Alabama bill would allow high school athletes to make money off of their image
Jemma Stephenson, Alabama Reflector An Alabama state representative has filed a bill that would allow high school athletes to make money off of their image. The legislation, HB25, sponsored by Rep. Jeremy Gray, D-Opelika, would be a name, image, and likeness (NIL) bill for high school athletes. The bill is limited to the athlete and does not allow the use of “marks, including a school logo, school name, school mascot, or trademarked logo or acronym of an athletic association,” alongside some other restrictions. “Because it’s already happening on a college level and what better way to get kids trained to the mindset of NIL by starting in high school,” Gray said in an interview on Monday. Alabama has had a state name, image, and likeness law since 2021, one that was revised in 2022 after it was deemed stricter than the NCAA’s later regulations. The NCAA allows college athletes to profit from their image, name, and likeness under NCAA NIL, according to NCSA Recruiting, ranging from the use of merchandise to autographs to running camps and clinics. According to The Hill, at least 30 states and Washington, D.C. have legislation that allows high school students to make money off of their image. Gray’s bill says that no student-athlete in the state “shall be prevented from receiving compensation for the use of his or her name, image, or likeness.” Gray, who played football at North Carolina State, said he doesn’t think it’s fair that schools, but not the athletes, are allowed to make money off of athletes. One reason for the bill, he said, is the difficulty in predicting how long an athletic career might last. “We may not make it to the NFL, NBA, WNBA, but a lot of athletes are training their entire lives for a moment where they can get actually compensated for their skills and talents,” he said. Ron Ingram, a spokesman for the Alabama High School Athletic Association, said no one from AHSAA was available to comment this week. Gray also said he wants to put Alabama on a level playing field with other states that have NIL laws for high school students. “Monetization is important to me when it comes to student-athletes, and especially on any level of high school, college, or in the NFL because so many people are making money off the athletes, and they’re not being able to capitalize on those opportunities, their sales, so this bill just really came from the premises of other states are doing it, and we just need to move towards that,” he said. Alabama Reflector is part of States Newsroom, a network of news bureaus supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Alabama Reflector maintains editorial independence. Follow Alabama Reflector on Facebook and Twitter.
21 candidates qualify to run in Congressional District 2
Alabama’s Second Congressional District race was already crowded, but by the time major party qualifying ended on Friday at 5:00 p.m., a total of 21 candidates had qualified with the Alabama Democratic Party and the Alabama Republican Party. The Congressional District 2 (CD2) seat is an open seat because the court-appointed special master redrew Alabama’s congressional districts in such a way that two incumbents, Barry Moore (R-Enterprise) and Jerry Carl (R-Enterprise), now live in the same district – Alabama’s First Congressional District. While Moore and Carl battle over which one gets to remain in Congress, CD2 is open with no incumbent. Since the rules for Congressional Districts do not require you to live in the district you are running, politicians from all over Alabama are running for this seat. Thirteen candidates qualified to run in CD2 with the Alabama Democratic Party. Retired Marine and 2020 congressional candidate James Averhart from Mobile qualified. So did State Representative Napoleon Bracy Jr. Bracy represents Prichard. He works for Austal. State Senator Merika Coleman from Jefferson County qualified. Coleman represents Birmingham, Bessemer, and Pleasant Grove. State Representative Anthony Daniels from Huntsville is running for the seat. Daniels is the House Minority Leader. Shomari Figures works in Washington, D.C., for Attorney General Merrick Garland but is originally from Mobile. His parents are State Senator Vivian Figures and the late State Senator Michael Figures (both of Mobile). He has worked for President Barack Obama. Brian Gary is a general surgeon at Jackson Hospital. State Representative Juandalynn Givan represents Birmingham and Forestdale in Jefferson County. Givan is a Jefferson County attorney. State Representative Jeremy Gray represents Lee and Russell Counties in the Legislature. He is the House Minority Whip. Phyllis Harvey-Hall was the Democratic nominee for CD2 in 2022 and 2020. She lost both times to Barry Moore. Willie J. Lenard is a resident of Opelika. Vimal Patel is a successful hotelier, commercial real estate investor, and realtor. He was a candidate in the Democratic primary in 2022 but lost to Harvey-Hall. Larry Darnell Simpson is a musician. Darryl “Sink” Sinkfield is an ASU alum and supporter. Eight Republicans have qualified. State Senator Greg Albritton of Atmore is an attorney. The retired naval officer is currently the House Finance & Taxation General Fund Committee chairman. Dick Brewbaker is a former Montgomery area automobile dealer. The Pike Road resident is a former state senator who served two terms from 2010 to 2018. Caroleene Dobson is a real estate attorney and a former rodeo standout. She serves on the Alabama Forestry Commission and Southeast Livestock Exposition. Karla M. DuPriest is a former candidate for U.S. Senate. She is a longtime congressional staffer who currently runs a popular barbecue restaurant in Mobile. Wallace Gilberry is a former University of Alabama football player who has played for multiple NFL teams. Hampton S. Harris has also qualified for the post. Stacey T. Shepperson qualified on Friday afternoon, right before the close of GOP qualifying. Belinda Thomas serves on the Newton City Council in Dale County. Both major party primaries are on March 5. If necessary, the primary runoff elections will be held on April 16. The eventual Republican and Democratic nominees will then face each other a year from now in the 2024 general election on November 5. The new district lines mean that Congressional District 2 has shifted from being a safe Republican seat to a likely Democratic seat. Given the razor-thin Republican majority in the House of Representatives, this district flipping to the Democrats could help swing control of Congress to the Democrats. To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Five Democrats have qualified for Second Congressional District
Five Democrats have qualified to run for Congress in the Second Congressional District. The list of qualified candidates includes James Averhart, State Rep. Napoleon Bracy, State Rep. Jeremy Gray, Phyllis Harvey-Hall, and Willie J. Lenard. James Averhart is a retired U.S. Marine, who ran previously in CD1 against Jerry Carl in 2020. He lives in Mobile. “The American citizenry deserves and expects more of its leadership,” Averhart said. “We should no longer settle for those who continue to promulgate untruths and spew divisive rhetoric. We deserve leadership who will extol the truth and hold in high regard a united nation.” Napoleon Bracy is a long-time State Representative representing Prichard – one of the poorest major cities in Alabama. Bracy works for Austal USA. “We are taking this thing to Congress,” Bracy said. “This district is made up of so many cities, communities, and neighborhoods just like the one I grew up in—places hurting with high poverty and crime rates, unemployment that just doesn’t have a lot of opportunities, some of it is because they’ve been overlooked. This gives us an opportunity to finally have a seat at the table and get the things we deserve.” Jeremy Gray represents Lee and Russell Counties in the Alabama House of Representatives. “It’s time for a new generation of leadership to bend the arc of justice,” Gray said. “Because the American Dream should be a promise, not a privilege.” “For too many in Alabama, working hard simply isn’t enough to keep food on the table and a roof over our heads,” Gray said. “Our community needs leadership so that we have opportunities not just to get by but to thrive. “For too many in Alabama, working hard simply isn’t enough to keep food on the table and a roof over our heads. Our community needs leadership so that we have opportunities not just to get by but to thrive. That’s why I’m excited to announce that I’m running for Congress – to give voice to these challenges in Washington and to find solutions that will improve the lives of everyone in our community.” “Growing up in Opelika, I was raised in a small house by a single mother and my grandma,” Gray continued. “We lived paycheck to paycheck. But in my Grandma’s house, we made space for everyone. On the football field, I learned the value of teamwork. In the Alabama State House, I fought for the most vulnerable among us.” Gray is the House Minority Whip. Phyllis Harvey-Hall ran for the Second Congressional District in 2022 and 2020, losing both times to Barry Moore (R). Hall is a career educator with both bachelor’s and advanced degrees, “It’s time that Alabama’s 2nd district has a leader that will represent them and bring communities together,” said Harvey-Hall on Facebook. “It’s time for Alabama to have a leader that will fight for everyone to have a better quality of life.” Willie J. Lenard is much less known at this point. He has qualified but has not yet released a statement or started a campaign website. We will have more details in the coming days. State Sens. Kirk Hatcher and Merika Coleman have talked about running but, to this point, have not qualified with the Alabama Democratic Party. Friday is the last day to qualify with either major party. The primary is on March 5. The eventual winner of the Democratic party nomination will face the Republican nominee a year from now in the November election. To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Caroleene Dobson qualifies for Congress in Congressional District 2
On Thursday, Montgomery attorney Caroleene Dobson officially qualified with the Republican Party to run for Alabama’s Second Congressional District. Currently, Dobson is the only qualified candidate for the GOP nomination for the newly redrawn CD2. Dobson grew up on a farm in Beatrice. She has a degree from Harvard and a law degree from Baylor University Law School. She practices real estate law. “As a member of Congress, I will fight for our families, our farms, and our faith and preserve the bedrock values and moral backbone that have made our nation the greatest ever known,” Dobson said. “It is time to give Washington, D.C. a good dose of Alabama common sense and go to battle against those on the far left who want to control how we use our property and what we do, think, and say.” Dobson is a member of the Alabama Forestry Commission, the Southeast Livestock Exposition, and the Birmingham Chapter of the Federalist Society. Dobson has promised to protect property rights and free speech rights if she is elected to Congress. Dobson grew up on a cattle farm and excelled in high school rodeo. She was a National Merit finalist and a U.S. Presidential Scholar. She currently practices with Maynard Nexsen in Birmingham. Dobson and her husband, Bobby, have two daughters. State Representative Jeremy Gray (D-Opelika) and Willie Lenard have both qualified to run as Democrats for the seat. Sen. Kirk Hatcher (D-Montgomery), Rep. Napoleon Bracy (D-Prichard), and Jefferson County Commissioner Sheila Tyson have announced that they are running but have not qualified to run yet. Congressman Barry Moore (R-Enterprise) currently represents District 2, but the court-appointed special master drew Moore and his home County (Coffee) out of the Second District and into the First. He is seeking a third term in his new home district against incumbent Congressman Jerry Carl (R-Mobile). The new District 2 spans the state from the Mississippi line to the Georgia line and includes Mobile, Montgomery, Greenville, Troy, Union Springs, Eufaula, and Phenix City, Qualifying for the Republican and Democratic candidates ends on November 10. The major party primaries are on March 5. To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Rep. Jeremy Gray enters Alabama’s 2nd Congressional District race
Jemma Stephenson, Alabama Reflector Rep. Jeremy Gray, D-Opelika, jumped into the 2nd Congressional District race on Thursday, becoming the third Democratic member of the Legislature to enter the contest. Gray, first elected to the Alabama House of Representatives in 2018, cited issues including reliable housing, childcare, and women’s rights in an announcement on Facebook. “It’s time for a new generation of leadership to bend the arc of justice,” the statement said. “Because the American Dream should be a promise, not a privilege.” In a video accompanying donation requests, Gray also cited his legislation that allowed yoga exercises to be performed in Alabama schools, ending a nearly three-decade-long ban. Gray, a business owner and personal trainer, played college football for North Carolina State University and later played in the Canadian Football League and Arena Football League. A federal court last month approved new congressional maps for the state. The map created a new 2nd Congressional District with a Black Voting Age Population of 48.7%. Due to the racial polarization of Alabama’s voting patterns – where white Alabamians tend to vote Republican and Black Alabamians tend to vote Democratic – the district is seen as a potential pick-up for Democrats. Sen. Kirk Hatcher, D-Montgomery, and Rep. Napoleon Bracy, D-Prichard, have also said they will run for the seat. Democrats Terrell Anderson, Phyllis Harvey-Hall, and Austin Vigue are also running for the seat. Attorney Caroleene Dobson is running on the Republican side. House Minority Leader Anthony Daniels, D-Huntsville, and Sen. Merika Coleman, D-Birmingham, have also said they may enter the race. Former Sen. Dick Brewbaker of Pike Road, a Republican, is also considering a run. The 2nd Congressional District includes Montgomery and the southern Black Belt. Alabama Reflector is part of States Newsroom, a network of news bureaus supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Follow Alabama Reflector on Facebook and Twitter.
Rep. Jeremy Gray awarded 2023 Harvard Kennedy School Cahn Public Service Fellowship
The Harvard Kennedy School announced that Representative Jeremy Gray has been selected as a recipient of the prestigious 2023 Cahn Public Service Fellowship. This esteemed fellowship grants Representative Gray the opportunity to attend the Senior Executives in State & Local Government program, a transformative experience that will take place from July 10 to July 28, 2023. Gray, an Opelika native, serves as the State Representative for District 83 in the Alabama House of Representatives. Representative Gray’s selection for the Cahn Public Service Fellowship is a testament to his outstanding commitment to public service and his potential to contribute significantly to the field of state and local government. The program offers a comprehensive curriculum designed to equip senior executives with the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in their roles and effect positive change in their communities. “We extend our warmest congratulations to Representative Gray on this well-deserved recognition,” said Taylor, a representative from the Harvard Kennedy School. “We eagerly anticipate his arrival on July 10, 2023, and look forward to witnessing the positive impact he will make as a result of his participation in the Senior Executives in State & Local Government program.”
Alabama Legislature passes retail theft bill
The Alabama House of Representatives on Wednesday voted to pass legislation creating the crime of organized retail theft. The new bill will levy heavy criminal penalties on people engaged in organized retail theft. The Senate concurred with the House changes to the bill. Senate Bill 206 (SB206) is sponsored by State Senator Clyde Chambliss (R-Prattville). SB206 is being carried in the House of State by Representative Allen Treadaway (R-Morris). Treadaway explained that cracking down on organized retail theft is necessary to protect the retail industry. “We are trying to keep these stores in the community,” Treadaway said in the House floor debate. “This is a $100 billion problem in America.” Rep. Mary Moore (D-Birmingham) was concerned that people might accidentally be charged with this crime. “When the store is having a sale and goes through and marks through the price with a pen, a shopper could be accused of having marked through the price themselves,” Moore argued. “You have to show intent,” Treadaway said. “That applies right now.” “This bill is trying to put the whole neighborhood in jail,” Moore said. “In my community, if we just walk through the store, people think we are trying to steal something.” “I don’t want us passing bills that may cause harm to innocent people accused of stealing something,” Moore said. Treadaway is a retired deputy chief of police for the City of Birmingham. “Mainly, what we are seeing is the organized crime that has infiltrated this kind of activity,” Treadaway said. Treadaway said this legislation “allows the law to reach out and hold the folks accountable when they are working together in this kind of activity.” Rep. Juandalynn Givan (D-Birmingham) said, “In the urban area, we are losing a lot of businesses. We are seeing where those storefronts are now abandoned.” “How do we identify the theft? How are we identifying the thief?” Givan asked. Treadaway explained, “The organized retail theft you are getting into now involves people working together.” Treadaway explained that organized crime then sells the stolen merchandise online or in a brick and mortar businesses that they operate. “It is happening everywhere,” Treadaway said. “We have seen a tenfold increase.” Rep. Prince Chestnut (D-Selma)asked, “Is legislation alone going to make the difference?” Treadway answered, “No, but it is a part of it.” Chestnut offered an amendment to the bill. “This is a (Judiciary) committee amendment,” Chestnut said. The House voted to adopt the first amendment in a 102 to 0 vote. Rep. Jeremy Gray (D-Opelika) brought a second amendment that was adopted by the House. This legislation is supported by the Alabama Retail Association. The Retail Theft Crime Prevention Act provides for the crime of retail theft in various degrees, provides for the crime of organized retail theft, and provides criminal penalties for a violation. Retail theft in the first degree would be a Class B felony. Retail theft in the second degree is a Class C felony. Retail theft in the third degree is a Class A misdemeanor. A fourth or subsequent conviction for an offense under this article is a Class C felony. Organized retail theft is a Class B felony. The House of Representatives voted 76 to 27 to pass the legislation. It had already passed the Senate. Late on Wednesday afternoon, the Alabama Senate voted 34 to 0 to concur with the House changes to the legislation. SB206 now goes to the governor for her consideration. Thursday will be day 29 of the 2023 Alabama Regular Legislative Session. To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Ten more pre-filed bills to watch
Last week, Alabama Today looked ahead at the coming 2023 Alabama Regular Legislative Session. We looked at ten of the more interesting of the 36 bills that had been pre-filed at that time. Since then, 22 more bills have been pre-filed by legislators. As more bills have been pre-filed, we look at ten more bills that could become law this year. House Bill 34 was introduced by Rep. Tracy Estes (R-Winfield). HB34 would provide that it is unlawful to discharge a firearm on school property. Under existing law, it is already unlawful to discharge a firearm into an occupied or unoccupied school building. This bill would make a person who shoots or discharges a firearm into an occupied school bus or school building guilty of a Class B felony. A person who shoots or discharges a firearm into an unoccupied school bus or school building shall be guilty of a Class C felony. House Bill 40 was introduced by Rep. Jim Hill (R-Odenville). Under existing law, retired justices and judges may be called to active duty status and are compensated for their service. This bill would provide that retired justices and judges receive per diem, mileage, and be provided court-supportive personnel. This bill would require retired justices and judges to complete at least six hours of approved continuing legal education annually. House Bill 31 was sponsored by Rep. Artis “A.J. McCampbell (D-Livingston). Under existing law, a public K-12 school or school district determined to have poor performance is labeled by the State Superintendent of Education as failing to make adequate progress or as a failing school under the school grading system. Also, under existing law, the Alabama Accountability Act of 2013 provides financial assistance through an income tax credit to a parent who transfers a student from a failing public school to a nonfailing public school or nonpublic school of the parent’s choice. HB31 would change the designation of a failing school to a fully supported school and the designation of a nonfailing school to a non-fully supported school for the purposes of school grading and the Alabama Accountability Act of 2013 and would require the State Board of Education to reflect those changes in terminology when amending or adopting rules. House Bill 43 is sponsored by State Rep. Pebblin Warren (D-Tuskegee). Under existing law, a child six years of age on or before December 31 is entitled to admission to the first grade in public elementary schools, and a child five years of age on or before September 1 is entitled to admission to the local public-school kindergarten. HB43 would allow a child who becomes six years of age between September 1 and December 31 to be admitted to the first grade as long as they have completed kindergarten or otherwise demonstrates first-grade readiness. This mandatory kindergarten bill has passed the House of Representatives in the past two years but failed in the Senate. This bill would also allow a child under five years of age on September 1 to be admitted to public kindergarten under certain circumstances. House Bill 46 is sponsored by Rep. Allen Treadaway (R-Morris). This bill would permit any individual retired under the Employees’ Retirement System, who was classified as a law enforcement officer, to perform duties as a school resource officer without suspension of his or her retirement allowance. House Bill 36 was sponsored by Rep. Terri Collins (R-Decatur). Under existing law, the Solid Waste and Recyclable Materials Management Act regulates the disposal and recycling of solid waste and recyclable materials. This bill would define “advanced recycling” as a manufacturing process to convert post-use materials such as plastics into recycled products. This bill would specify that advanced recycling at an advanced recycling facility would not be considered solid waste disposal or incineration under the solid waste act. Term in the definition of solid waste. This bill would also define “mill scale and slag” and include the term in the definition of solid waste. House Bill 38 was also sponsored by Rep. Hill. Under existing law, a judge must sentence an offender convicted of a nonviolent offense pursuant to the presumptive sentencing standards. This bill will allow a judge to deviate from the presumptive sentencing guidelines if a defendant is convicted after requesting a trial. House Bill 28 is sponsored by Rep. Chris England (D-Tuscaloosa). Under existing law, persons with a lawful pistol permit may possess their gun on school property. This bill would remove this exemption so that even a person with a concealed carry permit may not carry a gun on school grounds. House Bill 45 is sponsored by Rep. Jeremy Gray (D-Opelika). This bill would create the Sudden Cardiac Arrest Prevention Act. It would require the State Board of Education to adopt certain guidelines to inform and educate student-athletes, parents, and coaches about the signs and symptoms of sudden cardiac arrest. This bill would require each student-athlete and his or her parent or guardian to provide written acknowledgment of receipt of information about sudden cardiac arrest before the student may participate in any athletic activity. HB45 would require a student who passes out, faints, or exhibits symptoms of sudden cardiac arrest to be pulled from the athletic activity and would prohibit the student from returning to the athletic activity until an appropriate medical professional provides written clearance for their return. This bill would require each coach of an athletic activity to receive annual training relating to sudden cardiac arrest and would provide that a coach may be suspended if he or she does not complete the necessary training or if he or she fails to pull a student from an athletic activity for fainting or exhibiting symptoms of sudden cardiac arrest. This bill would protect a coach from liability related to a student who exhibits symptoms of sudden cardiac arrest unless the coach is reckless or grossly negligent. House Bill 25 was introduced by Rep. Parker Moore (R-Decatur). Under existing law, when an offender has previously been convicted of any three or more felonies or has been previously convicted of two or more Class A or Class B felonies and subsequently commits a Class D felony, he or she is sentenced as if he or
Personnel update: Alabama House Democratic Caucus names Akiesha Anderson as new Chief of Staff
The Alabama House Democratic Caucus announced today that Akiesha Anderson has been named as the new Chief of Staff for the Minority Caucus. Anderson is an attorney that grew up in Montgomery, Alabama. She received a bachelor’sdegree in Sociology, with a minor in Business Management, from Alabama State University, a Master’s in Public Administration from Auburn University-Montgomery, and a law degree from The University of Alabama. In her most recent role as Policy Director for Alabama Appleseed Center for Law and Justice, where she served as a criminal justice reform lobbyist, she focused on policy development, legislative advocacy, coalition building, and engaging with public officials. In this capacity, she wrote or helped advocate for several key pieces of legislation that have since been enacted into law, including HB95 – Rep. Jeremy Gray’s 2022 “Grace Period Bill” which gives peopleleaving prison time to get on their feet before having to pay back certain court-imposed fines and fees. According to House Minority Leader Anthony Daniels, “We are truly excited to have Mrs. Anderson joining our team because of her extensive expertise, leadership, and character. She has continually demonstrated a passion for improving the lives of the underrepresented and underserved throughout our state. I am confident that she will be a tremendous asset to the Caucus and she has already hit the ground running.”
Steven Reed and Jeremy Gray: To increase housing equity, renters need choices
As Alabama continues recovering from the economic shocks caused by this unprecedented and seemingly endless pandemic, our leaders must work tirelessly to not only rebuild our economy, but to bring everyone up along with it and make sure our economy works for all Alabamians. Over the last two years, COVID-19 has upended our entire way of life, affecting everyone regardless of race, gender, or creed. Yet, due to decades of inequitable policies, Black Alabamians suffered the most with higher unemployment rates, higher COVID mortality rates, and even higher eviction rates. This has to change now, and the first place to start is by dramatically rethinking our approach to housing. Every day, thousands of Alabama renters fear eviction. Thousands of families face the dire prospect of unemployment. Thousands of children could be put on the streets. This is especially true for our communities of color, which face eviction at a rate nearly double that of their white neighbors. And the disparities don’t just end there. Since the beginning of the pandemic, more than 50% of Black and Brown renters were cost-burdened—meaning more than 30% of their income goes to paying for housing. Black renters fared even worse, spending 50% of their monthly income on average on housing costs. Across Alabama, thousands of folks are facing economic hardship and housing instability, with few ways to overcome these challenges to get access to affordable, safe housing. To combat these seemingly overwhelming adversities, so much needs to be done. One simple area where we can start is by upending the onerous cash security deposit. Traditionally, the way we rent apartments is simple and well-known: find a place, apply, get approved, then pay exorbitant upfront sums just to move in. The practice of requiring a security deposit prior to moving in essentially doubles the upfront cost of renting. This means that a working family living paycheck-to-paycheck will be priced out of most apartments, even if they can afford the monthly rent. According to a study conducted by the Federal Reserve, 40% of Americans do not have enough money set aside for a $400 emergency expense, all while the average cost of a security deposit in Alabama is over $1,000. The answer is simple: renters need more options when it comes to covering the cost of a security deposit. This will make housing more accessible, meaning that thousands—if not millions—of Alabamians can equitably access safe, secure housing and thrive in this economy. A little over a year ago, Atlanta, GA’s City Council passed a “Renter’s Choice” policy giving all renters the option to pay their security deposit through a lower-cost insurance policy offered by a company like Rhino. These alternatives are already available in Alabama today, and we would urge renters and property owners alike to encourage their use to help address our community’s ongoing economic challenges. Moreover, across the country, there is more than $45 billion in security deposits sitting dormant in escrow accounts. Landlords can’t touch it; renters can’t touch it. This money could be used to pay down debts, invest in our local economy, get access to better healthcare, and more. There is a better way. In 2022, accessing affordable, safe housing has never been more difficult. In Alabama, affordable housing remains scarce, while the existing units are often plagued by segregation and blight. It is time to challenge the way we rent in Alabama. Instead of being forced to pay typically exorbitant sums upfront, renters should have the choice to take out an affordable insurance policy, costing no more than a few dollars a month. This would allow renters to have more mobility, access to better jobs, and access to better schools for their children, all while having more money to contribute to the economy. Giving all renters the option to access security deposit insurance is one way that more Alabamians can take advantage of all of the opportunities this great state has to offer. To be frank, this is just common sense: housing security benefits renters, landlords, and businesses across our state. More opportunities means more equity, which means our economy will be stronger. Across America, leaders in government and housing are embracing options like these because they see the benefits that extend far beyond the ability for a family to move from one apartment to another. To combat the inequities we see across this state and this nation, we must act quickly. While Renter’s Choice is not the end, it is a beginning that we can get started on almost immediately. As members of this community, we must acknowledge the need for change. Renter’s Choice is an example of much-needed change, and it is time we roll our sleeves up and get this done. Steven L. Reed is the Mayor of Montgomery, Alabama, and Jeremy Gray is the representative for District 83 of the Alabama House of Representatives.
Alabama Farmers Federation announces newest round of legislative endorsements
The Alabama Farmers Federation (ALFA) announced its 11th slate of endorsements for candidates seeking election to the Alabama House of Representatives, Yellowhammer News reported. FarmPAC, ALFA’s political arm, helps determine who to endorse. ALFA is Alabama’s largest farm organization representing agricultural and associate members in all 67 Alabama counties. State reps. Phillip Pettus (R-Killen), Jeremy Gray (D-Opelika), and Prince Chestnut (D-Selma) are all incumbents now endorsed by FarmPAC. ALFA also announced its endorsement of Helena City councilwoman Leigh Hulsey for House District 15. “Rep. Pettus is a good public servant for our district,” commented Lauderdale County Farmers Federation president Joe Dickerson. “He cares about the needs of his constituents and represents them well in Montgomery.” Jamie Lazenby, Lee County Farmers Federation president, praised Gray’s work ethic. “Rep. Gray is a leader in the House of Representatives, and we appreciate his service to our district,” advised Lazenby. “He works hard to make sure our needs are represented in Montgomery.” Dallas County Farmers Federation president Jimmy Holliman commented, “Rep. Chestnut is a hard-working representative, and he does a fine job for us at home and in Montgomery representing our needs. We are honored to support his reelection bid.” John DeLoach, president of the Shelby County Farmers Federation, praised Hulsey’s leadership skills, stating, “Leigh Hulsey is a strong business leader who understands the needs of the people of this district. She is also a strong conservative who will work hard representing the needs of our district in the Legislature.”
Former candidate Tim James eyes possible challenge to Kay Ivey
Former Alabama gubernatorial candidate Tim James said Wednesday that he is considering challenging fellow Republican Gov. Kay Ivey in next year’s governor’s race. James, the son of former Gov. Fob James, said he will decide by the end of the year. Taking on a well-funded incumbent is typically an uphill battle in a primary, but his entry into the race could thwart the governor’s hopes of having only minimal opposition in 2022. Staking out far-right political territory, the 59-year-old toll road developer has defended people’s decisions to decline the COVID-19 vaccine and on Wednesday called transgender acceptance, critical race theory, and yoga in gym class part of a “beast with three heads” threatening children in public schools. “I don’t have to tell you that many problems exist today in America, but they are pale compared to what this nation will look like if we lose this cultural war and America becomes a secular godless nation flowing to and fro in the wind with no plumb line, no principles,” James said. He criticized newly passed Alabama legislation that allowed students to do yoga in schools. “They took prayer out of schools and then they put in this Trojan horse called yoga,” he said, noting its ties to Hinduism. The elder James had fought legal battles a governor over school prayer. Ivey’s campaign zeroed in on his yoga comments when asked about James’ possible entry into the race. “We appreciate his unwavering commitment to the important fight on yoga. As for Governor Ivey, she doesn’t do any yoga,” Ivey’s campaign joked in a statement. Ivey this spring signed legislation reversing a decades-old ban on yoga in public schools. The legislation had a number of restrictions and forbids religious teachings with yoga and saying the greeting “namaste.” Rep. Jeremy Grey, the sponsor of the legislation, has said the exercises can boost physical and mental and the bill is written to forbid teaching religion. Alabama Superintendent of Education Eric Mackey has said critical race theory is not taught in public schools. James largely declined to comment on Ivey on Wednesday, saying that was a subject for another day. In July, he criticized Ivey’s comments saying unvaccinated people were to blame for a spike in COVID-19 case. James said Ivey’s comment was “off base.” James ran for governor in 2002 and 2010, when he narrowly missed making the GOP runoff, finishing about 200 votes behind the eventual winner, Robert Bentley, who was elected governor that year. “Look, I’ve lost. It didn’t kill me. But I think if we do it, I think I’ll win it,” James replied when asked about the difficulty of taking on an incumbent. Stacy Lee George, a correctional officer, and former Morgan County commissioner is running against Ivey. State Auditor Jim Zeigler has said he is also considering a run. Fob James turned 87 Wednesday. Tim James said his parents now live in Miami. His mother Bobbie James is in a nursing facility there, and his father lives in a nearby independent-living apartment in order to stay with her. James said his father is doing well. “He watches FOX News, just stays on top of everything. He loved Trump,” he said. Republished with the permission of the Associated Press.
