Tommy Tuberville demands State Department rescind pronouns mandate
U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-Alabama), Sen. Ted Budd (R-North Carolina), and nine of their colleagues sent a letter to Secretary of State Antony Blinken demanding that he rescind the State Department’s latest guidance which threatens termination if an employee refuses to use another employee’s chosen gender pronoun instead of the one that biology correctly assigned to them at birth. In the letter, the Senators highlight that the State Department guidance is potentially illegal because it “infringes upon the First Amendment rights of State Department employees, as recognized by the Supreme Court, to speak openly on matters of public concern.” The letter details how the guidance violates the Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA) “by forcing employees to choose between facing disciplinary action and complying.” The letter was also signed by Sens. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Thom Tillis (R-North Carolina), Marco Rubio (R-Florida), Mike Lee (R-Utah), Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas), James Lankford (R-Oklahoma), Josh Hawley (R-Missouri), JD Vance (R-Ohio), and Roger Marshall (R-Kansas). Budd, Tuberville, and the other Senators wrote, “We write to demand that you rescind the recent State Department guidance for employees titled “Updated Department Guidance Regarding Transgender Employees in the Workplace” (“Guidance”). We understand that you personally approved and signed the Guidance and authorized its electronic transmission via the attached, unclassified cable on your behalf to all State Department employees.” “The Guidance forces every State Department employee—without exception—to comply with any demand by another employee to use that employee’s choice of name, pronouns, or honorific. According to the Guidance, failure to comply may “contribute to a hostile work environment allegation, and constitute misconduct subject to disciplinary action, up to and including separation or removal.” This is potentially illegal for multiple reasons.” The letter continues, “First, Congress never authorized the State Department to impose such restrictions on employee speech. But even if Congress did so, this Guidance would be arguably unconstitutional. Specifically, this Guidance infringes upon the First Amendment rights of State Department employees, as recognized by the Supreme Court, to speak openly on matters of public concern and to be free from government-compelled speech, including government-compelled affirmation of contested political, social, and religious ideas. Accordingly, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit recently recognized that “the use of gender-specific titles and pronouns” constitutes such a matter of public concern; thus, government employees have the right to speak openly on this subject, or not to speak at all.“ “Moreover, this Guidance creates a hostile work environment for dissenting employees, in violation of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, for failing to provide a religious accommodation for dissenters. Several State Department employees have voiced their concerns with this Guidance to Senators, stating that they cannot comply with this Guidance without violating their religious beliefs. Indeed, by forcing employees to choose between facing disciplinary action and complying with this Guidance, the Guidance violates the Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA), which was enacted “to provide very broad protection for religious liberty.” It may even constitute a violation of the “No Religious Test Clause” of the Constitution by discriminating against those with certain religious views from holding a position within the State Department. Lastly, we understand that the State Department adopted this major policy change behind closed doors, thus preventing it from receiving any scrutiny by the press or the broader public. Such a major policy change, which threatens severe consequences against State Department employees for noncompliance, deserves rigorous, public scrutiny.” “Secretary Blinken, you have declared that “[dissent] should be and it will be welcomed” at the State Department. You have also warned that “[w]hen religious liberty is at risk” then “other freedoms are jeopardized as well.” Therefore, we call on you to adhere to your oath to uphold the Constitution and federal law, and to live up to your own public commitments, by formally and publicly rescinding this Guidance immediately.” The Senators ask for Blinken to answer a number of questions about this policy, including identifying the specific legal authority relied upon to issue this guidance. Senator Tommy Tuberville represents Alabama in the United States Senate and is a member of the Senate Armed Services, Agriculture, Veterans Affairs, and HELP Committees. To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
International automobile manufacturers have created 88,060 jobs in Alabama
International automakers, dealers, and their suppliers have generated 88,060 jobs in Alabama alone, paying $6 billion in total employee compensation. International automakers invested $14.2 billion in Alabama’s auto industry. To showcase this success, twelve workers from Mazda, Hyundai, Mercedes, and Honda visited Capitol Hill to showcase the tremendous impact international automakers are making in communities across Alabama and the U.S. The twelve autoworkers from Alabama Wednesday participated in Autos Drive America’s first-ever Congressional Drive-In, bringing nearly 100 international automaker employees from across the country to Capitol Hill. International automakers in Alabama produced 968,704 vehicles in Alabama, accounting for 100% of production in the state. According to the 2023 Economic Impact Report, international automakers and dealerships contributed $12.6 billion to Alabama’s economy in 2022. Alabama’s six manufacturing facilities and 144 nameplate dealers contributed $903 million to state and local revenues. Jennifer Safavian is the President and CEO of Autos Drive America. “We were thrilled to host workers from Alabama for our inaugural Congressional Drive-In, where they had a chance to speak with lawmakers about the incredible impact international automakers are making in the Yellowhammer State,” said Safavian. “The investments our members are making have ushered in a resurgence of U.S. manufacturing—upskilling and growing the automotive workforce while meeting evolving consumer demands. With over $107 billion invested nationwide, communities across Alabama are feeling the benefits of international automakers through career opportunities that help strengthen America’s middle class.” Rhonda Gilyard is the President of Administration at Mazda Toyota Manufacturing (MTM). “Meeting with our Alabama legislators on Capitol Hill as part of the Autos Drive America Drive-In was such an impactful experience for our TEAM ONE members to share their manufacturing career stories,” said Gilyard. “MTM provides vital automotive manufacturing careers in North Alabama and helps our TEAM One members reach their goals, continue their education, and upskill to work with the rapidly evolving advanced automotive technologies.” Rob Hood is the President of Government Affairs at Hyundai Motor Company. “Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama’s team members were excited to have a chance to share their story with members of Congress,” said Hood. “We are proud to make a positive impact on Montgomery and the surrounding communities. This was a worthwhile experience for our team members to share their personal story with these important leaders.” This year the event’s theme was “Investing in US,” which highlighted the tremendous investments that international automakers make in their workforce as well as in their communities across Alabama and the nation. Autos Drive America’s members offer 140 workforce development programs aimed at upskilling and reskilling their current employees as well as educating the workers of the future and have invested a collective $107 billion in their U.S. operations. “The Drive-In gave members of Congress a chance to hear first-hand from constituents about how our members in Alabama are investing in their workforce and communities,” added Safavian. “International automakers are providing American jobs to American workers, investing heavily in the future workforce, and providing quality careers with opportunities for growth.” International automakers have invested $107 billion in their U.S. operations and directly employ 156,000 Americans, 103,600 of whom are in manufacturing jobs. Workers and executives from BMW, Honda, Hyundai, Kia, Mazda, Mercedes-Benz, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Subaru, Toyota, Volkswagen, and Volvo met with over 60 offices on Capitol Hill to discuss international automakers’ community impact, investments in their production facilities, and how they are preparing both today’s workers and the future workforce for the evolving challenges and opportunities facing the automotive manufacturing industry. Autos Drive America represents the U.S. operations of international motor vehicle manufacturers integral to America’s workforce, communities, and economy. As the voice of international automakers in the United States, Autos Drive America works closely with policymakers at all levels of government to advance policies that promote jobs, trade, and growth in the U.S. automotive industry. To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Travis Hendrix wins House District 55 race
Travis Hendrix was elected on Tuesday in the House District 55 special Democratic primary runoff election. Hendrix, who grew up in a Birmingham housing project, is a community leader and former school resource officer who now coordinates the Birmingham Police Department’s community projects. “Grateful, District 55! Thrilled to be your representative!” Hendrix said in a statement on Facebook. “This journey has been incredible. Massive thanks to my exceptional team, my family, and all of District 55! I’m here to represent each and every one of you with passion and dedication! Let’s make great things happen together! #District55Celebration #ReadyToServe” Hendrix received the most votes in the primary but not nearly enough to win without a runoff. Hendrix received 2,367 votes (65.12%), while Sylvia Swayne received 1,268 votes (34.88%). 3,635 people voted in the special democratic primary election. Hendrix has a bachelor’s degree from Miles College and a master’s degree from Oakland City University. He studied at Ensley High School and finished with a GED. This election drew a lot of attention largely because of Swayne. If elected, Swayne – a transgender woman – would have been the first transgender elected in the history of Alabama politics. Hendrix had the support of House Minority Leader Anthony Daniels (D-Huntsville), Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin, the Business Council of Alabama (BCA), the Alabama Forestry Association, and groups across the state. Swayne’s support leaned heavily on the LGBTQ+ community, with tens of thousands of dollars coming from out of state. This vacancy in the Alabama House of Representatives was due to the resignation of Rep. Fred Plump (D-Fairfield) after he entered a plea deal in a federal corruption probe that has rocked the Alabama Legislature. The special general election is scheduled for January. That likely won’t even be necessary, as Hendrix has no Republican opponent. To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Bryan Brinyark wins Alabama House District 16 Special runoff election
Tuscaloosa Attorney Bryan Brinyark has won the Special Election Republican Runoff in Alabama House District 16. Bryan Brinyark received 1706 votes (52.75% of the vote), while Chairman of the Fayette County Commission Brad Cox received 1528 votes (47.25%). The two had been virtually even in the special Republican primary. Alabama Republican Party Chairman John Wahl congratulated Brinyark on the victory. “Being a public servant is a true commitment and calling, one which requires great selflessness and sacrifice,” said Wahl. “I would like to thank all of our candidates for giving their time and talents to this campaign. I truly appreciate their desire to represent the people of House District 16 in the Alabama Legislature. On behalf of the Alabama Republican Party, I would like to offer my congratulations to Bryan Brinyark and look forward to working with him in the future as we mount a vigorous general election campaign.” Brinyark lives on a small farm in northern Tuscaloosa County. Tuscaloosa County played a huge role in his victory. “I’m proud of northern Tuscaloosa County and especially the Northside community for how they turned out,” Brinyark told Patch. “To increase your turnout by such a wide margin in a runoff is unheard of. We knew we had a big task in front of us, but the community came together, and I’m thankful.” Brinyark had the endorsement of the Business Council of Alabama (BCA), while the Alabama Education Association (AEA) supported Cox. House District 16 covers Fayette County and portions of Jefferson and Tuscaloosa Counties. It became vacant when former State Representative Kyle South (R-Fayette) became the President and CEO of the Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama. Brinyark will face Democratic nominee John Underwood in the Special General Election on January 9, 2024. To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com
Mike Johnson is GOP’s fourth choice to be Speaker of the House
House Republicans have nominated Congressman Mike Johnson (R-Louisiana) for Speaker of the House on Tuesday night after Tuesday morning’s nominee crashed and burned. Congressman Barry Moore (R-AL02) told Alabama Today on Saturday that he really liked Johnson. Congressman Dale Strong (R-AL05) announced his support for Johnson on the social media site X. “Since day 1 I have called for our party to unite around a conservative speaker,” Strong said. “I am proud to announce that the conference has selected Mike Johnson from Louisiana and I look forward to supporting him on the floor.” On Tuesday morning, the GOP started with nine candidates, including Alabama’s own Congressman Gary Palmer (R-AL06). Palmer dropped out of the race, pledging to support whoever became the Speaker of the House. The House Republican Conference then chose House Majority Whip Tom Emmer (R-Minnesota) after five rounds of voting. The ousted Speaker of the House, Kevin McCarthy (R-California), endorsed Emmer. Former President Donald Trump was not an Emmer fan and denounced Emmer as a “Globalist RINO” on Truth Social. More than two dozen Republican House members were refusing to support Emmer. Trump’s rebuke made it apparent that the moderate from a blue state had no chance, so he dropped out. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) explained in a post on X, formerly Twitter, why she didn’t back Emmer: his voting record. “Today I voted against Tom Emmer on all rounds of voting including the spoken roll call vote because he has a voting record I can’t support,” Green said. “He voted for Democrat gay marriage bill, voted with Democrats to overturn President Trump’s transgender military ban, voted for every penny of Ukraine funding, at one time supported the Soros national popular vote scheme, and voted to certify Biden’s 2020 election. We need a Republican Speaker that reflects the values of Republican voters that can lead our conference.” Johnson was chosen by Republicans in a conference vote on Tuesday night. He follows Emmer, Jim Jordan, and Steve Scalise as the party’s nominee. Johnson represents Louisiana’s Fourth District. He represents the nearly 760,000 residents of 16 parishes in the northwest and western regions of the state. He was first elected in 2016. In January 2021, Johnson was elected Vice Chairman of the House Republican Conference. Johnson also serves as a Deputy Whip for the 118th Congress. Johnson is an attorney with two decades of previous experience in Constitutional law. He serves on the House Judiciary Committee and is the chairman of its Subcommittee on the Constitution and Limited Government. He also serves on the Select Committee on the Weaponization of the Federal Government and the House Armed Services Committee. Johnson is a husband and father of four. In his legal career, he was a leading defender of the right to life, religious liberty, free speech, the Second Amendment, and free market principles. He served in the Louisiana Legislature from February 2015 to January 2017, where he was appointed Vice Chairman of the House Judiciary Committee and the Select Committee on Leadership. He is the eldest son of a Shreveport firefighter who was critically burned and disabled in the line of duty. Johnson has also been a college professor, conservative talk radio host and columnist, a media spokesman for America’s largest religious liberty organizations, a constitutional law seminar instructor, and a board member for national organizations and numerous community groups and ministries. Johnson has a law degree from the Paul M. Hebert Law Center at Louisiana State University. He earned his undergraduate degree from LSU. A vote could occur as soon as Wednesday morning. Johnson needs 217 votes to win. The biggest thing Johnson has going for him is the whole absurdity of this situation. Republican House members realize that this situation does not make them look good, and they have to move on to regular business, including budgets and the President’s request for military aid for Ukraine and Israel. Congressman Robert Aderholt (R-AL04) said on X, “We have got to find consensus on a Speaker. Time is of the essence. Democrats are the only ones who benefit from this impasse.” To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Tom Emmer drops bid to be Speaker: House Republicans back to square one
On Tuesday, the House Republican Conference met to decide who would be their next nominee to be the Speaker of the House. They chose House Majority Whip Tom Emmer (R-Minnesota). Emmer had the endorsement of ousted Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy (R-California). It was the safe choice. Emmer had waited his turn behind McCarthy and House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-Louisiana), and he was respected on Capitol Hill. It was also a doomed choice. Emmer won a narrow victory and excited no one in the conservative base that appears to want unprecedented influence on how the GOP actually governs and who it elects to the Speakership. Former President Donald Trump (R) criticized the selection, as did a number of conservative influences. Within a few hours of being elected as the nominee, Emmer admitted his cause was hopeless and withdrew from the race. Emmer was criticized by conservatives for voting for the Respect for Marriage Act, voting to certify the 2020 election results, and for being the number three person on the leadership team that some conservatives felt had not represented them. Alabama Congressman Gary Palmer (R-AL06) withdrew from the Speaker’s race the morning before the Conference even voted. “If withdrawing my name can help expedite that process even a little, then I will gladly step aside,” Palmer said in a statement. “The candidate forum and individual conversations have given me great hope for the future of the 118th Congress.” In the vote of the Conference, Emmer narrowly beat Rep. Kevin Hern (R-Oklahoma) for the nomination. Hearn is back in the running for the spot to be the fourth nominee, as well as Rep. Mike Johnson (R-Louisiana). Scalise had been the Conference’s first choice, but he could not get the support of the ultra-right Freedom Caucus members, so he withdrew without a floor vote. House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) was the next nominee. Jordan had the support of Trump, but it was not enough. Despite bringing his case to the floor three separate times, Jordan could not win over GOP moderates who were angry at conservatives for having failed to support Scalise. Conservatives have now rejected Emmer as being too much of a moderate. The Republicans control the chamber by a 221 to 212 margin. Democrats continue to vote for their candidate, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-New York). The House Republican Conference is expected to meet on Wednesday to seek a new nominee. Election as Speaker requires a minimum of 217, so only a small faction of 5 or more Republicans is sufficient to sabotage any Republican nominee for the post. Long gone are the days when Republican Congressmen would carry out the will of the majority of their Conference and show no public divisions. This Caucus appears to be bitterly divided and is unashamed to make those divisions all too public. To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Steve Flowers: University philanthropists
In the past two to three years, we have had some very generous benefactors make some very magnanimous contributions to their university alma maters in Alabama. One of those philanthropist is Alabama businessman Jim Kennemer. Thanks to a $2 million gift from Kennemer, the University of Alabama funded the James C. Kennemer Center for Innovation and Social Impact. Jim and I were in school together at the University of Alabama in the 1970s, where we became friends, and we have remained friends. Many of his close friends call him “Robo,” a nickname he picked up while a fraternity pledge at the University. Why? Because he was so proficient and efficient at washing the older active member’s cars. I remember, quite vividly, that Jim was involved in an unheard-of secret university endeavor called “computers.” As students, most of us vaguely knew that these strange new machines existed, but that is about all we knew. Jim would disappear and show up for breakfast. When asked about these nocturnal activities, he would curiously respond that he had been at the computer center where he had been “programming.” Now, understand that this was in the early 1970s, and these computers were very new. Little did we know what an impact these machines would ultimately have in our daily lives. Jim Kennemer is from Tuscumbia. His wife, Nancy Pettus, is from Birmingham. They met and bonded at the University. They have been married for 50 years, have built an empire together, and have given back to their alma mater, the University of Alabama. The University of Alabama recently hosted a reception to announce the gift and the naming of the Kennemer Center. The Center will be housed within the UA Honors College. After leaving UA with a BS and MBA degrees, Jim settled into the back of a warehouse in Birmingham and designed the first fully programmable payment processing workstations. The first customer was the largest bank in the country. Within a few years, systems were installed at major banks, utilities, and other large processors throughout the United States. At one point, roughly 12% of the U.S. GDP flowed through these systems that Jim designed. When that company was acquired, Jim and a partner pursued an opportunity in England that ultimately grew into a company he took public on the London Stock Exchange. Back in Alabama, Jim continued with a series of successful companies. After one of these companies had been acquired, Jim came across a revolutionary NASA-developed technology for early detection of eye problems in children. Thus, Vision Research Corporation was launched. Vision research became Jim’s real love. Jim originally had an entrepreneur’s interest and intent with the company. However, after seeing thousands of children’s lives made so much better after correction of their vision problems, he was hooked for life with his project. Hundreds of thousands of kids are screened each year, and over the years, almost one million children have been helped. Jim Kennemer grew up about a mile from Helen Keller’s birthplace. I have always thought that she was an impetus towards Jim Kennemer’s Vision Research Center. Recently, Crowne Health founder and CEO Billy Jones and his wife Frances gave $2 million to Troy University, his alma mater. Troy University will use the gift for a new building on the Troy campus. The building will be named in honor of Billy Jones of Monroeville. It will be a center for research in the area of polymers and polymer recycling. The building named in Jones’s honor will also primarily and appropriately be a Health Science building. Dr. Jack Hawkins, Chancellor of Troy University, has been known for his prowess at fundraising during his 35-year reign as Chancellor of Troy University. He made an elegant presentation in his remarks honoring Jones at the ceremony, bestowing the Jones name upon the building. He said succinctly, “Billy Jones is a cornerstone in the quality of healthcare in Alabama. As President and CEO of Crowne Health Systems, he has been a legend in Alabama, and he is a Troy product. With 18 nursing homes and 2000 employees, he has made a remarkable difference in the quality of care given to many thousands of people. It is appropriate that his name will be reflected on a building that is dedicated to the development and education of healthcare workers. He has been a great supporter of this university, and we are very proud of the relationship we share with him.” The saying that Alabama is one big front porch continues. Dr. Jack Hawkins and Billy Jones grew up together in Mobile. They have known each other since their days together at Murphy High in Mobile. See you next week. Steve Flowers is Alabama’s leading political columnist. His weekly column appears in over 60 Alabama newspapers. Steve served 16 years in the state legislature. Steve may be reached at www.steveflowers.us.
Jackie Zeigler announces candidacy for re-election to Alabama State Board of Education District One seat
Jackie Zeigler announced her candidacy for re-election to the Alabama State Board of Education’s District One seat. Mrs. Zeigler says she wants to continue her efforts to return common sense to the school system. She led the statewide campaign that defeated Amendment One in 2020. It would have taken away the right of citizens to vote for school board members and made them appointed by the governor. She successfully passed a ban on Critical Race Theory in Alabama schools. She fell short in efforts to prevent the lowering of reading standards for promotion from third grade. “We need to stop social promotions. We are doing no favors to students to promote them when they cannot read at grade level,” she said. “Alabama was progressing impressively right before the national standards were adopted. We need to return to the Science of Reading, basic math, and old-fashioned teaching. We do not need to teach to the test.” Zeigler was elected to the State Board in 2016 and re-elected in 2020. Before that, she was Principal of Mary B. Austin Elementary School in Mobile, which won the National Blue-Ribbon Award of Excellence. “Serving as the representative for District One on the State Board of Education has been an extraordinary privilege. I am excited about the opportunity to continue this essential work,” Zeigler said. “Our students and schools deserve a State School Board dedicated to their success, and I am committed to ensuring that our educational system overcomes its problems and achieves our potential.” In the 2020 election, Zeigler received 72% of the vote in District One. District One covers Baldwin, Escambia, Covington, Coffee, Conecuh, Crenshaw, and Butler counties and much of western and southern Mobile County.
Gov. Kay Ivey awards $2.5 million to fight homelessness in Alabama
Gov. Kay Ivey has awarded more than $2.5 million to assist Alabamians who are homeless or close to becoming homeless. The funds from the Emergency Solutions Grants program will assist local governments and nonprofit agencies in providing housing and other related services to homeless people or people facing homelessness. “Emergency Solutions Grants are a measure to help people who, for a number of reasons, find themselves in need of a safe shelter,” Gov. Ivey said. “I commend these governments and organizations for assisting these individuals and families by ensuring they have secure housing during a time of great need.” The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA) will administer the grants from funds made available by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. ADECA administers a wide range of programs that support law enforcement, victim programs, economic development, water resource management, energy conservation, and recreation. “With help from this grant program, local governments and nonprofits have been able to step in to help people in Alabama with emergency housing needs,” ADECA Director Kenneth Boswell said. “ADECA joins Gov. Ivey in commending the work those organizations do to help people who are going through rough times.” Those awarded grants are:
