Alabama ranks 2020’s 4th worst state for women
Today is International Women’s Day. In recognition, personal-finance website WalletHub recently released its report on 2020’s Best & Worst States for Women and found Alabama is the 4th worst state for women in 2020. To identify the most women-friendly states, WalletHub compared the 50 states and the District of Columbia across 24 key indicators. Some of the considerations include wages, female homicide rate, women’s preventive health care, healthcare, graduation rates, women-owned businesses and more. Woman-friendliness of Alabama (1=Best, 25=Avg.): 28th: Median earnings for female workers (adjusted for cost of living) 33rd: Unemployment rate for women 46th: Share of women in poverty 26th: Share of women-owned businesses 47th: High school graduation rate for women 41st: Share of women who voted in 2016 presidential election 34th: Female uninsured rate 49th: Women’s life expectancy at birth 21st: Women’s preventive health care Here’s a look how Alabama compares to the rest of the country. Source: WalletHub a
Constitutional Carry bill passes Senate Committee
A bill that would make it legal for Alabama residents to carry a firearm without a permit to conceal carry passed Alabama Senate Judiciary Committee on a 6-4 vote Thursday morning. Tuscaloosa-Republican Sen. Gerald Allen pre-filed SB 1 on Oct. 1. State law currently allows residents 19 or older to apply for permits at the county level. Under the proposed law, anyone who is legally allowed to own a gun could carry it concealed without a state-issued license. However, gun owners would still be restricted from bringing weapons to certain places already prohibited by state and federal law. Who voted for/against SB1: Attmore-Republican Sen. Greg Albritton: FOR Montgomery-Republican Sen. Will Barfoot: FOR Huntsville-Republican Sen. Sam Givhan: FOR Birmingham-Democrat Sen. Linda Coleman-Madison,: AGAINST Decatur-Republican Sen. Arthur Orr: FOR Selma-Democrat Sen. Malika Sanders-Fortier: AGAINST Greensboro-Democrat Sen. Bobby Singleton: AGAINST Sheffield-Republican Sen. Larry Stutts: FOR Alabaster-Republican Sen. Cam Ward: FOR Auburn-Republican Sen. Tom Whatley: AGAINST The bill now heads to the full Senate for a vote.
Woodlawn Foundation names Mashonda Taylor new executive director
The Woodlawn Foundation — an organization that serves as the lead organization of Woodlawn United, a collaboration of partners committed to breaking the cycle of poverty in the historic Woodlawn community of Birmingham, Ala. – has named Mashonda Taylor its new executive director. Taylor joined the Woodlawn Foundation in 2012 and succeeds Patricia Hoban-Moore, who has served as Interim Executive Director since original Director Sally Mackin’s departure last fall. “Mashonda Taylor exudes the value of neighborhood commitment,” said Woodlawn Foundation Board Chairman Mike Goodrich. “A true servant leader, she is absolutely the right person for the role.” Taylor, who also chairs the Diversity & Inclusion Taskforce for the Junior League of Birmingham said she is “truly humbled by the Board’s faith in me.” “Their commitment to a thriving future for Woodlawn and its residents empowers us and Woodlawn’s residents every day,” Taylor said adding, “I learned a great deal under Sally Mackin and am honored to have the opportunity to build on her legacy of leadership. My colleagues and I are proud of the progress already evident – more – here, but we also look forward to deepening the collaborative relationships that make sustainable progress possible.” A native of Birmingham, Taylor received her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Loyola University and her Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership from Gonzaga University. In addition to her role at Woodlawn, she is active in several area organizations and initiatives. She is a member of the Executive Committee of Jones Valley Teaching Farm and was a member of the inaugural Alabama Leadership Initiative class.
Kay Ivey establishes coronavirus task force
Governor Kay Ivey announced Friday that she has formed task force to respond to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. The task force has been filled with cabinet and state agency officials, as well as disease specialists in an abundance of caution. It held its initial discussion Friday morning. “While there are no known cases in Alabama, I have gathered the experts in an effort to be as prepared as possible should the Coronavirus affect Alabama,” said Ivey. “The safety of Alabamians is paramount, and we will do everything we can to limit exposure to this illness. I appreciate the willingness of these individuals, from both the public and private sector, to serve as we do everything we can to mitigate risk for the people of Alabama and to keep the citizens of the state informed of our plans.” The task force will discuss any developments and precautions on a routine basis and will make recommendations to the governor as necessary. Governor Ivey has designated Dr. Scott Harris to serve as chair of the task force and to lead any public announcements and directives. The coronavirus task force will be chaired by Scott Harris, State Health Officer, Alabama Department of Public Health. Other members are as follows: Governor Kay Ivey Governor Will Ainsworth President Pro Tempore Del Marsh Speaker of the House Mac McCutcheon Senate Majority Leader Greg Reed House Majority Leader Nathaniel Ledbetter Senate Minority Leader Bobby Singleton House Minority Leader Anthony Daniels Jeanne Marrazzo, Director of the Division of Infectious Diseases, UAB School of Medicine John Vande Waa, Infectious Disease Specialist, University of South Alabama School of Medicine Don Williamson, President/ CEO, Alabama Hospital Association Brandon Farmer, President/ CEO, Alabama Nursing Home Association Eric Mackey, State Superintendent, Alabama State Department of Education Brian Hastings, Director, Alabama Emergency Management Agency Hal Taylor, Secretary, Alabama Law Enforcement Agency Greg Canfield, Secretary, Alabama Department of Commerce Commissioner Nancy Buckner, Alabama Department of Human Resources The Alabama Department of Public Health has issued guidance to hospitals and healthcare centers regarding testing for the virus and encourages Alabamians to take the standard protocol for cold and flu season. “The risk of Coronavirus disease remains low in Alabama, and we have been working diligently to prepare for any cases that may occur,” said Dr. Scott Harris. “I am very grateful to Governor Ivey for convening this distinguished group of state leaders to help guide us in coordinating our efforts to safeguard the health of all Alabamians.”
Statewide 5G bill passes Senate
On Thursday the Alabama Senate approved a bill that set a statewide standard for setting up 5G cellular infrastructure. Sponsored by Decatur-Republican Sen. Arthur Orr, Senate Bill 172 passed with 30-0 vote. Over 25 states including Georgia, North Carolina, Florida, Tennessee, and Arkansas have already passed similar 5G legislation, and other states are looking to make the same jump into 5G this year. “I thought it was imperative for the continued growth of our economy to remain competitive with our neighboring states and not wait any longer to enact 5G legislation,” Orr said. “The economic impact that comes along with this technology is vital as we to increase our commitment and invest in the infrastructure of our state. This bill will pave the way for Alabama to standardize the permitting process for small cell wireless equipment and services.” It is estimated that small cell technology could lead to over $4 billion in investments and over 7,000 jobs per year in Alabama. Senate Bill 172 was approved after a lengthy discussion in the Senate body which included amendments to address current agreements between cities and wireless providers. “I would like to thank my colleagues in the Senate for their support, it is not often that we see agreement across party lines on issues, but I believe this highlights that fact that this is of the upmost importance to Alabama,” Orr added. “I would also like to give a special thanks to Senator Marsh and Senator Givhan who worked between all interested parties and added amendments to ensure that the bill that was voted on was agreed to by everyone involved so that nobody was left out of this crucial piece of legislation.” “5G” stands for 5th generation wireless and is the next generation for high speed wireless cellular networks. Senate Bill 172 now moves to the House of Representatives for consideration.
