Five things you need to know about Joseph Siegelman
Now that the runoff elections are over, voters are turning their attention to the November General Election only 106 days away. Democratic Attorney General candidate Joseph Siegelman beat his primary opponent Chris Christie in the June primary elections while Incumbent Attorney General and Republican candidate Steve Marshall was thrown into a runoff race. Marshall won his runoff election against Troy King last week with just over 62 percent of the vote; now Marshall will face Siegelman in the November General Election. The attorney general is responsible for representing the state in criminal and civil matters, and the office often is a stepping-stone to other positions. Just ask former Alabama attorney general and U.S. Senator, now-U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions. With that in mind, here are the five things you need to know about Joseph Siegelman: 1. He’s the the son of former Gov. Don Siegelman. Siegelman’s father, former Gov. Don Siegelman was a dominating figure in state politics for years, but his career came to a close with a conviction on federal bribery charges. In 2016, Siegelman had filed a lawsuit seeking Department of Justice documents about his father’s prosecution. Ultimately nothing came of it and Don Siegelman was released in 2017, which was a year to the day that Joseph announced his candidacy, from a federal prison in Louisiana where he was serving a six-year sentence for bribery and obstruction of justice. 2. He received some big endorsements during the primary. Siegelman has been endorsed by the New South Alliance and equal pay activist Lilly Ledbetter. 3. He would be a very young AG. If elected, Siegelman, 29, would only be 30 when he assumes office — a stark contrast to his Republican opponent, Steve Marshall who’s career has spanned over 30 years. 4. He’s the managing partner and with The Cochran Firm. Siegelman is the managing partner in The Cochran Firm – Birmingham office. There, his practice focuses primarily in the areas of personal injury, products liability, medical malpractice and mass tort litigation. He is a member of the Alabama State Bar Association and the Birmingham Bar Association and is admitted to practice in all Alabama State and Federal courts. 5. Roll Tide Roll. Siegelman obtained his undergraduate degree from the University of Alabama while completing part of his coursework at the London School of Economics and Political Science in London, England. He received a Bachelor of Science in Commerce and Business Administration, graduating summa cum laude from the University of Alabama’s Honors College and Business Honors Program. He also received his Juris Doctor from the University of Alabama School of Law. In law school, he twice represented the University of Alabama as an advocate on its National Trial Team and was awarded the George Peach Taylor Award for his outstanding trial advocacy.
Donald Trump’s warlike tweet just one sign of rising Iran tension
President Donald Trump‘s explosive twitter threat to Iran’s leader comes as his administration is ratcheting up a pressure campaign on the Islamic republic that many suspect is aimed at regime change. No one is predicting imminent war. But Trump’s bellicose, all-caps challenge addressed to President Hassan Rouhani followed a speech by Secretary of State Mike Pompeo in which he accused Iran’s leadership of massive corruption and widespread rights abuses and urged Iranians to rise up in protest. Both the tweet and the speech landed less than two weeks before the administration will begin re-imposing sanctions on Iran that had been lifted under the 2015 nuclear deal. In the meantime, the U.S. is stepping up Farsi-language outreach that is intended to support Iranians demonstrating against the policies of their government. Trump’s tweet doesn’t appear to have been prompted by any notable shift in rhetoric from Iran. It could have been an impulsive reaction to reports from Tehran quoting Rouhani as giving the U.S. an oft-repeated reminder that conflict with Iran would be “the mother of all wars.” Yet animosity directed at the Iranian leadership is an established part of the administration’s broader foreign policy. Iran has dismissed Trump’s late Sunday message — “NEVER EVER THREATEN THE UNITED STATES AGAIN OR YOU WILL SUFFER CONSEQUENCES THE LIKE OF WHICH FEW THROUGHOUT HISTORY HAVE EVER SUFFERED BEFORE” — as a “passive reaction” to Rouhani. But, Tehran was already aware of what was coming from the administration as consequences of Trump’s May withdrawal from the 2015 nuclear accord take shape. As Pompeo noted in his speech to Iranian-Americans and others in California late Sunday, the centerpiece of those consequences will be the re-imposition of U.S. economic sanctions; the first batch will go back into force on Aug. 4 targeting the Iranian automotive sector and trade in gold and other metals. A more significant set of sanctions that will hit Iran’s oil industry and central bank by punishing countries and companies that do business with them will resume on Nov. 4. “Right now, the United States is undertaking a diplomatic and financial pressure campaign to cut off the funds that the regime uses to enrich itself and support death and destruction,” Pompeo said in his speech at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum in Simi Valley. “We have an obligation to put maximum pressure on the regime’s ability to generate and move money, and we will do so. Pompeo also slammed Iran’s political, judicial and military officials, accusing several by name of participating in rampant corruption, and called its religious leaders “hypocritical holy men” who amassed wealth while allowing their people to suffer. He said the government has “heartlessly repressed its own people’s human rights, dignity and fundamental freedoms,” and he hailed the “proud Iranian people (for) not staying silent about their government’s many abuses.” “The United States under President Trump will not stay silent either,” he said. He was right. True to form, Trump did not stay silent. But the White House blamed Rouhani for inciting the war of words with his comment that “America must understand well that peace with Iran is the mother of all peace and war with Iran is the mother of all wars.” “WE ARE NO LONGER A COUNTRY THAT WILL STAND FOR YOUR DEMENTED WORDS OF VIOLENCE & DEATH. BE CAUTIOUS!,” Trump wrote. Reaction from Congress, particularly Democrats, was swift and critical. Democratic Sen. Jeanne Shaheen of New Hampshire, a member of the Foreign Relations Committee, acknowledged that Iran’s terrorist activities in the Middle East pose a threat but suggested it wouldn’t be solved through a tweet from Trump. “Sadly, after pulling us out of the nuclear deal with Europe and Iran, there doesn’t seem to be strategy for how to move forward to fight Iran’s activities,” she said. And Virginia Sen. Tim Kaine, the former Democratic vice presidential candidate, called the Twitter blast from the White House “another warning sign that Trump is blundering toward war with Iran.” Trump’s National Security Council pushed back: “Our differences are with the Iranian regime’s actions and, in particular, with the actions of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, not the Iranian people. The Trump administration’s Iran policy seeks to address the totality of these threats and malign activities and to bring about a change in the Iranian regime’s behavior.” “If anybody’s inciting anything, look no further than to Iran,” said White House press secretary Sarah Sanders said. She added that Trump has been “very clear about what he’s not going to allow to take place.” Trump has a history of firing off heated tweets that seem to quickly escalate long-standing disputes with leaders of nations at odds with the U.S. In the case of North Korea, the verbal war cooled quickly and gradually led to the high-profile summit and denuclearization talks. Still there has been little tangible progress in a global push to rid North Korea of its nuclear weapons program since the historic Trump-Kim Jong Un summit on June 12. Republished with permission from the Associated Press.
Alabama airports receive $25.5 million for infrastructure improvements
Alabama U.S. Senator Richard Shelby on Thursday announced 25 local airports throughout the Yellowhammer State will benefit from more than $25.5 million in Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) grants. The funding was awarded by the U.S. Department of Transportation for various airport improvements to support infrastructure construction, safety advances, and equipment acquisition. “These FAA grants support critical projects that aim to improve safety, security, and efficiency of airports across the state,” said Shelby. “Airport infrastructure plays a vital role in economic growth and development in Alabama, and I look forward to the progress that will stem from these grants.” The grants, which range from $7.08 million for the Mobile Downtown Airport to $94,500 for the Thomas C. Russell Field Airport in Alexander City, are funded through the Airport and Airway Trust Fund and federal appropriations. “This is outstanding news for constituents of Alabama’s 7th Congressional District. Airports are economic engines in our communities which promote job creation and greater economic growth for the state of Alabama,” said Alabama 7th District U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell, whose district is home to four cities receiving funding. “Infrastructure investments like these projects play a vital role, not only in our economic success, but in the overall viability of our communities.” Shelby chairs the Senate Committee on Appropriations, which unanimously approved the FY2019 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill last month. The 25 FAA grants, totaling $25,517,940, will support the following airport projects in Alabama: Mobile Downtown Airport, Mobile Airport Authority: $7,080,027 for taxiway reconstruction, runway rehabilitation, and installation of a new taxiway lighting system MacCrenshaw Memorial Airport, City of Greenville: $3,114,820 for runway reconstruction H.L. Callahan Airport, City of Fairhope: $3,033,757 for construction of an additional taxiway and access taxiways Tuscaloosa Regional Airport, City of Tuscaloosa: $2,652,600 for apron rehabilitation and a master plan study Lanett Municipal Airport, City of Lanett: $1,717,830 for construction of a runway and installation of a new runway lighting system Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport, Birmingham Airport Authority: $1,417,500 for erosion repair, safety equipment acquisition, sign installation, and taxiway rehabilitation Headland Municipal Airport, City of Headland: $990,000 for construction of an additional taxiway Auburn University Regional Airport, Auburn University: $832,500 for taxiway rehabilitation Enterprise Municipal Airport, City of Enterprise: $653,140 for taxiway rehabilitation Pryor Field Regional Airport, Counties of Morgan and Limestone: $495,900 for taxiway lighting reconstruction Cullman Regional-Folsom Field Airport, City and County of Cullman: $450,000 for taxiway reconstruction Carl Folsom Airport, Elba Airport Authority: $446,998 for construction a 7,200-square-foot hangar building Anniston Regional Airport, City of Anniston: $446,400 for apron and taxiway rehabilitation Marion County-Rankin Fite Airport, County of Marion: $261,000 for construction of an additional taxiway to provide access to aircraft hangars Albertville Regional-Thomas J Brumlik Field Airport, City of Albertville: $253,168 for taxiway reconstruction Shelby County Airport, County of Shelby: $249,970 for construction of a 14,830-square-foot hangar building Bibb County Airport, County of Bibb: $242,640 for land acquisition to extend protection zone Moton Field Municipal Airport, City of Tuskegee: $195,480 for runway and taxiway rehabilitation Talladega Municipal Airport, City of Talladega: $190,410 for taxiway rehabilitation Bessemer Airport, City of Bessemer: $150,000 for runway rehabilitation Prattville-Grouby Field Airport, Prattville Airport Authority: $150,000 for installation of airport drainage improvements Wetumpka Municipal Airport, City of Wetumpka: $150,000 for installation of a new navigational aid and a new runway vertical/visual guidance system Walker County-Bevill Field Airport, Walker County: $135,000 for updates to the airport master plan narrative report and airport layout plan Ozark-Blackwell Field Airport, City of Ozark: $114,300 for runway rehabilitation and installation of new navigational aids Thomas C. Russell Field Airport, City of Alexander City: $94,500 for installation of a new navigational aid and a new runway vertical/visual guidance system
Donald Trump flexing his political muscles with GOP endorsements
Competing in a contested runoff campaign for Georgia’s governor, Brian Kemp didn’t see it coming: the single-most prized endorsement in Republican politics. When President Donald Trump tweeted his support last week of Kemp over his Republican opponent, Lt. Gov. Casey Cagle, the Georgia secretary of state was holding a news conference announcing another endorsement from a former primary rival. It was only later that Kemp found out the president had unexpectedly delivered his “full and total endorsement” without any advance warning. The endorsement ahead of Tuesday’s runoff was the latest example of how Trump has become more emboldened in offering his imprimatur on a number of Republican contests — despite being burned in a bitter Alabama Senate campaign last year. Three Trump administration officials said Trump endorsed Kemp after conferring with Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue, a former Georgia governor who officials said circumvented the internal process on endorsements to advocate on Kemp’s behalf. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss internal deliberations. A representative for Perdue didn’t respond to a request for comment. Trump has also been inclined to endorse Kansas Secretary of State Kris Kobach for governor ahead of the state’s August 7 primary, two of the administration officials said. But aides have warned the president that it would alienate Republicans loyal to Kansas Gov. Jeff Colyer, who succeeded Sam Brownback when Trump selected him for a diplomatic post. Last spring, Trump was on the verge of tweeting out an endorsement of Kobach but his staff intervened, warning of the repercussions, the officials said. But they said Trump may still endorse Kobach anyway. The political maneuvering puts the president at risk of being on the losing side of a Republican race, as he was in Alabama last year when he initially supported Sen. Luther Strange, who lost a Republican primary to Roy Moore. Trump then urged voters to support Moore in the general election, even after the former judge was stung by multiple allegations of sexual misconduct. Moore lost the race to Democrat Doug Jones. “When he creates bad blood is when he splits with the establishment and makes the job holding the seat more difficult. Alabama is the best example of that,” said Alex Conant, a Republican strategist. However, he said, “for the most part, when Trump has endorsed a candidate it’s strategic and it helps the likelihood that we’ll keep the seat.” Despite the potential downside, Trump has stitched together a winning streak in Republican races that could benefit him in the months ahead. Trump’s willingness to serve as a kingmaker in Republican contests has allowed him to demand more loyalty within a party that once openly considered abandoning him during the final weeks of the 2016 campaign. And it has also been another tool to strengthen his base of supporters, who have followed his lead when he decides to make clear his preferences. The results of late have been to his liking. During a contentious West Virginia Senate primary, Trump heeded the call of Republicans by using his Twitter feed to urge Republican voters not to support Don Blankenship, the ex-coal executive who spent a year in federal prison for violating safety regulations in a deadly 2010 mine explosion. West Virginia’s attorney general, Patrick Morrisey, won the primary, giving Republicans a shot at defeating Democratic Sen. Joe Manchin in one of the top Senate battlegrounds. In South Carolina, Trump used a last-minute endorsement of state Rep. Katie Arrington to help oust Mark Sanford, a Republican congressman who had criticized the president. Trump also staged a rally on behalf of South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster, who was among the first elected officials to publicly embrace Trump during his 2016 campaign. McMaster fended off his Republican opponent. And last week in Alabama, Trump tweeted out an endorsement of Rep. Martha Roby, a Republican who was facing a runoff against Bobby Bright, a one-time Democratic congressman. Roby easily dispatched Bright, who had tried to capitalize on Roby’s decision to distance herself from Trump after the “Access Hollywood” tape during the 2016 fall campaign. Roby has since sought to make amends with Trump, who triumphantly tweeted that his endorsement opened the “flood gates,” adding, “and you had the kind of landslide victory that you deserve.” In Florida, Trump is expected to rally Republicans next week on behalf of Gov. Rick Scott, who is running for Senate, and Rep. Ron DeSantis, a candidate for governor who faces Adam Putnam, the state’s agriculture commissioner, in the party primary. “Die-hard Putnam supporters would wish the president wouldn’t endorse. But at the end of the day whoever wins that primary will unite Florida Republicans,” said Tom Reynolds, former New York congressman and head of the GOP’s congressional fundraising arm. In Georgia, Trump’s endorsement of Kemp came on the heels of Cagle’s endorsement by Republican Gov. Nathan Deal and the National Rifle Association, a key Trump constituency. But a White House official said officials raised concerns about Cagle’s viability in the general election when they reviewed polling after the emergence of an audio recording in which Cagle is heard explaining he engaged in political maneuvering for a “bad public policy” bill for a tax credit scholarships program. Vice President Mike Pence, who led a rally on Kemp’s behalf Saturday, was among the White House officials who spoke to Trump about the Kemp endorsement, the White House official said. Pence’s chief of staff, Nick Ayers, is a former Georgia political consultant who served as a top strategist to Perdue. The official said Ayers was among a group of aides who raised concerns about Cagle’s viability but was not a deciding factor in Trump’s endorsement. “As you know, we had the momentum going into the final stretch,” Kemp said during Saturday’s rally with Pence. “But their support has created what we are now calling the ‘Kemp surge.’” Republished with permission from the Associated Press.
EDPA’s ‘imerge’ event honors Alabama’s top innovators
Alabama’s top innovators gathered in Birmingham recently to celebrate the region’s thriving entrepreneurial scene and collaborate on ways to make it stronger. The Economic Development Partnership of Alabama’s 2018 “imerge” event awarded $151,000 to winners of an Alabama Launchpad startup pitch competition and honored industry leaders with EDPA’s annual Innovation Awards. Attendees networked over food and drink as EDPA transformed the covered parking area of its office on First Avenue South into a pop-up performance venue. Entrepreneurs who have helped fuel the growing innovation ecosystem in Birmingham and across the state talked about how the Magic City has shaped their companies’ culture and played a role in their success. “Birmingham, and particularly the South, has a certain way of putting people first and really caring for people,” said Bill Smith, founder and CEO of Shipt, the same-day delivery marketplace that last week announced a plan to create 881 jobs in Birmingham over the next several years. Smith said Shipt, which was acquired byTarget last year, has been able to scale that culture to locations and shoppers across the country as it aggressively expands. “That’s been a huge part of our success and will continue to be part of our success in the future.” $1 billion reasons Smith was part of a panel discussion – “$1 Billion Reasons to Believe in Alabama” – so named because the companies that were a part of it represented more than $1 billion in recent transactions. Also part of the panel were Shegun Otulana, founder and CEO of Theranest, and Chad Trull of Hospicelink. Otulana offered encouragement to entrepreneurs who are just getting started. “It’s a journey, and it’s not going to be easy. Don’t be afraid to fail,” he said. “Keep at it and seek counsel and hopefully it gets you to the right place.” Birmingham auto racing software developer Apex Pro won $100,000 in the seed category of the startup competition, as well as the $1,000 audience choice award. Global Inspections of Mobile won $50,000 in the concept category. Other special guests at imerge included Henrique Dubugras, co-founder of San Francisco-based financial technology company Brex and Nashville singer-songwriter and entrepreneur Holly Williams. EDPA President Steve Spencer said imerge brings together the many facets of Alabama’s vibrant entrepreneurial scene in one place to foster even more growth. “These are the stars of Alabama innovation here tonight. We want to create an environment where people can work with each other, learn from each other and celebrate each other,” he said. The 2018 EDPA Innovation Award winners are: Lifetime Achievement in Innovation: Art Tipton, Birmingham, is president and CEO of Southern Research, one of the leading research organizations in the U.S. in the areas of drug discovery and development, engineering and energy and environmental sciences. Startup of the Year: XpertDox, Birmingham, is a free web-based resource that connects patients to expert doctors, hospitals, ongoing clinical trials and peer-to-peer support. Outstanding Achievement in Innovative Manufacturing: Alignment Simple Solutions, Pelham, manufactures portable, affordable and accurate wheel alignment products and accessories for all vehicles. Corporate Innovator of the Year (small company, 10-50 employees): Inventure Renewables Inc., Tuscaloosa, pioneers process technologies for the rapid, low-cost, high-yield extraction of natural, biochemical and material building blocks from low-value/waste to provide cost-effective, carbon-neutral biofuels, biochemicals and biomaterials. Corporate Innovator of the Year (large company, 50-plus employees): Shipt, Birmingham, is a membership-based online grocery marketplace delivering fresh foods and household essentials through a community of shoppers and a convenient app. Startup Executive of the Year: Dr. Karim Budhwani, Birmingham, is CEO of CerFlux Personalized Medicine, which aims to reduce the pain, reduce the discomfort and reduce the cost of cancer treatment. Business Executive of the Year: Miranda Bouldin Frost, Huntsville, is president and CEO of LogiCore, which since its inception in 2002 has been an innovative resource for Department of Defense, government and commercial clients. Social Entrepreneur of the Year: Buddy Palmer is president and CEO of Create Birmingham, which has a mission to invest in imagination and invention. Through its programs, Create Birmingham constructs and supports diverse avenues for commercial and nonprofit creative success. “imerging” Young Leaders awards: Dustin Embrey, Connie Griesemer, Wayne Heard, Trent Kocurek, Chris Maurice, Ben Podbielski and Jeff Zeiders. Republished with the permission of the Alabama Newscenter.
Boeing investing in future growth at its Alabama operations
While aerospace giant Boeing grabs headlines with major deals at the Farnborough International Airshow, its Alabama operations are having a far-reaching impact on the company’s global business. Boeing workers in Alabama provide critical support and expertise in weapons systems, space exploration, advanced avionics research and more. One of the latest developments in the company’s 56-year history in the state is the expansion of its Patriot Advanced Capability-3 (PAC-3) missile seeker facility in Huntsville, which is taking support of its customers and warfighters to a whole new level. Meanwhile, Boeing is investing about $70 million in capital in Alabama to prepare its facilities for future growth. “It is an exciting time to work in aerospace in Alabama,” said Norm Tew, vice president and general manager of the Missile and Weapon Systems Division, and Huntsville senior site executive. “Boeing’s Alabama employees are designing, building and supporting some of the most advanced and most critical aerospace systems in the world, through our work on NASA’s Space Launch System, advanced air and missile defense systems, strategic deterrence systems, our engineering design centers and the many other projects and programs we support at our facilities in Alabama,” Tew said. “As the largest aerospace company in the state, we continue to grow our portfolio of work here and we’re making the investments to do so.” PAC-3 seeker The new PAC-3 seeker expansion is a 28,000-square-foot state-of-the-art facility with investment from Boeing, as well as its customers. Gov. Kay Ivey joined company officials in April to mark the completion of the project. “This facility houses the latest production and test equipment and gives us additional capacity required to produce PAC-3 seekers for our customer and partner, Lockheed Martin – ultimately helping support the growing needs of the U.S. Army and its allies for the PAC-3 missile capability,” said Boeing spokeswoman Jen Wollman. The Boeing seeker technology provides key target data to the PAC-3 missile guidance system, and the company has produced more than 3,000 PAC-3 seekers over the history of the program, which spans more than 20 years, she added. Boeing’s Alabama-made seekers provide active data to the PAC-3 missile, which enables it to acquire, intercept and destroy enemy ballistic and cruise missiles as well as hostile aircraft using hit-to-kill technology. The company invested $45 million to expand the Huntsville PAC-3 missile seeker production line in 2011, and last year workers produced the 3,000th seeker at the Alabama location. Alabama presence Boeing employs about 2,700 people in Alabama at two key facilities in Huntsville, in the Jetplex Industrial Park and at Redstone Gateway. The company generates an estimated $2.3 billion of economic activity in the state annually. Last year, it spent $606 million with nearly 200 suppliers, supporting about 18,000 direct and indirect jobs. In addition, Boeing and its employees contributed more than $1.6 billion to charitable organizations throughout the state in 2017. “Boeing has been a pillar of Alabama’s aerospace industry for more than half a century, buoyed by the skill and dedication of its Huntsville workforce,” said Greg Canfield, Secretary of the Alabama Department of Commerce. “The company continues to deepen its roots here in the state, setting the stage for even more groundbreaking research, developments and products.” Boeing’s core business areas in Alabama are: Missile and Weapons Systems: Includes Ground-based Midcourse Defense, designed to detect, intercept and destroy long-range ballistic missiles during their midcourse phase of flight, and Strategic Deterrence Systems, which integrate Boeing’s support of the U.S. Air Force’s nuclear deterrence mission. Space and Launch: The world’s largest satellite manufacturer, which also provides other space and intelligence systems and manages Boeing’s share of United Launch Alliance and United Space Alliance. Also includes Space Launch System, responsible for design, development, testing and manufacture of the core and upper stages and avionics for the nation’s next-generation human-rate rocket to take people and cargo to deep space and to the International Space Station. Boeing Global Services: Support services for U.S. Army helicopters. Huntsville Design Center: Includes a team of nearly 250 engineers that support a wide variety of programs, including military and commercial aircraft. Boeing Research and Technology: The Alabama research center houses about 300 engineers, scientists and technicians who are working on advances in avionics systems, composite materials, cybersecurity and other areas. Republished with the permission of the Associated Press.
Google to offer digital skills workshops in three Alabama cities
Google says it will offer free digital skills workshops in Alabama. AL.com reports Google announced Monday it’s bringing its “Grow with Google” tour to three cities starting with Birmingham on Aug. 6. The other two workshops are Aug. 8 in Opelika and Aug. 10 in Scottsboro. Google’s head of community engagement Erica Swanson says the workshops and one-on-one coaching are designed to help job seekers and small businesses. She says Google sees the training as an extension of its existing presence in Alabama. The Internet company began engaging with some public libraries after announcing that it was building a $600 million data center in Jackson County. Google says roughly 11,000 Alabama businesses and nonprofits generated more than $700 million in economic activity in 2017 using its search and advertising tools. Republished with the permission of the Associated Press.
Terri Sewell travels to Texas border to visit detention center
On Thursday, Alabama 7th District U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell traveled to the Texas border where she and other members of Congress toured a border patrol processing center and detention center. The trip, which lasted Through Saturday, July 21, led the group of nine to the Port Isabel Detention Center, an adult detention center, as well as the Brownsville Port of Entry, the initial point of entry and detention for many asylum seekers. “This week’s trip to the border is a chance for lawmakers to see firsthand how President Trump is treating immigrant families seeking shelter” said Sewell. “The United States is a country of immigrants with a proud legacy of protecting families fleeing violence and persecution. She continued, “By tearing children from their parents and by placing them in long-term detention, President Trump has failed that legacy. Dr. King once said that, ‘injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.’ With this week’s tour of the border, Members from across the country are taking a stand against the injustice and abuse committed by the Trump Administration against families seeking shelter in the United States.” Sewell is a cosponsor of the Keep Families Together Act, a bill which would prohibit the Trump Administration from separating immigrant children from their families, except in extraordinary circumstances.
Company to build headquarters of compressor plant in Alabama
A company will be building an air compressor plant in southern Alabama. Al.com reports that Kaishan Group is making an $11 million capital investment in the facility to open an estimated 62 jobs at the company. A groundbreaking was held this week for the plant that will serve as its U.S. corporate headquarters and manufacturing plant. The building will enclose about 65,000-square feet (6039-square-meters). The incentives offered by the state, county and city, including tax abatements will likely total more than $1 million. Completion of the plant is expected in 2019. “Kaishan is proud to locate its corporate headquarters to Loxley, where we can better serve the North American market with locally produced goods and services,” said Keith Schumacher, CEO of Kaishan Compressor USA. Schumacher that the company had thus far had “very little penetration into the U.S. market.” “This is a beachhead for both North and South America. So this is a big opportunity for the area,” he added. Schumacher said that compressors will be assembled at the plant, but it also will include a precision machining and grinding unit. In 2017 announcement, the company described itself as China’s No. 1 air compressor company and said that new acquisitions were helping it go worldwide. It also has described itself as the world’s third-largest manufacturer of air compressors. “Estimated tax savings are approximately $45,000 in the first year, with slightly decreasing value in years 2-10 due to depreciation,” said Alex Doleac, project manager at the Baldwin County Economic Development Alliance. “In addition, there is an estimated one-time savings of $160,000 in sales and use taxes.” Kevin Cao, president of Kaishan Group, said the expansion will broaden the company’s global footprint. It will provide “access to a market that seeks high quality, durable, and energy efficient products,” he said. “This project allows Kaishan to better meet the needs of our North American customers.” Republished with the permission of the Associated Press.
Bradley Byrne: Standing up for ICE
The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency, commonly known as ICE, is the federal law enforcement agency tasked with enforcing our nation’s border control, customs, trade, and immigration laws. The agency was formed back in 2002 when Congress passed the Homeland Security Act. ICE has over 20,000 employees, including over 400 offices in the United States and additional offices in 46 other countries. ICE is responsible for enforcement and removal procedures against those who enter our country illegally. They also play a critically important role in cracking down on human and drug trafficking. I have deep respect for the work our ICE officials and officers do daily to help keep the nation safe. In 2017, ICE made more than 76,000 drug arrests, arrested 4,818 people in gang-related incidents, and stopped 980,000 pounds of narcotics at the border. Similar efforts are already underway this year. Given the important work ICE does, I am dismayed to see some liberals calling for ICE to be abolished altogether. Instead of supporting these hardworking law enforcement officials, it seems some are truly committed to open borders and reckless behavior. The “Abolish ICE” movement is not something that just activists are calling for. In fact, several Democrat Senators and Congressmen have also started to call for the law enforcement agency to be shut down. This would be a major mistake that could endanger the safety of the American people. This is just another example of how the “resistance” movement in our country today seems much more interested in causing problems than solving them. We have serious flaws and issues with our immigration system that need to be fixed and enforced, but the answer is not to simply open our borders. In an effort to demonstrate strong bipartisan support for ICE, the House held a vote last week on a resolution declaring our support for ICE and their mission. This was a straightforward resolution simply to make sure our ICE officers know the majority of Americans have their back. I was shocked to see only 18 Democrats vote in support of the resolution. 34 voted against supporting ICE, while another 133 simply voted present. I know there are political differences in our country today, but it is deeply concerning that over 160 Democrats in the House were not willing to say they support ICE and the work they do to keep our country safe. Despite their opposition, the resolution still passed. I hope all our ICE officers and employees take comfort in seeing a majority in Congress continue to stand up for them and the vital mission they carry out, despite what is often said on the news. The issue really speaks to the larger problem about the future of immigration laws in our country. I am committed to standing up for the rule of law and ensuring our immigration laws are fully enforced. To be clear, I support the legal immigration process, but I hear from individuals who have come into our country through the legal process who are incredibly frustrated by the idea that people can break the line, enter our country illegally, and not face any consequences. We must have a process in place that actually works and strongly punishes those who choose to enter illegally. ICE plays a critical role in implementing and enforcing that process. Without the agency, we would be unable to control the flow of people and products into our country. As I have said before, a nation without borders and the rule of law is destined to fail. Rest assured, I will keep standing up for ICE and will vehemently fight any efforts to abolish the agency. • • • Bradley Byrne is a member of U.S. Congress representing Alabama’s 1st Congressional District.
Alabama State University enters new partnership with Maxwell Air Force Base
Alabama State University has committed itself to building partnerships within its community, the metropolitan area and beyond to create opportunities for the community and the University. On July 16, ASU President Quinton T. Ross Jr. and Lt. Gen. Anthony Cotton, Commander and President of Air University, Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama, entered into a Community-University partnership to continue to expand new programs and initiatives. “Exposing and continuing to put ASU in a positive light not just in the community, but throughout the land is the mission,” Ross said. “We want to be an intricate part of this community, the River Region and throughout the state and the nation.” Cotton, the first 3-star African-American ever to be assigned to Air University, said he wants ASU to have a seat at table when it comes to grants and other opportunities, especially collaborating with other HBCUs. “One of the things I really want to do … is to better establish a relationship between the base and Alabama State University and other Historically Black Colleges and Universities within the area because I think there are some opportunities lost,” said Cotton. “I have a $500 million annual budget and I give away a lot of grants and I give a lot of exposure to universities across this nation to help us fight some problems in the our department and the Air Force in particular, and I would like to give our HBCUs an opportunity to play because we do a lot of work with some of your peers, Troy and AUM for example, as well as universities around the country.” Cotton said some opportunities are twofold: It gives people exposure to the quality of work HBCUs can bring to the fight. It gives students who are at HBCUs an opportunity to see what the Air Force can bring to them. “I need to get that exposure out so young African-American men and women can see what the Air Force can bring to the fight for them,” Cotton said. Ross said the new alliance with Air Base is important. “Strong alliances are vital, and ASU is clear on the importance of partnering with dedicated community leaders such as Gen. Cotton who share the University’s objectives to promote the preservation and long-term sustainability of HBCUs, Ross said. “There are so many ways that this partnership can work together. The sky is the limit.” Ross said he sees possibilities in collaborating with other HBCUs under the new partnership. “I think all of us realize that working together there’s competition, but we know that working together is for sustainability, particularly for historically black colleges,” Ross said. “So we just have to find ways to connect, to latch on to these opportunities to help us in terms of sustainability. There are probably less than 100 historically black colleges now, so we have to find a way to lift everybody up because we need it in a major way. So I’m excited about the opportunity.” The new initiative is the result of ASU’s efforts to continue to build on the countless partnerships the University has made over the years with community leaders, nonprofit organizations, local businesses and individual citizens, Ross added.
