A look at the social media followings of Alabama’s US Senate hopefuls
As the Yellowhammer State prepares for the primary election on Tuesday, there’s no denying social media plays a huge role in how candidates publish and share information. In the last presidential election, social media was front and center for the candidates as a quarter of American adults reported they went to social media for both news and election information. With a crowded Republican primary vying to challenge incumbent Doug Jones for Alabama’s U.S. Senate seat in Nov. there’s no shortage of social media posts. Which begs the question, do the candidate’s social media accounts give a glimpse into how well they might preform on Election Day? Here’s a look at the social media following of Republican candidates ahead the primary: Former U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions Facebook: 8.8k followers Twitter: 78.6k followers Former Auburn University football coach Tommy Tuberville Facebook: 29k followers Twitter: 28.7k followers Alabama 1st District U.S. Rep. Bradley Byrne Facebook: 27k followers Twitter: 25.2k followers Former Alabama Chief Justice Roy Moore Facebook: 76.2k followers Twitter: 10k followers State Rep. Arnold Mooney Facebook: 2k followers Twitter: 1k followers Businessman Stanley Adair Facebook: N/A Twitter: 90 followers Ruth Page Nelson Facebook: 55 followers Twitter: N/A The candidates face off in the crowded Republican primary on March 3, 2020.
Suite of criminal justice bills get a thumbs up from Kay Ivey
Gov. Kay Ivey, on Thursday announced her support for a suite of bills that have been introduced upon recommendation from the Governor’s Study Group on Criminal Justice Policy. Last summer, Ivey formed the study group whose primary purpose was to receive and analyze accurate data, as well as evidence of best practices, ultimately helping to further address the challenges facing Alabama’s prison system. Upon conclusion of the study group, they presented the governor with their recommendations in January 2020. “I tasked the Criminal Justice Study Group with the mission of finding data-driven solutions to our longstanding challenges in our prison system,” said Ivey. “I’m not only proud of their efforts, but I’m pleased there were solid recommendations, which came as a result of their hard work. Through these legislative items, we can build upon steps my administration has already begun taking to improve our criminal justice system. The suite of bills that are recommended from the Criminal Justice Study Group: SB 226, by Sen. Clyde Chambliss (R-Prattville), will establish a Deputy Commissioner of Rehabilitation within the Department of Corrections (DOC), as well as within the Bureau of Pardons and Paroles. This bill will refocus these agencies toward reducing recidivism among those in the state’s custody while promoting public safety. SB 244, by Sen. Cam Ward (R- Alabaster), will ensure that all inmates coming to the end of their sentences undergo mandatory, pre-release supervision. A 2015 law accomplished this result for offenders sentenced after its enactment; this bill will make that statute retroactive. While reducing burdens on DOC, this bill will also improve public safety by helping inmates successfully re-enter society. HB 323, by Rep. Chris England (D- Tuscaloosa), will require the Department of Corrections to report more information to the Legislative Prison Oversight Committee. This bill will provide lawmakers with information to make knowledgeable decisions during the appropriation process. It will also update the Oath of Office that is taken by Correctional Officers to reflect the Department’s renewed focus on the rehabilitation of inmates. HB 329, by Rep. Jim Hill (R- Moody), will make retroactive the state’s existing “presumptive sentencing guidelines.” Prior to October 1, 2013, offenders were sentenced to lengthy sentences, even life imprisonment, for nonviolent crimes. This bill will allow nonviolent offenders who are currently incarcerated under the previous guidelines to be eligible for resentencing under current, presumptive sentencing guidelines if they have demonstrated acceptable conduct while in prison. HB 342, by Rep. Connie Rowe (R- Jasper), will provide former inmates the ability to receive a non-driver photo identification card. One of the greatest barriers of joining the workforce for those coming out of incarceration is a viable form of government identification. This bill will require the DOC and the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) to work together to assist an inmate in obtaining a Social Security Card, Birth Certificate and Non-Driving Photo ID prior to release from a state facility. SJR 25, by Sen. Bobby Singleton (D – Greensboro), will establish a study group to address uniformity and increasing access to pre-trial and diversionary programs while also looking at best practices. The study group will be made up of legislators, members of the Alabama Sentencing Commission, counties, district attorneys, judges and legal researchers. In addition to this suite of bills, Ivey is working with the Bureau of Pardons and Paroles to grant parolees increased access with their probation officers. Ivey has also made recommendations within the Education Trust Fund budget and the General Fund budget to further strengthen initiatives aimed at helping inmates. These recommendations are as follows: An increase of $4.2M to expand prison education programs. An increase of $1,829,250 to expand the Stepping Up program which is a national initiative to reduce the number of people with mental illnesses in jail. Alabama has a goal of implementing the program in every county by Fiscal Year 2022. An increase within DOC’s budget to continue to expand the number of Correctional Officers in order to comply with the federal court order and add 104 mental health professionals within the prison facilities.
Regions Bank to acquire Texas-based lender focused on small businesses
Alabama’s largest bank is getting even bigger. On Thursday, Regions Bank announced it is acquiring Ascentium Capital, the largest independent equipment finance lender in the United States with approximately $2 billion in loans and leases as of year-end and originations of $1.5 billion in 2019. Headquartered in Kingwood, Texas, Ascentium Capital partners with nearly 4,000 manufacturers, dealers and distributors to finance essential-use equipment for small business customers. Ascentium Capital offers comprehensive financing solutions through more than 460 employees. “Ascentium Capital’s experienced management team has built a strong company known for providing America’s small businesses access to the capital they need to grow, and we are excited to welcome them to Regions,” said Ronnie Smith, senior executive vice president and head of the Regions Corporate Banking Group. “Leveraging the technology, speed and convenience that Ascentium Capital is known for in combination with Regions’ broad spectrum of banking solutions provides a meaningful opportunity to attract new customers and deepen relationships across our combined customer base.” The addition of Ascentium Capital expands Regions’ current offerings for small business customers and complements the bank’s established equipment finance and commercial banking businesses serving middle market and large companies. The transaction provides Regions with a scalable, tech-enabled equipment finance organization with same-day credit decisions and funding for small business customers. Ascentium Capital’s seasoned management team combined with its proprietary underwriting technology platform has delivered strong performance throughout credit cycles since its inception. “We are pleased to join Regions, a firm known for its commitment to the customer experience and a long history of providing comprehensive banking solutions to companies of all sizes,” said Tom Depping, chief executive officer of Ascentium Capital. “This combination will enable us to expand our reach and relevance in serving our vendors and small business customers while continuing to provide seamless service.” The transaction is expected to close during the second quarter of 2020, subject to satisfaction of customary closing conditions. Terms of the deal have not been disclosed.
Lawmakers introduce bill to designate Alabama’s Black Belt as a National Heritage Area
Members of the Alabama delegation in both the U.S. House and Senate on Friday introduced the Alabama Black Belt Heritage Act, legislation that would designate the 19 counties in Alabama’s Black Belt as a National Heritage Area. Through public-private partnerships, National Heritage Areas are able to leverage funding for long-term projects that have substantial economic, environmental and community benefits. In the House, the efforts to introduce H.R. 5989 was led by 7th District U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell along with her Alabama colleagues 2nd District U.S. Rep. Martha Roby, 3rd District U.S. Rep Mike Rogers, and 4th District U.S. Rep. Robert Aderholt. “As the birthplace of America’s civil and voting rights movements, Alabama’s Black Belt has played an incredibly important role in shaping our nation’s history,” Sewell said. “The Alabama Black Belt Heritage Act will help make available more resources to ensure the sites and stories of the civil rights and voting rights movements are preserved for future generations. That preservation will, in turn, provide greater tourism and economic opportunities for residents in the Black Belt. As a proud product of Alabama’s Black Belt, I am honored to be the lead sponsor on this legislation and thrilled to be joined by my Alabama colleagues in this effort.” “Preserving the rich culture and history of Alabama’s Black Belt is of great importance to the entire state,” added Aderholt. “I commend Representative Sewell for her hard work on this legislation and look forward to the Black Belt joining Muscle Shoals in being designated as a National Heritage Area.” In the U.S. Senate, both Alabama Senators Richard Shelby and Doug Jones introduced the House companion bill, S.3363. “Designating Alabama’s Black Belt region as a National Heritage Area will not only promote tourism, but it will also increase public awareness of the natural, historical, and cultural assets our state has to offer,” Shelby said in a statement. “Investing in this region to preserve these unique and diverse resources is important for future generations. If passed, this legislation could have significant impact for years to come.” “Alabama’s Black Belt counties were originally named due to the area’s rich, black topsoil,” explained Jones. “While that is still an accurate depiction of the area, another is of the Black Belt’s rich history and culture. The 19 counties that make up Alabama’s Black Belt has been home to some of our greatest artists, writers, and leaders. This legislation will help preserve and celebrate this historic region through much needed investment.” National Heritage Areas are established by Congress for the purpose of assisting efforts to protect and promote communities that are regarded as distinctive because of their culture, history, resources and environment. These historic areas are authorized to receive up to $1 million in federal funding annually to preserve, protect and promote important sites. Under the Alabama Black Belt Heritage Act, the University of West Alabama would collaborate with the National Park Service and Black Belt communities to determine a strategic management plan. “The National Parks Conservation Association commends Congresswoman Terri Sewell for her leadership in calling for Congress to designate the Alabama Black Belt National Heritage Area,” said Alan Spears, Senior Director of Cultural Resources for National Parks Conservation Association. “With additional technical assistance from the National Park Service and federal funding, the Alabama Black Belt will be better-equipped to safeguard important ecological and cultural resources for generations to come. We expect this support will generate economic growth for a region rising above hardship. The Alabama Black Belt Heritage Act is available here.
Alabama prepares for possible arrival of coronavirus COVID-19
The Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) on Wednesday assured the public that as of February 26 there are no known cases of the new coronavirus COVID-19 reported in Alabama. ADPH is a partner with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other partners in preparing Alabama communities for the spread of COVID-19. Interim guidance has been sent to the state’s post-secondary schools, the State Department of Education, independent schools and businesses based on the most recent information. ADPH held a webinar to assist hospitals by providing screening guidance and other precautions for staff and the public. While there are no known cases of COVID-19 in Alabama, there are several types of common respiratory viruses circulating across the state including common coronavirus types and influenza. Since current respiratory outbreaks could make it hard to identify an outbreak of this new coronavirus, the public is asked to get flu vaccine if they have not done so. “The best way to avoid infection is what we already know is effective in reducing the risk of transmission,” said Chief Medical Officer Dr. Mary McIntyre. “These are the everyday precautions to help stop the spread of germs, such as frequent handwashing, covering coughs and sneezes, staying home if you have fever, taking flu antivirals if prescribed, and using appropriate equipment the right way every time.” “Do 10 – Fight the Flu” describes the top 10 things to do to fight the flu and avoid infection that also apply to COVID-19. Recommendations are as follows: Get Vaccinated Wash Your Hands Cover Your Coughs and Sneezes Stay Home With Fever Stockpile Supplies Clean and Disinfect Know Your Office Emergency Plan Learn Home Care Call Your Doctor If Symptoms Get Worse Stay Informed ADPH has been receiving names and contact information from CDC of returning travelers from China for the past several weeks. All people being monitored for COVID-19 have been at either moderate or low risk and have practiced voluntary self-isolation. Monitoring has been completed on dozens of individuals with none testing positive.
