Nancy Worley to face challenge for Democratic Party chair
As Alabama Democrats head into what they hope will be a period of rebuilding, some are seeking new party leadership. The Alabama Democratic Party executive committee meets Saturday in Montgomery to elect a chairperson. Longtime chairwoman Nancy Worley will face a challenge from Montgomery attorney Peck Fox. Once dominant throughout the Deep South, Democrats had been obliterated from statewide office in Alabama until last year’s election of U.S. Sen. Doug Jones. Buoyed by Jones’ victory, Democrats are looking to the 2018 elections with newfound optimism. “I think it’s important that we have a party that has a functional infrastructure, the ability to raise funds, the ability to organize field operations to provide help and support to our candidates and county committees,” Fox said. “If we miss this window of opportunity, I don’t know when the next one will be.” Worley has served as the party’s chairwoman since 2013 and is seeking another term at the helm. “During the time I have served as chair of the Democratic Party, we have substantially reduced the party’s debt, fielded more candidates than we have had in decades, elected a Democratic U.S. Senator, held regular board meetings with financial reports at each, and reorganized some county parties,” Worley said in a statement. Both Worley and Fox are political veterans. Fox worked for the late Sen. Howell Heflin in Washington and for Lt. Gov. Jim Folsom. Worley is a former Alabama secretary of state and served as the party’s vice-chairwoman. Fox likely faces an uphill battle. Worley has been supported by Joe Reed, the longtime leader of the influential Alabama Democratic Conference. Reed also controls a substantial number of committee votes. Reed did not immediately return a telephone message seeking comment. However, House Minority Leader Anthony Daniels said Friday that, “now is the perfect time for a transition.” “On the heels of Doug Jones’ election and with the number of candidates running for office, more than any time before these candidates need a strong party, a stronger party,” Daniels said. The Democratic Party has been roiled by tension and criticism about its direction and finances in recent years. A reform group has sought to strengthen and diversify the party. In 2016, then-House Minority Leader Craig Ford penned a letter saying the party was on” life support” and urged Worley and Reed to step down. The party’s previous party chairman resigned in 2013 to create a new group to assist Democratic candidates. Republished with the permission of the Associated Press.
Kay Ivey signs legislation creating School of Cyber Technology and Engineering, Education Budget
Governor Kay Ivey on Monday signed into law a pair of bills SB212 and SB175, which creates the Alabama School of Cyber Technology and Engineering and funding the 2019 education budget, respectively. SB212: Alabama School of Cyber Technology and Engineering Sponsored by Decatur-Republican State Sen. Arthur Orr and Huntsville-Democrat, House Democratic Leader State Rep. Anthony Daniels, SB212 creates the Alabama School of Cyber Technology and Engineering in Huntsville. The school will be an independent, residential school that is established for academically-motivated and gifted Alabama students with educational opportunities and experiences in the rapidly growing fields of cyber technology and engineering. The school will also assist teachers, administrators, and superintendents across the state in replicating cyber technology and engineering studies in their own schools. “The Alabama School of Cyber Technology and Engineering will prepare some of our state’s highest-achieving students to enter the growing fields of cyber technology and engineering,”Ivey said. “Just as Huntsville has always been on the leading edge of the rocket and aerospace industries, the Alabama School of Cyber Technology and Engineering will ensure that Alabama students are at the forefront of today’s emerging technologies.” Orr said he envisions students from across the country wanting to relocate and attend the school. “I see the school as a real magnet for gifted students not only from all over the state, but also from across the country who may want to relocate here to be able to access such a world class, cutting-edge education in the fields of cyber and engineering. The graduates of the school will be long term contributors to this state’s growth in these emerging areas,” explained Orr. “Today is an important day for Huntsville, our state and, most importantly, our young people. In addition to continuing to grow our reputation as an emerging hub in the tech and cybersecurity industry, this school will provide our students the opportunity to become the next generation of innovators by giving them a jump-start on careers in technology, engineering, and protecting our nation’s cyberinfrastructure,” added Daniels. The Huntsville/Madison County Chamber of Commerce was instrumental in coordinating efforts between the Chamber, Cyber Huntsville and the Alabama School of Cyber and Engineering Foundation. “We are pleased that the vision for an Alabama cyber technology and engineering magnet school has been acted upon by our state leaders,” said Alicia Ryan, Vice President of the Cyber Huntsville Board and President of the Alabama School of Cyber and Engineering Foundation. “This school will provide a wonderful opportunity for students from across Alabama to get early exposure to new STEM-based curriculum that will prepare them for exciting cyber and engineering career paths. By enabling unique educational opportunities today, we are building our workforce for the future.” A location for the school has yet to be selected. The legislation allows for the school to open and formally begin operation during the fall semester of 2020. SB175: Education Budget Ivey also signed the Education Budget on Monday, which was also sponsored by Decatur-Republican State Sen. Arthur Orr along with Tuscaloosa-Republican and Committee chair state Rep. Bill Poole. The 2019 budget provides a historic level of funding for all aspects of the state’s education system. It also includes a 2.5 percent raise for all education employees. “I am proud to have worked closely with the Legislature to pass a historic Education Budget which gives a raise to our teachers and school employees, increases funding for our voluntary Frist-Class Pre-K Program and provides more opportunities for higher-education students across Alabama,” Ivey commented. “I am committed to improving education in Alabama for everyone, regardless of where they live or the economic resources available to them.” The Education Trust Fund Budget is the largest investment in education in a decade, and was passed with overwhelming bipartisan support. “Alabama’s teachers and education support staff have an important task – educating our children – our children who are the key to our state’s success,” Ivey added. “It is important that we attract the best people possible to work in our education system and this pay raise will help us do that.” The budget covers the fiscal year 2019 which begins in October.
Armed teacher bill on top of State House’s legislative calendar Tuesday
Alabama lawmakers in the State House will debate whether teachers can carry guns on campus when they return to session on Tuesday. Sponsored by Guntersville-Republican State Rep. Will Ainsworth, HB435 would allow some public school teachers and administrators to undergo firearms training and arm themselves during school hours, in order to help prevent school shoots like the one that occurred last month at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Fla. “Our children are sitting ducks in gun-free schools. As the parent of three public school students, I believe we must act now in order to prevent another tragedy,” Ainsworth posted on Facebook ahead of introducing the bill. House Democratic Leader Anthony Daniels said he’s disappointed the chamber is prioritizing the bill. “I am deeply disappointed the ‘Weaponizing Classrooms’ proposal is at the top of our calendar today,” said Daniels. “This proposal is a bad idea and would create dangerous policy. Putting loaded guns in our classrooms, and teachers even further on the front lines, will only pose greater danger to them and our students. The bill narrowly passed a committee vote last week before advancing to the full House, which Daniels considers a reason to have reservations about taking it up further. “As was clear during last week’s discussion in committee, this legislation raises far more concerns and questions than it answers. Members from both sides of the aisle and even Governor Ivey, a former schoolteacher herself, obviously have deep concerns and reservations,” Daniels added. “For the sake of our schoolchildren and teachers, we must do better to address these issues with proven proposals rather than knee jerk ideas like this.”
Push for greater equality: Adline Clarke proposes ‘gender pay gap’ bill
It’s a fact: women earn less than men. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, women who worked full-time, year-round in 2014 earned on average, 79% of men’s median annual earnings. That’s not sitting well with one Alabama lawmaker who’s hoping her gender pay gap legislation makes it across the finish line as the 2018 legislative session nears its close. HB368, sponsored by Mobile-Democrat State Rep. Adline Clarke, would prohibit employers from paying their employees less than the wage they would pay a member of the opposite sex for a similar job or responsibilities when viewed as a composite of skill, effort, and responsibility, as specified. Alabama is one of only two states, along with Mississippi, without an equal pay law. “Nearly every state has a law prohibiting employers differently based solely on gender. I’m disappointed. I would have thought we would have passed a long long before now,” Clarke told AL.com “Timing is everything.” However, HB368, also known as the “Gender Pay Gap,” would not just make wage inequality illegal, but would also add several provisions to the law including: Requires an employer to affirmatively demonstrate that a wage differential is based upon one or more specified factors Prohibits an employer from discharging, or in any manner discriminating against. or retaliating against an employee for the enforcement of these provisions Provides for enforcement of the bill Provides that an employer may not prohibit an employee from disclosing the employee’s own wages, discussing the wages of others, inquiring about another employee’s wages, or aiding or encouraging any other employee to exercise his or her rights under these provisions And requires an employer to maintain a record of wages paid to his 15 or her employee for a certain amount of time. The proposal, filed on Feb. 1, is scheduled to appear before the Alabama House State Government Committee on March 21. Alexander City-Republican State Rep. Mark Tuggle, the committee’s chairman, hopes to have Clarke’s proposal on the committee agenda next week. The bill currently has 26 co-sponsors, both Republicans and Democrats: Autauga County-Democrat Kelvin Lawrence Mobile County-Democrat Barbara Drummond Barbour County-Democrat Barry Forte Perry County-Democrat Prince Chestnut Jefferson County-Democrat Rolanda Hollis Madison County-Democrat Anthony Daniels Jefferson County-Democrat Rod Scott Tallapoosa County-Democrat Pebblin Warren Choctaw County-Democrat Elaine Beech Madison County-Democrat Laura Hall Jefferson County-Democrat Merika Coleman Jefferson County-Democrat Mary Moore Mobile County-Democrat Napolean Bracy Blount County-Republican Connie Rowe Shelby County-Republican April Weaver Talladega County-Democrat Barbara Boyd Jefferson County-Democrat Juandalynn Givan Etowah County-Republican Becky Nordgren Morgan County-Republican Terri Collins Montgomery County-Democrat John F. Knight Montgomery County-Democrat Thad McClammy Tuscaloosa County-Democrat Artis McCampbell Mobile County-Democrat James Buskey Bibb County-Democrat Ralph Howard Lauderdale County-Democrat Marcel Black Houston County-Democrat Dexter Grimsley
Alabama politicians react to Florida school shooting
On Wednesday the U.S. suffered yet another tragic school shooting, this one taking place in Parkland, Fla. at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School. Nikolas Cruz, a 19 year old who previously attended the school, killed 17 people on Wednesday. A leader of Republic of Florida, a white supremacist group, claimed Cruz as a member but according to The New York Times said the shooter “acted on his own behalf of what he just did and he’s solely responsible for what he just did.” Thoughts and prayers are being sent up all over the country for victims of the shooting; here are some of the reactions from Alabama politicians: Gov. Kay Ivey (via Twitter): At the request of the president, I’m directing flags to be lowered to half-staff as a mark of respect for victims of the FL school shooting yesterday. The students, faculty and families affected by this tragedy remain in my prayers. Alabama stands with our neighbors in Florida. pic.twitter.com/1fKxKKZpPu U.S. Sen. Richard Shelby (via Twitter): Praying for everyone affected by the devastating school shooting in Florida. This tragedy is truly horrific. Thankful for the first responders. U.S. Doug Jones (via statement): I am heartbroken for the students and their families who were impacted by today’s school shooting in Florida. Tragedies like this are senseless. No child should risk their life just to go to school. Alabama 1st District U.S. Rep. Bradley Byrne (via Facebook): Horrific reports out of Florida. The images and videos are heartbreaking. Take a moment to stop what you are doing and say a prayer for the students, families, and everyone impacted by this tragedy. Alabama 2nd District U.S. Rep. Martha Roby (via Facebook): This situation is both heartbreaking and horrifying. As we learn more details, please join me in praying for the people involved in this tragic, senseless event. Alabama 3rd District U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers (via Facebook): Our thoughts and prayers are with the 17 victims, all injured and the families of all those affected tonight. Our prayers are with you. Alabama 4th District U.S. Rep. Robert Aderholt (via Twitter): My heart breaks for the innocent life lost in Florida this afternoon. Alabama 7th District U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell (via news release): My heart goes out to the victims, their families, and to the Parkland community. Our schools should be places where our children are loved, where they learn, and where they are kept safe. When classrooms are turned into crime scenes, when our students and teachers are terrorized by guns, something has gone horribly wrong. This is not the first school shooting our nation has witnessed, it is not the second, it is the 239th school shooting since the Sandy Hook massacre. There is an epidemic of gun violence in America, and every day Congress fails to address this epidemic, more students, more teachers, more parents and brothers and sisters are killed. Americans are tired of Congress’s inaction and silent acceptance of the status quo in the face of gun violence. The time for action, the time to strengthen background checks and ban bump stocks and close the gun show loophole is now. I have always been a strong proponent of the Second Amendment, but Congress can no longer settle for symbolic gestures when gun violence kills more Americans every day. Alabama House Democratic Leader Anthony Daniels (via a news release): “It is a another sad day in our nation. My heart cries out for the victims at Sherman Douglass High School in Florida. Our schools, houses of worship, movie theaters and outdoor music concerts should always be safe places for our children to learn and families to gather and celebrate. We cannot become numb nor allow such violence and cruelty to become our new normal. We must summon a deep well of courage to rise up and remove any notion that we are helpless against such evil. We will not make space for those who choose violence as an answer or an expression of their own pain and hate. We will continue to stand and fight against them. Period.”
Alabama House Dems announce 2018 legislative agenda
The Alabama House Democratic Caucus outlined their legislative priorities for the 2018 session during a press conference in the Alabama State House Wednesday afternoon. House Democratic Minority Leader Anthony Daniels was joined by fellow members of the caucus and they unveiled their platform focused on creating a Clean, Competent and Competitive Alabama. “We face enormous challenges as a state from adequately supporting our public education system to building and maintaining a skilled workforce to fighting the addiction epidemic plaguing our families, cities and state,” said Daniels. “These are just a few of the issues impacting our communities that we are here to address today and over the next two months.” The Clean, Competent & Competitive Alabama agenda, developed and agreed upon by the members of the House Democratic Caucus, focuses on: Supporting our public schools and prioritizing early childhood education Investing in our educators Rebuilding our workforce Ensuring open, transparent government and ending corruption Ensuring access to healthcare for all Alabamians Supporting mental health Prioritizing prison reform and reducing recidivism Fighting the epidemic of addiction Over the coming weeks House Democratic Members will introduce legislation in support of these main tenants. Members will also continue holding town hall meetings across the state to discuss this agenda and other issues of importance to Alabamians. “This agenda represents something we, as Democrats believe in and that we believe serves all Alabamians and will lead us to a better future for our state,” added Daniels. The full platform is available here. Watch a press conference of the agenda unveiling below:
State Representative George Bandy dies at 72
Longtime Alabama lawmaker, State Representative George Bandy Sr. died early Tuesday morning in a Macon, Ga., hospital, according to Alabama House spokesman Clay Redden. According to Bandy’s son, he passed away due to cardiac and pulmonary circulation issues, which he was hospitalized for last week. “I am saddened to hear of the death of state Representative George Bandy. Since his election in 1994, he has been a dedicated public servant to the people of Lee and Russell counties. My thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends and fellow legislators during this difficult time,” said Gov. Kay Ivey following his passing. Bandy served as the representative for House District 83 representing Lee and Russell counties. He represented the district for over 20 years. He was Chair of the Alabama House of Representative’s Lee County Legislation committee and served on the State Government and Transportation Utilities and Infrastructure committees. He was also Pastor of Saint James Missionary Baptist Church. On Jan. 12, his son George Bandy Jr., posted on Facebook asking for prayers for his father as he had been hospitalized due to cardiac and pulmonary circulation issues. Minutes before 11 a.m. Tuesday, Bandy Jr. shared another of update of details of his father’s passing: Alabama House Democratic Leader Representative Anthony Daniels called Bandy Sr. a “true fighter for his constituents.” “He was a true fighter for his constituents and region especially focused on education and tax reform. He served diligently in the education system and continued his fight in the Alabama House to ensure his districts had the funding and resources to invest in education. He also introduced legislation on tax reform and worked to represent and support the lower income constituents of his district to ensure everyone he represented had equal representation,” Daniels said in a statement. “Throughout his service, he served alongside Dr. Boyd, who attributes her teaching career to Rep. Bandy, as a result of him giving her a start in Opelika. Dr. Boyd remembers him as the mighty Morehouse man who was always prepared and dedicated to his constituents. His dedication and commitment to service will be sorely missed. We are heartbroken at this news and will honor his work and memory at the beginning of today’s session and in the coming days.”
