham, Ala 35223) Joseph Siegelman What: Democratic primary watch party When: 6:30 p.m. Where: The Southern Kitchen & Bar rooftop (2301 Richard Arrington Jr. Blvd. Suite 300 Uptown in Birmingham, Ala. 35203) This article will be updated as more scheduled come in.
China says trade deals are off if U.S. raises tariffs
China has balked at stepping up its purchases of American products, raising the odds of a trade war, if President Donald Trump follows through on his threat to tax billions of dollars’ worth of Chinese imports. The warning from Beijing came after delegations led by U.S. Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross and China’s top economic official, Vice Premier Liu He, wrapped up talks on Beijing’s pledge to narrow its trade surplus. White House advisers were insisting on fundamental changes in ties between the world’s two biggest economic powers. At the outset of the event Ross said the two sides had discussed specific American exports China might purchase, but the talks ended with no joint statement and neither side released details. “Both sides appear to have hardened their negotiating stances and are waiting for the other side to blink,” said Eswar Prasad, professor of trade policy at Cornell University. “Despite the potential negative repercussions for both economies, the risk of a full-blown China-U.S. trade war, with tariffs and other trade sanctions being imposed by both sides, has risen significantly.” Asked specifically on Fox’s “Sunday Morning Futures” if the U.S. is willing to throw away its relationship with China by proceeding with threatened tariff hikes, Peter Navarro, director of the White House National Trade Council, pointed in part to an unfair relationship involving a multi-billion dollar trade deficit, Defense Secretary Jim Mattis’ warning of China’s activities in the South China Sea and the threat of China stealing U.S. intellectual property. “That’s a relationship with China that structurally has to change,” he said. “We would love to have a peaceful, friendly relationship with China. But we’re also standing firm that the president is the leader on this.” The United States has threatened to impose tariffs on up to $50 billion of Chinese products in a dispute over Beijing’s aggressive tactics to challenge U.S. technological dominance; Trump has asked U.S. Trade Rep. Robert Lighthizer to look for another $100 billion in Chinese products to tax. China has targeted $50 billion in U.S. products for possible retaliation. Tensions temporarily eased on May 19 after China promised to “significantly increase” its purchases of U.S. farm, energy and other products. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said then that the U.S. tariffs were suspended and the trade war was “on hold.” The purchases are meant to reduce America’s massive trade deficit in goods and services with China, which last year came to $337 billion, according to the U.S. Commerce Department. After the apparent cease-fire, global financial markets rallied in relief. But Trump upended the truce last Tuesday by renewing his threat to impose 25 percent tariffs on $50 billion in Chinese high-tech goods. The tariffs are meant to pressure Beijing for allegedly stealing trade secrets and forcing foreign companies to hand over technology in exchange for access to the Chinese market. Navarro later called Mnuchin’s conciliatory comments “an unfortunate soundbite.” Ross nonetheless journeyed to Beijing Friday to work out details of the vague agreement Mnuchin had earlier cobbled together with the Chinese vice premier. China balked at making concessions unless the U.S. lifted the tariff threat. “If the United States introduces trade sanctions including a tariff increase, all the economic and trade achievements negotiated by the two parties will not take effect,” said a Chinese government statement, carried by the official Xinhua News Agency. The negotiating process should be “based on the premise” of not fighting a “trade war,” the statement said. The dispute with China comes at the same time Trump has riled some of America’s closest allies with the imposition of tariffs on steel and aluminum imports. After a three-day meeting of finance ministers from the G7 industrial nations that ended Saturday in Canada, Canadian Finance Minister Bill Morneau issued a summary saying the other six members want Trump to hear their message of “concern and disappointment” over the U.S. trade actions. Allies including Canada and the European Union are threatening retaliatory tariffs. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau told NBC’s Meet the Press on Sunday that the reciprocal tariffs would hurt both U.S. and Canadian workers and consumers. He also pushed back against the argument that Canadian steel poses a U.S. security threat. “The idea that we are somehow a national security threat to the United States is quite frankly insulting and unacceptable,” he said. Bruno Le Maire, France’s finance and economy minister, also called the U.S. tariffs unjustified. “We regret that our common work together at the level of the G7 has been put at risk by the decisions taken by the American administration on trade and on tariffs,” he said. Trade analysts had warned Ross’s hand might be weakened if the Trump administration alienated allies who share complaints about Chinese technology policy and a flood of low-priced steel, aluminum and other exports. Republished with the permission of the Associated Press.
Personnel note: Jeff Peoples elected senior vice president of Alabama Power
On Friday, Alabama Power announced Jeff Peoples had been elected senior vice president of Employee Services and Labor Relations for the company, effective immediately. Peoples most recently served as Alabama Power’s vice president of Human Resources and Ethics and vice president of Operations Services for Southern Company. In his expanded role, Peoples will lead Alabama Power’s human resources, safety, internal and external labor, and ethics and culture organizations. He will continue to serve as vice president of Operations Services for Southern Company with additional responsibilities over power delivery and safety training. “Jeff’s experience and leadership will be invaluable as we continue to find more efficient and innovative ways to serve our employees, customers and our communities,” said Mark Crosswhite, Alabama Power chairman, president and CEO. Peoples began his career with Southern Company in 1984 as a chemical technician at Alabama Power’s Plant Miller. Over the years he has progressed through positions of increasing responsibility in human resources, training and workforce development. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Chemistry and Biological Science from Lee University in Cleveland, Tenn. He serves on the board of directors of the Alabama Power Foundation, Southeast LAMPAC, the National Utility Industry Training Fund and the Center for Construction Research and Training. He and his wife, Rhoda, have two daughters.
Here’s everyone who the Conservative Christians of Alabama has endorsed in the 2018 election cycle
The Conservative Christians of Alabama — a pro-life, traditional marriage, pro-gun, stop common core, stop illegal immigration, fewer government regulations, lower taxes group that exists to educate Christians about political candidates and issues from a scriptural perspective — has announced their endorsements ahead of the June 5 primaries. Here are the candidates who the Conservative Christians of Alabama has endorsed, who they believe will best reflect their conservative Christian beliefs in office: U.S. Congress District 2: Rich Hobson District 5: Mo Brooks Statewide races Lt. Governor: Rusty Glover Attorney General: Chess Bedsole Secretary of State: John Merrill Treasurer: John McMillan Auditor: Jim Zeigler Commissioner of Agriculture: Rick Pate Alabama Supreme Court Chief Justice: Tom Parker Associate Justice Place 1: Debra Jones Associate Justice Place 4: John Bahakel Court of Civil Appeals Place 1: Michelle Manley Thomason Place 2: Terri Willingham Thomas Court of Criminal Appeals Place 1: Richard Minor Place 2: Chris McCool Place 3: Bill Cole Public Service Commission Place 2: Robin Litaker State Senate District 2: Tom Butler District 4: Paul Bussman District 7: Sam Givhan District 8: Max D. Fuller District 10: Mack Butler District 12: Wayne Willis District 13: Tim Sprayberry District 21: Gerald Allen District 25: Will Barfoot District 32: David Northcutt District 34: Jack Williams State House District 3: Andrew Sorrell District 4: Tom Fredericks District 5: Danny Crawford District 6: Andy Whitt District 9: Scott Stadhagen District 10: Charles Orr District 12: Corey Harbison District 14: Tim Wadsworth District 16: Kyle South District 17: Tracy Estes District 22: Ritchie Whorton District 23: Tommy Hanes District 29: Becky Nordgren District 30: Rusty Jessup District 31: Dustin DeVaughn District 39: TJ Maloney District 42: Jimmie Hardee District 45: Ted Crockett District 49: April Weaver District 73: Matt Fridy District 87: Adam E. Parker District 88: Will Dismukes District 89: Wes Allen District 91: Lister H. Reeves, Jr. District 99: Charles Talbert District 105: Janet Brown Oglesby State Board of Education District 2: John Taylor District 8: Wayne Reynolds County races Cleburne County State Republican Executive Committee, Cleburne County, Place 1: Tim Sprayberry Colbert County Colbert County Republican Executive Committee, Place 6: Andrew Sorrell Colbert County Republican Executive Committee, Place 1, District 2: Dennis Sorrell DeKalb County Dekalb County Republican Executive Committee, Place 4, District 1: Benjamin Windom Dekalb County Republican Executive Committee, Place 5, District 1: Rodney Ivey Special Election for Renewal and Continuation of Levy of the 1 Mill Countywide School Tax – AGAINST proposed taxation Special Election for Renewal and Continuation of Levy of the 3 Mill Countywide School Tax – AGAINST proposed taxation Special Election for Renewal and Continuation of Levy of the 7.5 Mill Countywide School Tax – AGAINST proposed taxation Special Election for Renewal and Continuation of Levy of the 3 Mill School District Tax – AGAINST proposed taxation Lauderdale County Lauderdale County Probate Judge: William Smith Lauderdale County Board of Education, Place 4: Joshua Miller State Republican Executive Committee, Lauderdale County, Place 1: John Hargett State Republican Executive Committee, Lauderdale County, Place 4: James Elwin Irby Lauderdale County Republican Executive Committee Place 1: Barry Morris Place 3: Joan Davis Place 8: Matthew Sorrell Place 14: Josh Miller Place 20: Margaret Irby Place 21: Billy Hammock Place 23: Shelly Pettus Place 24: Jonathan Foster Place 25: John Hargett Limestone County Limestone County Commission Chairman: Collin Daly Limestone County License Commissioner: Terry Persell State Republican Executive Committee, Limestone County, Place 1: John Wahl State Republican Executive Committee, Limestone County, Place 3: Ben Harrison Madison County Madison County Probate Judge: Frank Barger State Republican Executive Committee, Madison County District 1, Place 1: Matthew A. Hitt Madison County Republican Executive Committee, at Large, Place 6: Brad Taylor Madison County Republican Executive Committee, at Large, Place 9: Tina Clark Madison County Republican Executive Committee, District 11, Place 2: Ralph Weber Madison County Republican Executive Committee, District 11, Place 3: Thomas Scovill Morgan County State Republican Executive Committee, Morgan County, Place 4: James Henderson Shelby County State Republican Executive Committee, Shelby County, Place 1: Bill Armistead Tuscaloosa County Tuscaloosa County Probate Judge: Rob Robertson State Republican Executive Committee, Tuscaloosa County, Place 4: Don Wallace
Donald Trump asserts ‘absolute right to PARDON’ himself
The Latest on whether President Donald Trump could pardon himself in the Russia probe (all times local): 8:50 a.m. President Donald Trump says he has “absolute right to PARDON myself” but says has “done nothing wrong” in the Russia probe. In a tweet Monday, Trump weighed in on the question of whether he could pardon himself should the special counsel find he interfered in the investigation into Russia meddling in the 2016 election. Trump’s lawyer, Rudy Giuliani, in television interviews Sunday, suggested Trump might have that authority to pardon himself but would be unwise to use it. Giuliani told NBC’s “Meet the Press”: “Pardoning himself would be unthinkable and probably lead to immediate impeachment.” Trump, in his tweet, declared: “As has been stated by numerous legal scholars, I have the absolute right to PARDON myself, but why would I do that when I have done nothing wrong?” 12: 45 a.m. Can a president pardon himself? An attorney for President Donald Trump is playing down the possibility that Trump would try to — if it came to that. Rudy Giuliani says Trump might have that authority but exercising it would be “unthinkable.” Besides, Giuliani, adds, Trump has done nothing wrong and has no need to consider pardoning himself. Giuliani’s comments come as the White House sharpens its legal and political defenses against the special counsel Russia probe. He made it clear Trump’s legal team would combat any effort to force the president to testify in front of a grand jury. Republished with the permission of the Associated Press.
Get to know: Twinkle Cavanaugh Republican candidate for Lieutenant Governor
Republican Lt. Governor-hopeful Twinkle Andress Cavanaugh is no stranger to state politics and getting things done. She currently serves the people of Alabama as President of the Public Service Commission. Over the past six years, she has “rightsized” the PSC and reduced overall spending by 30 percent. This has saved the taxpayers over $50 million and will continue to save our state over $10 million annually. Prior to her time at the PSC, she was the first female Chairman of the Alabama Republican Party back in 2005. Now she’s one of three Republicans running for Lieutenant Governor. She hopes to lead the charge to restore the state’s image and elevate Alabama into a land of opportunity for generations to come. While some voters don’t know much about the office of Lt. Governor, current Gov. Kay Ivey attributes her time in the position as what prepared her to take over the Governorship last April. As written in state law, 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. Here Cavanaugh is in her own words: Significant other? Kids? I’m married to Jeff Cavanaugh, a veterinarian. We have three children and two grandchildren. We are active members of First Baptist Church in Montgomery, where we teach Sunday School and Jeff serves as a Deacon. Education background? Professional background? I graduated from Jefferson Davis High School and then Auburn University, where I earned my bachelor’s degree in biology and my teaching certificate. What was your first job? I got my first job working at a local Bojangles’ in high school. My first job after graduating from Auburn was teaching at Houston Hills Junior High School in downtown Montgomery. In 25 words or less, why are you running for office? I’m running for Lt. Governor to cut the size of state government, fight for our conservative way of life, and to help build a brighter Alabama for our children and grandchildren. Did you speak with anybody in your political party before deciding on running? Receive any encouragement? From whom? I spoke with my family before deciding to run, and we took a close look at everything involved. After prayer, discussion, and doing our homework, I know that I can make a significant positive impact on our state as Lt. Governor. I have been blessed to serve at the Public Service Commission and strongly believe that I have more to offer my fellow Alabamians. My family has been so encouraging throughout my time in public service, and I could truly not do it without their constant love and support. Who do you count on for advice? First and foremost, I pray for guidance. My family also serves as an important sounding board. When it comes to specific issues that pop up in state government, I like to hear from the relevant stakeholders and hear all sides. That’s the best way to find comprehensive, measured solutions to the very real challenges facing our state. Who is your political consultant? Campaign manager? Randy Hinaman is my campaign’s general consultant. Who was the first person to contribute to your campaign? Why did they donate? Several individuals sent me a check the very first day of fundraising back in June of 2017. I’ve been blessed by strong grassroots supporters for years, and I’m proud to have tried and true conservatives fighting alongside me. Who, if anyone, inspires you in state government? Ronald Reagan was the person who really first inspired me to get involved in conservative causes; Chuck Colson (founder of Prison Fellowship) has also been a motivating figure to me. As far as state government goes, I have had the privilege of working with so many tremendous state employees who go above and beyond to serve the people of our great state. State government could not function without the tireless dedication of everyday men and women across Alabama. Why do people mistrust elected officials and what are you going to do about it? We are sick and tired of being embarrassed by elected officials. Year after year, negative surprises keep popping up. These are the things that make national news and sully our state’s image. We can and we must do better. I’m running for Lt. Governor because I believe Alabama’s brightest days can be ahead of us with proven conservative leaders at the helm. We can be the envy of the South and a beacon for the rest of the nation. It all starts with restoring trust in state government. I want to lead the charge in doing a full audit of state spending and find out how we can right-size agencies across the board like we have done at the Public Service Commission. One of the best things elected officials can do to restore people’s faith in them is to prove that our tax dollars are being spent efficiently and prudently. What are 3 issues that you’re running on? (Please don’t simply say “education” or “improving the schools”) First, we must continue investing in pre-K and early elementary education while at the same time giving our children a strong finish. For some of our students, that means a college degree from one of our world-class colleges or universities, but for many, it means getting a technical certification or job training. Workforce development programs, technical schools, public-private partnerships, and dual enrollment programs with local community colleges will prepare our children for good, high-paying jobs and make Alabama an attractive place to start or grow a business. The bottom line is that each child should be equipped for and allowed to choose his or her own path to success. Second, we need to fix Alabama’s infrastructure. Infrastructure is the backbone of commerce. So many of our roads and river ways need work. And it is our duty to provide job creators with high speed connectivity, low-cost electricity, and a dependable network of roads, bridges, and waterways, so they can thrive and create new jobs. Third, we need regulatory reform. Government
Bradley Byrne: Making progress for America
These days, it is hard to turn on the television or log onto the Internet without being bombarded with the latest “news” of what is happening in Washington. The media gives far too much attention to names like Stormy Daniels and Roseanne instead of focusing on the wide range of substantive issues being debated in Congress each week. While it is easy to get distracted by all of the “noise,” it skews the perception of what is really occurring here in Washington. Ultimately, these stories are just a sideshow that end up taking away from the critical work being done for the American people. What the national news media has not been highlighting are the many ways we in the House are working to promote President Donald Trump’s commonsense, conservative agenda. We are truly getting the work done that the American people elected us to do. From national security priorities to historic tax reform, the House is making great progress. Our agenda is working too, which is demonstrated in the lowest unemployment rate in eighteen years. As a sign of our progress, we recently sent four major bills to President Donald Trump for his signature. These are among the 175 bills that have been enacted into law in the last year and a half. One of the four bills signed into law last week was the VA Mission Act of 2018, which consolidates the VA’s Community Care Program, opens the VA Caregivers Program to serve all veterans, and provides $5.2 billion to fund the VA Choice Program. Simply put, this bipartisan bill increases access to care at the VA, including walk-in clinics that may be more convenient and immediate in addressing the needs of our veterans. We have a duty to provide for the brave men and women who have sacrificed so much to defend our national security, and I am glad we have taken this step to ensure our veterans receive the highest standard of medical care. Another important piece of legislation signed into law was the Right to Try Act. This will allow terminally-ill patients to take advantage of experimental medical treatments that otherwise may not be available to the public. This was one of many priorities mentioned in the President’s State of the Union address in January, and I am proud that we could pass this bipartisan legislation and give hope to thousands of Americans suffering from a terminal illness. Another bill heading to the President’s desk is the Childhood Cancer STAR Act. I am a proud co-sponsor of this important bill, which enhances efforts to identify and track childhood cancer incidences, improves the quality of life for childhood cancer survivors, and expands research opportunities for therapies used in treatment of childhood cancer. Finally, the President signed the Economic Growth, Regulatory Relief, and Consumer Protection Act, which rolls back burdensome regulations from the Dodd-Frank law that negatively impacted our small, community banks and credit unions. Main Street should always come before Wall Street, so I applaud the signing of this important regulatory reform bill into law. You see, here in the House of Representatives, we refuse to get thrown off course or distracted by what the media portrays as hard-hitting news. Instead, we are staying focused and making progress on national priorities like supporting our veterans and growing the American economy. As we round out the remaining months in 2018, we will keep our foot on the gas and keep passing bills that improve the quality of life for people in Alabama and across the country. • • • Bradley Byrne is a member of U.S. Congress representing Alabama’s 1st Congressional District.
