November is Thank Alabama Teachers Month
Alabama Governor Kay Ivey on Tuesday kicked off the annual Thank Alabama Teachers observance to honor Alabama’s K-12 educators. Governor Ivey, at the commencement, announced that she is officially declaring November as Thank Alabama Teachers Month. The Thank Alabama Teachers initiative was created in 2020 to demonstrate gratitude in ample ways for the role Alabama teachers play in every facet of their students’ lives. Gov. Ivey was joined by Alabama State Superintendent of Education Dr. Eric Mackey at Carver High School for the event. “As someone whose career began in the classroom, I know the important work our teachers do on a daily basis,” Ivey said on Twitter. “Our educators are truly shaping the future – the future of AL & our nation!” The Governor asked that Alabamians show their support for teachers by visiting the website. The website both thanks Alabama teachers for their contributions to Alabama society but also encourages more people to enter the profession. “You could qualify for $17,500 or more in student loan forgiveness,” the site explains to prospective teachers. “Teachers in a low-income school or educational organizations having taught full time for at least five consecutive years, learn more here. Additionally, if you are teaching or plan to teach math or science, the Alabama Math and Science Teacher Education Program (AMSTEP) is a loan repayment program for you.” Alabama State Superintendent of Education Eric Mackey said on social media, “This morning, we kicked off #ThankALTeachers month with a press conference & proclamation from @GovernorKayIvey. Teachers truly make a difference in the lives of our students & we want everyone to let teachers know they are appreciated.” Gov. Ivey also issued a proclamation thanking teachers and declaring November as Thank Alabama Teachers Month. Education and the state’s long track record of underperforming in education is a major issue confronting the State Legislature in the next four years. There is growing pressure to respond by dramatically increasing school choice across Alabama. Any effort to increase options for families will be strongly opposed by teacher’s unions as well as the Alabama State Superintendents Association. Ivey was elevated to governor in 2017 and then elected to her own term in 2018. She is seeking a second term. On Tuesday, she faces Libertarian nominee Dr. James “Jimmy” Blake and Democratic nominee Yolanda Flowers in the November 8 general election. To connect with the author of this story, or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Libertarian Senate candidate John Sophocleus campaigns for votes
The Libertarian candidate for U.S. Senate John Sophocleus, addressed Alabama Libertarians in a Facebook event hosted by the Libertarians Party of Greater Jefferson County at the Mountain Brook Library on Wednesday. Sophocleus is a career college instructor, historian, and economist who resides in Lee County. “I am the Libertarian candidate for Senate,” Sophocleus said. “I am a retired instructor.” Sophocleus said that he was upset with, “How much money we waste on redistribution of wealth” in this country. “I am the best candidate of the three,” running for Senate Sophocleus said. “I am trying to bring competition to Alabama politics.” Sophocleus said that he requires his students to read the United States Constitution. Sophocleus said that he has had students who were serving in the U.S. armed forces tell him, “Wow, I took an oath to uphold the Constitution, and I had no idea what is in that until I actually had to read it.” “I have been an Alabama Gazette columnist for 13 years,” Sophocleus continued. “I have worked with people on Capitol Hill including (former Congressman) Dick Armey.” “The huge amount of redistributive activity that is going on is the main thing that I would like to stop,” Sophocleus said. Sophocleus and the Libertarian candidate for Governor of Alabama, Dr. James “Jimmy” Blake, were both asked about the Alabama prison crisis. “I am running for federal office, and the prison system it is by and large a state office issue, but I have spoken to Cam Ward, who is the Director of Pardons and Paroles,” Sophocleus said. Sophocleus has been an instructor in the prisons, among numerous other teaching assignments – most notably at Auburn University, Auburn University Montgomery, and Clemson. “They are not using the resources that are available to give them the skills they need when they (the prisoners) get out,” Sophocleus said. “Decreasing recidivism is the biggest long-term solution.” “The recidivism reduction is increasingly important,” Sophocleus said. “There are people that should be punished for their crimes, but we also need people that could be productive when they get out.” Sophocleus claimed, “I know the BCA and my opponent want to devote more money to the prison complex.” “Kay Ivey has sold her soul to the Business Council of Alabama,” Sophocleus said, urging voters to vote for Blake for Governor instead of Gov. Ivey. “In the Senate race, it is an open seat. None of the three candidates are incumbents. It is time to send a message.” Sophocleus slammed outgoing Senator Richard Shelby calling him “Cash Register Shelby,” who changed his Democratic ‘blue gang jersey’ for a Republican ‘red gang jersey.’ “50 of our 65 (Libertarian) candidates are in two candidate races,” Sophocleus said. “We are tired of the gangs of the duopoly. Break up the gangs.” Sophocleus made claims that the Constitution would work if the government would just do those things that it is authorized to do in the Constitution. “The Libertarian Party started 50 years ago because of their anger at the Republicans and Richard Nixon for closing the gold window,” Sophocleus said. “We have done a lot of damage in respect to inflation and how we have devalued our currency.” Sophocleus said that gold was trading at $40 an ounce in 1972 when Nixon chose to let the dollar float as a completely unbacked currency. “What does it cost to get an ounce of gold today? $1800? Americans – they hope that the dollars they save will have a value.” “When you have all of these pages of wealth transfer, it is going to only get worse,” Sophocleus said of the tax code. “President [Joe] Biden is playing games with the strategic reserve and oil prices.” Sophocleus said that there is no incentive for Congress to “stop the spending,” because “bond yields are so ridiculously low that there is no consequences to keep adding to it (the debt).” “All federal drug laws are unconstitutional – period,” Sophocleus said. “How we know that is when we wanted to have a war on alcohol, we passed an amendment. This document (holding up his pocket Constitution) does not empower the federal government to do what it does.” Sophocleus faces Republican nominee Katie Britt and Democratic nominee Will Boyd in the November 8 general election. To connect with the author of this story, or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Kay Ivey urges voters to ratify Aniah’s Law
Alabama Governor Kay Ivey on Thursday issued a statement voicing her support for ratification of Aniah’s Law. Amendment one would allow judges to deny bail to violent criminals with a history of violent and anti-social behavior. It is named for college student, Aniah Blanchard, who in 2019 was kidnapped, raped, beaten, and brutally murdered by a violent felon who was out on bond awaiting trial for kidnapping. “Three years ago this week, the nation watched as Alabama learned the beginnings of an unjust tragedy that never should have taken place,” Gov. Ivey stated. “While we prayed for a different outcome, Aniah Blanchard’s untimely death revealed flaws in the judicial system. It is past time we fix those issues, but because of the unwavering dedication of Aniah’s family and the unanimous support by the Alabama Legislature, Amendment One, also known as Aniah’s Law, will be on the ballot this November. I encourage every Alabamian to join me in voting yes on Aniah’s Law to ensure no family would have to go through the pain of preventable tragedy. Public safety is a top priority, and Aniah’s Law won’t just bolster public safety, but also, honor and allow for Aniah to redefine Alabama’s judicial system to help save lives across the state.” The 1901 Constitution of Alabama, which is the oldest state constitution still in current use, is the longest constitution in the world. It has been frequently amended over the last 121 years, and an amendment requires passage both by a supermajority of both Houses of the Alabama Legislature and an affirmative vote by a vote of the people. If voters pass Amendment One, judges would be able to deny bail to a person charged with a violent felony following a hearing. This power would be extended to 13 first-degree offenses, including murder, assault, kidnapping, rape, sodomy, domestic violence, human trafficking, burglary, arson, robbery, sexual torture, terrorism, and aggravated child abuse. A no vote on Amendment One would mean that the law would stay as it is now, and Alabama judges will continue to have limited authority to deny bail to violent offenders unless the suspect is charged with a capital offense or poses a flight risk. There are numerous such proposed constitutional changes on this year’s election ballot. In addition to the amendments, three political parties: the Republicans, the Democrats, and the Libertarians, are vying for control of state government. A voter can pick which of the three they want to run state government. Alabama is one of six states (Alabama, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Oklahoma, and South Carolina) that allows straight-ticket voting. Voters can also choose which candidate they want for each elected office and work their way all the way down the ballot. Ivey is running for a second term as Governor of Alabama. She faces Democratic nominee Yolanda Flowers and Libertarian nominee Dr. James “Jimmy” Blake. To connect with the author of this story, or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Libertarian candidate for Governor, Jimmy Blake, discusses issues
On Wednesday, Libertarian nominee for Governor, Dr. James “Jimmy” Blake, addressed voters online in a forum hosted by the Jefferson County Libertarian Party at the Mountain Brook Library. Blake said he had recently attended the “Break the Chains” rally organized by the families of prisoners of the Alabama Department of Corrections (ADOC). Blake said that he was moved “When you heard the stories and saw the videos that the families brought in there.” “The people of Alabama are a very decent bunch of people, and I don’t know whether politicians think they will be seen as soft on crime or they think that people just don’t care,” Blake said, urging the state to care for its prisoners better. According to a report by the Trump Department of Justice, the Alabama prison system is the most dangerous in the country. The state is facing a DOJ lawsuit alleging that incarceration with ADOC is an unconstitutional “cruel and unusual punishment,” banned by the Eighth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. Blake chastised legislators and the Ivey administration for not focusing on the problem. “I think we are focused on sending money to favored contractors,” Blake said, criticizing the state for “Spending $400 million that was supposed to go to the people for COVID relief” to build new mega prisons. Blake said that he favored housing the prisoners in a more humane environment. “They want people to be rehabilitated and not more dangerous than when they went in there,” Blake explained. Even though Blake is running for governor, he still weighed in on the U.S. Senate race to chastise Republicans. “They had a guy who was a small government conservative in Mo Brooks,” Blake said. “They said so many outrageous things about him that were untrue and then chose a BCA lobbyist (referring to Katie Britt). We have a guy who knows what the government is supposed to be doing in John Sophocleus.” Blake said that the Libertarian Party was created 50 years ago when Republican President Richard Nixon devalued the currency by getting off of the gold standard. “A 1964 dime is 95% silver,” Blake said. “It is worth over two dollars today. A 2022 Biden dime is worth ten cents, and in a year, it will be worth nine cents a year from now due to inflation.” Blake chastised incumbent Gov. Kay Ivey for rejecting structural tax changes and what he called the corrupt duopoly of the two major political parties. Blake argued against laws banning marijuana, saying that Prohibition only creates “black markets,” detailing how Prohibition in the 1920s increased crime and violence while also leading to harder alcohol and alcohol poisoning. “You wouldn’t have fentanyl” if drugs were legal, Blake said. “Your liability would be too high.” Blake is a former U.S. Air Force flight surgeon who flew nuclear strike F4 Phantom fighters in Europe during the Cold War. He graduated from Auburn University and went to medical school at UAB on an Air Force scholarship. Blake served eight years on the Birmingham City Council. He also led the RAPS group that opposed the MAPS effort by then Birmingham Mayor Richard Arrington to build a domed stadium and other projects by raising taxes across Jefferson County. Blake is a former chairman of the Libertarian Party of Alabama. He started the first free-standing “urgent care” healthcare clinic in Alabama – American Family Care. After leaving that business, Blake practiced medicine in the Hoover area. More recently, Blake has practiced emergency medicine at rural hospitals. Blake’s wife was killed in a tragic car accident. This is the first time Libertarians have had ballot access in Alabama in twenty years. Blake is challenging incumbent Gov. Ivey. Ivey has led the state since 2017. Yolanda Flowers is the Democratic Party nominee for Governor of Alabama. There are also two write-in candidates campaigning for governor. The general election is on November 8. Voters must have a valid photo ID to participate in any Alabama election. To connect with the author of this story, or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Hyundai supplier, Mobis, announce new factory bringing 400 jobs to Montgomery
Alabama Governor Kay Ivey joined executives of Hyundai Mobis in the Old House Chambers of the historic Alabama State Capital to announce the company’s plan to build a second manufacturing plant in the Montgomery area. Montgomery Chamber of Commerce Chairman Cedric Campbell said that Mobis plans to invest $205 million to open an EV battery module plant in Montgomery that will eventually employ at least 400 people. Once it reaches full production, the 450,000-square-foot facility will be able to supply over 200,000 EV batteries annually to the Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama (HMMA) factory in Montgomery and the Kia Georgia plant. Hyundai plants to produce a luxury Genesis GV70 vehicle as well as an electric version of the popular Santa Fe sports utility vehicle. “Alabama’s auto manufacturing sector is evolving rapidly to capitalize on the EV revolution that is sweeping the industry, and this new Hyundai Mobis battery plant represents another milestone in that transition,” said Gov. Ivey. “We’re excited about the company’s new investment and what it represents for the next chapter of automaking in Alabama.” Mobis is one of the largest automotive suppliers in the world. “It is an honor to host you all in the state capital, and especially to have our friends from Korea, here today,” said Gov. Ivey. Ivey praised Hyundai. “We have watched the company grow more and more and have watched the company evolve to keep up with the ever-changing automotive industry,” said Ivey. “When you choose the state of Alabama to do business, you can expect the full support of the state of Alabama as well as from local government.” H.S. Oh is the vice president of the division that produces the electric powertrain business for Hyundai Mobis. Oh said that the new Alabama EV battery assembly facility will play a critical role in the company’s plans to expand its production network across the globe. “As the EV market continues to grow, having a strong production capacity will be key in allowing Hyundai Mobis to see continued growth in the market,” Vice President Oh stated. “We believe this new facility in Montgomery will be an important step in that process, and we are excited for the project to be underway.” “Governor Ivey, we thank you for the work that you, your cabinet, and your entire staff do for the state of Alabama, the Montgomery City, and the entire river region,” said Montgomery Mayor Steven Reed. “There are a lot of pieces that have to come together to have a $205 million dollar investment, especially one that produces over 400 jobs.” “We will be there every step of the way to get things up and running in this facility,” said Mayor Reed. Reed thanked the members of the industrial development board, the Governor, the county, and the Chamber of Commerce, “It is the hard work of the employees that make this possible. It is their hard work that allows us to recruit companies to this city and the river region.” “This is one of the best economic development years in memory, said Reed, who just last week welcomed Manna Beverages and Ventures to the city. “I am delighted to welcome the Mobus facility to Montgomery,” said HMMA President Ernie Kim. “Over the last ten years, Hyundai has enjoyed the support of the City of Montgomery and the State of Alabama. This facility will allow Hyundai to become a leader in electric vehicle production.” Isaiah Sankey is the Vice Chairman of the Montgomery County Commission. “Electrification of vehicles creates a green, clean economy,” said Sankey. “Electrification of vehicles makes me proud that Montgomery County will be part of cleaning up the environment.” “Thanks to the governor for all that you do that makes the state of Alabama great,” Sankey said. The EV battery module plant will expand Hyundai Mobis’ already large presence in Montgomery. Hyundai Mobis has operated a manufacturing facility on 83 acres in Montgomery since 2002 as the largest Tier 1 supplier to HMAA and Kia Georgia. The plant supplies the auto plants with complete cockpit modules and front and rear chassis modules, as well as bumper assemblies and instrument panels. “Hyundai Mobis’ investment project in Montgomery reflects an acceleration in the development of the EV supply chain in Alabama’s auto industry,” said Alabama Department of Commerce Secretary Greg Canfield in a statement. “We’re going to be a major production player in the EV market, and that’s going to trigger more growth within the sector.” Hyundai Mobis said that the construction of the new facility will be located on HMAA’s sprawling campus just off Interstate 65 in Montgomery. Construction is expected to begin as early as December. Production of EV battery assemblies is projected to begin in 2024. President Joe Biden has announced a goal of making the entire new American automobile production electric by 2030. To connect with the author of this story, or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Amendment three aims to change powers of clemency of Alabama governors
Under current law, the Governor of Alabama may grant a reprieve or clemency to a prisoner who has been sentenced to death. It is common to see convicted murderers ask the Governor to commute their sentence of death to life in prison. This seldom happens, but it has happened in the past. Amendment three, which is on the ballot for the general election on November 8, would not take away the Governor’s power to grant mercy to a convicted murderer. However, if voters approve, it would require that the Governor also notify the victim’s family before granting any such clemency. Both Houses of the Alabama State Legislature approved this amendment during the 2022 Alabama Regular Legislative Session. Senate Bill 196 was sponsored by State Senator Steve Livingston and cosponsored by State Sen. Sam Givhan. Amendment three proposes, “An amendment to the Constitution of Alabama of 1901, to require the Governor to provide notice to the Attorney General and to the victim’s family prior to granting a reprieve or commutation to a person sentenced to death, and to void the reprieve or commutation if the Governor fails to provide notice.” Currently, the Governor has the power to postpone or reduce a death sentence to life in prison. This amendment will require the Governor to notify the Attorney General and the victim’s family before postponing or reducing a death sentence. Failure of the Governor to provide notice will void the Governor’s action and allow the Attorney General to seek a new execution date from the Alabama Supreme Court. If the majority of the voters vote “yes” on Amendment 3, the Governor will be required to provide notice to the Attorney General and to the victim’s family prior to postponing or reducing a death sentence to life in prison. If the majority of the voters vote “no” on Amendment 3, the Governor will not be required to provide notice. Because then Governor Fob James was hesitant to execute a woman, in 1999, he commuted the death sentence of convicted murderer Judith Ann Neeley before he left office. The family of 13-year-old Lisa Millican, who was brutally raped and murdered by Mrs. Neeley and her husband, were outraged by Gov. James’ actions. This amendment is the Legislature’s response to that decision over twenty years ago. The Alabama 1901 Constitution is the longest constitution in the country. To connect with the author of this story, or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Richard Shelby highlights importance of the Port of Mobile
A new study has emphasized the economic importance of the Port of Mobile. U.S. Senator Richard Shelby highlighted this new report in comments that Alabama’s senior Senator made on Twitter on Monday. “A new study reveals the Port of Mobile’s critical impact on the entire state of Alabama – including 300,000+ jobs and $85 billion in economic value,” Shelby stated on Twitter. According to the report, the port has seen incredible growth and is responsible for an estimated 300,000 Alabama jobs and an economic impact of $85 billion. The Port of Mobile is operated by the Alabama Port Authority. “I have long known that Alabama’s largest port could have a pivotal impact on the growth of our state,” Shelby continued. “Throughout my career, I’ve focused on projects that aim to position Alabama for long-term success, and the Port has been one of those priorities.” While he was the Chairman of the powerful Senate Appropriations Committee, Shelby obtained federal dollars to widen and deepen the shipping channel for the Port through Mobile Bay. The State of Alabama drew down those federal dollars by providing matching funds that were part of Governor Kay Ivey’s controversial fuel tax increase that passed the Alabama Legislature in a 2019 special session. The improvements to the shipping channel allowed for the port to accept the new larger Panama Canal container ships that hold more cargo than the previous generation of ships. The port’s overall economic impact has grown 217% since 2019. The port has also produced a 94% increase in jobs and a 225% increase in tax revenues to the State and local governments. “These results are cause for celebration throughout Alabama,” Shelby stated. “The impact that the Port of Mobile has already had on Alabama’s economy is remarkable. I am proud to witness this great news and believe these numbers will continue to improve. I have long known that Alabama’s largest port could have a pivotal impact on the growth of our state. Throughout my career, I’ve focused on projects that aim to position Alabama for long-term success, and the port has been one of those priorities.” “These numbers make it clear that the Port of Mobile is a tremendous asset to the State of Alabama. Economic activity at the port radiates across the entire state – whether it’s auto manufacturing, agriculture, logistics, space and defense, forest products, energy, or any of the myriad of other industries that make Alabama great, every corner of the state sees some benefit from the port’s work,” said John Driscoll, Director and CEO of the Alabama Port Authority. “We believe that the Port of Mobile is the most dynamic, compelling port in America, and as we look ahead to an expanded container terminal, a deeper and wider ship channel, intermodal rail, and inland ports, these numbers will only grow. While these results are a sign of the progress made to date, we know there is more room for growth in our future and look forward to continuing to deliver for our customers and the entire State of Alabama.” “The Port’s rise is attributable to everyone who has been involved in promoting its growth and the many ways it benefits Alabama,” Shelby said. “This is just the beginning.” To connect with the author of this story, or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Kay Ivey joins 18 Republican governors opposing proposed Project Labor Agreement rule
Nineteen Republican governors wrote a letter to President Joe Biden on October 17, 2022, opposing a proposed federal rule to mandate the use of Project Labor Agreements (PLAs) for federal construction projects. The letter was signed by governors from Arkansas, Alabama, Arizona, Georgia, Iowa, Massachusetts, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, New Hampshire, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, and Wyoming. The proposed rule follows an executive order that was signed by Biden in February 2022 that aimed to require PLAs for large-scale construction projects. A group of Republican governors wrote a letter in April 2022 opposing the executive order, arguing that it granted a monopoly to unions and discouraged competition. The proposed rule would amend the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) to implement the executive order and mandate the use of PLAs for federal construction contracts exceeding $35 million. Gov. Asa Hutchinson stated in a press release, “Labor unions have played an important role in our nation’s history, but the government’s role in business is to provide an avenue for success and not a roadblock.” Hutchinson continued, “I’m honored to have the support of 18 fellow governors from all corners of our nation as we seek to oppose this rule and support fairness for our states.” The proposed rule states, “The E.O. explains that the lack of coordination among various employers, or uncertainty about the employment terms and conditions of various groups of workers, can create friction and disputes in the absence of an agreed-upon resolution mechanism. PLAs may provide structure and stability needed to reduce uncertainties for all parties connected to a large-scale construction project.” The period for public comments on the proposed rule closed on October 18, 2022. Republished with the permission of The Center Square.
Kay Ivey gets a ‘D’ in report card stacking up U.S. governors’ fiscal policies
Gov. Kay Ivey’s years-long support of an increased gas tax in Alabama landed her in the bottom tier of a new report grading states’ top-level leaders on their fiscal policies. The Cato Institute, a public policy organization focused on limited government, recently released its 2022 Fiscal Policy Report Card on America’s Governors. Co-authors Chris Edwards and Ilana Blumsack gave Ivey, who is seeking a second full term in office this fall, a score of “D.” In their analysis of Ivey’s fiscal performance throughout her first full term in office, Edwards and Blumsack elaborated on why they gave the governor a low score. “Running for a full term in office in 2018, Ivey said she opposed tax increases,” Edwards and Blumsack wrote. “Nonetheless, she has raised some taxes, including the gas tax by 10 cents per gallon in 2019 and an assessment on nursing home facilities in 2020.” In their report, the authors did note some of Ivey’s more recent tax-cutting overtures in her run-up to reelection and against the backdrop of inflation. “Ivey switched direction recently and approved modest tax cuts, including raising the standard deduction, exempting $6,000 of retirement income from taxes, increasing an adoption credit, and exempting small businesses from the business privilege tax,” Edwards and Blumsack wrote. Early this year, during the most recent legislative session, Ivey also touted her support of House Bill 231, which she signed into law in February. “I am proud to sign this needed tax relief into law so that money will return directly into the hands of hardworking Alabamians,” Ivey said in the news release. Ivey’s support of a gas tax, and her denial of cutting it back this spring, has been a source of criticism since she first signed the legislation into law in 2019. Proceeds from portions of the increased gas tax have been poured into Ivey’s 2019 Rebuild Alabama Act, which required the state’s Department of Transportation to annually allocate $10 million from excised gas taxes. “Since becoming governor, with the support of Rebuild Alabama, we have embarked on more than 1,500 new road and bridge projects worth more than $5 billion,” Ivey said in March. “We certainly have more work in front of us, and I am proud to continue those efforts today.” While the Cato Institute’s newest report did not have a clear-cut partisan divide in the granular state-by-state rankings, there was a prevailing theme. The top-performing governors in this year’s report were Republican, while the lowest-scoring leaders were Democrats. “The results are data-driven. They account for tax and spending actions that affect short-term budgets in the states,” Edwards and Blumsack said of their methodology. “But they do not account for longer-term or structural changes that governors may make, such as reforms to state pension plans.” Five governors, all Republican, received an “A” in this year’s Cato Institute report: Doug Ducey of Arizona; Brad Little of Idaho; Kim Reynolds of Iowa; Pete Ricketts of Nebraska; and Chris Sununu of New Hampshire. On the bottom end, eight Democrat governors received an “F” in the Cato Institute’s analysis of their fiscal policies: Kate Brown of Oregon; Jay Inslee of Washington; Phil Murphy of New Jersey; Gavin Newsom of California; J.B. Pritzker of Illinois; Tim Walz of Minnesota; Gretchen Whitmer of Michigan; and Tom Wolf of Pennsylvania. Republished with the permission of The Center Square.
Steve Flowers: General Election is upon us
Believe it or not, our 2022 General Election is upon us, November 8 to be exact. It seems to be going under the radar screen of most Alabama voters. There will be a record-breaking low voter turnout because there are really no contested statewide races. Why? Because we are a one-party state when it comes to state offices. All 21 of our state elective offices are held by Republicans. The Democratic party does not field serious candidates because it is a foregone conclusion that a Democrat cannot win an elective statewide race in the Heart of Dixie. The best they can hope for is 40%. Thus, the Democratic candidates have no money to spend because nobody takes them seriously, and the Republican candidates, who are flush with campaign cash, do not want to waste their money because it is a foregone conclusion that they will win. Therefore, with not much money being spent on advertising, the average voter may not realize there is an election, which equals a very low turnout. The real 2022 election was held in May and June when the Republican Primary took place. Winning the Republican Primary is tantamount to election in Alabama. Just because the real 2022 election was held in May instead of November does not mean it is not an important election. It is a very important election. All of our statewide constitutional offices are being elected for the next four years, including Governor, Attorney General, State Agriculture Commissioner, Lt. Governor, Secretary of State, State Treasurer, and State Auditor. Governor Kay Ivey is the Republican nominee for Governor. She is seeking her second full term. This will probably be Kay’s last hurrah. She will win 60 to 40. State Agriculture Commissioner Rick Pate is the Republican nominee for this important Alabama post. He will be reelected 60 to 40. He did not even have an opponent in the Republican Primary. Attorney General Steve Marshall is seeking his second term. He is a solid conservative Republican and will win easily. Lt. Governor Will Ainsworth is going to be reelected to his second term on November 8. Like Marshall, there is no doubt that he is conservative. Marshall and Ainsworth are young and formidable. They are also from the same county. It would be interesting if they faced off against each other in the 2026 Governor’s race. Young Boozer will be elected to his third term as State Treasurer. He served two consecutive four-year terms, waited three years, took over from John McMillan a year ago, and will win another full term on November 8. He has done a tremendous job as Treasurer and is probably the most qualified person to ever serve as Treasurer in my lifetime. He will more than likely have the longest tenure as State Treasurer in state history. Two young Republicans were elected to constitutional offices in June, Wes Allen as Secretary of State and Andrew Sorrell as State Auditor. Both have bright futures in Alabama politics. Even though he is only 46, Wes Allen has already spent 15 years in elected office. He was Probate Judge of Pike County for 11 years and State Representative for Pike and Dale for four years. Secretary of State is an important post in state government. There will be jockeying among Ainsworth, Marshall, Pate, Allen, and Sorrell to see who gets the most votes on November 8, as all are eyeing the 2026 races. All have Libertarian opponents. Forty-year-old Katie Britt will be elected to her first of many to come six-year terms as our United States Senator. She will more than likely be the top vote-getter on November 8. She is already being touted as a superstar in Washington. For those of you who do vote, we have some important Constitutional Amendments on the ballot. Our original 1901 Constitution may be one of the most flawed and is the most amended in the nation. There is outdated, overtly racist language in our Constitution that has no relevance in today’s world and needs amending. The Alabama Citizens for Constitutional Reform, a group of outstanding Alabama leaders, has worked diligently to update our antiquated Constitution. I would encourage a “Yes” vote for the first constitutional amendment on the November ballot. Hope all of you get a chance to vote. See you next week. Steve Flowers is Alabama’s leading political columnist. His weekly column appears in over 60 Alabama newspapers. He served 16 years in the state legislature. Steve may be reached at www.steveflowers.us.
Online job ads in September up 18.7% from last year
The economy may be slowing, but the Alabama job market is not. According to data from the Alabama Department of Labor (ADOL), the number of online job ads in September was 18.7% higher than last year. The data was collected and analyzed by the Alabama Department of Labor’s Labor Market Information (LMI) Division. That analysis shows that as of September 2022, the yearly comparison of online job ads is 107,319. That is up 18.7% from September 2021. However, the monthly total of online job ads for September 2022 is down 8.1% from August, with a decrease of 9,464 online ads. The five occupations with the most online job ads are for registered nurses, retail salespersons, supervisors of retail sales workers, customer service representatives, and truck drivers. 15,599 ads were placed for those occupations alone in September. The ADOL data is compiled from all online job postings in the state, including those posted on the state’s free online jobs database and other sources, such as traditional job boards, corporate boards, and social media sites. Pay is also up. Twenty-five percent of job ads have salaries of $75,000 and above; 22% have salaries in the $50-75,000 range, while 20% have salaries in the $35-49,000 range. Just 33% of the jobs advertised in the state have salaries of less than $35,000. The top two employers posting the most online ads in September were Huntsville Hospital, with 1,516, and UAB Health System, with 1,328. Walmart/Sam’s was third with 1,036. Encompass Health was fourth with 829. Regions Bank was fifth with 639. Baptist Health came in sixth with 589. The University of Alabama at Birmingham was seventh with 566. Lowes came in eighth with 531, Auburn University ninth with 461, and the University of Alabama rounded out the top ten with 456 online job ads in September. There are only 59,558 unemployed persons in the state. The state’s unemployment rate in September is a record low of 2.6 percent. “Despite the uncertainty facing the U.S. economy, Alabama has managed to add 50,000 new jobs since September of 2021 and is on pace to break its previous record for yearly job growth,” said Governor Kay Ivey. “Our efforts continue to yield encouraging results, and I’m looking forward to working with our public and private partners to make Alabama an even better place to live, work and raise a family.” To look for a job or a better position, search the ADOL site for job openings. ADOL also has job training opportunities available. To connect with the author of this story, or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Alabama shows some improvement in education rankings even though math scores plummeted
On Monday, Governor Kay Ivey said that the recent results of the National Assessment of Education Performance (NAEP) show that what the State of Alabama is doing in education is “working.” “This year’s NAEP results confirm that Alabama’s focus on core learning like reading and math is working and that in-classroom instruction matters,” Ivey stated. “Throughout my first term, we have laid a solid foundation by setting strong standards and an assessment system aligned to our standards. I am confident that we will build on this foundation as we move forward. It should also not go unnoticed that while the rest of the nation dropped, Alabama bucked that trend by holding our own and making some progress. That is undoubtedly because we pushed to get kids back in the classroom during the pandemic. I applaud our students, teachers, and parents. There is still much work ahead, but I am confident that our forward momentum will continue. The future of our state and world is entirely dependent on our students’ education.” Alabama fourth-grade reading scores have shown improvement over the last four years. In 2019 just 47% of fourth graders were proficient in reading. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, nobody was in school to take end-of-year testing. In 2021 52% of the Alabama fourth graders were proficient. That climbed to 53% in 2022. Under the Alabama Literacy Act, third graders who aren’t proficient in reading will have to repeat the third grade. The Legislature has delayed the implementation of this requirement due to the COVID-19 shutdowns. Educators hope that requiring students to be able to master third-grade reading will mean that future NAEP results will be improved, as poor readers don’t advance to the fourth grade unless they have spent two years in the third grade. Math was an unmitigated disaster. In 2019, 45% of Alabama’s fourth graders were proficient in math. In 2021, that number had plummeted to just 24% proficient. In 2022, that number had climbed to just 32%. Only 32% of students having mastered fourth-grade math by the end of the fourth grade will have lifetime consequences for the students who failed to grasp basic math concepts, but the collapse in math proficiency was much worse in other states, so the state actually jumped in the NAEP rankings from 52nd place nationally to 40th. “Our teachers and students have worked hard, but clearly, we still have a lot of work to do,” said State Superintendent Eric Mackey. “Although we are on a good trajectory, we have historically underperformed, and there is plenty of ground to make up. I am not as concerned about placement as I am about every student in the state of Alabama receiving a quality education that prepares them for life after high school. We have a strategic plan, Alabama Achieves, that highlights our key priority areas: Academic Growth and Achievement, College, Career, and Workforce Readiness, Safe and Supportive Learning Environments, Highly Effective Educators, and Customer Friendly Services. We are constantly working to improve performance in each of these areas. These results indicate we are making significant progress.” Eighth-grade reading improved in Alabama from 43% proficient in 2019 to 52% in 2021 and 53% proficient in 2022. Alabama was 49th in eighth-grade reading in 2019 and remained in 49th place in reading nationally, even though many other states saw historic drops in scores. Eighth-grade math also showed a drop in proficiency. Just 42% of Alabama eighth graders were proficient in math in 2019. By 2021 that had dropped to just 14%. In 2022 there had been a slight improvement, and just 16% of Alabama eighth-grade students were proficient. Other states dropped more than that, so Alabama went from 52nd to 47th in 8th Grade Math. High school teachers could face challenges teaching these ill-prepared students high school-level concepts like algebra, geometry, and physics. Nationally the nation saw the most significant decline in fourth-grade math scores since 1990, and the gaps between White and Black students have only grown. The poor scores nationwide have made some question the wisdom of adopting the controversial “new math” of the unpopular Common Core. Mackey said that Alabama should stay the course and that the state is at the cusp of an educational shift and expects the strategies and initiatives made in education to take hold and show significant returns. “We have strong state leadership, committed educators, hardworking communities, the support of our Governor and lawmakers, a consistent state assessment in the Alabama Comprehensive Assessment Program (ACAP), effective initiatives, and educational frameworks more aligned with expected educational outcomes… we feel like we are poised to continue to make strong gains in education,” Mackey said. To connect with the author of this story, or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
