Gov. Kay Ivey signs legislation making Yellowhammer Cookie Alabama’s official state cookie
On Friday, Alabama Governor Kay Ivey met with Montgomery 4th grader and recipe creator Mary Claire Cook to consider whether or not to sign legislation making Cook’s creation, the Yellowhammer Cookie, the official state cookie of the State of Alabama. Governor Ivey taste-tested the cookie for herself and gave it the stamp of approval. Ivey added her signature on the bill to officially name the Yellowhammer Cookie the official state cookie. Governor Ivey commented, “Sweet Home Alabama just got a little sweeter!” House Bill 421 (HB421) is sponsored by State Representative Reed Ingram (R-Montgomery). The legislation was carried in the Alabama Senate by State Senator Will Barfoot (R-Pike Road). “This week, you all have had the opportunity to see, and more importantly taste, the yellowhammer cookie,” Barfoot said, holding one up in the air for members to see. “This was brought to me by some fourth graders at Trinity Presbyterian School.” Reed explained that the students learned that Alabama did not have an official state cookie, so the students resolved to fix this situation by holding a cookie contest. The fourth graders submitted cookies, and the seniors judged them. Ultimately the Yellowhammer Cookie was judged the best cookie to submit to the legislature. “Twenty-four recipes were submitted,” Barfoot said. “That was narrowed down to five. Seniors from the government class at Trinity were brought in to judge the cookies, and the yellowhammer cookie was selected.” The cookies contain peanuts, pecans, and oats – all crops grown and well-adapted to Alabama. The pecan is already the official nut of Alabama, and the peanut is the official legume of the state of Alabama. Alabama Today asked Cook if making the cookie was something an ordinary person could do or if it required a factory to produce. “George Washington Carver’s work at Tuskegee Institute on peanuts is important to Alabama,” Barfoot said. Sen. David Sessions (R-Mobile) said, “It has peanuts and pecans. I raise both of them on my farm.” The legislation passed the Senate 35 to 0. Cook was joined at the Statehouse by her teachers Katherine Bandy and Kylie Osborne to lobby legislators. Former Congresswoman Martha Roby (R-AL02) also played an active role in these efforts. Lieutenant Governor Will Ainsworth recognized Cook for her work, and she was applauded by the members of the Senate. Tuesday will be the last day 25 of the 2023 Alabama Regular Legislative Session. To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Gov. Kay Ivey signs biggest budget in state history
Alabama Governor Kay Ivey on Thursday signed the state general fund (SGF) budget and the education trust fund (ETF) budget, including two supplemental appropriations totaling $3.1 billion. This is the largest general fund and education budget in state history. The four budget bills total $14.7 billion. “I am proud to officially put my signature on yet another historic investment in our students, teachers, and schools,” Ivey said. “Alabama is serious about changing the trajectory of student outcomes, and our steady progress in the classroom and this record-setting education budget prove that to be the Gospel Truth. We are expanding our award-winning pre-K program into some of our highest poverty areas. We are supporting the implementation of the critical Literacy and Numeracy Acts. We are, once again, increasing teacher pay, giving us even more of a competitive edge to recruit and retain the educators of today and tomorrow. We are investing in our two-year and four-year colleges. And thanks to the work of the Alabama Legislature, we continue making these wise investments while paying down debts, adding to our savings, and returning the working people of Alabama’s money back to them through tax rebates. I have said it before, and I will say it again: Our students’ education is the single-most important issue facing our state, and Alabamians can rest assured that it will continue to be my top priority.” On the General Fund and the General Fund supplemental, Governor Ivey shared the following comment: “As I said in my State of State address, we can be proud of that fact that during my time as governor, we have not once used the word proration, nor have we spent beyond our means. I am equally proud to announce today that with my signature on the 2024 General Fund that positive trend will continue,” Ivey added. “Alabama’s record-setting $3 billion General Fund is generational money which makes possible greater investments in vital public services while also significantly paying down debt to reduce the impact of future economic downturns. This landmark budget is historic for Alabama. It will positively affect many agency operations from State Troopers protecting our highways to mental health professionals. It expands support for their important missions while rewarding their hard work with a much-needed pay raise. This budget’s robust commitment to our citizens is equally matched by our legislators’ strong bipartisanship to swiftly deliver it to my desk. I am pleased to sign it into law.” State employees can expect a two percent pay raise. Families will see their state grocery tax decrease, and every tax filer in the state can expect a $150 check. The budgets include more money for pre-K classrooms, math coaches, classroom materials, and economic incentives to spur further economic development. The budget also creates a new $500 million reserve fund in case there is an economic downturn. There is also a new grant program for K-12 school building and renovation projects. Lieutenant Governor Will Ainsworth will manage that fund. The fiscal year 2024 budgets go into effect on October 1. Money from the supplemental appropriations will be hitting state agencies and schools within just a few weeks. The record budgets are being driven by the booming economy and the record low unemployment. There is some criticism from conservatives that the budget grows government and that projects in South Alabama and Montgomery were shorted in the supplemental appropriation, with North Alabama getting just about everything they wanted. The last day of the legislative session will be on Tuesday. To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Legislature sends the Yellowhammer cookie legislation to Gov. Kay Ivey
On Wednesday, the Alabama Senate voted unanimously to make the Yellowhammer cookie the official cookie of the state of Alabama. The Yellowhammer cookie is the creation of Mary Claire Cook, a fourth-grade student at Trinity Presbyterian School in Montgomery, with some help from her grandmother. The students at Trinity were studying state symbols when they learned that Alabama did not have an official state-designated cookie, so they endeavored to create one. House Bill 421 (HB421) is sponsored by State Representative Reed Ingram (R-Montgomery). The legislation was carried in the Alabama Senate by State Senator Will Barfoot (R-Pike Road). “This week, you all have had the opportunity to see, and more importantly taste, the yellowhammer cookie,” Barfoot said, holding one up in the air for members to see. This was brought to me by some fourth graders at Trinity Presbyterian School.” “Twenty-four recipes were submitted,” Barfoot said. “That was narrowed down to five. Seniors from the government class at Trinity were brought in to judge the cookies, and the yellowhammer cookie was selected.” The cookies contain peanuts, pecans, and oats – all crops grown and well-adapted to Alabama. The pecan is already the official nut of Alabama, and the peanut is the official legume of the state of Alabama. “George Washington Carver’s work at Tuskegee Institute on peanuts is important to Alabama,” Barfoot said. Sen. Linda Coleman-Madison (D-Birmingham) said that the contest to select the state cookie should have been more “statewide.” “I think there should be some guidelines if we are going to do it,” Coleman-Madison said. “There are children who have food allergies to peanuts. I really wish we had some more participation.” “This is state law that we are passing,” Coleman-Madison continued. “When people come to the state of Alabama, this is the state cookie. We need to have some criteria. We need to have some more involvement.” Sen. David Sessions (R-Mobile) said, “It has peanuts and pecans. I raise both of them on my farm.” The legislation passed the Senate 35 to 0. Cook was viewing from the gallery with her teachers Katherine Bandy and Kylie Osborne. Lieutenant Governor Will Ainsworth recognized Cook for her work, and she was applauded by the members of the Senate. The legislation has already passed the House of Representatives. It now goes to the Governor for her consideration. Wednesday was day 25 of the 2023 Alabama Regular Legislative Session. To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Legislature awards Law Enforcement Medal of Honor
On Thursday, two Bibb County deputies were awarded the Alabama Law Enforcement Medal of Honor for their successful pursuit of a dangerous career criminal. Deputies Brad Johnson and Chris Poole engaged in a high-speed pursuit of Austin Hall. After crashing the stolen car, Hall engaged the officers in a deadly gun battle. Both officers were shot in the gun battle with Hall. Officer Johnson was declared dead the next day. House Resolution 181 reads: “COMMENDING DEPUTY BRAD JOHNSON AS A RECIPIENT FOR THE 2023 ALABAMA LEGISLATIVE MEDAL OF HONOR FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT. WHEREAS, it is with highest commendation that we recognize Deputy Brad Johnson as a recipient of the 2023 Alabama Legislative Medal of Honor for Law Enforcement, Alabama’s highest law enforcement award for extraordinary courage in the line of duty; and WHEREAS, on June 29, 2022, Deputy Chris Poole initiated the pursuit of a vehicle that was reported stolen in Calera and driven by a 26-year-old felon, who had been arrested on 46 criminal charges since the age of 17; at periods during the pursuit, speeds exceeded 100 miles per hour; and WHEREAS, the driver lost control of the vehicle and began firing gunshots towards Deputy Poole, who reported on his radio that he had been shot and urged Deputy Johnson, who had joined the pursuit, to back off because of the continuing gunfire; and WHEREAS, Deputy Johnson, who was determined to provide support for Deputy Poole, arrived at the scene, began firing, and placed two shots through the windshield; as Deputy Johnson stepped onto the side rail of his Sheriff’s Department vehicle, he successfully fired two additional rounds before sustaining a gunshot wound as well; both deputies were transported by police escort to UAB Hospital in Birmingham, where Poole was treated and released, and Johnson was placed on life support, which was removed the following day; and WHEREAS, Deputy Brad Johnson was pronounced dead shortly after 3:15 P.M. on June 30, 2022; andWHEREAS, for his bravery on June 29, 2022, and for the events that followed, Deputy Brad Johnson, is highly honored and deserving of the 2023 Legislative Medal of Honor; now therefore, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE LEGISLATURE OF ALABAMA, That we hereby recognize and honor the late Deputy Brad Johnson as recipient of the 2023 Legislative Medal of Honor for Law Enforcement and by copy of this resolution prepared in honor and tribute, we commend his memory to the citizens of Alabama.” House Resolution 179 is the resolution honoring Deputy Poole. Poole was present with his family, as was the family of the late Deputy Johnson and members of the Bibb County Sheriff’s Department. The Law Enforcement Medal of Honor is awarded annually by the Legislature. Lieutenant Governor Will Ainsworth told the members of law enforcement present for the joint session: “On behalf of the people of Alabama, we appreciate what you do to keep Alabama safety.” Senate President Pro Tempore Greg Reed said, “When we are at our worse, they are at their best.” Speaker of the House Nathaniel Ledbetter said, “What an honor it is to be here today in the presence of greatness.” “We pray for you, and we pray that God puts his protection around you,” Ledbetter added. “Thank you for your service and what you do for our state.” Alabama Law Enforcement Agency Secretary Hal Taylor thanked the Legislature for giving this annual award and credited former State Rep. Howard Sanderford for starting this, “and thank you for keeping it going.” “What yall do every day is absolutely incredible for the people of Alabama,” Taylor told the officers. “We appreciate you more than you now.” Rep. Rex Reynolds said, “In Alabama, we stand with law enforcement.” Reynolds warned, “The law enforcement profession is under attack.” Reynolds said that since he was 17, Hall had been charged with 49 prior offenses prior to his violent encounters with Deputies Poole and Johnson. Hall had been released from prison just days prior on good time, even though he had other charges pending in the courts. Alabama Today asked if Hall should have been out of prison last June. “That was the basis for Senator [April] Weaver’s bill,” Reynolds said. That bill significantly curtailed good time sentence reductions awarded by prison wardens. Reynolds said that a similar situation occurred with the Huntsville police officer who was killed earlier this year. Reynolds is the former Huntsville Chief of Police. The awards ceremony occurred during a special joint session of both Houses of the Alabama Legislature. To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Steve Flowers: Alabama has a host of outstanding political leaders under 45
It may appear to you and most casual observers of Alabama politics that our Alabama elected officials are old. That observation is accurate when you observe our current leaders in the highest offices. The governor’s office has been held by mature folks in recent years. Our current Governor, Kay Ivey, is 78 and has been the object of national media humor for appearing to be a pistol-toting great-grandmother. Dr. Robert Bentley, her predecessor, was in his 70’s, but he may have been sprier than he appeared. Bob Riley was no spring chicken while governor at age 65, although he looked younger. Our iconic senator, Richard Shelby, retired in January at 88 after a record-breaking 36 years in the U.S. Senate. Our new Senior Senator, Tommy Tuberville, is 68. This was not always the case in the Heart of Dixie. In the period from 1930 through 1970, we elected the youngest political leaders in the nation, beginning with our legendary tandem of United States Senators Lister Hill and John Sparkman, who served together close to 30 years. Lister Hill was elected to Congress from Montgomery in 1923 at age 29 and was elected to the U.S. Senate at age 44. John Sparkman was elected to the U.S. Senate in 1946 at 46 after serving as the Congressman for the Tennessee Valley. If you think Hill and Sparkman were young when they went to Washington, you have not seen anything like the governors we elected from 1946 -1966. James E. “Big Jim” Folsom was 38 when he was elected in 1946. John Patterson was 37 when he was elected in 1958. Patterson was referred to as the “Boy Governor.” When George Wallace was elected to his first term in 1962, he was only 43. When his wife Lurleen Wallace was elected in 1966, she was 40. She died in office of cancer less than two years later at 41. Lurleen Wallace was succeeded by Lt. Governor Albert Brewer, who had been Speaker of the Alabama House at 34, Lt. Governor at 38, and was 39 when he became governor. Bill Baxley was the youngest Attorney General in America when he was elected Attorney General of Alabama at 29 years old in 1970. He had been a 25-year-old District Attorney in Houston and Henry Counties. Baxley still practices law in Birmingham at 81. Well, folks, a cursory look at our current top elected officials may appear old. However, we have a generation of young political leaders arriving on the scene in Alabama. We already have superstars on the horizon and already on the scene who are under 45. Our new United States Senator, Katie Britt, is only 40 years old. She has the ability and youthfulness to be one of Alabama’s greatest senators. She has gotten to the Senate at a younger age than Hill, Sparkman, or Shelby. Marshall County has become the hotbed and breeding ground for the next generations of Alabama political leaders. This beautiful pristine lake area of North Alabama lays claim to Lt. Governor Will Ainsworth, age 41, State Senate Majority leader Clay Scofield, age 42, and State Representative Wes Kitchens, who is 35 and is Vice Chairman of the House Republican Caucus. Andrew Sorrell, the newly elected State Auditor, is only 37. He has a bright future. The brightest star in the Democratic ranks is Huntsville State Representative Anthony Daniels. At age 40, Daniels is a superstar. He is in his third term in the House from Huntsville. He is the Minority Leader in the House. This gentleman is also a successful high-tech businessman in Rocket City. There are several other stars under 45 in the Alabama House of Representatives besides Daniels and Kitchens, including Kyle South of Fayette, Matt Simpson of Daphne, Joe Lovvorn of Auburn, Ben Robbins of Sylacauga, Scott Stadthagen of Madison, Corey Harbison of Cullman, and very young newcomers James Lomax of Huntsville and Brock Colvin of Albertville. Joining the affable and accomplished 42-year-old Senate Majority Leader, Clay Scofield in the powerful State Senate in the under 45 superstar group are Senator Chris Elliott, 42, of Baldwin, Senator Andrew Jones, 38, of Cherokee, and newly elected Senator Josh Carnley from Coffee County who is 44. Alabama has a host of under 45 political leaders. See you next week. Steve Flowers is Alabama’s leading political columnist. His weekly column is seen in over 60 Alabama newspapers. Steve served 16 years in the legislature. He may be reached at: www.steveflowers.us.
House Speaker Nathaniel Ledbetter is optimistic about cutting grocery tax
On Tuesday, Speaker of the House Nathaniel Ledbetter said that he was “optimistic” about passing a grocery tax cut in the current legislative session. Currently, the State of Alabama taxes groceries at a rate of four percent. Alabama is one of only a handful of states that charges a sales tax on foodstuffs. The state had over $3 billion in surpluses that rolled over from fiscal year 2022 to fiscal year 2023 on October 1. Most of that is in the education trust fund (ETF)) that rolled over from fiscal year 2022 to fiscal year 2023 on October 1. Before the session, there was talk of giving a one-time tax rebate to every income taxpayer. Governor Kay Ivey included that proposal in her State of the State address in March. Ledbetter said that the leadership has been polling members and the public on tax cuts versus a tax rebate, and the consensus of the Republican Caucus is to do tax cuts. “We asked them (House members) rebates or tax cuts, and they said tax cuts,” Ledbetter said. “We have moved in that direction.” A recent poll by the Alabama Republican Party showed that voters preferred cutting the grocery tax from 82 percent to 18 percent. “I like Lieutenant Governor [Will] Ainsworth’s plan,” Ledbetter said. “I think we have got to be cautious. What we are talking about spending is going to take a big chunk from the ETF,” Ledbetter said. “We need to be conservative with our spending.” The legislature will consider the state general fund (SGF) budget in the next few legislative days. The education trust fund budget (ETF) should be coming out of committee in the Senate within the next two weeks. “I am optimistic,” Ledbetter said of cutting the grocery tax. Ledbetter said that the House is looking at Sen. Arthur Orr’s bill that phases out the grocery tax over time. “It is very possible that we are going to see some changes,” Ledbetter said. Ledbetter warned that there have been “billions and billions of dollars dumped into Alabama by the federal government.” The Speaker expressed concern about what state revenues will look like once those federal COVID relief dollars work their way out of the systems and tax receipts come down in the future. “We have got to be cautious,” Ledbetter warned. A reporter asked Ledbetter when a decision would be made on whether or not to pass a grocery tax cut. “Within the next 15 legislative days,” Ledbetter responded. Most Alabamians pay between 7 and 11 percent sales taxes on groceries. The state tax is only 4 percent. The rest is county, municipal, and/or school district taxes. If the state legislature repeals its grocery tax, those remaining local taxes on food will remain in place. The Alabama Legislature is meeting on Wednesday for the 12th legislative day of the 2023 Alabama Regular Legislative Session. To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Big Ten mayors host annual breakfast
On Wednesday, the Alabama Big Ten Mayors hosted legislative leaders at a breakfast on the Sixth Floor of RSA Plaza. The mayors thanked the legislators for their service and asked them to support their 2023 legislative agenda. Montgomery Mayor Steven Reed said, “There are a lot of great things happening in this city and across Alabama.” “We had a record year in economic development in the city,” Reed said. “It could not have happened without great help from the state of Alabama and our elected representation.” Reed said that the new $90 million waterpark would be an “economic lynchpin” for the city. “Gen Z picks the place and then picks the job,” Reed said. “That is a little bit different from what I was used to. We found the job and then went to the city where it was.” Reed said the water park would feature whitewater rafting next to a walking trail on the Alabama River and Maxwell Air Force Base. “It will definitely be a destination,” Reed stated. Mobile Mayor Sandy Stimpson is the Chairman of the Big Ten Mayors. “This started in 2014 as the big 5,” Stimpson said. “We started meeting on a quarterly basis. We found out that we had the same problems.” “That morphed into the Big 10 Mayors in 2019,” Stimpson. “Rebuild Alabama was our first focus. Rebuild Alabama has been great for the state.” Stimpson said that the mayors next got involved in Anaiah’s Law. “There was a repeat offender who had already shot a couple of people,” Stimpson said. “We asked the judge: Don’t let him out. The judge said: I have to. If you don’t like it, change the constitution.” The Mayors then got behind Anaiah’s law, which was sponsored by State Rep. Chip Brown. That amendment to the Alabama Constitution passed the Legislature and was ratified by the voters in the 2020 election. Tuscaloosa Mayor Walt Maddox said that the Mayors are urging the Legislature to pass the Simplified Sellers Use Tax. “Small business is the heart of our cities,” Maddox said. “We know it is not easy, but these are the people borrowing the money and taking the risk to build our communities, and they are the heart of our downtowns.” Lieutenant Governor Will Ainsworth said, “The big ten mayors play a big role in our state. Thank you for your support of our incentives package.” Senate President Pro Tempore Greg Reed said, “We will be looking at a four bill incentives package,” “We have had great success in Alabama with incentives,” Reed said. “We have created tens of thousands of jobs.” Speaker of the House Nathaniel Ledbetter said, “Our state is growing at a pace that I have not seen in my lifetime.” Ledbetter credited the incentives package for contributing to this growth. “The incentives have led to $40 billion in investment in the state and created 60,000 jobs,” Ledbetter said. “Rebuild Alabama has changed Alabama’s economy. All over the state, you see (road construction) barrels wherever you go. It used to not be that way.” “Ports are hugely important,” Ledbetter said. “We are expanding our port and building a new one in Montgomery.” Stimpson said, “75% of the people in Alabama live in the state’s metropolitan areas, and most of the economic growth occurs in the metropolitan areas.” The Alabama Big 10 Mayors include Auburn Mayor Ron Anders, Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin, Decatur Mayor Tab Bowling, Dothan Mayor Mark Saliba, Hoover Mayor Frank Brocato, Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle, Madison Mayor Paul Finley, Mobile Mayor Sandy Stimpson, Montgomery Mayor Steven Reed, and Tuscaloosa Mayor Walt Maddox. Wednesday will be day 8 of the 2023 Alabama Regular Legislative Session. The Alabama Constitution limits the regular session to no more than thirty legislative days during a regular session. To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Will Ainsworth: It’s time to teach our students that the difference between happiness and regret is the ability to manage money
Despite rising salaries, a robust economy, and a highly competitive job market that is forcing some employers to entice new workers with signing bonuses, many Alabamians continue to struggle financially and find themselves living from paycheck to paycheck. A national study conducted just last month indicated that 57 percent of those surveyed said they would be unable to cover a $1,000 emergency expense with their savings, and even fewer indicated they could pay their living expenses for a month if they lost their primary income source. The Biden administration’s skyrocketing inflation rate has forced grocery prices to rise by 20 percent over the past two years along with rent increases that average 13 percent shoulders much of the blame, but other factors are at play. During my discussions with business owners across Alabama, several have told me that their employees are “always broke” and do not know how to manage their money effectively. Many workers, according to the employers with whom I spoke, are wholly unfamiliar with the various types of bank accounts that are available, how to manage debt, the importance of having a good credit score, how to plan for taxes, and other basic financial knowledge. My immediate thought upon hearing these concerns was, “If employees are struggling financially when Alabama is experiencing its lowest unemployment, best wages, and greatest economy in history, how are they going to handle it when the inevitable recession finally arrives?” Since becoming lieutenant governor, I have focused much of my efforts on workforce development and ensuring that high school students graduate with the skills necessary to secure a long-lasting, well-paying job and succeed in the workplace. But we must also make sure that they graduate with the basic skills necessary to succeed in life. That is why I am voicing my support for legislation being sponsored by State Rep. Andy Whitt (R – Harvest) that would require all high school students to pass a course focused solely upon financial literacy and money management before securing their diploma. Alabama currently mandates a career preparedness course that touches briefly upon the topic, but Rep. Whitt’s bill recognizes that intensive instruction is needed. As a community banker and vice chair of the House Financial Services Committee, Rep. Whitt is exposed on an almost daily basis to firsthand evidence that more financial literacy education is needed, and he, to his credit, is proposing a plan to fill the vacuum. The bill is being carried in the Senate by Sen. Jay Hovey (R – Auburn), who is employed as a mortgage loan officer at AuburnBank and similarly recognizes the importance of financial literacy in his daily interactions with customers. Each of our surrounding southeastern states already has a financial literacy course requirement in place, and it is time for Alabama to do the same. Under the provisions of Rep. Whitt’s bill, public school students entering ninth grade during the 2024 – 2025 school year would receive instruction on topics like balancing a checkbook, principles of money management, retail and credit card debt, computing interest rates, types of loans and insurance policies, taxation percentages, investment options, and others. The State Department of Education would also be tasked with creating a standardized exam that students would be required to take and pass.If we mandate that students become financially literate early in life, it will ease their way into adulthood and avoid the fiscal pitfalls that have trapped so many individuals before them. All of us know someone who signed up for credit cards while in college or as young adults and went on spending sprees because they considered them “free money” but were plagued for years afterward by ballooning interest rates, minimum payment struggles, and bad credit scores as a result. Financial literacy education can end that burden before it starts. Perhaps some students will begin planning for retirement earlier than usual, others may open savings or investment accounts to protect or grow their money, and even more, will come to understand that often the difference between happiness and regret is the ability to manage money wisely. Financial literacy can also aid in the workplace for those who regularly handle money or conduct transactions as part of their job, and it can put an end to living check to check just to survive and get by. If even a handful of students learn how to manage money responsibility and live less stressful and more successful lives as a result, the course would prove worthwhile, but I am confident that countless students will reap these benefits for many years to come. It is time to for Alabama to help our high school students chart a course toward fiscal freedom and financial independence and prove true the words of founding father Benjamin Franklin, who once said, “An investment in knowledge pays the best interest.” Will Ainsworth has served as lieutenant governor of Alabama since 2019.
Gov. Kay Ivey launches Game Plan legislative package
On Monday, Governor Kay Ivey launched what plan for Alabama’s continued economic success. Called “The Game Plan,” the proposed package consists of four economic development bills. Governor Ivey was joined by the leadership of the Alabama Legislature to signal bipartisan support for The Game Plan. Ivey spoke with reporters at Montgomery’s Riverwalk Stadium. “The Game Plan will position Alabama for a new era of vigorous growth, allowing us to continue our record-breaking economic development success while providing new levels of support for the state’s innovation economy,” said Gov. Ivey. “This package will benefit all Alabamians, those living in both urban centers and rural areas, and ensure our citizens are ready for high-paying careers.” The Game Plan package includes four bills — or “plays” — that will be introduced during the current session of the Legislature. According to the governor’s plan: • Play 1: The Enhancing Alabama’s Economic Progress Act renews the Alabama Jobs Act and the Growing Alabama program and extends their sunset dates to 2028 while adding strategic enhancements to increase their effectiveness. The Jobs Act is the state’s primary incentives platform, while Growing Alabama primarily speeds development of shovel-ready sites. • Play 2: The Site Evaluation and Economic Development Strategy Act (SEEDS) will allow the State Industrial Development Authority to accelerate the development of industry-ready sites when available sites are scarce and other states are expanding their site programs. • Play 3: The Innovation and Small Business Act aims to supercharge growth in Alabama’s innovation economy and support underrepresented businesses and enterprises in rural areas, transforming the state into a hub for technology and innovation. • Play 4: The Enhancing Transparency Act Enhancing will amend the Jobs Act to require the Alabama Department of Commerce to publish certain incentivized project information on its website. Transparency around important information about companies receiving incentives will serve as a valid public service and increase confidence in the process. Ivey was joined by Lt. Gov. Will Ainsworth, state Senate President Pro Temp Greg Reed, Speaker of the House Nathaniel Ledbetter, Senate Minority Leader Bobby Singleton, and House Minority Leader Anthony Daniels. Greg Canfield is the secretary of the Alabama Department of Commerce. “The Game Plan represents the state’s next-generation strategic economic development framework, designed to future-proof Alabama’s economy and provide a blueprint for growth that lifts families and communities across the state,” said Secretary Canfield. “It will keep us competitive for high-impact projects as our neighboring states are aggressively escalating their economic development efforts.” Canfield and Ivey credit the Jobs Act with bringing $22 billion in new capital investment and 40,000 jobs to the state. The jobs created by these projects will pay an average hourly wage of $23.42, a figure that is 31% more than the state’s median wage, according to Commerce data. If the Legislature does not renew the Jobs Act, it will expire on July 31 of this year, as will the Growing Alabama tax credit program. State and local governments will not be able to offer the incentives that the state has been offering over the last dozen years. Ivey has announced that economic development projects in 2022 will bring over $10 billion in new capital investment to the state, setting a new annual record. “Our goal is simple — we want to have the best incentives not only in the Southeast but in the nation as a whole,” said Lt. Gov. Ainsworth. “Reauthorizing these programs is going to be essential in attracting high-paying, long-lasting 21st Century jobs.” “When you look at the issues Alabamians care about, economic development and job creation are at the top of that list. States around our region are all competing to attract jobs and create economic growth,” said Sen. Reed. “We need to make sure we are best positioned to attract these good-quality jobs to communities in our state.” “Industries across the country are trying to come here because of our great employees, our low taxes, and because of our great quality of life,” said Speaker Ledbetter. “From a competitive standpoint, we want to make sure we have the tools necessary to bring them here and keep them here.” “Growing Alabama’s economy and creating good jobs for our citizens is something we can all agree on,” said Sen. Singleton. “We will continue to promote practical and meaningful legislation and policies that highlight our pro-growth, pro-innovation platform,” said Leader Daniels. Critics have criticized the state’s incentives program as the state government picking winners and losers. However, this package seems to have bipartisan support from the leadership of both political parties, and there has been no public opposition from any legislators. It appears to be on the fast track toward passage. Tuesday will be day 5 of the 2023 Alabama Regular Legislative Session. To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Gov. Kay Ivey to announce launch of economic development agenda
On Monday, Alabama Governor Kay Ivey will officially launch her push to pass economic development bills at an announcement event in Montgomery. Ivey will present “The Game Plan,” her plan for Alabama’s continued economic success. “The Game Plan” is a proposed package of four economic development bills that Ivey insists will strengthen the state’s competitiveness for job-creating projects. Ivey will be joined by Alabama Department of Commerce Secretary Greg Canfield, Senate President Pro Tempore Greg Reed, Speaker of the House Nathaniel Ledbetter, Senate Minority Leader Bobby Singleton, House Minority Leader Anthony Daniels, and Lieutenant Governor Will Ainsworth. Ivey has made renewing the state’s economic incentives a key goal of her administration this legislative session. “I am proud of the successful track record we have had in recruiting business and industry to both the rural parts of Alabama and the larger cities,” Ivey said in her state of the state address. “Since I’ve been governor, more than $42 billion have been invested in our state, which has created some 78,000 new jobs. For most of those, we can thank the Alabama Jobs Act. And any good coach knows when you have a play that’s working, the team needs to keep running it. Today, we have to look ahead and create an economic development strategy for the 2030s. I assured you we would have a winning game plan here at home, and tonight, I am calling on you to get behind our playbook for economic success, what I am calling The Game Plan. We will ensure stability and growth by renewing and improving the Alabama Jobs Act and the Growing Alabama Act.” Speaker Ledbetter has said that renewing the Alabama Jobs Act would be one of the legislature’s first priorities. “(The Alabama Jobs Act) is going to be priority No. 1 coming back after break. I think you’ll see a big push for that,” Ledbetter stated. “They’ve been very positive for our state. We’ve seen the job growth has been tremendous because of it. We’ve looked at the numbers; we got a return on the investment of 173% over a 20-year period.” Ledbetter believes legislation on this needs to be done quickly. The Alabama Jobs Act, created in 2015 and set to expire this year, has netted $256.8 million in incentives, Sec. Canfield reported in 2022. This amount outpaced the department’s benchmark of $164.6 million. The Joint Study Commission on Renewing Incentives has discussed extending the Jobs Act through 2028 with a higher payout cap. Legislation has not been filed yet. The Jobs Act created two separate incentives: The Alabama Jobs Credit and Alabama Investment Credit. The Jobs Credit gives companies cash rebates on their previous year’s payroll for qualified employees, and companies can get higher rebates if they locate in rural parts of the state or hire veterans. The Investment Credit addresses a company’s capital investment and can be applied to several taxes, including income. Companies can receive incentives for up to 10 years. The incentives are currently capped at $350 million annually. Canfield said the Jobs Act has helped the state recruit 217 projects creating more than 38,000 jobs, and he believes the $350 million cap should be increased. During her state of the state address, Ivey also proposed a plan to dole out $200 million in direct cash payments to Alabama businesses. “I am also proposing we invest even more into our locally owned businesses – the ones engrained into the DNA of our communities – through a $200 million grant program known as our Main Street Program,” Ivey said. “These competitive grants will help revitalize our small cities and towns. When folks think of main streets, they should think of rural Alabama!” Unemployment has dropped to just 2.5%, and state revenues have soared under Ivey. The state is so flush with cash that on September 30, it rolled $3 billion in surpluses from the 2022 fiscal year into the 2023 budget year. Renewing economic incentives is also a priority of Alabama’s Big Ten Mayors. The Mayors of Alabama’s ten biggest municipalities support the reauthorization and accompanying expansion of the Alabama Jobs Act and the Growing Alabama Act. The Mayors claim that the incentive programs established by these bills are critical to keeping Alabama’s economy globally competitive as we work to attract new businesses and jobs to our communities. Some fiscal conservatives have criticized the push to renew incentives. “Economic incentives should be Alabama’s last resort in securing new businesses,” the Alabama Policy Institute’s Justin Bogie argued recently. “Lower tax rates and a better-educated workforce will be enough incentive. It will also improve the lives of all Alabamians.” At this point, it appears that the Governor’s plan, with perhaps some minor alterations in the legislative process, will pass the Alabama Legislature with broad bipartisan support. To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Steve Flowers: Marshall County and Enterprise emerging as Alabama political breeding grounds
Over the years, certain counties in Alabama have bred an inordinate number of governors and state political leaders. The three most prominent enclaves historically have been Tuscaloosa, Barbour, and Cullman. In the earlier years of statehood, Tuscaloosa was the most heralded county. They have continued, intermittently, throughout the years. The most prominent senator in Alabama history, Richard Shelby, who retired after 36 years in the Senate, calls Tuscaloosa home. Indeed, the state capital was in Tuscaloosa one time in the early years. They have had a fairly recent governor in Dr. Robert Bentley. Barbour County is called the “Home of Governors,” and for a good reason. They have had more governors than any county in state history. This sparsely populated Black Belt county has had six governors hail from there. George Wallace is, of course, the most prominent Barbour County Governor, but they also have Chauncy Sparks, John Gill Shorter, William Jelks, Braxton Bragg Comer, and Jere Beasley. Barbour County and Tuscaloosa both claim Lurleen Wallace. She was born and raised in Northport in Tuscaloosa County but married George Wallace and moved to Barbour County. This split county claim of governors also applies to legendary Governor James “Big Jim” Folsom. Big Jim was born and raised in Coffee County near Elba but moved to Cullman as a young man. So, Cullman gets bragging rights since he lived in Cullman when he was first elected in 1946. Cullman has indeed come on strong in the past few decades. They have had two governors in recent years, Jim Folsom Jr. and Guy Hunt. Today, we have two counties emerging as hotbeds for breeding state political leaders. Coffee County is percolating with political success. More particularly the growing City of Enterprise. Our new U.S. Senator, Katie Boyd Britt, was born and raised in Enterprise. She is only 40. The Congressman from the second district, Barry Moore, is from Enterprise although Dothan, Montgomery, and Elmore County have more population in that Congressional District. Moore is only 56. A rising popular star in the State House of Representatives, Rhett Marquis, 48, is from the Boll Weevil City. Enterprise is the home of the new state senator from that southeast Alabama hub. Josh Carnley just took the seat of retiring legend Jimmy Holley, thus keeping that seat in Coffee County. Carnley is a Coffee County farmer and insurance broker. Enterprise has a very good Mayor in William “Bill” Cooper. He has been in city politics for a good while. Coffee County also dominates all the judicial posts in this circuit. All three circuit judges hail from Coffee County in Enterprise. Sonny Reagan, Jeff Kelley, and Shannon Clark are all relatively young. The new District Attorney, James Tarbox, is very young. Jimmy Baker, who is Chancellor of the Alabama Community College System, hails from Coffee County and lives in Enterprise. Enterprise has always laid claim to Ft. Rucker, which has been the impetus of their growth, but they are emerging as a political powerhouse. The other county that is set to be called an Alabama political spawning ground powerhouse is Marshall County. They currently have a cadre of the state’s most powerful and promising Alabama leaders. The most prominent is 41-year-old Lt. Governor Will Ainsworth, who may be our next governor. State Senator Clay Scofield of Marshall County is only 42 and is Majority Leader of the State Senate. Attorney General Steve Marshall, 57, is in his second term as Attorney General. It is rare that two of the state’s highest-ranking officials, Will Ainsworth and Steve Marshall, are both from the same county. There are two rising stars in the Alabama House of Representatives from Marshall County. Young Wes Kitchens, an emerging leader in the House, is from Marshall. Also, the youngest member of the House of Representatives, Brock Colvin, has just been elected at the ripe old age of 26 and is catching people’s eyes on Goat Hill. Enterprise and Marshall County are emerging as new political breeding grounds for Alabama politicians. 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.
Will Ainsworth: The perfect opportunity to repeal the grocery tax is before us, but we must take action now
For all of my adult life, politicians in Montgomery have talked about the need to remove the state sales tax from groceries, but they always find excuse after excuse that prevents them from actually doing it. The potential loss of budget revenue, the false claims that replacement taxes must be passed, and the looming threat of economic downturns are just a few of the excuses politicians have used to do nothing and continue walking in place. The time for excuses is over. Alabama is currently enjoying the greatest and most robust economy in its history, more people are employed with well-paying, secure jobs than ever before, and our state budgets currently have a combined surplus of roughly $3 billion. The conservative budgeting practices that Republicans put in place after taking control of the Legislature in 2010 allowed Alabama’s economy to weather the COVID-19 pandemic better than almost all other states, and our already impressive success in attracting economic development and industrial recruitment prospects is growing by the day. Alabama’s business sector – ranging from the largest employers to the smallest mom-and-pop operations – remains healthy and is sending unprecedented revenues to the state. All of these economic factors and dozens more like them have created a perfect opportunity for Montgomery to finally put action before words and begin the process of making grocery purchases tax-free. And the best news is that we can end the sales tax on groceries without having to shift the burden or raise taxes elsewhere. If anyone claims otherwise, they are simply not shooting straight with you. But we must take action now. Alabama is one of only three states that taxes groceries at the full rate – South Dakota and Mississippi are the others – and we are one of only 13 states in the nation that levy any tax on groceries. Our sister southeastern states of Georgia and Florida do not tax groceries, and Tennessee taxes them at a reduced rate. As the cost of food increases because of the Biden administration’s skyrocketing inflation, Alabama’s working families are devoting even more of their household income to the grocery tax. Eggs alone cost a third more than they did last year, and each time the price increases, the amount of sales taxes you pay on them rises in proportion. Will Ainsworth served in the Alabama House of Representatives from 2014 to 2018. In 2018 he was elected Lieutenant Governor. He was re-elected to his second term in 2022.
