Governor announces Ultra Safe Nuclear Corp. plans $232 million micro-reactor assembly plant in Gadsden
Governor Kay Ivey announced on Wednesday that Ultra Safe Nuclear Corporation (USNC), a Seattle-based company, plans to invest $232 million to locate a facility in Gadsden to produce its industry-leading Micro-Modular Reactor. The highly automated MMR Assembly Plant (MAP) will manufacture, assemble, test, and inspect the non-radiological modules needed to construct its advanced microreactors. No radioactive material will be used or stored at the company’s new Alabama facility. USNC says the Gadsden plant will be the nation’s first commercial-scale microreactor production facility. When operational, MAP will employ 250 professional and technical workers. “Alabama is home to an impressive array of highly innovative companies, so our state is an ideal place for Ultra Safe Nuclear Corp.’s new advanced microreactor assembly plant,” said Gov. Ivey. “This unique facility will benefit the Gadsden community through a significant investment and the creation of good jobs, while also reinforcing Alabama’s reputation for cutting-edge manufacturing operations.” It’s no secret Alabama has a knack for recruiting cutting-edge manufacturing operations. Today, I announced @UltraSafeNuke plans to invest $232 million to locate a unique facility in Gadsden, creating 250 good jobs for Alabamians! #alpoliticshttps://t.co/gTuLi8xGIY — Governor Kay Ivey (@GovernorKayIvey) June 21, 2023 Dan Stout is USNC’s Chief Nuclear Officer. “We appreciate the interest and support for this effort from the City of Gadsden, Etowah County, the Alabama Department of Commerce, and so many others up to and including Governor Ivey and her talented team,” said Stout. “We especially appreciate the guidance and efforts of April Gray at the Department of Commerce and David Hooks of the Gadsden-Etowah Industrial Development Authority in making this project a reality.” USNC said the decision to locate in Gadsden resulted from a year-long search spanning 16 states and hundreds of potential sites. Primary factors evaluated included site suitability and infrastructure, skilled workforce availability, and overall project economics. Economic developer Dr. Nicole Jones told Alabama Today, “Companies consider many factors in the site selection process. A business-friendly climate that includes a quality and skilled workforce, infrastructure, low taxes, competitive incentives, and an excellent quality of life facilitates an environment conducive for business. The direct and indirect jobs created as a result of Ultra Safe Nuclear Corp.’s 578,000 square foot microreactor assembly plant will benefit Gadsden and the entire state of Alabama.” USNC and the State of Alabama formalized the deal through a project agreement executed by Gov. Ivey and Stout. The agreement was announced by Stout at the 10th Advanced Reactors Summit and Technology Trailblazers Showcase. The 578,000-square-foot factory will feature state-of-the-art advanced manufacturing processes and equipment and will be capable of producing up to 10 complete MMR nuclear units per year. Ted Coulter is the plant director for the MMR factory at USNC. “We are attracted to Gadsden by their skilled workforce and the outstanding training programs and support they are bringing to the table,” said Director Coulter. “In Gadsden, I have confidence we can hire local talent and operate with both safety and efficiency. We are looking forward to becoming a member of the community.” Construction is slated to begin in 2024, with the facility operational in 2027. “This is a game-changer for Gadsden,” said Gadsden Mayor Craig Ford. “Ultra Safe Nuclear Corp.’s selection of Gadsden proves what I’ve known all my life about the unmatched grit and capability of our workforce.” To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Craig Ford wins Gadsden Mayoral race
Gadsden voters went to the polls on Tuesday and voted to elect former State Rep. Craig Ford (D-Gadsden) to be their new Mayor. Ford is a native of Gadsden and a small businessman who has served four terms in the Alabama House of Representatives. Ford became the Minority Leader of the Alabama House of Representatives in the aftermath of the Democrats’ loss of control of the Legislature in the 2010 election. Ford was a strong supporter of a lottery while he was in the Legislature and was a vocal critic of then Alabama Democratic Party Chair Nancy Worley and Vice Chair for Minority Affairs Joe Reed. This feud ultimately cost him his role as Minority Leader. Ford owns a small insurance company and is the publisher of the Gadsden Messenger newspaper. Ford’s opponent was former Gadsden Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Heather Brothers New. Ford won with 61.7% of the vote (3,306 votes) to New’s 38.3% (2,053). The victory is a major political comeback for Ford, who lost a race as an independent for State Senate to Republican Andrew Jones in 2018. Ford has campaigned extensively on promises to recruit new industry to Gadsden. Also on Tuesday’s ballot were several city council races. In City Council District 3, Larry J. Avery, Jr. defeated Denecia Ann Getaw 282 to 243. For City Council District 4, incumbent Kent Back narrowly defeated challenger Carrie Machen 723 to 628 In City Council District 5, incumbent Jason Wilson defeated challenger Billy F. Billingsley, Sr. 382 to 222. In the City Council, District 6 race Dixie Minatra defeated Renay Stokes Reeves 263 to 206. And finally, in Gadsden City Council District 7, incumbent Ben Reed was defeated by challenger Chris Robinson 439 to 800. Longtime Gadsden Mayor Sherman Guyton did not seek a fifth term. The Gadsden City Council will meet on Wednesday with a pre-meeting at 10:00 a.m. and a meeting at 11:00 a.m. to certify the election results. These election results were originally published by the Gadsden Times. To connect with the author of this story, or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Gadsden Mayoral runoff election is today
Voters in Gadsden go to the polls today to elect their new mayor. Former State Representative Craig Ford is running for mayor against former Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Heather Brothers New. Current Mayor Sherman Guyton is retiring after 16 years in the position. The two are in a winner take all election runoff after they received the most votes in the election last month. They faced off in a debate on Thursday. Ford said on his website, “One of my first orders of business is to hire a city planner and work with the city council to set up community-wide meetings to gain community input for the development of a city-wide master plan. I will also collaborate with other Etowah County mayors to ensure we are moving in the same direction. This plan is a plan for tomorrow and will not be easily created nor implemented. It is a plan of big ideas that will take money. It is an item that will have to be in the city budget for implementation to begin.” Among the many items on the list Ford is promising: · Updating and/or creating new policies and procedures to improve efficiency. · Sale city property that is not in use or planned to be used. · Address public transportation needs · Make sure all areas of the city have a uniform look in signage. · Determine the types of industry that best fit Gadsden based on workforce, land and/or building availability, railroad access, interstate and highway access, and quality of life. · Address the loose animal issue. · Revitalization of economically depressed areas of Gadsden · Improvements to Noccalula Falls and growing businesses in that area. · Alabama City considered as a potential arts district around the historic Ritz Theater. · Will work to further develop East Broad Street with retail and restaurants as well as further developing the ballfields at Gadsden State Community College · Continue to support Tuscaloosa Avenue’s Carver Museum and Carver Community Center by bringing back youth baseball and football and prioritizing new lighting for this area will remain a priority. · Riverfront development · Continue to support Downtown Gadsden Ford represented the area in the Alabama Legislature, rising to House Minority Leader before a spat with Alabama Democratic Conference Chairman Joe Reed led him to become an independent. He ran unsuccessfully as an independent for State Senate in 2018. New was the Alabama Chamber Professional of the Year award in 2019. “As chair of the Gadsden City High School’s Career Technical Advisory Committee over the past six years and with three children that all attended and graduated from Gadsden City, I spent considerable time in our schools learning about teachers’ needs and resources to equip our children for the future,” New stated. “As a result, I created a one-day workforce immersion program that takes 400 teachers annual on “behind-the-scenes” tours of local healthcare and manufacturing facilities, as well as career technical programs at Gadsden State Community College so that they would have a personal point of perspective about the careers and earning opportunities in our community. That work at Etowah Chamber required relationships with business and industry, education, and a wide range of volunteers, as well as fundraising from said business and industry, to accomplish. I also created the Excellence in Education Awards Luncheon to recognize the innovative and creative things teachers and partners were executing annually, as well as exceptional students in leadership assisting education or other students.” New promised on her website to: · Fund the Gadsden City School System to ensure quality facilities, top-notch teachers, and rigorous curriculum. · Support Gadsden City Schools in developing curriculum-based early child care programs before age 5. · Encourage and support improved technology and training at Gadsden State Community College. · Fix the trolley routes so that people can get to school and work and back home. · Support free job development programs to get people successfully employed. · Improve city services for all. · Base Tax Abatement Incentives (TAI) on impact studies to there is a rational and objective basis tied to a targeted return on investment. · Overhaul all contracted recruitment and development services (industrial, commercial, airport). · Install transparency in city government. · Align all organizations working on recruitment, retention, growth and development of business, industry, and tourism so their efforts complement each other versus working in a vacuum. · Develop a comprehensive city master plan. · Cooperate with surrounding counties in regional recruitment of desirable business and industry. · Support small business start-ups and entrepreneurs. · Provide essential services, such as road paving, mowing, litter control, and sidewalk maintenance. · Develop our waterways and trails thoughtfully with protection and conservation always in mind. · Adjust operating hours for recycling to better accommodate citizens’ schedules. · Research the feasibility, funding, and cost barriers of curbside recycling. · Develop “sense-of-place” gateways to the most popular destinations within the city. · Invest in the continued revitalization of Downtown Gadsden, extending to the East Broad campus of Gadsden State Community College. · Further develop city-owned sports complexes to recruit tournaments and events to the fullest, while still serving the local community. · Improve and extend riverfront boardwalks and clean and repair city sidewalks. · Remodel Noccalula Falls campground to maximize camping and eliminate sewage issues. · Study the feasibility of an alpine coaster, rock climbing, ropes, and/or zipline course. · Develop additional splash pad parks at Moragne Park and along boardwalks. · Redevelop the amphitheater into a state-of-the-art performing arts facility. · Recruit an outfitter for boat, jet ski, paddleboard and kayak rentals, and riverfront tours. · Put an end to backroom deals and cronyism. · Align with city, county, surrounding municipalities, and surrounding counties. · Protect the Civil Service Board. · Pay civil servants (fire/rescue and police) a competitive wage with bonus pay · Ensure an open-door policy for fire and police departments · Relocate City Hall, with a focus on creating greater ease of access to high-traffic offices. · Implement a technology overhaul · Host and participate in town halls throughout the year, every year. · Make regular visits to district meetings. · Develop and enact a 10-year strategic plan for departments, leadership, and partners. · Focus on returning default city-owned property back to the tax base through private and corporate ownership utilizing the
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.
Craig Ford introduces bill to extend alcohol retail license to nonprofit special events
Gadsden-Democrat State Rep. Craig Ford has proposed a new bill to change the existing laws on beer, wine, and liquor sales at non-profit events. Currently, state laws allow a retail license for beer, wine, and liquor at special events, and allows manufacturers of those beverages to donate their product to charitable events, given that both they, and the event, receive the proper approval from the Alcoholic Beverage Control Board. Ford’s bill, HB414, seeks to change the law so that charitable events are not the only ones who have the opportunity to receive this benefit. HB414 would also allow non-profit organizations who hold special events to be able to receive the same benefits as charitable events. The bill will also authorize donations of beer, wine, and liquor by non-licensed persons to non-profits and their special events provided that they apply for license with the Alcoholic Beverage Control Board, and meet these requirements: a. Operates without profit to the organization’s members. b. Is exempt from taxation under Section 501 of the Internal Revenue Code. c. Satisfies at least one of the following requirements: 1. Has been continuously in existence in the state for a minimum of three years. 2. Is affiliated with a parent organization that has been in existence in the state for a minimum of three years. 3. Has reorganized and is continuing its mission under a new name on file with the Secretary of State and with a new tax identification number after having satisfied the requirements set forth in either subparagraph 1. or 2. HB414 is scheduled to be considered Thursday on the House special order calendar.
Steve Flowers: Handicapping Democrats for 2018 governor’s race
Last week, we handicapped some of the potential horses in the upcoming 2018 Governor’s Race. We mentioned Judge Roy Moore, PSC President Twinkle Cavanaugh, Agriculture Commissioner John McMillan, Secretary of State John Merrill, State Treasurer Young Boozer, State Senator Del Marsh and Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle. Some others that may be considering pursuing the brass ring of Alabama politics are Lt. Governor Kay Ivey, Supreme Court Justice Jim Main, Jefferson County Commission President David Carrington, Trump’s Trumpeter in the State Perry Hooper, Jr., Huntsville State Representative Jim Patterson and ADECA Director and former Prattville Mayor Jim Byard. You can also add former Auburn coach Tommy Tuberville to the mix of possible gubernatorial candidates. All of these aforementioned horses would run as Republicans in the 2018 Gubernatorial Derby. It is assumed that only a Republican can win statewide office in Alabama and that next year’s June 2018 GOP primary is tantamount to election. Therefore, it is only a 15-month race to election for governor. The late Lucy Baxley was the last Democrat to hold statewide office in Alabama. She lost re-election to the PSC in 2012. It has been almost two decades since a Democrat has captured the Governor’s office. Donald Trump carried Alabama with almost 63 percent of the vote. It is thought by most political prognosticators that a Democratic candidate can at best get 40 percent of the vote in the Heart of Dixie. However, there are several brave souls who are die-hard Democrats and may be bold enough to test that theory. One of these emboldened is Parker Griffith, who ran as the Democratic nominee against Robert Bentley four years ago, in 2014 and received 36 percent of the vote. Griffith is a personable, former oncologist, State Senator and Congressman from Huntsville. He seems dedicated to making the plunge. The most mentioned Democratic candidate is former Chief Justice Sue Bell Cobb. She was elected to the state Supreme Court in 2012, which was the last time a Democrat won statewide in Alabama. She is seriously considering the race for governor. She could be handicapped by the fact that she quit in the middle of her term on the Court and a Republican was appointed by the Governor. State Representative Craig Ford who has served as House Minority Leader is considering a run for governor. Like Griffith, Ford is likable. He is one of the few remaining white Democrats left in the Alabama House of Representatives. In fact, if Ford vacated his seat to run for Governor a Republican would probably take it. The wild card in a potential Democratic field might be the popular young Mayor of Tuscaloosa, Walt Maddox. He considers himself a Democrat. Maddox is well thought of in the Druid City, which is a more populous and vote-rich area of the state than most folks realize. If he got a strong support from Tuscaloosa coupled with the ADC and New South endorsements, it could propel him to the Democratic nomination. He would bring to the dance a sterling record of achievement as Mayor of Tuscaloosa. However, if he has to go through a bruising primary he may come to the prom beat up and broke. Not to mention that the Prom King/Queen is highly favored to be a Republican. He would be hard-pressed to raise campaign money in the fall campaign. Most of the bets would be placed on the Republican. This brings us to another chapter in the governor’s race. The folks who wrote our 1901 Constitution intended for the power in state government to be rested in the hands of the legislature. During the Wallace years, George Wallace had immense power over the legislature. This usurpation of power has incrementally declined over the years. It has culminated with a decimation of gubernatorial power. The last two governors, Bob Riley and Robert Bentley, have been rendered irrelevant by the legislature. Special interests have taken note of this transfer of power and their money has followed. Campaign money that use to go to the governor’s race now flows to legislative races. It is not unusual to see House seats cost $300,000 and State Senate races rise to $1 million. It is going to be a great election year. 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.
Former Alabama Lt. Gov. Lucy Baxley dies at age 78
Alabama’s first female Lt. Gov. Lucy Baxley has passed away at the age of 78. She died peacefully at her home surrounded by family. Baxley was the last Alabama Democrat to hold statewide office, serving in the as lieutenant governor from 2003-2007. In 2006, Baxley defeated Don Siegelman to claim the Democratic nomination for governor, where she ran against incumbent Republican Gov. Bob Riley, but lost. Shortly after the election, Baxley suffered a stroke that left her confined to a wheelchair. Nevertheless she persevered and went on to narrowly defeat Republican Twinkle Andress Cavanaugh for president of Alabama’s Public Service Commission in 2008. In 2012, Cavanaugh defeated Baxley in her re-election bid. “Today the state of Alabama lost a great public servant,” Gov. Robert Bentley said of Baxley’s passing. “Lucy Baxley loved Alabama and loved the people of Alabama. I enjoyed our time working together when I served in the Legislature. Lucy will forever be remembered as a fierce advocate for the people of Alabama, for her decades of service and as Alabama’s first female lieutenant governor. My thoughts and prayers are with her family and friends during this time.” House Minority Leader Craig Ford echoed Bentley’s sentiments that Baxley was a great public servant. “My thoughts and prayers are with the Baxley family today,” said Ford in a statement. “Lucy was a true public servant, a pillar of the Alabama Democratic Party and will be greatly missed.” Baxley is survived by her husband of 20 years, Jim Smith, her son Louis Baxley, daughter Becky Nichols, as well as four grandchildren and three great grandchildren. “When I asked Lucy to marry me, I really didn’t know what it would be like to be married to a politician,” Smith said in a news release from the family. “I’m still not so sure about the politician part, but I do know what it was like to be married to the most caring and wonderful woman in the world.”
Comprehensive list of who has asked Robert Bentley to step down
Calls for Alabama Governor Robert Bentley to resign have grown during the past week, as more recordings allegedly between the governor and his former senior adviser Rebekah Caldwell Mason were released. Here is a comprehensive list of the elected officials, state leaders, and groups who have called for the governor’s resignation. Elected officials Rep. Ed Henry, Republican of Hartselle* Rep. Will Ainsworth, Republican of Guntersville** Minority Leader Craig Ford, Democrat of Gadsden Rep. David Standridge, Republican of Hayden Rep. Johnny Mack Morrow, Democrat of Red Bay Sen. Bill Holtzclaw, Republican of Madison Sen. Shay Shelnut, Republican of Trussville Rep. Danny Garrett, Republican of Trussville Groups College Republican Federation of Alabama Montgomery County Republican Party Alabama Republican Assembly Other Prominent Individuals Terry Dunn, former Public Service Commissioner and member of ALGOP Executive Committee Who Has Stayed Silent Alabama Attorney General Luther Strange‘s office released a statement saying they would investigate any wrongdoing, but cited a “longstanding policy regarding pending criminal investigations,” announcing no further information or comment would be released. Republican legislative leadership, including House Speaker Mike Hubbard and Senate President Pro Tem Del Marsh have each been silent on their thoughts about the matter. Likewise, members of the federal delegation have chosen to stay above the fray. Bentley, himself, says he’ll stay in office, calling the scandal “old issues.” “Obviously, there are concerns across the state,” said Bentley. “I’ve got to give the explanation I can give and let them know what we’re going to do and basically tell them how sorry I am. Have I made mistakes? Yes, I have. And I admit those. We’ve addressed those and we properly addressed those several months ago. “These are old issues. It’s just now that people have heard about them. But we’re going to address those and we’re going to move on.” Other Perspectives While reactions to the allegations themselves have been growing, statements made in the aftermath have added another level of commentary to the discussion. Alabama Policy Institute Vice President Katherine Robertson took issue with Mason’s characterization of heightened scrutiny of her relationship with the governor as “gender bias.” “Is there gender bias in Montgomery?” Robertson wrote. “In some cases, but Mrs. Mason cannot claim it. Where true bias exists, people are treated in a certain way (usually negative) due to some preconceived notion about them, whether based on their age, appearance, or ethnicity – not based in reason. “Knowing the evidence that was now available to the public, Mrs. Mason did not deny anything, but in a desperate diversion, tried to claim that her gender was to blame for her present predicament.” Minority Leader Craig Ford added another perspective to the mix in an op-ed for Alabama Political Reporter Thursday, saying the scandal may impact the state’s ability to recruit companies. “His actions are costing Alabama jobs,” Ford said. “There are business owners and leaders of industry who don’t want to sit down with this governor because of the image of corruption that has engulfed the state. We have lost so much opportunity because of this mess. How in the world can we bring anyone else in? What CEO or other corporate group would want to come down here right now? “We are competing against Florida, Georgia, Tennessee and other states that are going to use all of this against us. The governor has provided our competitors with an unfair advantage, and it is absolutely costing us economically.” The timing of the allegations have added another twist to any forced resignation or impeachment attempts. With the legislature on spring break until Tuesday, April 5th, lawmakers have had ample time to whip potential votes on each side of a potential impeachment. Likewise, Speaker Hubbard’s impending trial could throw a wrench into attempts to remove the governor. AL.com writer Kyle Whitmire speculated the Speaker’s legal troubles and the governor’s relationship with Mason are more closely intertwined than it appears on the surface. “The governor, with Mason whispering in his ear and a lawyer with assorted loyalties at his side, took an active and disruptive role in a criminal prosecution of Mike Hubbard,” wrote Whitmire. “That’s the story, not the sex. And no matter the myriad open questions that might take months or years to answer, if ever, one question has a clear answer. Cui bono? Who benefits. Bentley might have blown himself up trying to throw a bomb under Matt Hart‘s chair, but either way, it works for Mike Hubbard.” *Rep. Henry announced Wednesday he will bring forth articles of impeachment when the state legislature returns from spring break. ** Rep. Ainsworth has said he is researching, and will introduce, recall legislation, giving the people of Alabama recourse against elected officials during their terms. ALToday will update the list as more information becomes available.
Fantasy sports, gambling could be big business for state
A slate of bills aimed at loosening Alabama’s gambling laws and setting the state up to benefit from the lucrative gaming industry have been slowly winding their ways through the legislative chambers this Session, but none have gained any real traction in a Legislative Session marred in controversy over ill-fated budgets and sexually explicit recordings. Despite that, the bills keep coming, aimed at regulating untapped gaming revenues and opening the doors to a state lottery and even full-on casino gambling. The first high-profile lottery bill was announced only days before the start of the Legislative Session. Sen. Jim McClendon (R-Springville) and Rep. Alan Harper (R-Northport) introduced SB19 and HB13, respectively, that offer a constitutional amendment to allow a state lottery to be established. The bill makes no mention of how the proceeds from such a lottery would be spent, it only allows for residents to vote on whether a lottery should be operated in the state. Legislators would be tasked with figuring out how to set up and allocate the proceeds next year. The Harper-McClendon legislation has passed hurdles in their respective committees, but so far has not come up for discussion on either floor Rep. Craig Ford (D-Gadsden) has offered four bills aimed at establishing the Alabama Lottery Commission and distributing the proceeds from the operation. HB10 would establish the commission, as well as the Lottery Trust Fund where profits would be stashed to fund college scholarships for qualifying students. HB208 establishes the Alabama Gaming Commission, which would oversee pari-mutuel wagering at county-approved racetracks and levy taxes on some establishments. HB209 is the meat and potatoes of 10 and establishes all of the commissions, corporations and funds required to oversee the proposed state lottery and gaming endeavors. HB278 allows the governor to negotiate a compact with the Poarch Creek Indians, who are currently the only operation allowed to offer slot-machine gaming in the state. Like the Harper-McClendon bills, Ford’s bills have gone before their required committees but have gained no real traction. Sen. Trip Pittman (R-Daphne) has offered his own lottery bill, SB232, which would allow Alabama to participate in other multistate lotteries and compel the legislature to establish rules regarding the enterprise. Pittman’s legislation has gone before committee but has not yet come out on the other side. Rep. John Knight (D-Montgomery) has offered HB263, which would simply repeal Alabama’s prohibition on a state lottery. Knight’s legislation was directed to committee in February but, so far, has gone nowhere. And while lottery and pari-mutuel gambling has long been a centerpiece of Alabama’s political discourse, a newcomer has made its way into the fold. Two bills have been filed to regulate fantasy sports contests in the state, possibly setting the state up to be involved in what has quickly become a multibillion operation. SB114 from Sen. Paul Sanford (R-Huntsville) and HB56 from Rep. Connie Rowe (R-Jasper) would both establish regulatory rules regarding fantasy contests in the state. The bills would require contest operators to institute procedures for consumer protection, require audits of operators and provide penalties for those operating outside of the established regulations. Further, the bill makes the industry immune from being considered a gambling operation in the state. Both have seemingly stalled in committee. Despite the fact Alabama could benefit greatly from the revenue that these types of gaming operations would generate – Missouri is expecting to generate “several million” dollars off of fantasy contest regulation (an industry slated to rake in about $20 billion by 2020) and South Dakota has raised nearly $2.5 billion through its state lottery – state lawmakers appear poised to avoid a vote on the topic and let another year tick by with no good answers on how to generate much-needed funding. Being in the Bible Belt may be the biggest reason Alabamians have long opposed such gaming operations, but it doesn’t hurt that organizations that run gambling enterprises, such as the Poarch Creek Indians, have funneled money into anti-gambling candidates’ campaigns. The New York Times reported in 2014 that the group had covertly spent $350,000 to fund anti-gambling candidates. And that wasn’t the first time. In the late 1990’s, Christian Coalition Chairman Ralph Reed was caught up in a scandal with GOP lobbyist Jack Abramoff. The duo funneled $1.3 million from the Choctaw Tribe to the Alabama Christian Coalition. The move was made to hide that the money had come from Choctaw gaming interests and used to fight video poker and a proposed lottery in the state.
Democrats filibuster plans to bring up General Fund budget next week
Word came through the pipeline early Thursday from an intern of Rep. Craig Ford (D-Gadsden) that House Democrats would be filibustering the introduction of the Special Order Calendar, approved by the Rules Committee, which aims to bring forth the General Fund budget for discussion next week. True to form, Dems did just that when Rep. Mac McCutcheon (R-Huntsville) moved for approval of the calendar. Rep. John Knight (D-Montgomery) spoke first and chastised members of the Rules Committee for putting forth legislation for discussion which hasn’t addressed paramount problems of the state. “If we’re not going to fund Medicaid, there’s no need for us to have any kind of order,” Knight said. “There will be no order in this House until we decide to fund Medicaid.” Knight said more than 500,000 Alabama children use Medicaid and choosing not to adequately fund the program would take away those children’s health care. Knight encouraged members to meet with Gov. Robert Bentley and others to find a solution, possibly cutting other programs to fund it. “If we can’t do that, there’s no need in us being here,” Knight said. “We were elected to do our jobs. We came together on the education budget, so we must do the same thing as it relates to the General Fund budget.” Rep. Mary Moore (D-Birmingham) also railed against the calendar, urging lawmakers to do whatever is required to provide relief to Alabama’s most needy citizens and make sure that Medicaid funding is a priority for the state. Rep. Ralph Howard (D-Greensboro) spoke out against the General Fund’s failure to adequately fund Medicaid, leaving an about $100 million shortfall in the program and obliterating Alabama’s plans to institute the Regional Care Organization (RCO) plan. “I represent a lot of poor people and healthcare is something that’s very important to them,” Howard said. “I just wanted to convey to this body that we really need to take a look at what we do for those poor people.” Howard noted that Perry County hasn’t had a hospital in many years and rural hospitals are being decimated by the state’s failure to fund Medicaid. “It needs to be the will of this body, and the Senate and the governor, to really try to make Alabama a better place,” Howard said. “And I don’t think there’s a better place to start than healthcare. Those are good people in rural Alabama and they deserve better.” As Howard completed his statements, Rep. Danny Crawford (R-Athens) made a motion to adjourn and the House agreed.
Lawmakers approve small-business tax break for new jobs
After hearty debate on an earlier bill, state House members Tuesday launched into discussion concerning HB36, a bill brought forth by Rep. Kyle South (R-Fayette) to provide small business with fewer than 75 employees with a $1,500 tax break for every employee they hire who makes $40,000 a year or more. The bill would fund the tax credit, estimated at over $400,000, by taking money from the Education Trust Fund. Rep. Patricia Todd (D-Jefferson) was the first to speak on the matter. “You know how I feel about tax credits,” Todd said. “I don’t like them.” Todd noted that she will oppose the bill because it gives more tax breaks to businesses while ignoring some of the states more pressing issues, like balancing the budget and decreasing poverty in the state. Rep. Craig Ford (R-Baldwin) noted that he appreciated the bill, but could not support a bill which cuts taxes this year after raising taxes last year. After a brief round of amendments and technical questioning, the bill passed by a margin of 88 to 12 and the House adjourned for the day.
State lottery, guns, wireless data bills coming to state Legislature
With the start of Alabama’s Legislative Session less than a week away, a slew of bills have been prefiled in the House of Representatives. Alabama Rep. Craig Ford (D-Etowah) has prefiled House Bill 10, which would establish an Alabama lottery to fund scholarships, an Alabama Lottery Corp. “to implement and to regulate” a state lottery, and would prohibit the operation of casinos. Proceeds from Ford’s lottery would go into a Lottery Trust Fund and be used to give scholarships to “qualifying students” to attend two- or four-year colleges within the state. The bill specifies that qualified students are those “who are A/B Honor Roll students.” Ford’s bill would also alter part of a constitutional amendment that prohibits the state Legislature to “authorize lotteries or gift enterprises for any purpose.” Rep. Mack Butler (R-Etowah), along with a number of House colleagues, has proposed a constitutional amendment, HB12, to allow persons with a concealed pistol permit to carry weapons on the campuses of public and private universities within the state. The bill also provides for universities to establish rules regarding the storage of such weapons in dormitories or other residential areas, the carrying of weapons on campus, and to prohibit carrying weapons in some cases, though complete prohibition would not be allowed. The law further provides immunity to universities “for damages arising from action or inaction under the requirements of the amendment.” Universities would be required to submit a report each year to the Speaker of the House and the President Pro Tempore of the Senate detailing a description of the rules regarding campus carry and the rationale behind such rules. Butler noted than an additional bill, to be filed at the start of the session, will provide criminal penalties to universities that ban guns on campus. “The people overwhelmingly are embracing it,” Butler said. “It’s becoming crystal clear that the targets are these gun-free zones.” A bill prefiled by Rep. Tommy Hanes (R-Scottsboro) and others, HB2, would require wireless service providers to turn over location information to law enforcement agents in “an emergency situation involving a risk of death or serious bodily harm.” Also known as the Kelsey Smith Act, named for a woman killed in 2007 whose body was found after Verizon Wireless finally cooperated with law enforcement. The bill goes on to say that “law enforcement may monitor from any location in this State location information obtained from a wireless communications provider or device from anywhere the device is located regardless of jurisdiction.” Further, the bill states that “the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency shall obtain contact information from all wireless service providers authorized to do business in this state to facilitate a request from a law enforcement agency for call location information under this section. The bureau shall disseminate the contact information to each state and local law enforcement agency in this state.”
