Kay Ivey has literally left the building in an effort to dodge the press
After coming under fire from local officials and her Democratic gubernatorial opponent Walt Maddox over her refusal to direct state funds to Mobile to restart the Amtrak Coastal Connection, Republican Gov. Kay Ivey has seemingly doubled down on her campaign strategy of dodge and deflect. On Friday, Ivey was in Mobile, Ala. speaking to the Distinguished Young Women’s group, when a local news station covering the event asked her a question. Ivey not only refused to answer, but she proceeded to walk through the conference room, exit the building, and leave town. WPMI reported they were seeking answers to stories that affect not only Mobile, but the state as a whole. Apparently, they planned to ask her about the removal of Southern Rail Commissioner Jerry Gehman, the immigration issue in Baldwin County, and why she thinks Alabama could lose 4,000 jobs due to the Trump Administration’s new tariffs. It appears the Governor is much more comfortable in prepared statements and campaign ads, than speaking directly to the press. Nothing new under the sun In all reality, Ivey’s deflect and dodge strategy shouldn’t be all that surprising as it’s what we’ve seen from her in campaign mode for months now. Her Republican primary opponents challenged the governor to debates several times during the primary election cycle, calling on her to show up, and discuss her ideas. She declined all offers, saying that as the current Governor her schedule was too full to fulfill their requests. Her Democratic opponent Maddox has also pressed Ivey to debate, but it remains to be seen whether or not she will ignore his request. Alabama Today specifically has had problems in the past securing information from her office, and in comparison to former governor Robert Bentley‘s press office it’s easy to see the difference. Earlier this year Alabama Today Publisher Apryl Marie Fogel went over the challenges and changes inside the governor’s press operations citing a request for a list of the governor’s appointments since she took office, and a list of top agency heads she had replaced from the Bentley administration. Alabama Today made the request on January 4, and finally received and answer on January 23, with only half of the information that was requested. Under the Bentley administration, similar requests were answered within 24 hours.
Alabama’s Conservatives for Better Leadership announces first digital ad buy
A new Alabama-based conservative group has launched its first digital ad buy to highlight the ongoing corruption and bad governance in Montgomery, and call for a conservative governing agenda in the state Legislature. Conservatives for Better Leadership (CBL) — who’s goal is to hold Alabama’s leadership to a higher standard than has been on display in recent years and give the people of Alabama the leaders they deserve — made the announcement of the statewide ad buy on Tuesday. According to a news release, it’s the first in a series of paid advertising buys that will roll out throughout Alabama’s primary election season and educate voters about the failures of current and former leaders to root out corruption and wasteful spending. “Conservative voters throughout Alabama elect those who promise to share their conservative principles and take them to Montgomery; Too often lately we’ve been let down by these same elected leaders. It’s time we put them on notice – if you run on a promise you must govern under that promise. It’s time we call out the failings and disappointments we have seen from the Montgomery political establishment,” said Apryl Marie Fogel, Executive Director of Conservatives for Better Leadership. “We are hopeful that with strong leadership in the legislature and a full and clean break from the Bentley administration, we can restore ethical leadership and conservative governance to our state, and Make Alabama Great Again.” Click here to watch the ad.
Celebrating our great nation on this Independence Day
Independence Day is my favorite holiday of the year. Does that make me weird? Probably. Let’s add it to the list of things that do. In the meantime, let me share with you why I get so excited when July finally rolls around in hopes it gives you a reason to celebrate with me today and in future years. We live in a great nation. I’m going to say that in this piece repeatedly and hope that your story, your personal experience comes to mind as I share a part of mine and that you are able to look past the drama of the day that reigns politics and see that our nation is stronger than our weakest parts. Our founders created a government so sound that no one person, administration, or Congress can cripple us. Yes, we can be weakened but never enough that our foundation can’t survive. The true power wasn’t given to a ruling class instead “we the people” can and have brought about the kind of change that balances the scales or rights the wrongs that have can or been done. American exceptionalism is real. Yes, we can always do better but we are a blessed nation that is different from others. Ours is a nation with a purpose and role in leading the world. With our exceptionalism comes great responsibly that goes far beyond the call of what our government must do but rather rests on what we as people must do to make the world a better place. It is not our government that will lead the way in scientific discoveries, space exploration, the arts, or philanthropy as time goes on it is our people. I’ve heard those who question if we really are the melting pot we once were? With polarizing elections and news coverage that would have you believe we are on the brink of a civil war, I’d say we are only as strong as our weakest moments. You must look no further than during the times of national tragedy to see how the divisions of differences melt away when our neighbors are hurt. From natural disasters, wildfires, tornadoes, hurricanes and droughts to terrorism in New York, California, Boston or Orlando to senseless violence in North Carolina and elsewhere we join together to pray, donate money, give blood, give time and lend support to one another in any way we can. In times of need, we are one nation under God indivisible. When it matters, we come together blind of our differences aware of one thing we are the United States of America. Some would have you believe the American dream is no more. I don’t believe that. I haven’t lived that. On the contrary, I am proof that’s not true. What is the American dream? I believe it’s unique for each of us though the underlying principle is that we can all live a better life. We can all challenge ourselves to do better and to be better and we can achieve success. Is it a higher education, homeownership, success in business, maybe? Maybe it’s just that we live in a place where the possibilities are endless for each person. It’s not easy to accomplish great things, but we’ve never had a promise that it would be easy just a promise that we could pursue more that we could do better for ourselves and our loved ones. That’s what makes our nation great; that I could be born the daughter of a teenage mother, live in poverty, work hard, define what would be success for myself and accomplish it not on my own but with the support of many who are part of the fabric that makes our nation stronger. Today, as we celebrate our freedom and our independence, we can’t look past those who fought for it and those who serve to protect it. The men and women of our military are to strongly be commended and treasured for the sacrifices they give. While as a nation we may find our people split from time to time on the actions our leaders call upon our military to take, I count it among our greatest treasures that regardless of political affiliations we respect those who wear the uniform and are willing to pay the ultimate costs. Division sells papers. Strife stokes the flames of partisan gridlock. We the people make our country it’s best by doing our best. We by the day-to-day interactions within our communities create the fabric of a nation that gets stronger with time. Regardless of your politics, I’d hope you would agree with me that our nation’s birth gives great cause to celebrate. The time it takes any one of us to live our lives is but a small piece of history for our nation. The American dream lives on and will. The greatness of our country will endure. I have all the confidence in the world that great things are ahead of our nation, and on this our Independence Day I hope you can look around to the people, their dreams and hopes and see that greatness is our destiny for the United States of America was established for more than any before or after it. On this day, turn a deaf ear to the negativity and focus on the positive; our rights and freedoms, our soldiers and leaders our people and our hope. God Bless America. Happy Independence Day.
Here’s Alabama’s 50 delegates at the Republican National Convention
The Republican National Convention kicked off Monday in Cleveland, and 36 of Alabama’s delegates are bound to support Donald Trump as the presidential nominee on a first ballot. The delegates — 50 total from the Yellowhammer State — are a mix of party officials and elected officials as well as rank-and-file Republicans. The Republican National Convention runs July 18-21 and Trump is slated to be named the Republican nominee. In the wake of police violence across the nation, Alabama’s delegation will wear blue ribbons in support of law enforcement. Many delegates, as well as attendees from across the state, are hopeful Trump will address national unity in his Thursday night acceptance speech. Among those attending is Alabama Today Publisher and Vice President of the 60 Plus Foundation, Apryl Marie Fogel. “I believe the only message that’s going to resonate across the board for all Americans regardless of party is one of unity,” Fogel said to AL.com. “We have to face the troubles we come across as a nation together … be it the safety of law enforcement or Black Lives Matter protesters and supporters. Americans have to tackle these tough conventions together in a way that doesn’t alienate one another.” While not centerstage, Alabama’s delegates have a prime seating spot at the Convention, situated front and center directly to the left of the convention stage with an unobstructed view of the stage. Here’s the full list of Alabama’s Convention delegates: Trump At Large Place 1 Delegate: Jim Bonner Alternate Delegate: Terry L. Butts Place 2 Delegate: Jim Carns Alternate Delegate: J.T. “Jabo” Waggoner Place 3 Delegate: Judy Carns Alternate Delegate: Pat M. Wilson Place 4 Delegate: Ed Henry Alternate Delegate: Jim Wilson Place 5 Delegate: Shaun McCutcheon Alternate Delegate: Deanna K. Frankowski Place 6 Delegate: James Mathews Alternate Delegate: Sallie Bryant Place 7 Delegate: Bob Baccus Alternate Delegate: Will Sellers Place 8 Delegate: Perry O. Hooper Alternate Delegate: Rebecca L. Chambliss Place 9 Delegate: Will Mathews Alternate Delegate: Phyllis Davis Place 10 Delegate: Barry Moore Alternate Delegate: Jonathan O. Barbee Place 11 Delegate: Catherine Crosby Long Alternate Delegate: Trey Garner Place 12 Delegate: James Henderson Alternate Delegate: Britney Garner Place 13 Delegate: Chess Bedsole Alternate Delegate: Grady H. Thornton Place 14 Delegate: Dennis H. Beavers Alternate Delegate: Patsy W. Vines Place 15 Delegate: Bob Clayton Alternate Delegate: Taylor Means Place 16 Delegate: Laura E. Payne Alternate Delegate: Gina Dearborn Place 17 Delegate: W. Brent Woodall Alternate Delegate: Beth Clayton Place 18 Delegate: Frank H. Long, Jr. Alternate Delegate: Tom Davis Place 19 Delegate: Terry Lathan (No alternate delegate position available.) Place 20 Delegate: Paul Reynolds (No alternate delegate position available.) Cruz At Large Place 1 Delegate: Tom Parker Alternate Delegate: Alex Fox Place 2 Delegate: Bonnie Sachs Alternate Delegate: Judy Owens Motlow Place 3 Delegate: David Wilson Alternate Delegate: Joan Reynolds Place 4 Delegate: Tom Ford Alternate Delegate: Cheryl Mathews Place 5 Delegate: Chad Mathis Alternate Delegate: Sue Alexander Place 6 Delegate: Arnold Mooney Alternate Delegate: Cam Ward Place 7 Delegate: Carla S. King Alternate Delegate: Suzelle Josey Place 8 Delegate: David Pinkleton Alternate Delegate: Andrew Sorrell Place 9 Delegate: Vicki Drummond (No alternate delegate position available.) District 1 Trump 3 Place 1 Delegate: Frank Burt, Jr. Alternate Delegate: Jacquelyn “Jackie” Gay Place 2 Delegate: Jeff Sessions Alternate Delegate: Jerry Lathan Place 3 Delegate: Candace Cooksey Alternate Delegate: Stephanie K. Alexander District 2 Trump 2 Place 1 Delegate: Jeana Boggs Alternate Delegate: Alva M. Lambert Place 2 Delegate: Bill Rayborn Alternate Delegate: Lee Sellers Cruz 1 Place 1 Delegate: Mike Holmes Alternate Delegate: Darlene Hutchinson Biehl District 3 Trump 2 Place 1 Delegate: Charles Whatley Alternate Delegate: Tom Whatley Place 2 Delegate: Kathleen Moore Alternate Delegate: Joseph R. Fuller Cruz 1 Place 1 Delegate: Michael McCabe Alternate Delegate: Denise Bates District 4 Trump 3 Place 1 Delegate: Bradley L. Williams Alternate Delegate: J. Holland Place 2 Delegate: Mack N. Butler Alternate Delegate: Caroline Aderholt Place 3 Delegate: Tim Wadsworth Alternate Delegate: District 5 Trump 2 Place 1 Delegate: Jim Peters Alternate Delegate: Tom Fredricks Place 2 Delegate: Shannon Matthew Moore Alternate Delegate: Christopher Drensek Rubio 1 Place 1 Delegate: Dean Brandon Alternate Delegate: Matthew Sorrell District 6 Trump 2 Place 1 Delegate: Joe Freeman Alternate Delegate: Renee Gentle Powers Place 2 Delegate: Jef Freeman Alternate Delegate: Swaid N. Swaid Cruz 1 Place 1 Delegate: Colin Luke Alternate Delegate: Charles Knight District 7 Trump 2 Place 1 Delegate: Teresa I. Beeker Alternate Delegate: Margie George Place 2 Delegate: Chris Beeker III Alternate Delegate: Edmon H. McKinley Cruz 1 Place 1 Delegate: Ann C. Eubank Alternate Delegate: Jamey Clements
Luther Strange to State Board of Education: Ignore Obama’s transgender bathroom rules
Alabama Attorney General Luther Strange sent a letter to the State Board of Education in response to many questions from Alabama’s school systems on the ramifications of President Obama‘s recent executive actions requiring public schools to allow transgender students to use the restrooms and locker rooms corresponding to their preferred gender. In the letter, Strange advised the school board to simply ignore the president’s directive until the issue is taken up and settled in federal court. “Although the (federal guidance) letter states that it ‘does not add requirements to applicable law,’ it clearly purports to change the law by redefining the word ‘sex’ in Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 to mean ‘gender identity,’” wrote Attorney General Strange. “…Title IX is about discrimination ‘on the basis of sex,’ not gender identity.” AG Strange filed suit on behalf of the state against the Obama administration last week, joining 10 other states in pushing back against the executive order. “The Obama administration has taken government overreach to an unprecedented level, directly challenging the personal privacy of America’s school children while threatening to withhold funds from schools which refuse to accept this form of coercion,” said Strange in a press release announcing the lawsuit. “President Obama does not have legal grounds to rewrite the law. Congress was absolutely clear that federal law allows schools to have separate facilities based on the ‘sex’ of the individual, not their gender preference. This disturbing attempt to transform America’s classrooms into laboratories for the Obama administration’s social experiments will not stand up to the test of law.” The issue has become increasingly heated in the weeks following President Obama’s order, with everyone from presumptive GOP nominee Donald Trump to Alabama Today’s own Apryl Marie Fogel weighing in on the subject. Find the entire text of the letter to the State Board of Education below. Dear Members of the Board of Education: My Office has received numerous inquiries from educators and others about the “significant guidance letter” issued by the United States Department of Education and Department of Justice on May 13, 2016. Although the letter states that it “does not add requirements to applicable law,” it clearly purports to change the law by redefining the word “sex” in Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 to mean “gender identity.” It is my understanding that principals and teachers in Alabama have considerable discretion in how to accommodate transgendered students. The question of how to accommodate a transgendered student is presently resolved on a case-by-case basis in consultation with the student’s parents, teachers, and principals. But it appears that the most frequent accommodation is to encourage the student to use a single-occupancy bathroom. Unfortunately, that commonsense practice would be inconsistent with the “significant guidance letter,” which states that “a school may not require transgender students . . . to use individual-user facilities.” In my opinion, the guidance letter is based on a legally erroneous interpretation of Title IX. Title IX forbids disparate treatment “on the basis of sex.” 20 U.S.C. §1681(a). But Title IX provides that “nothing contained herein shall be construed to prohibit any education institution . . . from maintaining separate living facilities for the different sexes.” 20 U.S.C. § 1686. Similarly, the 1975 regulation that implements Title IX expressly authorizes “provid[ing] separate toilet, locker room, and shower facilities on the basis of sex.” 33 C.F.R. § 106.33. In other words, Title IX is about discrimination “on the basis of sex,” not gender identity. Unlike subjective gender identity, sex is an objective biological reality. The American Psychological Association defines “sex” as “a person’s biological status” based on indicators such as “sex chromosomes, gonads, internal reproductive organs, and external genitalia.” Gender, on the other hand, “connotes cultural or attitudinal characteristics distinctive to the sexes, as opposed to their physical characteristics.” Hopkins v. Baltimore Gas & Elec Co., 77 F.3d 745, 749 n.1 (4th Cir. 1996). To redefine “sex” as “gender identity,” the guidance letter erroneously relies on judicial decisions that are distinguishable and unpersuasive. Judicial decisions in which transgender plaintiffs have been allowed to pursue discrimination claims have involved penalizing the transgendered person for failing to look, act, or dress the way “real” men or women are culturally expected to. Most of these cases did not even mention bathroom usage, and none of them turned on bathroom-related claims. The guidance letter ignores, however, the numerous courts that have held that schools may provide separate bathrooms on the basis of biological sex differences. E.g., Jeldness v. Pearce, 30 F.3d 1220, 1228 (9th Cir. 1994); R.M.A. v. Blue Springs R-IV Sch. Dist., 477 S.W.3d 185, 187 (Mo. Ct. App. 2015); Johnston v. Univ. of Pittsburgh of Com. Sys. of Higher Educ., 97 F. Supp. 3d 657, 670 (W.D. Pa. 2015); Doe v. Clark Cty. Sch. Dist., No. 206-CV-1074-JCM-RJJ, 2008 WL 4372872 at * 4 (D. Nev. Sept. 17, 2008). Because the guidance letter is based on an erroneous view of Title IX, I believe the threat that schools will lose federal funding for failing to comply with the guidance is ultimately an empty one. On May 25, I filed suit on behalf of Alabama, along with officials from ten other States, to prevent the Department of Justice and Department of Education from enforcing the guidance letter. This lawsuit will determine whether the Department of Justice and Department of Education have the authority to implement the policy announced in the guidance. I have attached a copy of our complaint to this letter. Until the lawsuit is resolved, I would encourage educators to simply ignore the guidance letter. Sincerely, Luther Strange Attorney General
Luther Strange adds Alabama to 11-state fight against Obama’s bathroom regulations
Alabama Attorney General Luther Strange added Alabama to an 11-state lawsuit against President Obama‘s order mandating public schools across the country allow transgender students to use the bathrooms and locker rooms corresponding to their preferred gender expression. “The Obama administration has taken government overreach to an unprecedented level, directly challenging the personal privacy of America’s school children while threatening to withhold funds from schools which refuse to accept this form of coercion” said AG Strange in a press release Wednesday. “President Obama does not have legal grounds to rewrite the law. Congress was absolutely clear that federal law allows schools to have separate facilities based on the ‘sex’ of the individual, not their gender preference. This disturbing attempt to transform America’s classrooms into laboratories for the Obama administration’s social experiments will not stand up to the test of law.” The issue has become increasingly heated in the weeks following President Obama’s order, with everyone from presumptive GOP nominee Donald Trump to Alabama Today’s own Apryl Marie Fogel weighing in on the subject. Earlier this month AG Strange called the new policy “just one more example of the kind of federal overreach that we have come to expect from this White House.”
How seniors can prevent rising online scams, identity theft during 2016 tax season
As April 15 quickly approaches and Americans start to file tax returns, a large number of people will be in for a shock. And it’s not a bigger-than-expected refund. Many will learn their taxes have already been filed – by someone else using their identity. Identity theft and tax fraud are on the rise in 2016, with an increasing number of fraudulent tax filings to the Internal Revenue Service through such popular online programs as TurboTax, H&R Block, and eFile. Con artists use information such as Social Security numbers to file taxes and get a job falsely – resulting in the IRS having inaccurate taxpayer income data. One such case was a 29-year-old Okeechobee woman who filed a report in January with the local Sheriff’s office after discovering a tax return was previously submitted in her name, giving the thieves a refund of $1,500. According to the IRS, there were nearly 736,000 reports of fraudulent contacts since 2013, a majority of those by scammers posing as IRS agents. Phone rip-offs have cost taxpayers more than $23 million, the agency says. With more taxpayers turning to the Internet to file taxes quickly and easily, the problem of identity theft is far from a minor nuisance. The IRS estimates it prevented $24.2 billion in identity theft in 2013; a report by the U.S. Government Accountability Office shows the IRS still paid $5.8 billion in fraudulent refunds, up from $3.6 billion the year before. Seniors and immigrants are particularly vulnerable to identity theft, IRS officials say. Usually, the scam begins with a call to victims asking for Social Security numbers. “Callers claim to be employees of the IRS, but are not,” the IRS website advises. “These con artists can sound convincing when they call. They use fake names and bogus IRS identification badge numbers. They may know a lot about their targets, and they usually alter the caller ID to make it look like the IRS is calling.” In a recent Context Florida op-ed, Apryl Marie Fogel of the 60 Plus Association, a nonpartisan senior advocacy group, warns that the use of technology and a lack of online security will only increase the problem. “There are literally millions of online accounts that criminals can use to prey on legitimate taxpayers, stealing their identity and pocketing their hard-earned money,” she writes. “Everyone is at risk, especially seniors.” As an example, Fogel points to the 2015 instance of two former TurboTax employees who acknowledged the existence of accounts that “were 100 percent used only for fraud.” The pair accused TurboTax management of “forbidding” either flagging or turning off the fake accounts while refusing to implement security measures to stop widespread fraud. In Florida, Attorney Gen. Pam Bondi’s office released a checklist to help safeguard taxpayers from fraud and identity theft: File tax returns early; Research tax preparers thoroughly before providing personal information; When filing electronically, Use a secure Internet connection. Do not use unsecured, publicly available Wi-Fi hot spots; Mail tax returns directly from the post office, not from home; Many taxpayers are eligible for an Identity Protection PIN from the IRS. Should someone enrolled in the IRS IP PIN program and file a return with an incorrect PIN, the IRS will reject or delay the return until submitted with the correct PIN and the taxpayer’s identity is confirmed. To obtain an IRS IP PIN IRS.gov; The IRS will never initiate contact by email, phone, text or social media. If the IRS needs information, it will first contact by mail; and If a Social Security number has been compromised, contact the IRS ID Theft Protection Specialized Unit at (800) 908-4490. Also, the 60 Plus Association issued a news alert/fact sheet with tips, precautions and things to keep in mind to avoid being scammed, which includes information about the IRS services available for seniors and others with low incomes. 60 Plus also provides an online resource with more information geared toward older adults: www.60Plus.org/StopIRSScams.
The not-so-sunny truth about rooftop solar subsidies
This week The Wall Street Journal printed an op-ed “The Hole in the Rooftop Solar-Panel Craze.” The bottom line of the article is clear, “Without subsidies, rooftop solar isn’t close to cost-effective.” This is something that free market advocates have been saying for a long time. Policies that promote solar over cheaper more affordable alternatives shift cost to everyone else. Subsidies keep solar prices low enough to look like they’re more cost effective but the fact is they’re not. Here’s an eye-opening excerpt from the piece: Increasingly, utilities across the country have been calling attention to the problems with rooftop solar. They’ve been urging the pursuit of large-scale solar and other renewables, the moderation of rooftop-solar subsidies, and a restructuring of electric rates to encourage new technologies. They’ve been vilified by armies of PR consultants armed with sound bites about how utilities want to kill solar. Yet the federal subsidies for solar amount to about $5 billion a year, with more than half of that amount going to rooftop and other, more expensive, non-utility solar plants. If the federal government spent the $5 billion instead subsidizing only utility-scale solar plants, I estimate that it could increase the amount of solar power installed in this country every year by about 65%. And without net metering and all of the other nonsensical state and local subsidies for rooftop solar, we could save this country billions of dollars every year. I’m all for free-market, unsubsidized or non-mandated solar. If you want to put panels on your roof and then pay your fair share of the grid go for it. I just don’t want to pay increased costs for my neighbor’s choice. Don’t worry; my aversion for paying for other people’s personal choices isn’t limited to energy. I’m all for you driving a beautiful BMW or the latest Lexus if you can afford one, but while I drive a 12-year-old Chevy I don’t want to subsidize the cost of your new car. More specific to the energy discussion and analysis, I don’t want to pay more for you to put premium unleaded gasoline in your luxury sedan. That’s your value judgment. And I applaud your ability to make it because it’s the American way. But it’s not fair and it’s not right for the elderly person on a fixed income trying to fill up behind you to pay more for their gas because of your personal choice. That’s also the American way. We are responsible for the actions we take and the products and services we choose. Our choices should have as little impact as possible on the next person, and that’s the crux of this debate. Oh, and by the way, that regular unleaded 87 octane gasoline I’m putting in my Chevrolet meets all federal regulations for clean air. There are groups in Alabama who will cry foul at the reality of the solar situation. They’ll say that if you take the free-market position you must be for big utilities. It’s as if those who support solar subsidies and mandates think consumers are too dumb to do simple math or are too naive to question the actual motives behind those pushing for more and more tax incentives that benefit an industry that otherwise couldn’t stand on its own. I’ve heard all the arguments before but the fact is if environmentalists really wanted to create change in the utility market, they’d promote utility grade solar based on a free market.
Joey Kennedy: Senate to consider dog chaining bill this week, but don’t hold your breath
Animal issues don’t get much attention from the Alabama Legislature. There are wonderful legislators who believe in and sponsor good legislation, but the legislative leadership just doesn’t put much effort behind those bills. Whether it’s protecting nonprofit spay/neuter clinics or regulating puppy mills, our lawmakers turn their heads and close their eyes. Shame on them. This week, a Senate committee will consider SB 468, also known as the Alabama Dog Tethering and Outdoor Shelter Act. Alabama Today has a good overview of this bill and its chances of passing. Just like Apryl Marie Fogel at Alabama Today, we’re animal protection advocates at Animal Advocates of Alabama. We’re not nuts who believe animals should have the right to vote or that hunting for food is evil or that everybody has to be a vegan. But, like Alabama Today, we believe in the humane treatment of all animals. Chaining or tethering a dog in a desolate backyard, with little food, water or shelter, is inhumane. The Alabama Dog Tethering and Outdoor Shelter Act will put some reasonable regulations on how dogs are kept outdoors. We’ve seen dogs chained in backyards that are flooding in a heavy rain. We’ve had people tell us about dogs frozen to fences in the winter because they could not escape their chains. We know of cases where dogs chained outside in an Alabama summer have died of heat stroke. That unregulated chaining is allowed in today’s Alabama is indefensible. It’s wrong and it’s cruel. So, as Alabama Voters for Responsible Animal Legislation suggests, get in touch with your senator and tell him or her to support SB 468. Lawmakers have done precious little to help animals this legislative session. SB 468 is one of the last chances to do something positive for chained dogs this session. For more information on this topic, see Alabama Chained Dogs on Facebook. This column was republished with permission from Animal Advocates of Alabama, a site created by Joey and his wife Veronica to increase awareness for animal based issues throughout the state. Please visit ALAnimals.com to learn more.
Publisher’s Note: Announcing the launch of Alabama Today
Welcome to Alabama Today! We hope to be your first source for breaking political and business news — both for Alabama and beyond. This is the news release we sent to traditional media outlets, announcing the launch of the site. This site is unlike any other in the state. After talking to many people who were experiencing the same frustration of a gap within the news and editorial coverage as I was, this site became a personal passion. Here you will find hard news reported without commentary and editorial content written by me and guest contributors. As a woman in both business and politics, I have found that while there are many strong and talented women in the state there is not a dedicated place celebrating their unique contributions and providing news and features directly geared towards them. This is why Alabama Today will have a feature space dedicated to fill that void. Both this space as well the site itself will grow substantially in the coming weeks and months. I encourage you to bookmark this page, add it to your home screen on your smart phone, and share it with everyone you know. Apryl Marie Birmingham, Ala. — Alabama Today launches as a new source for comprehensive political and business news and editorial content in the state. Led by veteran political activist Apryl Marie Fogel, Alabama Today (www.ALToday.com) will offer a distinct editorial voice in coverage of politics, public policy and business news. In addition, Alabama Today will feature expansive coverage to the growing influence of women in politics, business and philanthropy throughout the state. “The primary goal for Alabama Today is to provide a place where news is news and opinion is opinion,” Fogel says. “We’re excited to combine our coverage of politics and business while focusing on and recognizing the impact women are having as leaders and influencers throughout Alabama.” Alabama Today’s editorial team will feature experienced, independent journalists and a wide variety of guest columnists representing important and diverse views. While Alabama Today will cover politics, policy and business for a broad audience, insider news surrounding the business of politics will be an important part of coverage. “Our content gives readers the edge in knowing what’s happening not just on the legislative floor, but in the behind-the-scenes where business and politics intersect,” Fogel says. “We want to keep our readers informed about the moves of influential people, key staff and consultants.” Alabama Today will provide free content for readers at ALToday.com with updates and e-newsletters available by signup. Alabama Today will also generate an opinion-based content service for media group partners throughout the state and the region. Elected officials, candidates, businesses and civic groups are encouraged to add pressreleases@altoday.com to their press lists.
