Tommy Tuberville and GOP Colleagues urge Joe Biden to negotiate on debt limit
U.S. Senators Tommy Tuberville and Katie Britt joined U.S. Senator Mike Lee and dozens of Republican colleagues in calling for fiscal responsibility and spending control measures in debt ceiling negotiations. Tuberville joined a GOP letter to Majority Leader Chuck Schumer declaring broad Republican opposition to any debt ceiling legislation that lacks significant spending control measures. “It is now clear that Senate Republicans aren’t going to bail out Biden and Schumer. They have to negotiate,” said Sen. Lee. “I thank my colleagues for joining my effort to emphasize this point in the clearest possible terms.” “The Senate Republican conference is united behind the House Republican conference in support of spending cuts and structural budget reform as a starting point for negotiations on the debt ceiling,” wrote the senators. “This trajectory must be addressed with fiscal reforms.” The letter emphasizes the GOP senators’ united front with the House Republican conference, advocating for spending cuts and structural budget reforms as prerequisites for any negotiation on raising the debt ceiling. “Dear Leader Schumer, The Senate Republican Conference is united behind the House Republican Conference in support of spending cuts and structural budget reform as a starting point for negotiations on the debt ceiling. Our economy is in free fall due to unsustainable fiscal policies. This trajectory must be addressed with fiscal reforms. Moreover, recent Treasury projections have reinforced the urgency of addressing the debt ceiling. The House has taken a responsible first step in coming to the table with their proposals. It is imperative that the president now do the same. As such, we will not be voting for cloture on any bill that raises the debt ceiling without substantive spending and budget reforms,” the Senators wrote. Senators Tuberville, Britt, and Lee, current signatories include U.S. Senators Marsha Blackburn, Ted Cruz, Mike Crapo, Ted Budd, Mike Braun, James Lankford, Cynthia Lummis, Roger Marshall, M.D., Ron Johnson, James Risch, Eric Schmitt, Rick Scott, John Cornyn, Kevin Cramer, Markwayne Mullin, Roger Wicker, Steve Daines, Lindsey Graham, John Barrasso, Deb Fischer, Tim Scott, John Hoeven, Thom Tillis, and J.D. Vance. The debt limit — commonly called the ‘debt ceiling’ — is the highest amount the government can borrow under federal law. The federal government hit the debt limit in January 2023. Since then, the U.S. Treasury has employed ‘extraordinary measures’ to continue making payments on debt and new expenses. According to the U.S. Treasury, the United States is on track to exhaust those measures and run out of financial liquidity in a matter of weeks, meaning the federal government would no longer be able to make all of its payments. The debt is continuing to rise. The debt ceiling will have to be increased in the coming weeks. Democrats have advocated for an increase in the amount of money the federal government is allowed to borrow without any reduction in federal spending. Republicans say they will not support any debt ceiling increase without significant reductions in spending. President Biden has repeatedly refused to negotiate a debt ceiling deal with Republicans even though the GOP controls the U.S. House of Representatives. The House Republicans passed the Limit, Save, Grow Act of 2023 — a debt ceiling increase paired with spending cuts — on April 26, 2023. In Fiscal Year 2022, federal tax revenue hit a record high of $4.9 trillion. However, in the same year, the federal government had a deficit of more than $1.38 trillion even though the country is not at war and the economy is at full employment. To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Alabama Department of Public Health launches Operation Wipe Out Cervical Cancer initiative
On Monday, the Alabama Department of Public Health announced its new initiative to dramatically reduce the prevalence of cervical cancer in the state. Most cervical cancers are due to a venereal virus. Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted disease (STD) in the United States. HPV vaccines can prevent some of the health effects caused by HPV, including cervical cancer. HPV is a different virus than HIV and HSV (herpes). Alabama ranks third in the nation in the incidence and deaths from cervical cancer. To address this serious public health problem, primary care providers and community leaders from throughout the state have convened and developed a statewide action plan they hope will eliminate cervical cancer in Alabama by 2033. The launch of “Operation Wipe Out Cervical Cancer Alabama” was announced at a news conference on Friday. Nancy Wright is the Director of the ADPH Cancer Prevention and Control Division. “The launching of the statewide action plan is a historic milestone in the fight against cervical cancer in Alabama,” Wright said. “It is an opportunity for all segments of society to get involved, including parents, physicians, business leaders, community-based organizations, public health systems, and academic centers.” The statewide plan results from a summit held in Birmingham in the fall of 2022, where primary care providers and public health leaders representing 42 of the 67 Alabama counties came together to identify barriers, facilitators, and solutions to cervical cancer prevention and control in Alabama. Partners with the Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) are the University of Alabama at Birmingham Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center, TogetHer for Health, Rotary Club of Birmingham, and the American Cancer Society. The statewide action plan uses evidence-based strategies to promote HPV vaccination, promote cervical cancer screening, and ensure adherence to follow-up in the event of cervical cancer screening abnormal results. The CDC recommends that all boys and girls ages 11 or 12 should get vaccinated for HPV. HPV vaccination is recommended at ages 11–12 years. HPV vaccines can be given starting at age 9 years. All preteens need HPV vaccination to protect them from HPV infections that can cause cancer later in life. CDC recommends that 11- to 12-year-olds receive two doses of HPV vaccine 6 to 12 months apart. Teens and young adults who start the series later, at ages 15 through 26 years, need three doses of the HPV vaccine. The plan includes the following: ADPH HPV vaccinations are a powerful tool to protect children and adolescents before they are exposed to the virus. Cervical cancer screening among women 21 to 65 years of age detects abnormal cells in the cervix, which can develop into cancer. Appropriate follow-up and treatment for women with abnormal results improves the chance of recovery from cervical cancer. Side effects of the HPV vaccine, while rare, do exist, so please consult with your doctor about your specific healthcare needs before making any vaccination decision. To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Gov. Kay Ivey signs legislation allowing military servicemembers to have liability insurance from other states
On Monday, Alabama Governor Kay Ivey signed House Bill 210. The legislation further solidifies Alabama’s goal to be the most military-friendly state in the nation. The bill allows military personnel who transfer out of Alabama for training or service in other states to have some leeway from Alabama’s Mandatory Liability Insurance (MLI) law. As long as service members have credible coverage similar to that required by the state, they can keep their vehicle registration current without being in violation of Alabama law. SB210 received strong support in the Legislature. “Alabama has a proud history of supporting the men and women who protect our country, and as governor, I have actively sought ways to make our state even more friendly to our active servicemen, veterans, and their families,” said Governor Ivey. “Providing a Mandatory Liability Insurance exception for Alabamians serving outside the state is a common-sense reform that allows our men and women in uniform to hold on to more of their hard-earned money. I will always stand up for those who serve our country and am proud to sign this bill into law.” State Representative Rhett Marques sponsored the bill in the Alabama House of Representatives. Senator Josh Carnley carried the Senate version of the bill. “With the passage of HB 210, we continue to make Alabama the most military-friendly state in the country,” said Rep. Marques. “It is our standard to make everyday life easier for our military families. I’m proud to work with Governor Ivey and my legislative colleagues on this important initiative aimed at giving back to those who sacrifice so much.” Under current law, all motor vehicles registered in this state must continually maintain an active Alabama minimum motor vehicle liability insurance policy. Previously, Alabama military residents temporarily stationed outside of Alabama were required to maintain an Alabama MLI policy, in addition to an MLI policy in the state of their temporary duty station. This resulted in these military members then having to either choose specific policies that satisfied both Alabama and the other jurisdiction’s laws, carry two policies on the same vehicle, or move the vehicle registration from Alabama – all of which caused unnecessary burdens on Alabama military residents. “It was an honor to be able to carry legislation that helps those who sacrifice every day for Alabama,” said Sen. Carnley. “Governor Ivey has proven she wants Alabama to be known as the most pro-military state in the country. We are thankful to the men and women who serve and will continue to work to show them we appreciate their service.” Tuesday will be day 19 of the 2023 Alabama Regular Legislative Session. To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Vertex Energy has ribbon cutting on new renewable diesel facility
Gov. Kay Ivey was on hand for the ribbon-cutting ceremony of Vertex Energy’s first renewable diesel facility. Vertex Energy is one of the largest processors of used motor oil in the U.S. Gulf Coast. This $115 million expansion project will be Alabama’s first renewable diesel facility. Gov. Ivey said on Twitter, “I welcomed VertexEnergyInc’s Renewable Diesel Unit to Alabama today! This facility is a major milestone for our state, providing 200+ high-paying jobs, work for our farmers and low-carbon fuel products. Truly, Vertex’s Alabama-presence will be felt across the nation.” The project will create over 200 new jobs in Mobile County. The Governor was joined by Vertex Founder and President Ben Cowart, Refinery General Manager Wes Mock, Vertex Site Project Manager Daniel Hill, County Commissioner Merceria Ludgood, and Mobile Chamber President and CEO Bradley Byrne. Vertex Energy, Inc. is a leading specialty refiner and marketer of high-quality refined products. “By sourcing feedstock locally within our own state, Vertex fosters economic growth opportunities from farm-to-facility and offers low-carbon fuel products that contribute to a cleaner environment, not only here in our beautiful Alabama, but across the nations where these products are sold,” Ivey said. In 2022, Vertex acquired a conventional fuels refinery from Shell PLC The company immediately launched a $115 million conversion project. The primary aim of this project was to convert a standalone unit within the refinery to facilitate the production of renewable diesel, a cleaner and more sustainable alternative to petroleum diesel fuel. Economic developer Dr. Nicole Jones told Alabama Today, “Vertex is an energy transition company focused on the production and distribution of conventional as well as alternative fuels. Vertex’s large refinery in Mobile County positioned the company as a leading supplier of fuels in the Gulf Coast region. As one of the largest processors of used motor oil in the United States, Vertex is a champion of sustainability and cutting-edge alternative energy. The 200 jobs created as a result of their latest expansion is a win for Saraland, Mobile County, and our entire state.“ The newly converted renewable diesel unit is specifically designed to produce renewable diesel fuel, which can be seamlessly integrated as a direct replacement for traditional petroleum diesel. At present, soybean oil serves as the primary feedstock for the production process. However, the facility has been engineered to accommodate the use of other organic waste oils in the future. Soybeans are trading currently at $14.72 a bushel. Soybeans are a primary ingredient in livestock feeds as well as in human feedstuffs – much of it in soybean oil. The company said that the plant provides a new market for Alabama’s soybean farmers. The collaboration between Vertex and these suppliers is expected to help strengthen the local agricultural sector and help foster a stable transition to renewable energy sources. Cowart declared, “We’re not just cutting ribbons; we’re cutting emissions. We’re also carving a new path for this site, this city, and the Great State of Alabama. The opportunity to bring this kind of innovation to my hometown and the state of Alabama is incredibly meaningful. I believe this is just the beginning, as we progress on our commitment to a cleaner environment by creating a sustainable growth path for the energy transition.” Vertex worked closely with local engineering firms and other contractors. The project resulted in an estimated $4 million in local workforce spending and the support of 600 construction jobs, as the team achieved over 450,000 work hours without any OSHA reportable incidents. Vertex’s safety incentive program, which allows Vertex employees and contractors to allocate dollars to Make-A-Wish Alabama for every OSHA injury-free workday completed during the turnaround, reached its target of 12 wishes granted for a total of $120,000. Houston-based Vertex Energy, Inc. (NASDAQ: VTNR), is an energy transition company focused on the production and distribution of conventional and alternative fuels. The refinery in Mobile has an operable refining capacity of 75,000 barrels per day and more than 3.2 million barrels of product storage, positioning it as a leading supplier of fuels in the region. To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Personnel Update: Steve Ammons to become CEO of BBA
The Birmingham Business Alliance on Friday named Jefferson County Commissioner Steve Ammons as its new CEO of the Birmingham Business Alliance (BBA). Ammons will lead the Birmingham-Hoover metro area’s primary economic development agency. The goal of the BBA is to lead collaboratively between BBA and its community partners across dozens of cities and towns in the seven-county region. Greg Curran is the current chairman of the Board at the BBA. He is also the chairman of the Firm at Maynard Nexsen. “When we began the process of identifying a new CEO, the goal was to identify a successful candidate who understands the unique fabric of Birmingham community and who would also bring immediate credibility and confidence to the role, ” said Chairman Curran. “Steve Ammons has shown great leadership to the BBA over the years, and we are all energized by his thoughtful vision for the organization’s future.” Ammons currently serves as the Jefferson County Commissioner for District 5. He also serves as the chairman of the County’s Economic Development Committee and on the Information Technology Committee. “I am excited to expand my service to the seven-county Greater Birmingham Region with the BBA,” said Ammons. “Birmingham has more opportunities in front of us than ever before. I look forward to working closely with the team, our investors, and our partners in the community to advance economic growth and regional cooperation together.” Joe Hampton is the incoming 2024 BBA Board Chairman. He is also the President of Spire Alabama. “Steve Ammons has demonstrated experience in understanding what it takes to support businesses of all sizes,” said incoming Chairman Hampton. “He is a proven relationship-builder whose commitment to collaboration will set the organization up for long-term success.” The search process was led by Greg Curran and included Joe Hampton and other key members of BBA’s Board of Directors and advisors. Alesia Jones, formerly the Chief HR Officer for the University of Alabama at Birmingham, was the HR Consultant that facilitated the search process. “The board expresses deep gratitude to BBA’s current executive leadership team for their hard work and dedication over the past year,” said Curran. “This amazing team will work directly with the CEO as he defines the next chapter for the BBA.” Ammon is a veteran of the U.S. Navy. Before becoming a county commissioner, he served two terms on the Vestavia Hills City Council. Ammons has owned and operated a Birmingham-based employment background screening services company for many years. While on the County Commission, he was the primary liaison to the BBA, the Alabama Department of Commerce, the Economic Development Partnership of Alabama, the Jefferson County Economic and Industrial Development Authority, and other economic development partners in Jefferson County and beyond. Most notably, he managed the recruitment of The J.M. Smucker Company. Smucker’s $1.2 billion capital investment, the largest in Jefferson County history. He will begin his new role on May 30. Alabama Governor Kay Ivey will call a special election to fill the vacancy on the county commission. There presently is a 3 Republican – 2 Democrat split on the Jefferson County Commission, with Ammons being the third Republican. To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Demopolis healthcare school cause for disagreement
In her annual State of the State address, Alabama Governor Kay Ivey proposed building a boarding school for 14- to 17-year-old students interested in pursuing a career in the healthcare field. That school was to be in Demopolis. Few were aware of the proposal before the governor referenced it in her speech. The healthcare school has become a point of contention in the debate around the education budget package. The budget that passed the Alabama Senate on Thursday replaced the $30 million line item in the governor’s supplemental appropriation request with a $500,000 study by an outside firm to determine the feasibility and the best location for the new boarding school. “It is sad that even very progressive areas are doing everything they can to try to kill our area,” State Rep. A.J. McCampbell told Alabama Today. “The school would be a game changer for our area.” “We have a hospital,” McCampbell explained, working with the University of Alabama Birmingham hospital system. Alabama Today asked McCampbell if the Demopolis hospital was having difficulty hiring nurses. “It is hard to get RNs, even CNAs,” McCampbell said. McCampbell said that the new healthcare schools are teaching people across healthcare. “Not just doctors, but also CNAs and LPNs,” McCampbell said. State Senator Bobby Singleton attempted to restore some of that funding with an amendment on the floor of the Senate. “There is real desire for health care workers,” Singleton said. “There is a need to get LPNs pushed out to the state.” Singleton claimed that the school would allow “young people in high school to get some experience, and they will matriculate into the healthcare profession, particularly in rural areas.” Singleton’s amendment was voted down in a 20 to 8, with only Democrats voting in favor. “I would like to thank this body for telling little babies in West Alabama that they don’t mean anything,” Singleton said after losing the vote, “Thank you; this is why we will always be number 50.” The State of Alabama started the Alabama School of Fine Arts for students with a gift and particular interest in music, art, dance, etc., in Birmingham in 1971. That was followed by the Alabama School of Math and Science in Mobile in 1989 and the Alabama School of Cyber Technology and Engineering in 2018. All of these are in major cities. Demopolis would be different from that kind of city experience. The population of Demopolis peaked at over 7,700 in 1980 but has declined from 7,483 in the 2010 census to just 6,763 in the most recent census estimate – a 10.6% decline. Just 18,741 people live in Marengo County (2022 census estimate). That is down from 20,955 in 2010 and 25,477 in 1977. The 2023 Alabama Regular Legislative Session has been remarkable for its bipartisanship. Most bills are passing the House of Representatives with 100 or more votes, and it has been rare for more than three senators to vote against a bill in the Senate. There was partisan disagreement on this amendment in the Senate as well as Democratic opposition in the Alabama House of Representatives to a bill that would make it a crime in Alabama for someone to take pay for helping people fill out their ballot or to hand out absentee ballot applications. Tuesday will be day 19 of the 2023 Alabama Regular Legislative Session. To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Will gambling case at Alabama ripple across college sports?
Alabama fired its baseball coach this week amid an investigation into suspicious bets involving a Crimson Tide game at LSU. The school did not give details about why Brad Bohannon was let go, saying only that he violated “the standards, duties, and responsibilities expected of university employees.” This appears to be the first major gambling scandal in college sports since a Supreme Court decision five years ago paved the way for states to legalize wagering on sporting events. How were potential improprieties spotted? And what have schools and conferences been doing to safeguard competition since legal sports betting has become widespread in the United States? RED FLAG Alabama lost 8-6 at top-ranked LSU on April 28 in a game in which the Crimson Tide’s top starting pitcher was a late scratch with an injury. A Louisiana gambling official who received a report from a sports integrity monitor said two bets were placed in Ohio at a sportsbook located in the Cincinnati Reds stadium, Great American Ball Park. Matthew Holt, the president of U.S. Integrity, said the operators of the sportsbook alerted his company to “abnormal activity.” U.S. Integrity alerted state gambling and gaming associations. After collecting information from other states, U.S. Integrity reported back to Ohio regulators, who opened an investigation. Sporting events all over the world are monitored for potential issues. Holt said U.S. Integrity sends out about 15 alerts per month to sportsbook operators, sports leagues, and organizing bodies it has as clients. Its client list includes the Southeastern Conference, home to both Alabama and LSU. WHY DID OTHER STATES SUSPEND WAGERING ON ALABAMA BASEBALL? New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Indiana also pulled Alabama baseball off their boards. “You have to remember this is really new in a lot of these states, and they’re still figuring out how they want to handle it,” Holt said. “You know, not surprisingly, the more experienced states, New Jersey and Pennsylvania, they know that the safest bet when there’s a potential issue is to take that event off the board.” HOW IS SPORTS WAGERING MONITORED? U.S. Integrity, for example, analyzes data that includes real-time odds and wagering at sportsbooks to try to spot irregular activity. The company also monitors online chatter on social media and other websites. “All kinds of information, some of which human beings are looking through, some of which the machines are identifying using algorithms,” he said. “The second way alerts are catalyzed, which is what happened in this instance, is operators identify some type of abnormal, nefarious, suspicious activity.” In most states, sportsbooks are required to work with independent monitors. SCANDALS College sports has had its share of gambling-related scandals through the years, including point-shaving in basketball and football where the final scores of games were improperly impacted. Initial indications are what happened with Alabama baseball was not point-shaving. A person familiar with the investigation told The Associated Press on Thursday that no evidence indicates athletes were involved. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because of an ongoing investigation by the school. Republished with the permission of The Associated Press.
Alabama inmate who escaped with jailer help enters plea deal
An Alabama inmate charged in the death of a jail official who helped him escape pleaded guilty Thursday to escape in exchange for having the murder case dismissed. Casey Cole White, 39, entered the plea agreement in Lauderdale County Court, avoiding a June trial on the felony murder charge. He continues to await trial on a separate murder charge. Authorities said White escaped from an Alabama jail in 2022 with the help of Vicky White, the assistant director of corrections for Lauderdale County and a 17-year veteran of the sheriff’s office. Law enforcement officials initially thought that the inmate had kidnapped the female jailer but later learned the pair had a jailhouse romance. An 11-day manhunt for the pair ended in Indiana as authorities caught up with them. Casey White was recaptured, and Vicky White died by a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Casey White was charged in her death because Alabama law allows someone to be charged with murder if someone is killed while a felony is being committed. WHNT-TV reported that Casey White apologized to Vicky White’s mother when entering his plea. “It wasn’t supposed to go that way,” he said. He said the pair had fallen in love, and they planned to start a new life together. One requirement of the plea deal is that Casey White have no contact with Vicky White’s family, court records show. On the day of the escape, Vicky White, 56, told co-workers she was taking Casey White to a mental health evaluation. But authorities later learned no such appointment existed. Casey White is also scheduled to go on trial this summer for capital murder in the 2015 stabbing death of Connie Ridgeway in Rogersville. Republished with the permission of The Associated Press.
