Governor Kay Ivey’s appointments: Agriculture and Natural Resources related (Jan. – April 2019)
As a part of our ongoing efforts to catch up on appointments we are pleased to present Governor Kay Ivey’s Agriculture/Resources appointments from January to April. If you missed the others you can find the education appointments here, healthcare related ones here, and our latest post on judicial and criminal boards and commissions here. Please check back for additional appointments. Information on open board positions is on the appointments webpage. Board of Registration for Foresters (Made January 11) Victoria Lockhart Southern States Energy (Made January 31) Senator Clyde Chambliss Liquefied Petroleum Gas (Made January 31) Dickie Ferguson Agriculture and Conservation Development Commission (Made February 26) Dr. Carol Knight Patty Lambrecht Sue Gaines Rick Oates Water Resource Commission (Made February 26) Phillip Saunders Senator Melson Sam Givhan Kathy Horne Thomas Adams Patty Lambrecht Gulf States Marine Fisheries Commission (Made March 13) Chris Nelson Agriculture and Industries (Made March 13) Carnell McAlpine Franke Speake Willis Floyd Cook, Jr. Hezekiah Early, Jr. Dr. William Powell, III Joseph Harris Dennis Maze Elk River Development Agency Board of Directors (Made March 13) Mark Johnson Mayor Tracy Compton Mayor Richard Herston Board of Examiners of Mine Personnel(Made March 27) Harold Sickles, Jr. Red Mountain Greenway and Recreational Area Commission(Made March 27) Former Representative Paul John DeMarco Armand DeKeyser Tennessee Tombigbee Waterway Development Authority(Made March 27) Martha Stokes James Lewis Baker Allen Donald Waldon Horace Horn Anna Lure McKibbens State Forestry Commission(Made April 12) Jane Trotter Russell Robert Sharp
Kay Ivey unveils proposal to build new prisons
Saying Alabama needs a solution to its ongoing prison crisis, Gov. Kay Ivey is seeking bids to build three large new prisons. Ivey made the announcement during a Tuesday news conference. Ivey said Alabama has a “major problem” with prison conditions and overcrowding, and must have a solution. She said the prison system is seeking proposals from contractors. Ivey said the administration will then decide how to proceed. Options include borrowing money to build them or leasing them from private companies. Corrections Commissioner Jeff Dunn said two prisons would house about 3,000 male inmates each and another would be a specialty facility for inmates with medical and mental health needs. The administration estimated construction would cost about $900 million, but Dunn said they think consolidation savings would cover the cost. Republished with permission from the Associated Press
Gun control and arming teachers bills dead for session
Gun control proposals failed in the Alabama Legislature after most Republican committee members skipped out on Wednesday debate on the bills, including a proposal to raise the age to buy an AR-15 or similar rifle. The House Public Safety and Homeland Security Committee canceled a scheduled meeting after only four members, mostly Democrats, attended. The committee has 11 members. The lack of action likely kills the bills for the session. The committee inaction came a day after the House of Representatives failed to bring a Republican bill to arm teachers up for vote, also signaling the demise of that proposal. Rep. Juandalynn Givan, a Birmingham Democrat, said the lack of attendance for the gun control debate shows that Alabama lawmakers are not serious about discussing substantive changes to gun laws. “Vote it up or vote it down. Don’t be cowards. …. You can’t show up at the meeting to at least have a conversation?” Givan said. Givan referenced how students walked out of high schools across the country last week in national protests against gun violence. “Our kids walked out of school last week to take a stand, and we can’t come to a meeting to take a vote. What does that say about the leadership in the state of Alabama?” Givan’s bill would have raised the age to buy a rifle from 18 to 21. At least two legislatures, including Florida’s, approved similar measures after last month’s shooting at a Florida high school that claimed 17 lives. The committee was also scheduled to debate two other gun control bills by Democrats. One would allow judges to temporarily take firearms from people deemed to be a danger to themselves or others. Another was a long-shot proposal to ban sales of AR-15′s and similar weapons. The separate Republican proposal to arm teachers — another idea introduced in the wake of the Florida shooting __ also stalled in the legislative session expected to wrap up next week. The House of Representatives adjourned Tuesday without debating a bill by Republican Rep. Will Ainsworth of Guntersville that would allow designated teachers and school administrators, to carry, or access, firearms in school after undergoing training. Republican lawmakers appeared divided over the proposal that got pushback from some educators and groups such as Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America. It would have also likely faced a filibuster by Democrats. House Speaker Mac McCutcheon, in a statement signaling the bills demise, said that: “I can offer a personal guarantee that this issue will be revisited when the Legislature convenes its next session.” Ainsworth said Wednesday that he believed he had the votes to narrowly clear a procedural hurdle and pass the legislation, but it faced time constraints and an expected filibuster. Ainsworth said many schools cannot afford to keep an armed law enforcement officer, known as a school resource officer, on campus. He said he and other lawmakers will sign a petition urging Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey to call a special session this summer on school safety. “We’ve got over 500 schools in our state that don’t have any armed protection. In my opinion, that is an urgent need that needs to be addressed,” Ainsworth said. Republished with permission of the Associated Press.
Pay raise for teachers approved by Alabama lawmakers
Alabama lawmakers have approved a 2.5 percent pay raise for teachers and school employees that will cost more than $100 million. The Alabama Senate voted 29-0 Thursday for the pay raise in the education budget for the next fiscal year. The total $6.7 billion budget included a controversial $1.2 million boost to Alabama State University to offset the damage of a finance investigation that found no wrongdoing. It also added $18 million to expand the state’s pre-kindergarten program. Gov. Kay Ivey called for a teacher pay increase in her State of the State speech at the start of the session. The amended bill returns to the House for a final vote. The legislature also approved a 3 percent raise for state employees and a one-time bonus for retirees this year. Republished with the permission of the Associated Press.
Kay Ivey announces ‘Smart on Safety Initiative’ for schools
On Tuesday, Gov. Kay Ivey unveiled her new “Smart on Safety Initiative” during a press conference at the State Capitol. Ivey says her plan will enhance school safety and security, and that she is committed to keeping Alabama’s school children safe. The initiative consists of four key principals: Secured Schools: Ivey recognizes that each school’s security needs are unique. Therefore, Alabama will support local school officials as they meet their own safety needs. Governor Ivey supports permitting the Education Advancement and Technology Fund to be used for school security. (SB 323) We Know Our Kids: Schools will intervene in the lives of students who are at risk of harming themselves or others, before they act violently. Schools will be encouraged to identify at-risk students through student engagement and other factors. Emergency Operations Plans (EOPs): When a school emergency occurs, school personnel must be able to act immediately before first responders arrive. Schools must work with law enforcement and first responders to provide a coordinated response to emergencies. Each school will continuously update its EOP, and students and school personnel will receive regular training on the EOP. Governor’s Securing Alabama Facilities of Education (SAFE) Council: During the press conference, Governor Ivey signed Executive Order 713 convening her SAFE Council to implement her school safety priorities. The Council will be composed of the Secretary of the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, the Secretary of the Office of Information Technology, the Alabama State Superintendent of Education and the Commissioner of the Alabama Department of Mental Health. The SAFE Council will report to the governor by April 30, 2018. “In announcing a four-pronged approach to school safety, we will build on the foundation already in place and allow all available state resources to be focused on efforts to keep our children safe,” said Ivey. “Ensuring safety in our schools is a bipartisan issue, and we must do all we can to prevent violence and be sure we are ready to respond in the event such violence does occur.”
Women of Influence: State Board of Education member Mary Scott Hunter
“Be prepared and know that you want to serve, don’t overthink it. Go for it. You will be glad you did.” Mary Scott Hunter has been an incredible influence in the state of Alabama, raised on the Alabama Gulf Coast, she attended Fairhope High School, obtained her bachelors degree from the University of Alabama, and proceeded to the university’s school of law. She received her Master’s in Business Administration in 2017 from the university as well. After graduating from law school in 1998, she was commissioned as a Lieutenant in the United Sates Air Force, where she served as an Air Force Judge Advocate General for ten years. After her active duty service, Hunter served in the Reserves, and the Alabama Air National Guard, rising to the rank of Major. She was deployed to Ali Al Salem Air Base, Kuwait in 2001, and experienced two overseas tours in Korea and Germany. She has been awarded several military honors; the Meritorious Service Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal with two oak leaf clusters, National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Overseas Short Tour Ribbon, and a Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon. Hunter strongly believes that a good education can make a real difference in the lives of those who seek it, and currently serves on many education centered boards throughout the state. Including: the Alabama Community College System Board of Trustees, Board of Directors of the Alabama Association of School Boards, National Association of School Boards, US Space and Rocket Center Education Committee, Association for Corporate Counsel – Alabama Chapter Board of Directors, and has previously served The Boys and Girls Clubs of North Alabama and Athens State University Board of Trustees. “The women I’ve served with on the Alabama State Board of Education have all had a positive influence on me. Of course, we’ve had disagreements over the years, sometimes strenuous disagreements! I’ve served with Stephanie Bell, Bettie Peters, Yvette Richardson, Ella Bell and Gov. Kay Ivey, Tracy Roberts, Cynthia McCarty, and Jackie Zeigler as well. Each of them is very strong in their own way and have specific areas of focus and expertise. I’ve learned so much from them,” said Hunter. In 2016 Hunter was named among Alabama Media Group’s “Women Who Shape the State” as a woman who has helped change Alabama for the better. She has also been awarded for her leadership, her community service activities, and her economic development efforts. Hunter is also a small business owner. She and her husband Jon own a small technology company, Torel Technology, LLC, and she joined the Intuitive Research and Technology Corporation in 2012. There she leads the company’s business interests in Compliance, Ethics, and Risk. Hunter is a hard-working, self-made woman. She has influenced many aspects of education throughout the state, and has served our country well through the armed services. In spite of her busy schedule, Hunter made time to answer some of Alabama Today’s questions on her life, work, and influences: How have other women influenced your success? Southern women are called “Steel Magnolias,” and it’s such a great description. I’ve been influenced by many, my mother, my Aunt Sally and Aunt Sandy, Sunday school teachers, school teachers, my mother’s friends. These women taught me more lessons than I can count, but one that I carry forward into my talks with young professional women is to carry yourself with class and confidence. Stand up straight with shoulders back. Dress appropriately. Use proper grammar and diction. Be punctual because it is respectful of others. These are some of the things that go into carrying yourself with class and confidence, and it works in every situation. I must also say a word about my mother, Deborah Hunter. Like many Southern women born in the late 40s, career options were limited. Mom had two careers, one in retail and one as a realtor. When she worked at Gayfers Department Store, I thought it was the most glamorous job, and she was the most beautiful of all mothers. Later, as a realtor, I saw how she translated her love of hearth and home into sales and taking good care of her customers. Lots of lessons there, one particular lesson I learned from her when I was 15. She was kidnapped, and she evaded her kidnapper by jumping out of a moving car, running across four lanes of traffic and flagging down on oncoming car. After a poor response from law enforcement, she went to work to get a new sheriff elected in our county which she was successful doing. There’s a lot of steel in that Magnolia! What shaped your desire to serve our country through the armed forces? I joined the Air Force after law school. It was a calling. Like any calling, you get the idea in your head, and you just can’t put it down. I’ve always been most fulfilled when I’m fighting for a cause. The Air Force was the right choice. As an Air Force JAG [Judge Advocate General] I could jump right into the courtroom and try cases immediately. Most of my lawyer friends who went to firms were still carrying the files for older lawyers. To this day, I can prosecute a bar fight or DUI in my sleep! What advice would you give young women considering careers in the military or politics? Look, these opportunities are generally open to people who have something to offer and a desire to serve. But remember it’s both – it’s what you offer and your desire to serve others. The desire to serve is straightforward, you either have it or you don’t. Regarding what you offer, I would tell young women or really anyone to prepare yourself. Be intentional about preparation. Get a solid education. A diploma is a powerful thing for the doors it opens and for the knowledge it represents. Be as healthy as you can because it slows you down when you aren’t well. If you have children, set up support systems and backup plans so you aren’t scrambling
New study finds First Class Pre-K attendees more advanced than peers
A new study released on Tuesday, on behalf of the Alabama Department of Early Childhood Education found children in Alabama who voluntarily participated in the First Class Pre-K program are more likely to be competent in reading and math than their peers. “These findings prove that what we are doing in Alabama is working. Our First Class Pre-K program is second to none and our students are benefitting,” said Gov. Kay Ivey. “Now we must work to take the methods of instruction in Pre-K and implement them into kindergarten, first, second and third grade classrooms. Success breeds success and a strong educational foundation is the basis for the success of all Alabamians in the future.” The study also concluded that the program was notably effective with minority students and students from low-income families. “The latest analysis of the First Class Pre-K program provides the clearest evidence to-date that participation in Alabama’s high-quality, voluntary First Class Pre-K program is helping students succeed throughout their time in school, what is most exciting about this report is how the lessons learned in Alabama’s First Class Pre-K are persistent in every grade and in every race and ethnic group, with the most profound impact demonstrated by some of the state’s most vulnerable children,” added secretary of the Alabama Department of Early Childhood Education, Jeana Ross. The study, titled “Achievement Gap Closure and Gains Associated with Alabama’s First Class Pre-K,” was conducted by the University of Alabama at Birmingham and the Public Affairs Research Council of Alabama. The research team also observed that attendance in Alabama’s First Class Pre-K program: Narrowed the gap in reading proficiency by 28 percent for all children in poverty; 32 percent for White children in poverty; 31 percent for Hispanic children in poverty; and, 26 percent for Black children in poverty. Narrowed the gap in math proficiency by 57 percent for all children in poverty; 71 percent for Hispanic children in poverty; and, 37 percent for Black children in poverty. Increased reading proficiency for children in poverty by 12 percent overall; 25 percent for Hispanic children in poverty; 23 percent for Black children in poverty; and, 3 percent for White children in poverty. Increased math proficiency for children in poverty by 13 percent overall; 17 percent for Hispanic children in poverty; 16 percent for Black children in poverty; and, 10 percent for White children in poverty. The Alabama First Class Pre-K program is located in 941 classrooms across the state. The National Institute for Early Education Research has named the program the nation’s highest quality pre-k program for the past eleven years.
Alabama exports set new record in 2017
Gov. Kay Ivey announced on Thursday that in 2017 Alabama exports reached a record setting $21.7 billion, up 6 percent from 2016’s export total of $20.5 billion. “We’ve seen Alabama exports continue to expand in recent years, strengthening our economy at home and creating more opportunities for our citizens,” said Ivey. “The companies sending Alabama-made products to markets across the world are not just large, multinational companies, but also small and medium-sized companies located in communities across the state, setting a new annual export record is just another example of the economic success that Alabama is enjoying right now.” Alabama exports have grown 21 percent since 2011, and 50 percent in the last ten years. “Exporting is a fundamental economic pillar that supports growth in our state, and increasing demand for Alabama-made products around the globe underscores the success of our dynamic manufacturing sector,” said secretary of the Alabama Department of Commerce, Greg Canfield. “Growing export activity contributes economic vitality and spurs job creation across the state.” Alabama businesses exported goods to over 180 countries. According to a press release from the governor’s office, the top five markets were: Canada: $4.14 billion China: $3.62 billion Germany: $2.94 billion Mexico: $2.9 billion Japan:$682.6 million Exports to China and Mexico both grew by 10 percent, while shipments to Japan jumped 30 percent. Transportation machinery was Alabama’s No. 1 export, cars were the largest export in this category. Aircraft, spacecraft and auto parts, were the other top exports. Other exports were chemicals, minerals and paper. “With much of the world’s purchasing power located outside the U.S., Alabama companies are looking at markets beyond our borders for growth opportunities, exports enhance the quality of life for all Alabamians and elevate prosperity in the state. Creating jobs through exports for the state’s citizens is key to accelerating Alabama globally.” said director of the Commerce Department’s Office of International Trade, Hilda Lockhart. In 2017, Alabama ranked No. 22 in the nation in export volume, moving up one spot from 2016.
Kay Ivey introduces new education initiatives
On Friday, Gov. Kay Ivey announced that she will be adding several new education initiatives to her already thriving “Strong Start, Strong Finish” initiative. The new policies include: the Alabama Grade-Level Reading Campaign, Strong Families = A Strong Start, Attendance Works for Alabama, and the Alabama Summer Achievement Program (ASAP). “Alabama is known throughout the country for the quality of our voluntary First-Class Pre-K Program. We must ensure that the gains we are making in Pre-K are continuing into elementary school and beyond” said Ivey. In Alabama only 35 percent of third graders are proficient readers. In third grade, students move from learning how to read to reading to learn. Students who fail to grasp this critical concept often fall behind and drop out before earning a high school diploma. The “Alabama Grade-Reading Campaign” seeks to change that statistic through school readiness programs, improving the Alabama Reading Initiative, summer learning opportunities, and by preventing chronic absenteeism for K-3 students. The “Strong Families=A Strong Start” campaign will focus it’s efforts on increasing family engagement in early childhood education and as a result decreasing the school readiness gap facing low-income children. The program will encourage home-visiting programs which will assist parents in becoming “first teachers” for their children at home. According to Alabama School Connection, “Nearly 93,000 students in Alabama’s public schools missed 15 or more days of school during the 2013-2014 school year.” In Alabama, these students are considered chronically absent, and those in K-3 who miss 10 percent or more of classes have low academic performance. To combat this issue Ivey has announced the “Attendance Works for Alabama” initiative which will call attention to how harmful student’s missing school is. Ivey has also added the “Alabama Summer Achievement Program” to prevent the backsliding that often occurs over the summer for children in low-income families. The program will ensure that students who are reading below grade proficiency in grades 1-3 will have a chance to catch up over the summer through a six week program. “We have hardworking teachers and students who want to learn, but there is no question we must improve the quality of education in Alabama,” Ivey added. “By working together, we can and must help our children reach their highest potential – our future depends on it.”
Kay Ivey awards over $400,000 to law enforcement agencies across state
Gov. Kay Ivey has granted over $400,000 to fifteen different law enforcement agencies across the state. The funds will be used to purchase new gear and increase safety in their individual districts. “The brave men and women of our law enforcement agencies put their lives on the line each and every day to serve and protect their communities,” Ivey said. “I am pleased to help them obtain the needed equipment to enable them to do their jobs effectively and safely.” The funds are available through the U.S. Department of Justice, and will be administered by the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA), which administers an array of programs supporting law enforcement and traffic safety, economic development, energy conservation, water resource management and recreation development. The individual counties and districts and how they will use the grants are as follows: West Alabama: Hale, Sumter and Marengo counties will use grants to obtain new patrol vehicles Greene County Sheriff’s Department will invest in radios, bullet-proof vests and related equipment Eutaw Police Department will purchase vehicle radar systems and a live-scan fingerprint system The Demopolis Police Department aims to use funds for a new generator, assorted office equipment, electronic stun devices East Alabama: Valley plans to use funds to purchase laptop computers Lanett will use grant to acquire laptop computers, body cameras and electric stun guns Alexander City will purchase a utility task vehicle and traffic equipment Dadeville will invest in an off-road vehicle and body cameras Sylacauga plans on purchasing 30 stun guns and accessories for their police department Northeast Alabama: Cherokee County Commission will purchase a new vehicle for the Sheriff’s Office Jackson County Commission for the Sheriff’s Office will purchase tasers, body cameras, and a server to store video data The city of Arab will invest in a video system that includes in-car and body cameras for the police department The city of Guntersville will purchase 80 firearms for the police department The city of Scottsboro plans to purchase four new in-car computers for their police department Pell City will invest in a new case management system which will enable their officers to track crime reporting and to share evidence and intelligence with other law enforcement agencies Irondale plans to buy a body camera system for their officers.
Alabama School Choice Week hosts 548 statewide events to raise school choice awareness
Gov. Kay Ivey has declared Jan. 21-27, 2018 to be Alabama’s School Choice Week. The goal of the week is to raise public awareness on the options that parents have for their children’s education. 548 different events and celebrations will take place across the state over the course of the week, including; school fairs, open house events at schools, homeschooling information sessions, and other festivities. In addition to these events, a rally will be held on Thursday, January 25 at the Alabama State Capitol building. School Choice Week brings awareness to the various education options available to Alabama’s 1.1 million children. Families in Alabama can pick from a plethora of learning environments including conventional public schools, public magnet schools, private schools, public charter schools, and homeschooling. Alabama also offers a tuition-free public online school which currently enrolls over 1,000 students across the state. “Over the last several years, Alabama leaders have taken important steps toward providing parents with access to new and different education environments for their children,” stated Andrew Campanella, current president of National School Choice Week. “We encourage Alabama parents to use National School Choice Week as an opportunity to evaluate school options for their children, and we are grateful that so many schools, homeschool groups, and community organizations are holding events and activities during the week to spotlight their success.” National School Choice Week, which is being celebrated in conjunction with Alabama’s, has been celebrated since 2011 as an independent public awareness effort. School Choice Week is nonpartisan and it is not related to any legislative advocacy campaign. “School Choice Week is important for our school because we feel that we are in partnership with parents, children’s first educators, to provide the best educational opportunities for our future citizens,” explained Little Flower Catholic School principal Alesa Weiskopf. “Parents must have a choice. We are honored to be one of the choices and celebrate not only during School Choice Week but every day.” In addition to Ivey’s declaration, the cities of Clanton, Greensboro, Huntsville, Brundidge, Selma, Phenix City, Georgiana, Westover, Ecletic, Troy, Elberta, and Southside have also issued declarations recognizing School Choice Week in their communities. Nationally, 32,240 events and celebrations have been organized to raise public awareness over the course of The Week. Nearly 7 million Americans are expected to participate making it the largest series of education-related events in U.S. history.
