Terri Sewell wins re-election to seventh term
Congresswoman Terri Sewell was re-elected to her seventh term representing Alabama’s Seventh Congressional District. Sewell cruised to victory even though the Seventh Congressional District became much more diverse after 2021’s redistricting and reapportionment by the Alabama Legislature. “To the great people of Alabama’s 7th Congressional District, thank you,” said Rep. Sewell. “Representing you in Congress is my greatest honor, and I am so grateful for the opportunity to serve another term. This victory belongs to you!” Rep. Sewell won 63.5% percent of the vote (123,060 votes). Republican challenger Beatrice Nichols received 67,353 votes (34.77%).00 Libertarian Party Chairman Gavin Goodman received 3,207 votes (1.66%). “Regardless of how you voted, I pledge to continue listening, learning, and fighting for the values we share. We as a nation face many challenges, but I am confident that working together, we can continue to deliver more resources and better opportunities for our communities. I look forward to the work that lies ahead!” Sewell campaigned tirelessly in this election, traveling all over the district, often bringing checks, emphasizing her ability to bring home money for the district. Sewell is the first Democratic woman elected to Congress from Alabama in state history. She is the only Black woman to ever serve in the Alabama Congressional delegation. Sewell ran for Congress when then-incumbent Congressman Artur Davis ran for Governor. Before her congressional service, Sewell was an attorney in Birmingham. Sewell has held several leadership positions, including Freshman Class President in the 112th Congress. This current term, she was selected by Democratic leadership to serve as a Chief Deputy Whip and sits on the prestigious Steering and Policy Committee, which sets the policy direction of the Democratic Caucus. Sewell is a member of the Congressional Black Caucus, where she is Co-Chair of the Voting Rights Task Force. She is a member of the New Democrat Coalition, Co-Chair of the Congressional Voting Rights Caucus, Vice-Chair of the Congressional HBCU Caucus, and Co-Chair of the Rural Caucus. Sewell is a native of Selma, where she was the first Black valedictorian of Selma High School. She has degrees from Princeton University and Oxford University in England, as well as a law degree from Harvard Law School. Sewell is the only Democrat in the Alabama Congressional Delegation. Republican incumbents, U.S. Representatives Mike Rogers, Robert Aderholt, Jerry Carl, Barry Moore, and Gary Palmer, were re-elected by large margins. Madison County Commissioner Dale Strong, as expected, easily won the open Alabama’s Fifth Congressional District. While all of Alabama’s congressional races went as expected, that could change in the 2024 election as that 2021 redistricting is being challenged in federal court. The U.S. Supreme Court has already heard one of those suits, and a decision is expected this spring. The Court could potentially order the entire congressional redistricting may be redrawn. As of press time on Wednesday, it is still not known whether Democrats have held on to their razor-thin majorities in the U.S. House of Representatives and U.S. Senate. An expected “Red Wave” did not materialize on election day, so whichever party controls Congress will have very low majorities to work with. Sewell is a member of House leadership. The Biden Administration is saying that the better-than-unexpected results are a vindication of Joe Biden’s policies. To connect with the author of this story, or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Dale Strong wins Alabama’s 5th Congressional District seat
Republican Dale Strong has been elected to the north Alabama congressional district being vacated by U.S. Rep Mo Brooks. Strong on Tuesday defeated Democrat Kathy Warner-Stanton and Libertarian P. J. Greer to win Alabama’s 5th Congressional District, the state’s only open congressional seat this year. Brooks did not seek another term, choosing instead to run for the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by retiring U.S. Sen. Richard Shelby. The six-term congressman lost the Republican primary runoff to former business lobby leader Katie Britt, who was elected. Strong is chairman of the Madison County Commission and a volunteer firefighter and emergency medical technician. He won the GOP nomination after defeating Casey Wardynski, a former Huntsville school superintendent, in a primary runoff. The state’s six other congressional districts also were decided: — In the 1st Congressional District of southwest Alabama, incumbent Republican Rep. Jerry Carl defeated Libertarian Alexander Remrey. ADVERTISEMENT — In the 2nd Congressional District in southeast Alabama, incumbent Republican Rep. Barry Moore was reelected, defeating Democrat Phyllis Harvey-Hall and Libertarian Jonathan Realz. — In east Alabama’s 3rd Congressional District, incumbent Republican Rep. Mike Rogers defeated Democrat Lin Veasey Democrat, Libertarian Thomas Sickofdc Casson and independent Douglas A. Bell. — In the 4th Congressional District of north-central Alabama, incumbent Republican Rep. Robert Aderholt was reelected, defeating Democrat Rick Neighbors and Libertarian Johnny C. Cochran. — In the 6th Congressional District of central Alabama, incumbent Republican Rep. Gary Palmer defeated Libertarian Andria Chieffo. — In west Alabama’s 7th Congressional District, Incumbent Democratic Rep. Terri Sewell was reelected. She defeated Republican Beatrice Nichols and Libertarian Gavin Goodman. Sewell was the only Democrat in Alabama’s congressional delegation. Republished with the permission of The Associated Press.
Terri Sewell announces over $34 million in USDA funds to expand rural internet access in Lowndes County
Congresswoman Terri Sewell announced on Thursday that the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is investing $34,781,800 to increase broadband connectivity and internet services throughout Lowndes County. This funding is a part of USDA’s ReConnect Program and will be used to connect a prospective 4,646 people, 154 farms, 96 businesses, and three public schools to high-speed internet in Lowndes County. “As we saw during the COVID-19 pandemic, access to reliable high-speed internet is critical to the success of our communities,” said Rep. Sewell in a statement.“This $34 million investment represents a major step forward in our continued effort to connect rural Alabamians with broadband. I’m proud to partner with USDA Rural Development to ensure that Alabamians everywhere have access to the internet connectivity they need and deserve.” “Communities across rural Alabama need access to high-speed internet in order to participate in the modern digital landscape,” said USDA Rural Development Alabama State Director, Nivory Gordon. “Whether it is for learning, conducting business, connecting with loved ones, or providing services which are not available locally, the lack of high-speed internet access has a direct impact on the quality of life for our rural families. That’s why we here at USDA are working with high-speed internet providers to continue to connect rural Alabama to the world.” Hayneville Telephone Company is receiving a grant of $34,781,800 to deploy a fiber-to-the-premises network that will connect residents, farms, businesses, and schools to high-speed internet in Lowndes County, Alabama. The Hayneville Telephone Company Inc. will make high-speed internet affordable by participating in the FCC’s Affordable Connectivity and Lifeline programs. This project will be funded with a grant announced from the third funding round of the ReConnect Program. There is strong bipartisan for broadband expansion in both Washington and Montgomery. Expanding the broadband network has economic, healthcare, and education benefits for rural communities. Broadband access also makes rural communities more attractive for young people as they consider their futures and where they want to settle. To be eligible for ReConnect Program funding, an applicant must serve an area that does not have access to service at speeds of 100 megabits per second (Mbps) (download) and 20 Mbps (upload). The applicant must also commit to building facilities capable of providing high-speed internet service with speeds of 100 Mbps (download and upload) to every location in its proposed service area. Visit USDA website to learn more about this and other investment resources for rural areas from the USDA. Sewell is in her sixth term representing Alabama’s Seventh Congressional District. Sewell, a native of Selma and a former attorney for the city of Birmingham, faces Republican nominee Beatrice Nichols and Libertarian nominee Gavin Goodman in the November 8 general election. The 2021 redistricting by the Alabama Legislature made the Seventh Congressional District a much more diverse and competitive district than it was in the past. Polls open on Tuesday at 7:00 am and close at 7:00 pm. Voters wanting to participate in any Alabama election need to bring a photo ID with them to the polls. To connect with the author of this story, or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
University of Alabama receives $7.8 million grant to electrify buses
On Thursday, Congresswoman Terri Sewell visited the University of Alabama, where she was joined by University President Stuart Bell, to announce that the federal government has awarded the University a $7.8 award to convert the University’s bus fleet from diesel-powered buses to battery-powered electric buses. “I just stopped by the University of Alabama to deliver a check for $7.8 million from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to upgrade the University’s Crimson Ride bus fleet with new, clean energy electric buses,” Sewell wrote on Facebook. “That means new vehicles and a cleaner, healthier campus community! ” Rep. Sewell was the only member of the Alabama Congressional delegation to vote in favor of President Joe Biden’s controversial infrastructure bill, which included $billions to fight climate change. “Once again, we’re seeing much-needed funding coming to Alabama to improve our infrastructure, connect our communities, and clean up our environment,” Sewell continued. “This law is a true testament to what we can achieve when we put people over politics, and I was proud to support it!” Earlier in the day, Rep. Sewell hosted a town hall at the McDonald Hughes Center in Tuscaloosa to speak with constituents. “Climate change is real,” Sewell said at the press conference. “We have experienced tornados and really bad storms here. The reality is that we need to leave this planet better than we found it, and that is going to take an investment in our infrastructure.” Sewell said that the federal government should invest in infrastructure like charging stations, “To make sure that we are not contributing to the release of greenhouse gases.” Electric battery-powered buses have 70 percent lower global warming emissions than diesel or natural gas buses, according to a recent analysis by the American Association for the Advancement of Science. The Biden administration and some environmentalists claim that reducing emissions will have an overall benefit in reducing global warming moving forward. Sewell is in her sixth term representing Alabama’s Seventh Congressional District. She faces her most difficult re-election effort to date due to population migration out of the district and 2021 redistricting by the Alabama Legislature that made the district much more Republican than it was in the 2020 election. Sewell is the only Democrat in Alabama’s congressional delegation. She is the only Black woman to represent Alabama in Congress in the history of the State of Alabama. Sewell is a native of Selma and lives in the Hoover area. “It is important that you vote for the people who have your back whether it is the people’s house, the governor’s house, or the state house,” Sewell said. “It is the honor of a lifetime to represent you in Washington, and I can only do that through town halls like this across the district.” Sewell faces Republican Beatrice Nichols and Libertarian Gavin Goodman in the November 8 general election. To connect with the author of this story, or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Barry Moore endorses Beatrice Nichols for Congress
On Wednesday, the Beatrice Nichols campaign announced that Nichols has received the endorsement of Republican Congressman Barry Moore. Nichols is challenging incumbent Democratic Congresswoman Terri Sewell in Alabama’s Seventh Congressional District. Republicans are hopeful that they can win control of the U.S. House of Representatives in this year’s midterms, and Alabama’s Seventh Congressional District is the only district in Alabama represented by a Democrat. “The November 8th election is quite possibly the most important one of my lifetime,” Moore said. “It’s this simple, our country is at a tipping point. We have an opportunity to take back the House and Senate to stop the insanity in Washington DC and start to take our country back. We need every Republican we can get. Alabama is a conservative state. We believe in the value of hard work, the value of life, and the vital importance of freedom from government overreach. We believe our rights are given by God and not government. Because Bea Nichols believes this, too, it is my honor to endorse her for Congress. She will fight for the unborn and for our 2nd Amendment rights. She will fight for Alabama values in Washington. I ask the people of district 7 to please send Bea Nichols to DC to help me and other Republicans fight the progressive agenda. Together we can save our nation.” Nichols is married and a mother of three. She graduated from Hale County High School. She attended community college, where she received a nursing license. After graduating, she worked in Tuscaloosa for a local doctor. She went back to school and graduated from the University of Alabama with a degree in elementary and special education. They then taught second grade at a local private school for six years. While teaching and raising children, Nichols earned a master’s degree in special education. After graduation and having a third child, she went to work at a local public school as a self-contained special education teacher. Currently, she is enrolled at the University of Alabama pursuing a doctorate in special education. The Seventh Congressional District is the poorest in Alabama. “Our district is plagued with poverty, unemployment, and crime, especially in places like Perry, Greene, Lowndes, Wilcox, and Dallas counties,” Nichols said on her website. “In some of these counties, children do not have clean drinking water. The schools are closing because people are leaving in search of jobs and good schooling for their children. Throughout the district, our small towns are crumbling before our eyes. There are no opportunities for our young adults, and they are having a very hard time finding work in the area they live. Our current representative for the 7th district comes and speaks at the entrance of a historic bridge about all the good things that are happening in our district – using the Edmond Pettis bridge as a backdrop for publicity when not more than 50 yards away there is unimaginable poverty where living conditions are paralleled to some third world countries.” Nichols also recently received the endorsement of the Americans for Legal Immigration PAC. “Americans for Legal Immigration PAC is endorsing and asking voters to support, volunteer for, and donate to the campaigns of J.R. Majewski (R-OH-9) and Beatrice Nichols (R-AL-7) for US Congress because both candidates have completed ALIPAC’s 2022 federal candidate survey indicating they oppose licenses, in-state tuition, and DACA Amnesty for illegals while supporting the full enforcement of America’s existing immigration laws,” the group wrote on their website. ALIPAC has also endorsed incumbent Republican Congressman Barry Moore in Alabama’s Second Congressional District and incumbent Republican Congressman Mike Rogers in Alabama’s Third Congressional District. Sewell is the only Democrat in the Alabama congressional delegation. Her district is majority-minority, but after 2021’s redistricting and reapportionment by the Alabama Legislature, the Seventh District has become considerably more White and Republican than it was during the 2020 election. Some Republicans are hopeful that a large turnout of Republican voters on November 8 could flip the district to GOP control. Sewell was hosted on Wednesday by former U.S. Sen. Doug Jones for a fundraiser in Huntsville. Nichols, Sewell, and Libertarian nominee Gavin Goodman are all on the November 8 general election ballot for Alabama’s Seventh Congressional District. To connect with the author of this story, or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Alabama Cannabis Coalition announces endorsements for November 8 election
The Alabama Cannabis Coalition (ACC) announced that they were endorsing Libertarian nominee Dr. James “Jimmy” Blake for Governor. The ACC endorsed most of the Libertarian Party of Alabama slate of candidates as well as a few Democratic candidates in the November 8 general election. “He supports the Citizen’s right to home grow, the expungement of cannabis convictions, decriminalization, and the “Legalization” of cannabis in the State of Alabama,” said ACC President Marty Schelper. “These are all indicators of a candidate who supports smaller government, freedom, liberty, and justice, for the citizens of the State of Alabama.” “We are proud to give him our overwhelming endorsement and support,” Schelper continued. “The ACC will be campaigning for his election.” On Tuesday, the ACC announced that they had endorsed the candidates for the 2022 Midterm Election. “We are pleased to endorse these Anti Prohibition/ProCannabis Candidates in the State of Alabama. We wholeheartedly endorse their campaigns and believe each candidate to be a breath of fresh air for the necessary change that we need in Alabama regarding Cannabis,” the announcement stated. · Jimmy Blake (L), Governor of Alabama · Ruth Page-Nelson (L), Lt. Governor of Alabama · John Sophocleus (L), US Senate · Alexander M. Remrey (L) US Congress, District 1 · Jonathan Realz (L), US Congress District 2 · Johnny C. Cochran (L), US Congress, District 4 · PJ Greer (L), US Congress, District 5 · Gavin Goodman (L), US Congress District 7th · Leigh LaChine (L), AL State Auditor Alabama State Senate · Rick Chandler (L), Alabama State Senate District 3 · Kyle Richard Garrison (L), Alabama State Senate District 6 · Danny Wilson (L), Alabama State Senate District 19 · Portia Shepherd (L), Alabama State Senate District 23 · Richard Benderson (L), Alabama State Senate District 24 · Louie Albert Albright (L), Alabama State Senate, District 25 · David Boatwright (L), Alabama State Senate District 28 · Floyd “Pete” McBroom (L), Alabama State Senate District 29 · Clifton Hudson (L), Alabama State Senate District 35 Alabama House · Rep. Angela Walser (L), Alabama House Rep. District 8 · Gregory Bodine (L), Alabama House Rep. District 9 · Elijah Boyd (L), Alabama House Rep. District 10 · Talia Shimp (L), Alabama House Rep. District 18 · Matthew G. Morris Jr. (L), Alabama House Rep. District 41 · Doug Ward (L), Alabama House Rep. District 42 · Jason Burr (L), Alabama House Rep. District 43 · Kari Mitchell Whitaker (L), Alabama House Rep. District 45 · Neil Rafferty (D), Alabama House Rep. District 54 · Carson Lester (L), Alabama House Rep. District 56 · Manijeh Nancy Jones (L), Alabama House Rep. District 57 · JP French (L), Alabama House Rep. District 60 · Jeff May (L), Alabama House Rep. District 64 · Scott Manges (L), Alabama House Rep. District 76 · Amanda Frison (L), Alabama House Rep. District 79 · Justin Tyler May (L), Alabama House Rep. District 88 · Margaret “Maggie” Helveston (L), Alabama House Rep., District 94 · Richard Brackner (D), Alabama House Rep. District 95 · Mark Lewis (L), Alabama House Rep. District 105 LOCAL CANDIDATES · Devin Cordell (L), Jefferson County Commissioner, District 3 · Frank Dillman Sr. (L), Macon County Commissioner, District 4 · Charles Wyckoff (L), Mobile County Sheriff The general election is on November 8. To connect with the author of this story, or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Terri Sewell speaks to citizens at Tuscaloosa town hall
Congresswoman Terri Sewell held a town hall in Tuscaloosa on Tuesday, followed by stops where she announced federal funding awards at the University of Alabama and Stillman College. Sewell hosted the town hall at the McDonald Hughes Center in Tuscaloosa, where she was joined by Tuscaloosa Mayor Walt Maddox, constituents, as well as members of the media. “It is my honor to welcome someone who really makes a difference in our community,” Mayor Maddox said. Maddox thanked Sewell for voting for the American Rescue Plan Act that delivered aid directly to cities and counties, “Let’s not forget that a year and a half ago, we did not know if we would even make payroll,” Maddox said. “Without that help from Congresswoman Sewell’s office, who knows where we would be.” Maddox also thanked Sewell for federal funding that Tuscaloosa has received to extend its riverwalk for another mile. “We could not have done that without that help from Congresswoman Sewell,” Maddox said. “Thank you all for the opportunity to represent you in Congress,” Sewell said. “So many people ask what do you do in Congress. You read a lot of stuff in the news, but I have to tell you most of the legislation, most of the negotiation goes on behind the scenes, and I have to tell you that the state of Alabama has a delegation that seeks to work together. The fact that Alabama’s delegation tries to work together makes a difference for everybody in this room.” Sewell said that despite differences in opinion between herself and the other members of the Alabama Congressional District, “Ultimately, everyone one of us wants what’s best for our districts and the whole state of Alabama.” “My heart is in the blackbelt of Selma, Alabama, and the Seventh Congressional Delegation, which includes Tuscaloosa and Birmingham,” Sewell continued. “I wouldn’t be where I am today without the whole community’s nurturing. No one journeys alone.” Sewell praised Mayor Maddox and the Tuscaloosa City Council for their work, stating, “I want to thank you for all that you do to bridge the gap. None of us is proud of the economic disparity. It is a joy to work with the council every day.” Sewell spoke about the student loan debt forgiveness program that President Joe Biden announced recently. “While the fancy schools sound great, and I did get scholarships to go there, I still came out of law school with $140,000 in debt, and I did direct the next seven years of my life until I could pay it off,” Sewell said. “There are so many students who graduate from great schools and are still in homes with mom and dad because the cost of living is so high, but also because they have so much student loan debt. Some of them never graduate from college but still have student loan debt.” Sewell explained that the new program would provide $20,000 of debt forgiveness for Pell Grant recipients and $10,000 for other federal loans. “The site to apply is Studentaid.gov,” Sewell said. “Monday was the first day that it opened up. I know that $20,000 is not a lot of money,” Sewell said. “But I would love to have had that opportunity. Let me just say that I was one of the first around the table to say that we needed to do something about student loan debt.” Sewell said that she was proud to have voted for President Biden’s COVID relief bill. “ARPA, the American Rescue Plan Act, was voted on while we were still in the pandemic, and it came after the CARES Act,” Sewell said. “For the very first time, Congress gave money directly to towns and cities to keep our government functioning during this pandemic.” Sewell also said that she supported Biden’s infrastructure bill. “It is a one trillion-dollar investment in our roads and bridges, but not just our roads and bridges because your Congresswoman understands that water and sewer is essential infrastructure,” Sewell said. “We have not invested in our roads since Eisenhower built the interstates.” Sewell said that the bill also addressed the uneven investment in broadband. “I was proud to work with the Biden Administration to help get Alabama $100 million for broadband alone to make sure that it goes not just the last mile,” Sewell explained. “There are communities in the Seventh Congressional District that have not gotten the first mile yet.” Sewell said that the state will also get $182 million for water and sewer and that she made sure that the Seventh Congressional District gets most of that. Sewell said that she also voted for the “Inflation Reduction Act, which was passed right before we left for our August recess.” “One of the things that we did was lower prescription drug costs for our seniors who are on Medicare,” Sewell said. “We capped it at $2,000 so that the most that our seniors on Medicare will have to pay out of pocket is $2,000.” Sewell said that Congress capped the cost that seniors on Medicare pay for a vial of insulin at $35. “Insulin was costing twenty times more than in the United Kingdom,” Sewell said. “Now, for all Medicare recipients, it is $35 a vial.” Sewell said she is, “Laser focused on trying to bring down the cost of groceries of prescription drugs, but it won’t happen overnight.” Sewell said she would not tell voters how to vote in the November 8 general election but urged them to vote. “Nothing is more important to the history of our district Alabama’s Seventh Congressional District is civil rights, and voting rights-it is a proud legacy,” Sewell said. “None of us can afford to stay at home.” “Let’s make sure that we do the right thing and vote for the people who have our backs, whether it is Congress, the governor’s house, or the state house,” Sewell said. “It is important that you don’t go to the polls by yourself but that you make sure that you bring someone to the polls with you.” Each year, Rep. Sewell hosts a series of town hall meetings in
Terri Sewell presents federal funds to Miles College for preservation of Williams Hall
Congresswoman Terri Sewell joined Miles College leaders on Monday for a ceremony announcing the award of federal National Park Service funds to preserve historic Williams Hall. This was part of a National Park Service (NPS) $9.7 million award to Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). “Great morning at Miles College, where I presented a check for half a million dollars from the National Park Service that I helped secure to preserve Williams Hall on campus!” Sewell said on Facebook. “Our HBCUs have played such a critical role in our nation’s history and I will always fight to ensure they get the support they need to develop the next generation of Black leaders and scholars!” Williams Hall was constructed in 1907 and is the oldest building on the Miles College campus. Miles previously received $499,869 from the National Park Service to preserve and restore the historic building in August 2021. “Each year, as Congress makes critical decisions about which federal programs to fund, ensuring that preservation projects on HBCU campuses get the robust funding they deserve remains one of my top legislative priorities,” Sewell said. “I’m thrilled to see that Alabama HBCUs are once again beneficiaries of this program.” Sewell said that the award will allow the College to begin the next phase of restoring and preserving the historic building. The National Park Service announced back in July that it would award $9.7 million to HBCUs, with HBCUs in Alabama receiving $2.5 million. Alabama State University, Miles College, Selma University, Alabama A&M University, and Stillman College are all receiving funds. “I’m thrilled to announce that the National Park Service is investing $2.5 million to preserve historic structures on the campuses of Alabama’s HBCUs,” Sewell stated. “This is a big win for Alabama. Alabama’s HBCUs have played such a pivotal role in shaping the history of our nation, and I was so proud to help make this funding available, which will be used to preserve these cherished institutions.” Since the 1990s, the NPS has awarded more than $87 million in grants to over 85 of the remaining active HBCUs. Congress appropriates funding for the program through the Historic Preservation Fund, which uses revenue from federal oil and gas leases on the Outer Continental Shelf, providing assistance for a broad range of preservation projects without expending tax dollars. “For more than 180 years, Historically Black Colleges and Universities have provided high-level academics, opportunities, and community for generations of students,” said NPS Director Chuck Sams. “These grants enable HBCUs to preserve the noteworthy structures that honor the past and tell the ongoing story of these historic institutions.” Sewell is seeking her seventh term representing Alabama’s Seventh Congressional District. She faces opposition from Libertarian Gavin Goodman and Republican Beatrice Nichols. To connect with the author of this story, or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Terri Sewell awards $500,000 to Selma to fight crime
On Thursday, Congresswoman Terri Sewell joined Selma Mayor James Perkins Jr. and Selma Police Chief Kenta Fulford to announce that Selma has been awarded $550,000 in federal funds to improve public safety. “Fighting to end gun violence, combat crime, and make our communities safer will always be a TOP priority of mine, which is why I fought so hard to secure over half a million dollars for the Selma Police Department in this year’s federal budget!” Sewell said on Facebook. “Grants like this are especially important for our rural communities, which too often face barriers to acquiring adequate funding. This money will better equip local law enforcement with the tools they need to do their jobs, all while building bridges between police and the communities they serve.” Sewell’s office said the funding would bolster public safety in the City of Selma. The money will be used to hire additional law enforcement to patrol the city and work to combat gun violence. It will also help facilitate an open relationship between the police department and the community through education and training. Sewell’s office said that this public safety funding is part of the over $8 million that Sewell secured in the FY2022 government funding package for community projects in Alabama’s Seventh Congressional District. These projects, they hope, will help reverse decades of disinvestment. Sewell has represented Alabama’s Seventh Congressional District since her election in 2010. She is seeking her seventh term. Sewell faces Republican Beatrice Nichols and Libertarian Gavin Goodman in the November 8 general election. To connect with the author of this story, or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Terri Sewell announces millions in workforce development funding for Birmingham and Bessemer
Congresswoman Terri Sewell announced millions in grant funding from the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) during press conferences in Birmingham and Bessemer on Monday. The funds will be for job training and educational opportunities for at-risk youth. The Bessemer Housing Authority and Housing Authority of the Birmingham District (HABD) will each receive $1.5 million from the DOL’s YouthBuild program to support the development of apprenticeship and other career pathway models that prepare at-risk youth for jobs in construction and other in-demand industries, especially clean energy. The awards are part of a $90 million investment by the federal government to grow America’s clean energy workforce with education and training for young adults. “This announcement is truly a win-win for our community,” Sewell stated in a press release. “By connecting at-risk youth with job training and education, this funding will provide our most vulnerable young adults with the resources they need to succeed, all while growing our green energy workforce. Once again, I applaud the Biden-Harris Administration for making transformational investments in our community!” Courtney Coleman is the Executive Director of the Bessemer Housing Authority. “We are delighted to be awarded the Department of Labor YouthBuild Grant to help provide the youth of Bessemer, Alabama with additional resources, furthering their education and preparing them to become productive citizens in our community,” said Coleman. “We believe these funds along with our community partners will work together to ‘Build Better Lives’ and ‘Deliver Hope,’ which is the mission here at the Bessemer Housing Authority.” Dr. Anthony Hood is the Chairman of the Housing Authority of the Birmingham District. “This is a monumental win for our agency,” said Chairman Hood. “This award allows us to equip our most promising youth with the tools needed to thrive in an ever-competitive workforce. The demand for skilled trades and apprenticeships has never been stronger, and this grant allows us to place our young people on a direct path to the careers of the future.” “Often, when a child drops out of school, society takes it as a sign that they have given up hope that life can get any better for them. This grant allows us to seek out those youth and give that hope back to them,” said HABD President and CEO Dontrelle Young Foster. “With this award, HABD can prepare residents for quality jobs and promote the attainment of skills necessary for success in this knowledge-based economy. This is a win not only for the clients we serve at HABD but also for the entire City of Birmingham.” Since November 23, 2021, the Department of Labor has awarded 68 grants—ranging from $700,000 to $1.5 million—to organizations in 28 states and Puerto Rico to deliver job training and employment services. The participants will engage in classroom learning that will prepare them for work-based learning opportunities, building and rehabilitating affordable housing for low-income or homeless families in their communities. Participants will split their time between workplace training and the classroom, where they will earn a high school diploma or equivalent degree to prepare for postsecondary opportunities. The purpose of the YouthBuild program is to fund organizations to provide a pre-apprenticeship program model that encompasses education, occupational skills training, leadership development, and high-quality post-program placement opportunities for youth. YouthBuild is a community-based alternative education program for youth between the ages of 16 and 24 who left high school prior to graduation that also have other risk factors, including being an adjudicated youth, youth aging out of foster care, youth with disabilities, migrant farmworker youth, youth experiencing housing instability, and other disadvantaged youth populations. The YouthBuild program simultaneously addresses multiple core issues important to youth in low-income communities: affordable housing, leadership development, education, and employment opportunities in in-demand industries and apprenticeship pathways. YouthBuild programs serve as the connection point to vital services for participants. The YouthBuild funding opportunity announcement included criteria that awarded bonus points for applicants that demonstrated their ability to provide training in green construction techniques, training the next generation of workers for resilience and clean energy careers of the future. Rep. Sewell is in her sixth term representing Alabama’s Seventh Congressional District. Redistricting has made CD7 much more diverse than in previous elections. Sewell faces Republican Beatrice Nichols and Libertarian Gavin Goodman in the November 8 general election. To connect with the author of this story, or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Terri Sewell secures $3 million in federal funds for the North Birmingham Community Development Rehabilitation Project
On Friday, U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell was joined by Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin and state and local officials to announce $3 million in federal funding for the North Birmingham Community Development Rehabilitation Project. Sewell secured the funding in the Fiscal Year 2022 Government Funding Package for the City of Birmingham. It will be used to redevelop the former North Birmingham Elementary School and address long-standing environmental concerns. “Today, government is working on behalf of the people of North Birmingham!” said Rep. Sewell. “This community has suffered from environmental injustice for far too long, and the people of North Birmingham know just how critical it is that we invest in clean-up and revitalization. This $3 million in federal funding will make a big difference for this community by helping to redevelop the former North Birmingham Elementary School and address long-standing environmental concerns. I fought hard to secure this critical federal assistance in this year’s government funding package, and I’m so excited to see it come to our community. I’ll continue working to make our communities cleaner, healthier, and more vibrant here in the 7th Congressional District!” “This is a great day for the people of North Birmingham,” said Mayor Woodfin. “North Birmingham has suffered from environmental injustice for over a century. These resources will help in righting some of the wrongs from decades of neglect. As a child of North Birmingham, I am particularly grateful. I lived here, went to school here, and know that justice is long overdue. Today says that we have not been forgotten. Thank you, Congresswoman Terri Sewell, for always supporting the people of Birmingham.” Sewell’s office said that the funding to redevelop the former North Birmingham Elementary School is part of the over $8 million that Sewell secured in the FY2022 government funding package for community projects in Alabama’s Seventh Congressional District. Sewell is a native of Selma and an attorney who resides in the Hoover-Birmingham metro area. She is serving her sixth term in Congress and is running for a seventh. She faces Republican Beatrice Nichols and Libertarian Gavin Goodman in the November 8 general election following redistricting by the Alabama Legislature that made the Seventh Congressional District more diverse and potentially more competitive. To connect with the author of this story, or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
