Steve Flowers: Annual legislative session successful
The recently completed Regular Session of the Alabama legislature was a success. It began on a high note and ended positively. Why? There was plenty of money to spend. Both the General Fund Budget and the Education Budget had historic amounts of money. Most of the focus of the Session was on budgeting, as it should be, because that is the only constitutional mandate that the legislature is tasked with in the 105-day Regular Session. Gov. Kay Ivey laid out her agenda in her State of the State address, then sent her proposed budget requests over to the legislature. The governor’s speech outlining her legislative agenda was about doing good things for education. However, her desires were vague, and her ask list was long and wishful, like a kid’s Christmas wish list. It called for the state to give away the store. It was as though she was running for reelection, which everyone knows she cannot do. Therefore, the veteran Senate treats her politely but has relegated her to a lame-duck status. The legislature has taken total control of the budgeting process, as they should do under the Constitution. The governor proposes, and the legislature disposes. The days of a strong-armed, powerful, omnipotent governor that controls both the Executive and Legislative Branches are over. The King George Wallace era is gone, probably forever. The surplus in the Education Budget was enormous. How to spend this surplus became the focus of the entire session. There is a very accurate political assessment that it is much more difficult to deal with a surplus budget than a lean or deficit budget. George Wallace told me about this same thing during his last term as governor when I was a freshman legislator. Accolades go out to Senator Arthur Orr (R-Decatur), Chairman of the Senate Education Finance and Taxation Committee, and Representative Danny Garrett (R-Trussville), Chairman of the House Education Ways and Means Committee. These two gentlemen essentially singlehandedly wrote the Education Budget and did a masterful job. They were cognizant that what goes up has to come down. Therefore, they created several savings accounts and rainy day funds for the rainy days ahead because they will come. The Education Budget was an historic $11.5 billion. It gave increases for pre-kindergarten programs, school supplies, school nurses, and a significant 2% cost of living salary increase to teachers and support personnel. All colleges and universities in the state received increased funding. Non-education entities were given money. There was $100 million for prison education. The high-profile aspects of the Education Budget windfall were a one-time rebate going back to taxpayers in November. Governor Ivey had wished for a $400 per person and $800 per couple rebate. However, the final result is $150 per person and $300 per married couple. Most legislators preferred eliminating the grocery tax or long-term tax cuts to this one-time check back in November. The surprise in the Christmas stocking from the Education Budget surplus is the reduction on the state sales tax on groceries. Eliminating or reducing the state tax on groceries has been championed by Democrats for years, as the tax is regressive and hurts the state’s lowest income earners the hardest. However, the measure garnered Republican bipartisan support this year after 20 years and passed with an overwhelming vote in both Chambers. It is, however, a gradual reduction. The grocery tax would decrease 2% in two steps, with the tax being reduced 1% this year and another 1% percent new year, if the funds are available. The State General Fund had a good year as well. The $3 billion General Fund was record-shattering—the largest in history. The Chairmen, Senator Greg Albritton (R-Escambia) and Representative Rex Reynolds (R-Huntsville) oversaw a $159 million increase over the current year. The largest increases in the budget were in Medicaid by $69 million and Corrections by $59 million more. State employees will see a 2% increase in pay, which will go into effect as the new fiscal year begins October 1. The legendary head of the Alabama State Employees Association, Mac McArthur, has quietly garnered state employees a cost of living raise five out of the last six years. See you next week. Steve Flowers is Alabama’s leading political commentator. His weekly column appears in over 60 Alabama newspapers. He served 16 years in the state legislature. Steve may be reached at www.steveflowers.us.
Alabama awards $2.6M for local transportation projects
Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey announced Tuesday that $2.6 million had been awarded to municipalities and counties for 11 road and bridge projects. The funds originate from the Annual Grant Program, which is part of the Rebuild Alabama Act signed into law in 2019 that increased the state’s gasoline tax by 10 cents per gallon. The program requires the Alabama Department of Transportation to set aside $10 million from the increased tax for local projects. “Alabama is tackling the issue of critical transportation infrastructure needs with determination and an answer to the problem at hand – that solution is Rebuild Alabama,” Ivey said in a news release. “The projects we are announcing today will continue to provide substantial progress all across our state.” Of the 11 projects, municipalities and counties contributed $1.6 million in matching funds, even though they aren’t required for participation in the grant program. The projects are required to begin construction within one year of the award of funds. This is the second round of funding after $5.1 million was awarded to 21 projects. The local grant program has allocated more than $137 million in state transportation funding in all 67 counties. The project list includes:
Gov. Kay Ivey announces Special Election dates for House District 16
On Friday, Alabama Governor Kay Ivey signed a proclamation to set special election dates for Alabama House District 16. This seat was previously held by State Representative Kyle South (R-Fayette), who resigned to accept a position as the President and CEO of the Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama. “Rep. South has served the people of House District 16 well for the past nine years and will continue to do so in his new role as president and CEO of the Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama,” said Gov. Ivey. “He certainly leaves big shoes to fill in the Legislature, but I am incredibly happy for him and confident he will continue serving West Alabama well. I encourage everyone in this district to get out and vote during this special election to ensure you have another strong voice advocating for you in the Alabama Legislature.” The special primary election will be Tuesday, September 26, 2023. The special primary runoff, if necessary, will be held on Tuesday, October 24, 2023. House District 16 is considered a majority Republican district, so the winner of the Republican primary will likely be elected. The special general election is set for Tuesday, January 9, 2024. The deadline for qualifying with the two major political parties is Tuesday, July 25, 2023, at 5:00 p.m. The deadline for all independent candidates and/or minor parties to turn in their qualifying paperwork, including ballot access petitions to the Secretary of State’s office is Tuesday, September 26, 2023, at 5:00 p.m. The special election for House District 16 will be held in concurrence with the special election for House District 55 in Jefferson County. HD55 became vacant when State Rep. Fred Plump (D-Birmingham) resigned after agreeing to plead guilty to Federal corruption charges. House District 16 includes portions of Fayette, Jefferson, and Tuscaloosa counties. The Legislature will meet next on July 17 to consider court-ordered congressional redistricting changes. Neither HD16 nor HD55 will have representation in place by then. Both seats will be filled, however, by the start of the 2024 Alabama Regular Legislative Session. To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Adam Thompson named to lead Alabama chapter of Americans for Prosperity
Americans for Prosperity (AFP) is expanding its broad-based grassroots advocacy efforts in Alabama. This expansion marks the 37th state where AFP is actively working to advance liberty and economic opportunity for all Americans. The AFP Alabama office will open this summer. The chapter will be led by Adam Thompson, who, for the past two years, has been leading a national AFP policy team focusing on foundational education, post-secondary education, criminal justice, and free speech. Thompson brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the role and will be responsible for leading AFP’s efforts to hold state government officials accountable to the people they serve and to advance freedom and opportunity through broad-based grassroots outreach. “I am thrilled to lead AFP’s Alabama chapter as we work to cut regulations, expand access to economic opportunity across our state, and fight for educational freedom for every child,” said Thompson. Thompson is a state government veteran, having served as deputy commissioner of a state cabinet agency as well as in senior roles for Governor Kay Ivey, a state auditor, and three secretaries of state. Thompson also was a Republican candidate for state auditor in 2014. “As a lifelong Alabamian, I’m proud to lead AFP’s expansion into Alabama. AFP is driven by a core belief: every person has unique gifts that enable them to realize their American Dream. Our vision is to remove the barriers preventing people from using those gifts and achieving that dream by elevating the voices of everyday Alabamians to advocate for the principles and policies of a free and open society,” Thompson concluded.
Wood pellet factory has groundbreaking in Epes
Enviva Inc. held a ceremonial groundbreaking ceremony at the site of its new wood pellet-making factory in Epes, Alabama – in Sumter County. Enviva is the world’s leading producer of sustainably sourced woody biomass. Alabama Governor Kay Ivey, as well as other state and local government officials, joined Enviva’s corporate leadership for the groundbreaking. “The fact that the world’s largest wood pellet producer is building its largest production facility to date here, in Sweet Home Alabama, is yet another testament to our nation-leading business climate and world-class workforce,” said Gov. Ivey. “Enviva’s significant commitment at the Port of Epes will undoubtedly breathe life into a community and region eager for new, long-term opportunities. It truly is an exciting day for West Alabama, and I sincerely appreciate Enviva’s decision to plant roots here in our great state.” Thomas Meth is the President and CEO of Enviva. “It is an honor to be here in Sumter County with Governor Ivey and local officials to celebrate this momentous occasion of breaking ground on a fully contracted, state-of-the-art wood pellet production facility in West Alabama,” said President Meth. “We are excited to grow with Alabama as we remain committed to being a long-term source of green jobs and green investment across the state. We have been humbled by the strong support we have received from the local community over the last few years, and we look forward to formally being a part of the community and to being a good neighbor for many years to come.” The Epes site will be the 11th factory for the company. A 12th factory is planned in Bond, Mississippi. Enviva has been actively involved in Sumter County since 2018. In 2020, Enviva acquired over 300 acres on the Tombigbee River in the Epes Industrial Park. There the company is building its largest wood pellet production plant. In July 2022, the company began construction of its fully contracted Epes plant, which will have a nameplate capacity of 1.1 million metric tons per year. Enviva hopes that the Epes plant will be operational by the middle of next year, with production fully ramped by 2025. Congresswoman Terri Sewell (D-AL07) said Enviva’s investment project represents great news for Sumter County. “It is imperative for the prosperity of Alabama that we continue to deliver more resources and opportunities directly to the people that need them most,” Rep. Sewell said. “I am thrilled to see Enviva is doing just that by providing even more jobs to our rural communities through this expansion.” “Team Sewell was in Sumter County for the @Enviva groundbreaking!” Sewell said on Twitter. “This expansion is set to create 300 jobs. Proud to see more economic development in our rural communities!” “I’m proud that Alabama is continuing to invest in our small towns and make our state the best place to work, live and raise a family,” Ivey said. “As some of you probably know, I’m a proud daughter of Alabama’s Blackbelt and was born and raised just two counties over in Camden. So, believe me when I say that projects like this are truly close to my heart. Getting them done and providing for the people of West Alabama is personal to me.” “It was great to be in Epes this afternoon to break ground on @Enviva’s 11th and largest wood pellet plant,” Gov. Ivey said on Twitter. “This is an exciting day for West Alabama, and I appreciate Enviva’s decision to plant roots in our great state!” Brenda Tuck is the Rural Development Manager for the Alabama Department of Commerce. “Thanks to its significant investment, Enviva’s project will create quality jobs for West Alabama’s citizens while also improving timber markets for local landowners and enhancing economic activity for the entire region,” Tuck said. Once operational, Enviva’s Alabama plant is expected to support approximately 350 direct and indirect jobs, including positions in industries such as logging and trucking. Enviva plans to invest, on average, $375 million for each newly constructed plant going forward, including the Epes plant. The facility will sustainably and responsibly source wood from areas within approximately 75 miles of the plant. Pellets produced at the Epes plant will be exported to international markets, mainly in Europe and Asia, and will help to fill international demand for secure sources of renewable energy. This is necessary as the world moves away from fossil fuels to produce electricity. During the ceremony, Enviva recognized the following organizations for their invaluable contribution in making the project possible and for, in turn, bringing economic development to Sumter County: MuniStrategies, LLC, PB Community Impact Fund, LLC, UB Community Development, LLC, National Impact Fund, LLC, Capital One – National Association, and United Bank. Enviva owns and operates ten plants with a combined production capacity of approximately 6.2 million metric tons per year in Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Mississippi, and now Alabama. To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
State to pay $1 million to the daughters of slain Bibb County Deputy Brad Johnson
Governor Kay Ivey announced on Wednesday that the State of Alabama will pay $1 million* – the maximum amount allowable under State law – to the two daughters of Bibb County Deputy Sheriff Bradley Johnson, who was fatally shot in the line of duty just over a year ago by dangerous career criminal Austin Patrick Hall. “Fundamental flaws in Alabama law granting correctional incentive ‘good time’ to inmates failed Deputy Johnson and his family,” said Gov. Ivey. “On January 9, I issued an executive order to halt the deficiencies in correctional good time that allowed inmates reduced prison sentences and early release despite records of violent behavior and escape.” On June 29, 2022, Deputy Johnson and his colleague, Deputy Chris Poole, were investigating a stolen car that Hall was driving. Hall had only been recently released from prison. Johnson and Poole were each struck by gunfire. After a 16-hour manhunt, Hall was taken into custody and charged in the case. Deputy Poole recovered from his gunshot wounds. Deputy Johnson passed away from his injuries the following day. The Alabama Legislature prioritized legislation during the past regular session, further limiting who can be released on good time. “On April 14, I was also proud to sign into law SB1, which codifies further reforms to correctional good time to ensure that convicted felons no longer access loopholes in the law to threaten law enforcement and the public,” Ivey said. “Alabama stands behind our law enforcement personnel, and we must do all we can to ensure they are afforded every protection under the law to safely do their jobs.” On June 16, 2023, Austin Patrick Hall was indicted on three counts of Capital Murder in the death of Deputy Johnson, one count of Attempted Murder, and one count of Discharging a Firearm into an Occupied Automobile. Poole and Johnson were awarded the Alabama Law Enforcement Medal of Honor for their pursuit of Hall. To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
House Speaker Nathaniel Ledbetter announces committee appointments
On Friday, State Representative Kyle South (R-Fayette) resigned from the Alabama House of Representatives to take a job as the President and CEO of the West Alabama Chamber of Commerce. This move created vacancies in the committees on which he served. Speaker of the House Nathaniel Ledbetter (R-Rainsville) announced his appointments to fill those committee vacancies. Effective July 1, these House members will be appointed to the following committees: Rules Committee: Rep. Debbie Wood (R—Valley) Ways and Means General Fund Vice Chair: Rep. Chris Blackshear (R—Smiths Station) Ways and Means General Fund Committee: Rep. Kerry Underwood (R—Tuscumbia) Insurance Committee: Rep. Matt Woods (R—Jasper) Financial Services Committee: Rep. James Lomax (R—Huntsville) Joint Transportation Committee: Rep. Rhett Marques (R—Enterprise) ARPA Oversight Committee: Rep. Jeff Sorrells (R—Hartford) South’s departure had been announced weeks ago, giving the Speaker plenty of time to plan for making these appointments. Governor Kay Ivey will soon announce the dates for the special election to fill the vacancy in House District 16. There are now two vacancies in the 105-member House of Representatives. The other is in House District 55, where former Rep. Fred Plump (D-Birmingham) resigned and pleaded guilty to public corruption charges. The Alabama Legislature will meet on July 17 for its second special session to address court-ordered congressional redistricting. To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Jefferson County special election just two weeks away
Alabama Governor Kay Ivey called a special election for County Commission (District 5) on July 18th due to the resignation of Commissioner Steve Ammons. Because Jefferson County does things differently from almost every other county in the state, this special election primary is non-partisan. The District 5 commission candidates are former Alabama Supreme Court Justice Mike Bolin, developer David Silverstein, and Jeff Wise. Mike Bolin was elected to the Alabama Supreme Court in 2004. Bolin practiced as an attorney for 15 years before being elected Probate Judge of Jefferson County, where he served from 1988 to 2004. Justice Bolin received the National “Angels of Adoption” award in 2000 for his service to adoptive families. Justice Bolin has stayed active within the Alabama Probate Judges Association, his community, and his church. He is married to his wife, Rosemary. They have one daughter. Bolin has the support of the Jefferson County Republican Party. David Silverstein is the founder of The FiveStone Group, a commercial real estate firm based in Birmingham specializing in the development of mixed-use projects. Previously he was an operating principal at Bayer Properties, LLC, where he directed development efforts and managed Bayer’s relationship with governmental entities nationwide. Before joining Bayer in 1994, he was a Partner in the law firm of Berkowitz, Lefkovits, Isom, and Kushner. David is married to the former Susan Tilson, and they have five children and thirteen grandchildren. He attended Birmingham University School (B.U.S. now Altamont, 1974), Vanderbilt University (1978), and Cumberland School of Law (1981). He is a native of Mountain Brook. Republicans have called out Silverstein for his considerable donations to Democrats, but it is unknown if there is an endorsement by the Jefferson County Democratic Party. Silverstein said that he is nonpartisan. Jeff Wise is also a developer who lives in Mountain Brook. He has developed stores for CVS, Winn Dixie, Walgreens, and Rite Aid, as well as Letson Farms in McCalla. He worked for a petroleum company and Rust International and also owned a petroleum company. He is a graduate of Auburn University. He attended Jefferson State Community College and graduated from Tarrant High School. Wise has been married for 40 years to Joan Cagle Wise, they have four daughters and seven grandchildren. He is a Republican. Currently, the Jefferson County Commission is divided between two Republicans and two Democrats. The first vote that will be cast by the new Commissioner will be for which Party controls the County Commission. The North Jefferson County Democrats posted on Facebook: “Hey, Dems. We have a chance to turn The Jefferson County Commission blue with this special election! Most of NJD members live in District 4, but if you know anyone who lives in District 5, please share this post.” If no candidate can get 50% plus one, the two highest vote-getters will advance to a runoff on August 8. To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Gov. Kay Ivey applauds Supreme Court decision strengthening a worker’s right to seek religious accommodation from employers
On Thursday, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled unanimously that the U.S. Postal Service should have accommodated a Christian mailman’s religious belief that he not be forced to work on Sunday by his employer. The decision in favor of the Christian mailman was applauded by Alabama Governor Kay Ivey. “Today’s unanimous decision from #SCOTUS reaffirms what we’ve always believed here in Alabama; that religious liberty is at the core of our country’s way of life, and government should never interfere with citizens’ desire to worship,” Gov. Ivey wrote on Twitter. This decision is a victory for America.” Gerald Groff is a Christian mail carrier in Pennsylvania. The Postal Service required Groff to deliver Amazon packages on Sundays. Groft cited the Ten Commandments, which tell followers to keep holy the Sabbath. In Groff v. DeJoy, Groff asked the court to decide whether the U.S. Postal Service could require him to deliver Amazon packages on Sundays. His attorney, Aaron Streett, argued in April that the 1977 precedent in Trans World Airlines, Inc. v. Hardison did not adequately protect workers’ religious liberties and should be revisited. The Court agreed that the “undue burden” de minimis standard in that ruling did not adequately protect Americans’ freedom of religion. The Court agreed that the “undue burden” de minimis standard in that ruling did not adequately protect Americans’ freedom of religion. The nine justices overturned the Third Circuit Court of Appeals decision against Groff as well as reworking the precedent set in Transworld v. Hardison. Justice Samuel Alito wrote the unanimous opinion. “We hold that showing ‘more than a de minimis cost,’ as that phrase is used in common parlance, does not suffice to establish ‘undue hardship’ under Title VII,” said Alito. “Hardison cannot be reduced to that one phrase. In describing an employer’s ‘undue hardship’ defense, Hardison referred repeatedly to ‘substantial’ burdens, and that formulation better explains the decision. We therefore, like the parties, understand Hardison to mean that ‘undue hardship’ is shown when a burden is substantial in the overall context of an employer’s business.” The High Court also wrote, “An employer who fails to provide an accommodation has a defense only if the hardship is ‘undue,’ and a hardship that is attributable to employee animosity to a particular religion, to religion in general, or to the very notion of accommodating religious practice cannot be considered ‘undue.’ If bias or hostility to a religious practice or a religious accommodation provided a defense to a reasonable accommodation claim, Title VII would be at war with itself.” Liberty Counsel is a nonprofit defender of religious liberties. Liberty Counsel wrote an amicus brief in favor of Groff’s position. Liberty Counsel Founder and Chairman Mat Staver said, “Today marks the end of the era of religious discrimination caused by hostility towards religious claimants under Title VII. The Supreme Court rightfully relegated the de minimis test for religious discrimination to the dustbin of history and restored claims of religious discrimination to their rightful place of protection under Title VII.” The new decision tightens the “undue hardship” standard and could make it easier for some individual employees to secure a religious accommodation at work. The Freedom From Religion Foundation, which opposes religion in public life, argued that the ruling did not go as far as religious advocates had hoped. “Contrary to the religious right spin, today’s opinion did not give Gerald Groff and his conservative Christian backers what they asked for and wanted,” FFRF wrote in a statement. “Groff asked the court to overrule Hardison v. TWA and change the legal test to drastically favor religious employees. He also asked the court to rule that burdens on employees are never sufficient to establish undue hardship on the conduct of a business. The unanimous court did not do any of those things.” To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Southern Research secures $20 million for clinical trial initiative, hires Khalilah Brown as new medical director
Southern Research is using $20 million in state ARPA funds to expand Alabamians’ access to clinical research trials and promote the growth of the state’s biomedical industry. The Birmingham-based company, founded in 1941, is a non-profit scientific research organization that employs 250 scientists and professional staff. The new initiative at Southern Research was included among $1 billion in American Rescue Plan Act spending supported by Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey and approved during a special session of the Alabama Legislature. “We are using these funds to create an innovative software platform that will make it easier for patients and their doctors to locate and plug into cutting-edge clinical trials,” said Josh Carpenter, Ph.D., the President and CEO at Southern Research. “Our goal is to make sure Alabamians have access to the very best options for their care.” Southern Research also hired its first-ever Vice President of Medical Affairs and Patient Advocacy. Dr. Khalilah Brown, a pediatrician who most recently served as the child health medical director and laboratory director at the Jefferson County Department of Health, joined Southern Research in March. “I’m thrilled at the chance to be a bridge between the great work that is happening at Southern Research and the patients who ultimately benefit from it,” Dr. Brown said. “At the end of the day, patients motivate our work, and it is a great benefit on all sides when we can build stronger connections between researchers, patients, and healthcare providers.” By creating new infrastructure to support access to clinical trials, Southern Research hopes to attract more of those trials to Alabama, which would have a significant economic impact and health benefits for the state. “The new project at Southern Research has the potential to be a particular benefit for healthcare in rural communities,” Gov. Ivey stated. “It will boost residents’ access to the latest clinical trial research and offer new revenue opportunities for rural healthcare providers. For the state overall, it will help us grow an industry that can have a tremendous economic impact.” Nationally, clinical trials were a $50 billion industry in 2022, and that number is expected to grow to $80 billion by 2030, Carpenter said. “This is an opportunity to support hospitals and communities that don’t usually have access to the latest in healthcare technology,” Carpenter said. “We see this as a way to improve healthcare equity and healthcare outcomes for Alabamians.” “For the first time in its recorded history, Alabama had more deaths than births in 2020,” Carpenter said. “In large measure, this was due to COVID-19 and the underlying health conditions that made the virus so deadly for Alabamians. By making cutting-edge research more broadly available, we have the opportunity to improve our community’s health and our resilience to infections like COVID-19.” Southern Research has conducted more than $30 million in coronavirus research since 2020, including collaborations on a COVID-19 vaccine currently in clinical trials, conducting thousands of PCR tests, and refining the underlying chemistry of critical treatments.
Gov. Kay Ivey announces special session for July 17
Governor Kay Ivey on Tuesday issued the proclamation to call the Alabama Legislature into a special session beginning at 2:00 p.m. Monday, July 17, 2023, to address congressional redistricting. “It is critical that Alabama be fairly and accurately represented in Washington,” said Gov. Ivey. “That is why I support the Alabama Legislature readdressing our congressional map in a special session beginning July 17. It is of the utmost importance that this special session only address the congressional map and nothing else. The task at hand is too urgent and too important. The Alabama Legislature has one chance to get this done before the July 21 court deadline. Our Legislature knows our state, our people and our districts better than the federal courts or activist groups do.” The special session is necessary because a special three-judge panel at the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals has ruled that the 2021 Congressional redistricting violated the Voting Rights Act of 1965. The Supreme Court ruled earlier this month that the Eleventh Circuit ruling was correct. The three-judge panel has ordered the state Legislature to prepare a new redistricting plan with two majority-minority districts or something as close to that as possible by July 21. On Tuesday afternoon, the Joint Committee on Reapportionment is holding a public hearing on the proposed redistricting. There were efforts by some to get additional issues, such as gambling or absentee ballot reform, placed in the call. Gov. Ivey has rejected those efforts. If the Legislature fails to produce a new congressional redistricting plan or if the plan that they submit to the federal appeals court is not satisfactory to the court, then the court will appoint a special master to reapportion the state himself. This will be the second 2023 special session of the Legislature. The first appropriated $1,030,000,000 in American Rescue Plan Act funds. The 2023 Alabama Regular Legislative Session has already ended. To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Department of Commerce to send $1.4 billion to Alabama to boost ongoing efforts to expand broadband access
On Monday, Alabama Governor Kay Ivey announced that the National Telecommunications and Information Administration has released the state allocations from the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment program. The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA), which oversees state broadband initiatives, will administer the grant funds. “My priority is for Alabama to gain full ability to be connected to high-speed internet,” said Gov. Ivey. “We have taken several significant strides toward this goal, and today’s announcement provides a tremendous boost in the journey toward full broadband access no matter where you live in Alabama.” States receiving the funds have 180 days to prepare and submit plans to the NTIA for use of the funds. ADECA’s Alabama Digital Expansion Division will complete Alabama’s required proposal. The division also manages funding from the American Rescue Plan Act and the Alabama Broadband Accessibility Fund for grant programs to help internet service providers extend service to previously unserved or underserved areas. “Thanks to the leadership of Gov. Ivey and a strong team effort among the Legislature, internet service providers, and many others, Alabama is continuing to make great progress in broadband mapping, planning, and deployment,” said ADECA Director Kenneth Boswell. “These efforts have put us in good position with the BEAD program to accelerate our work to close the digital divide in Alabama.” Since 2018, Alabama has invested $88.6 million of state dollars through grant awards supporting 109 projects through the Alabama Broadband Accessibility Fund. Once all Alabama Broadband Accessibility Fund projects awarded to date have been completed, access to broadband service will be available to more than 82,000 Alabama households, businesses, and community institutions that currently have no option to subscribe. ADECA has also developed a statewide broadband map and the Alabama Connectivity Plan, which guide the state’s expansion efforts into unserved areas. In September 2022, Governor Ivey announced a grant to support broadband “middle-mile” network infrastructure to improve access for last-mile projects. ADECA completed community broadband meetings in each of Alabama’s 67 counties in May. The White House made the announcement on Monday when President Joe Biden announced more than $42 billion in new federal funding to expand high-speed internet access nationwide. This will reportedly help an estimated 8.5 million families and small businesses attain connectivity. “For around 24 million Americans across this country, there is no high-speed Internet,” Biden said. “And for millions more, their Internet connection is limited or unreliable. High-speed Internet isn’t a luxury anymore; it’s become an absolute necessity. That’s why we acted as soon as we did — as soon as we came to office — with the American Rescue Plan.” The additional money will be parceled out to states over the next two years. In a formal unveiling at the White House, the president compared the new infrastructure project to the government’s work to electrify the nation’s darkened heartland in the late 1930s. “It’s the biggest investment in high-speed internet ever because for today’s economy to work for everyone, internet access is just as important as electricity or water or other basic services,” Biden said. “In our 21st-century economy, access to reliable high-speed internet is not a luxury. It is a necessity,” said Congresswoman Terri Sewell (D-AL07). “Thanks to President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, we’re devoting more resources than ever before to expanding broadband, closing the digital divide, and ensuring that every Alabamian can connect to high-speed internet. These funds will be a game-changer for our state, and I look forward to working with ADECA to ensure that they are equitably distributed to HBCUs and underserved communities, including in Birmingham and the Black Belt.” Alabama will receive $1,401,221,901.77. California, which has a much bigger population, received over $1.8 billion. To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
