2018 statewide election ad roundup: May 25 edition
The June 5 Republican and Democratic primaries are only 11 days away and Alabama’s candidates have taken to the internet and the airwaves with campaign ads in hopes of swaying Yellowhammer State voters to their side. All of the Republican gubernatorial candidates fought for voter’s attention, with each one rolling out a new ad this week. In true Sue Bell Cobb fashion, Cob rolled out two new ads this week, maintaining her streak for what is now her tenth week in a row. Only Rusty Glover, and Will Ainsworth released new ads in the Lieutenant Governor’s race, while Chess Bedsole, Steve Marshall, and Alice Martin let voters know what’s on their minds. (Hint: it’s corruption) Lone-wolf Jim Zeigler launched his first ad of the 2018 election cycle in the early morning hours last Saturday while tens of thousands of Alabamians were up and watching the royal wedding. Gubernatorial ads Republicans Tommy Battle: Title: Battle For Governor Commercial 2 Published: May 24, 2018 Tone: Encouraging Title: Battle For Governor Commercial 3 Published: May 24, 2018 Tone: Pragmatic Scott Dawson: Title: “The Time is Now” Bus Tour Published: May 24, 2018 Tone: Urgent Bill Hightower: Title: Recycling Published: May 22, 2018 Tone: Contemplative Kay Ivey: Title: Prosperity Published: May 21, 2018 Tone: Optimistic Democrats Sue Bell Cobb: Title: Clean Water is a Human Right Published: May 23, 2018 Tone: Accusing Title: Lifelong Learner Lottery funds Quality Educational Childcare Published: May 24, 2018 Tone: Lighthearted Lieutenant governor ads Republicans Will Ainsworth: Title: Pencil Published: May 22, 2018 Tone: Direct Rusty Glover: Title: “Common Sense” – Rusty Glover for Lieutenant Governor Published: May 22, 2018 Tone: Earnest Title: “Legacy” – Rusty Glover for Lieutenant Governor Published: May 23, 2018 Tone: Virtuous Attorney General ads Republicans Chess Bedsole: Title: Justice Published: May 24, 2018 Tone: Forceful Steve Marshall: Title: Stand Published: May 22, 2018 Tone: Conventional Title: A Principled Conservative Published: May 24, 2018 Tone: Defensive Alice Martin: Title: Stop the Deal-makers Published: May 23, 2018 Tone: Disapproving State Auditor ads Republicans Jim Zeigler: Title: Jim Zeigler – 2018 – State Auditor Published: May 19, 2018 Tone: Assertive
Endorsements pour in for Kay Ivey from state lawmakers
Moving past last week’s craziness, it’s safe to say Gov. Kay Ivey is having a good week this week. Forty-five lawmakers from across the state endorsed the sitting governor on Thursday, citing her leadership in creating jobs, putting more money back in Alabamians pockets and prioritizing conservative values. “From my experience as Lieutenant Governor, I understood and prioritized open communications between the Executive and Legislative Branch to make sure we were effectively working together for the people of Alabama,” said Ivey. “I’m proud of the relationship we’ve built and the progress we’ve made. In only one year, I signed hundreds of bills and resolutions that create more jobs, higher paychecks and improve life for the next generation of Alabamians. I am honored by these endorsements, and with the support of the people, I look forward to continuing working together with these leaders to keep Alabama working.” Anniston-Republican and Senate President Pro Tem Del Marsh was among Ivey’s endorses. “When tragedy hit our hometown, Governor Ivey prioritized the people of Jacksonville,” said Marsh. “During a particularly busy season, she made the time to tour the damaged areas and worked together with the federal government to make sure we had the resources needed to rebuild. Governor Ivey exemplifies servant leadership and she knows how to get results.” Full list of endorsements: Alabama State Senate Atmore-Republican Sen. Greg Albritton Prattville-Republican state Sen. Clyde Chambliss Elba-Republican Sen. Jimmy Holley Anniston-Republican Sen. Del Marsh Springville-Republican Sen. Jim McClendon Florence-Republican Sen. Tim Melson Decatur-Republican Sen. Arthur Orr Jasper-Republican Sen. Greg Reed Madison County-Republican Sen. Paul Sanford Blount County-Republican Sen. Clay Scofield — “Governor Ivey is a committed advocate for rural Alabamians and farmers. As a resident and senator of a rural area, I especially appreciate Governor Ivey’s efforts to grow the economy, expand health care, and improve education in every corner of the state.” Vestavia-Republican Sen. Jabo Waggoner Alabaster-Republican Sen. Cam Ward Rainbow City-Republican Sen. Phil Williams Alabama House of Representatives Brewton-Republican Rep. Alan Baker Phenix City-Republican Rep. Chris Blackshear Troy-Republican, Rep. Alan Boothe Jacksonville-Republican Rep. K.L. Brown, Geneva-Republican Rep. Donnie Chesteen, Ozark- Republican Rep. Steve Clouse Decatur-Republican Rep. Terri Collins: “As a fellow member of the National Pro-Life Women’s Caucus, I am grateful Alabama is being led by a woman who believes that every life is precious and champions efforts to protect the unborn on both the state and national level.” Athens-Republican Rep. Danny Crawford Columbiana-Republican Rep. Corley Ellis Mountain Brook-Republican Rep. David Faulkner Baldwin County-Republican Rep. Joe Faust Woodland-Republican Rep. Bob Fincher Trussville-Republican Rep. Danny Garrett Rogersville-Republican Rep. Lynn Greer Northport-Republican Rep. Alan Harper Munford-Republican Rep. Steve Hurst Elmore County-Republican Rep. Reed Ingram: “Governor Ivey and I share a mutual goal of helping Alabamians keep more of their hard-earned money. In less than a year in office, Governor Ivey made this a reality by signing the largest middle class tax cut in a decade. I am especially grateful for her support and leadership on this important issue.” Moulton-Republican Rep. Ken Johnson Rainsville-Republican Rep. Nathaniel Ledbetter Houston County-Republican Rep. Paul Lee Lee County-Republican Rep. Joe Lovvorn Foley-Republican Rep. Steve McMillan Gadsden-Republican Rep. Becky Nordgren Killen-Republican Rep. Phillip Pettus Tuscaloosa-Republican Rep. Bill Poole Mobile-Republican Rep. Chris Pringle Albertville-Republican Rep. Kerry Rich Greenville-Republican Rep. Chris Sells Cullman-Republican Rep. Randall Shedd Hayden-Republican Rep. David Standridge Morris-Republican Rep. Allen Treadaway Anniston-Republican Rep. Randy Wood
Alabama tourism hits record high, grows $1 billion in 2017
Alabama tourists spent a record $14.3 billion as the state topped 26 million guests for the first time in state history. Gov. Kay Ivey announced the news of the travel industry’s whopping $1 billion growth at the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum at the Barber Motorsports Park in Birmingham on Tuesday. “Every part of the state saw dramatic growth, from the beautiful mountains of the Tennessee Valley to the stunning white sand beaches along the Gulf Coast,” Governor Ivey said. “Most communities generated more revenue and gained jobs through hosting meetings, conventions, sporting events and visits to museums, among other attractions. These gains were especially seen in those areas which have invested in sporting venues which attract youth sports tournaments.” The figures come from the state’s newly released Alabama Tourism Department annual report. According to the report, the tourism industry added 7,399 jobs last year, bringing total employment to 186,906. The industry notched its highest growth in 2017, since the Gulf Coast oil spill in 2010, when tourists spent $9 billion, said Alabama Tourism Director Lee Sentell. “This is such great news for the state of Alabama. In 2017, we had more visitors than at any other time in our history – visitors whose spending added one billion dollars more to the state economy than the year before,” Sentell said. “The site of today’s announcement, Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum, is one of the reasons for these gains. The Barber Museum and Park generated almost 100,000 hotel room-nights of occupancy in 2017 and had 352,000 visitors, an increase of more than 35 percent from the year before.” The tourism industry generates millions of dollars for state and local government. The hospitality industry was responsible for $627.5 million in state taxes and an additional $251.6 million in local revenue for a total of $879 million, an increase of five percent over the previous year, the report said. Some $70 million was generated in state lodgings taxes, of which 75 percent benefits the State General Fund. According to a study by Montgomery economist Dr. Keivan Deravi, the top tourists spots were: Baldwin County added 82,238 guests for a total of 6.4 million guests who spent a record $4.4 billion, despite a wet July. Jefferson County’s hospitality industry grew by a record 9.8 percent and 148,498 tourists. About 3.3 million total visitors helped Jefferson County cross the $2 billion mark in tourist spending for the first time. Madison County saw an increase of 85,728 visitors yielded a total of 3.1 million guests who spent $1.3 billion for a 9.8 percent increase. Mobile County tourism grew by 8 percent. An additional 178,770 visitors meant a total of 3.4 million guests who spent $1.2 billon. Montgomery County, which ranked fifth, added 8,940 guests for a 3.3 percent increase in tourist spending. The city had just under two million visitors who spent $841 million. Deravi says that without those taxes, each household in Alabama would have had to pay $467 in additional taxes to maintain current service levels.
Kay Ivey signs five bills focusing on military, veterans, and their families
Governor Kay Ivey signed four bills — House Bills 58, 83, 88 and 92 — supporting veterans and the military during a bill signing ceremony at the state capitol Monday. Earlier this month at Maxwell Air Force Base, she also signed into law House Bill 388, the Military Family Jobs Opportunity Act. “Throughout my career, I have advocated for our service men and women, and I will continue to do all I can as governor to offer my support to those who have given us so much,” Ivey said. “Alabamians are steadfast in their support for the military, and I am proud to strengthen Alabama’s bond with the military through these five bills I have signed into law.” Parks for Patriots Bill HB 58, grants free admission to active or retired service members, who are Alabama residents, to state parks operated by the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. An appropriate active or retired military identification card, a driver’s license with a military veteran designation, a valid Department of Defense Form or any other documentation prescribed by law or administrative rule must be shown to obtain free admission. In November 2017, Ivey announced that entry into Alabama’s State Parks was free for all veterans. At that time, Rep. Dickie Drake said he planned to file a bill in the 2018 Regular Session that would permanently codify Ivey’s Parks for Patriots plan into law. “I am so proud to have sponsored a bill that allows veterans and current military to have free admission to Alabama State Parks,” Drake said. “With Memorial Day close at hand, this should be something nice for our Veterans and our military who have given so much and make so many sacrifices; we can never fully repay them!” Veterans Employment Act and Competitive Bidding for Vets Bills Ivey also signed HB 83, the Veterans Employment Act and HB 88, which gives preference in competitive bids on state government contracts to businesses owned by veterans. Drake also sponsored HB 88. Meanwhile, Rep. Connie Rowe sponsored the Veterans Employment Act, which gives a tax credit to small businesses that hire unemployed veterans. “This was an opportunity to help both our veterans and small businesses at the same time. Incentivizing the hiring and retention of our military veterans by Alabama small businesses allows us to acknowledge their service and provide them with more job opportunities,” explained Rowe.. “Small businesses will benefit, not only by qualifying for the tax incentive, but also by bringing employees into their businesses with the admirable traits and skills acquired during military training and service. It’s a win-win piece of legislation.” Windshield placards for vets HB 92, sponsored by Rep. Barry Moore, allows a person who meets the military service and award requirements to be issued a windshield placard displaying an appropriate military honor or veteran status. The placard will permit parking in designated military parking places. The bill makes it unlawful for a person to park in these designated military places without distinctive placard. “In our great nation, we recognize that freedom is a right given by God, but we also know that right is protected by those who fight for it,” Ivey concluded. “I am grateful for the hard work and support of the Alabama Legislature for passing strong legislation supporting our service men and women.” Military Family Jobs Opportunity Act Earlier this month at Maxwell Air Force Base, Ivey signed into law HB 388, the Military Family Jobs Opportunity Act. Through this bill, professional licensing boards are required to issue licenses and certificates to military spouses who hold licenses and certificates from other states. In the case a state has lesser requirements, the state will issue temporary licenses. Sen. Gerald Dial and Rep. Thad McClammy were the sponsors of the legislation.
Will the real Kay Ivey please speak up? The wide divide between Ivey’s official and campaign messages
Politicians everywhere would kill for Governor Kay Ivey‘s approval ratings. She is amongst the most popular governors in the nation. Just last month, a poll showed Ivey as the third highest ranked governor, with a 67% approval rating. With numbers like that, at this point all she has to do is not screw up royally to keep both her seat and her popularity in tact. Which begs the question: why, oh why, can’t her office stop fumbling the football on easy asks? Several months ago Alabama Today detailed the painstaking efforts it took to get the names of the governor’s appointees since taking office. If you’re curious they can be found here. What we do with the data once we get it is simple — we post the list. Heck, we don’t even give commentary. We just provide the public with information we believe they should have. We’ve posted gubernatorial appointments since our site began years ago. Governors everywhere release their appointees, usually celebrating their diversity and experience. It’s a no-brainer or at least it should be. Here’s how it should work, just as it did when Bentley was governor: A media outlet (in this case Alabama Today) emails the governor’s communication staff and says, “Hey, can we have your appointments?” then the same day or a day or two later they respond with the list. Bam. Media outlet posts list. It’s that simple. Ivey’s campaign has centered its messaging around her bringing accountability and transparency back to Montgomery. She went so far to take what the Anniston Star called a TRANSPARENCY PLEDGE when she first took office in 2017. It was pretty simple, let’s see here: “The Ivey administration will be open, it will be transparent, and it will be honest.” Well that seems pretty direct. So why did a list that Governor Robert Bentley’s office produced overnight take 61 days for Ivey’s office to produce? And why, oh why after finally producing them and telling us that they have a new process so that they can turn them around quicker, are we here again now 4 weeks and 4 days from the time I most recently requested them? Not only do I not have a list after emailing the Press Secretary Daniel Sparkman (4x times) and Communications Director Josh Pendergrass (3x) then looping in the Chief of Staff Steve Pelham on the third and fourth follow up emails, we’re getting crickets. That’s right, not even so much as an acknowledgement email. So when the Governor promised transparency and accountability was it only to media outlets she and her staff like? Is that one’s who don’t run commentary on how hard it is to get simple information? Or was it my asking about her Bentley hold-overs that earned me the silent treatment? Or am I simply making excuses for the fact the Governor herself doesn’t want the public to see who she’s appointed to boards and commissions? Has she been making appointments that are controversial and she doesn’t want that to come out two weeks before an election? It’s important to remember Ivey kept professional communications consultants on through her transition and initial months in office citing the need for their expertise. Those same consultants are now her campaign team, along with a highly (if not over) qualified communications director, Debbee Hancock who’s experience make both the staff in the governors office look like amateurs. That brings us to the final possibility, the governor’s official office simply doesn’t have the competency levels needed to understand that they’re not hurting me personally by not giving our publication information, but that they’re hurting the governor herself? They represent Governor Ivey. They are her voice. No one is getting up on Election Day to vote for Daniel Sparkman or Josh Pendergrass, but people going to the polls will note when a candidate doesn’t fulfill their promises and/or hides information from them and that’s exactly what Ivey is doing at this moment by refusing to disclose her appointments (and her elusive schedule). Ivey has two teams and currently two diametrically opposed positions on transparency and accountability. Let’s hope the strong voice in the governors ear is the one that gives the people what she has promised and the Ivey administration will be open, it will be transparent, and it will be honest moving forward. Maybe even as soon as today since we checked back with them on appointments this afternoon; we’ll keep you posted. More to come on this topic before the election.
Here’s everyone the NRA has endorsed in the 2018 election cycle
An endorsement from the NRA‘s Political Action Committee, the NRA Political Victory Fund (NRA-PVF), can be a game changer for many candidates. “When provided with the facts, the nation’s elected officials will recognize that “gun control” schemes are an infringement on the Second Amendment and a proven failure in fighting crime” says the fund. “The importance of this premise lies in the knowledge that, as one U.S. Congressman put it: ‘The gun lobby is people.’” The NRA-PVF makes its decisions based on voting records, public statements and their responses to their NRA-PVF questionnaire. Here are the candidates who the NRA has endorsed, who they believe will stand up for Alabamian’s Second Amendment rights: Statewide races Governor: Kay Ivey Attorney General: Steve Marshall Agricultural Commissioner: Gerald Dial State Senate Races District 4: Paul Bussman District 6: Larry Stutts District 8: Steve Livingston District 10: Mack N. Butler District 12: Del Marsh District 21: Gerald H. Allen District 22: Tom Butler State House Races District 10: Mike Ball District 12: Corey Harbison District 14: Tim Wadsworth District 16: Kyle South District 22: Ritchie Whorton District 23: Tommy Hanes District 31: Mike Holmes District 33: Ronald G. Johnson District 45: Dickie Drake District 48: Jim Carns District 49: April Weaver District 65: Elaine Beech District 88: Jeremy Arthur District 105: Chip Brown
Report: 2017 projects generate nearly 15,500 new jobs across Alabama
Companies planning new facilities or expanding existing operations in Alabama announced nearly 15,500 new jobs and more than $4.4 billion in capital investment during 2017, according to a comprehensive report detailing economic development activity in the state last year. The 2017 New & Expanding Industry Report, released by Gov. Kay Ivey and the Alabama Department of Commerce, shows that key industrial sectors such as automotive and aerospace continue to expand. The important forest product and food production sectors also turned in strong performances last year. “I’m committed to creating high-paying jobs that transform the lives of Alabamians and bring new levels of prosperity to communities across the state,” Ivey said. “For Alabama to continue our recent success of job creation, it’s vitally important that we continue to pursue 21st-century jobs for our people. “Momentum is on our side, and I will continue leading the charge in helping every Alabama family achieve their goals,” she said. Key findings in the report include: Alabama’s economic development efforts resulted in securing 317 projects last year, resulting in 15,465 new and future jobs and $4.41 billion in new capital investment. Those totals exceed 2016’s figures – 14,707 jobs and $4.2 billion in investment. Jefferson led all Alabama counties in job growth from 2017 projects, with 2,200 anticipated jobs. Rural Dallas County led in new capital investment in 2017, with $556.2 million. Alabama attracted foreign direct investment from 16 countries, generating 3,391 new and future jobs, as well as more than $1.2 billion in investment. South Korea was the top source for jobs, with 1,216 anticipated positions. The momentum from a solid 2017 in economic development in Alabama has carried over into this year. Already in 2018, the state has landed major projects including a Toyota-Mazda auto assembly plant that will create 4,000 jobs in Huntsville and a Kimber firearms factory that will create 366 jobs in Troy. “We’re going to be energetically pursuing more of these projects because we want to bring jobs home to Alabama,” Ivey said. Goal: job creation Greg Canfield, secretary of the Alabama Department of Commerce, said the 2017 results outlined in the report align with the priorities of Accelerate Alabama 2.0, the state’s updated economic development growth plan. “Our economic development strategy has centered on developing longstanding relationships with high-caliber companies from the U.S. and around the world so that they will put down roots in the state and grow through expansions over many years,” Canfield said. “Our primary goal is to create top-quality jobs and meaningful opportunities for people all across the state.” The largest 2017 project, based on jobs created, was Aerojet Rocketdyne’s expansion in Huntsville. The California-based company is building a new manufacturing facility for its AR1 rocket engine and relocating many functions related to its defense business to Alabama, creating a total of 800 jobs. Other large job-creating projects included: Autocar announced plans to open an assembly facility for heavy-duty work trucks in Birmingham, creating 746 jobs. Walmart announced that it will open an import distribution center in Mobile with 550 jobs. Mercedes-Benz broke ground on a Global Logistics Center in rural Bibb County that will be staffed with 502 workers. (The automaker also announced plans for a battery plant, but the dimensions of that project are not yet final.) John Soules Foods plans to create 500 jobs in Chambers County as it expands its production capacity. Project breakdown A detailed look at the 2017 New & Expanding Industry Report shows that a majority of the projects involved expansions of existing facilities in Alabama. There were 256 expansion projects last year, involving $2.7 billion in capital investment and 8,367 anticipated jobs. The 61 projects involving new facilities are expected to create almost as many jobs – 7,098, according to the report. New capital investment tied to these projects approached $1.7 billion. Following Jefferson, the top counties for project-related job creation in 2017 were: Madison: 1,828 Montgomery: 1,056 Mobile: 797 Chambers: 585 Counties ranking behind Dallas for the most new investment were: Morgan: $516.3 million Madison: $492.2 million Mobile: $339.1 million Bibb: $281.5 million Republished with the permission of the Alabama Newscenter.
2018 statewide election ad roundup: May 18 edition
The June 5 Republican and Democratic primaries are only 18 days away and Alabama’s candidates have taken to the internet and the airwaves with campaign ads in hopes of swaying Yellowhammer State voters to their side. In the gubernatorial race, only former Chief Justice Sue Bell Cobb, and Governor Kay Ivey released new ads this week. Ivey released a new radio ad while Cobb continued her campaign tradition; issuing two new ads for the ninth week in a row. Twinkle Andress Cavanaugh introduced just one new ad this week, while Will Ainsworth rolled out the big guns this week introducing 7 new ads in the Lieutenant Governor’s race. Steve Marshall was the only candidate introduce an ad in the Attorney General’s race, and Agriculture Commissioner candidate Gerald Dial released his first television ad this week — with a jingle that will definitely get stuck in your head. Gubernatorial Ads Republicans Kay Ivey: Title: Values Published: May 17, 2018 Tone: Principled Democrats Sue Bell Cobb: Title: Fixing Alabama’s D+ Roads Published: May 15, 2018 Tone: Reformative Sue Bell Cobb: Title: #It’sTime an Alabama Governor Cared About Our Healthcare Published: May 17, 2018 Tone: Wellness Lieutenant governor ads Republicans Twinkle Andress Cavanaugh: Title: A Proven Leader for Lieutenant Governor Published: May 15, 2018 Tone: Virtuous 1 Will Ainsworth: Title: Brett Stanton on Will’s Fight for Public Education Published: May 17, 2018 Tone: Stable Will Ainsworth: Title: Kendall Ainsworth on Will’s Alabama Values Published: May 17, 2018 Tone: Familial Will Ainsworth: Title: Chris Lane on Will’s Promise for Alabama’s Natural Resources Published: May 17, 2018 Tone: Impassioned Will Ainsworth: Title: Whitney Mastin on Will’s Next Generation Initiative Published: May 17, 2018 Tone: Steadfast Will Ainsworth: Title: Jason Satterfield on Will’s Pro-Business Approach Published: May 17, 2018 Tone: Dedicated Will Ainsworth: Title: John Mullins on Will’s Drive to Find Meaningful Solutions Published: May 17, 2018 Tone: Contributory Will Ainsworth: Title: Judy Miller on Will’s Fight for the Alabama’s Next Generation Published: May 17, 2018 Tone: Hopeful Will Ainsworth: Title: Roseanne Mabrey on Will’s School Safety Initiative Published: May 17, 2018 Tone: Optimistic Attorney General ads Republicans Steve Marshall: Title: Mikayla’s Story Published: May 14, 2018 Tone: Dedicated Agriculture Commissioner Republicans Gerald Dial: Title: It’s Dial Time! Published: May 16, 2018 Tone: Joyful
Hey, John Cooper, ALDOT, Governor Kay Ivey: you guys have one job…
By now everyone’s seen the sign mix up at malfunction junction here in Birmingham. It would just be another government employee snafu (or more appropriately a bunch of snafus because someone designed that, someone made it, someone transported it and someone installed it all the while no one catching the error) that has gone viral on social media, but I think it’s bigger than that. It’s just another indication that Alabama’s Department of Transportation (ALDOT) keeps missing the mark. It’s clear: we have serious transportation problems in our state. From failing roads and bridges to general maintenance issues, there’s no shortage of projects for ALDOT to prioritize, so why do they continue to focus on the wrong projects? One look at the “Fix My Roads” project on Facebook — a page designed to allow citizens across the state to report roads and bridges that are in need of repair by taking photos/videos and posting them on this page along with a first person narrative — and you can see what Alabamians across the state would consider most important. But ALDOT rarely seems to prioritize what Alabama citizens do. Nevertheless the inevitable solution is to give ALDOT more money. Perhaps ALDOT actually needs more money. There is no denying the sad state of affairs when it comes to our infrastructure, but I have a novel idea for ALDOT spend the money you have already better. Prioritize. That’s what families and businesses around the state have to do on a daily basis. In a column I wrote for AL.Com that was published today, “Where ALDOT and two mayors get it wrong it’s up to Governor Ivey to get it right,” I make the case for John Cooper the Director of ALDOT and Governor Kay Ivey to take a look at what’s really necessary in our state and start there. We need our elected officials, at every level of government, in addition to those they appoint or hire, to work for the citizens they represent and prioritize of projects that will have the greatest benefit for everyone. The list of infrastructure projects that require funding from ALDOT and the states limited budget is never ending; and they aren’t concentrated to one area of the state. From I-595 in Huntsville, to I-10 in Mobile, the mess that is Birmingham highways our needs throughout the state are great. It seems like a novel idea, but instead Cooper and others want to spend taxpayer money with little to no evidence of need. If Ivey doesn’t step in, or Cooper doesn’t step up, how can they both look at taxpayers with a straight face and say that they’re true conservatives calling on tax increases? Why should either be given more money if they can’t spend what they have efficiently? Read the whole column to see an egregious example of a $87 million (before cost overruns of course) project that Cooper is pushing, a bridge that locals call the #BridgeToNoWhere. Here are the bills related to increasing gas taxes from last year as described by National Conference on State Legislatures. You can safely bet these bills will be back and in a non-election year your elected officials are more likely to pass them: AL S 86 2018 Alabama Road and Bridge Rehabilitation and Improvement Status: Failed – Adjourned – HOUSE Date of Last Action:* 2/6/2018 Author: Dial (R) Additional Authors: Beasley (D);Allen Ge (R);Holley (R);Whatley (R);Livingston (R) Topics: Bonding and debt, State taxes on gasoline and diesel, Transportation appropriations Summary: Provides for the establishment and incorporation of the Alabama Road and Bridge Rehabilitation and Improvement Authority, establishes the ATRIP-II Projects Special Fund, provides that the authority may issue bonds in an aggregate principal amount not exceeding a certain amount of which a certain amount thereof shall be issued to finance county and municipal road and bridge rehabilitation and improvement projects and the balance thereof issued to finance state road and bridge. History: Click for History AL S 89 2018 Gasoline and Diesel Fuel Taxation Status: Failed – Adjourned – SENATE Date of Last Action:* 1/9/2018 Author: Orr (R) Topics: State taxes on gasoline and diesel Summary: Relates to gasoline and diesel fuel taxation, authorizes a county commission to call for a referendum on the levy of an excise tax on gasoline and diesel fuel not to exceed a certain amount per gallon for specific road and bridge projects identified by the county prior to the referendum, provides that the excise tax could only be in effect for a period not to exceed a certain time period, provides for subsequent local referendums asking that new levies be authorized. History: Click for History AL H 360 2018 Gasoline and Diesel Fuel Taxation Status: Failed – Adjourned – House Transportation, Utilities and Infrastructure Committee Date of Last Action:* 2/1/2018 Author: Mooney (R) Topics: State taxes on gasoline and diesel, Transportation appropriations Summary: Relates to gasoline and diesel fuel taxation, authorizes a county commission to call for a referendum on the levy of an excise tax on gasoline and diesel fuel not to exceed five cents ($.05) per gallon for specific road and bridge projects identified by the county prior to the referendum, provides that the excise tax could only be in effect for a period not to exceed five years, provides for subsequent local referendums asking that new levies be authorized. History: Click for History AL S 377 2018 Colbert County Status: Vetoed – Pocket Vetoed by Governor Date of Last Action:* 04/08/2018 – Vetoed Author: Stutts (R) Topics: Local transportation funding, State taxes on gasoline and diesel Summary: Relates to Colbert County, authorizes the Colbert County Commission to levy a road and bridge construction excise tax on gasoline and other motor fuels, provides for the distribution of the proceeds to the county road and bridge fund to be used by the county and municipalities in the county for road and bridge construction in the county. History: Click for History
We need to focus on results, not rumors
In what universe does a “champion” of the LGBTQ community take to social media in an attempt to “out” another politician/individual as a homosexual? Giving no credence to the accusation itself, I can’t help but wonder why someone who has spent their career advocating for equality and fairness for all, would taking a parting shot meant only to create division, before they head down to Orlando for their new job, to use social media to bully another individual. I will say here what I said when Gov. Robert Bentley‘s personal life became the subject of public discussion, tabloid style innuendo and gossip throughout the State House and every other nook and cranny of Montgomery: unless an individual’s personal life directly impacts their work (which we found to be the case with Gov. Bentley and Rebecca Mason), an individual’s personal life should remain just that. Their personal business. Gov. Kay Ivey is running on a platform of bolstering jobs across the state, of transparency and accountability in government (though we all know I’ve had someone questions about that lately), and any innuendo about her personal life — whether she’s heterosexual or homosexual or anything in between — is none of the voter’s business. Frankly, I won’t be voting for or against Ivey based on her personal life. I’ll be voting for the best candidate for the office of governor, as I do with all candidates and races, based on the merits of each persons qualifications and the direction that I want the state to move in. In this day and age, where society has made much progress towards accepting different lifestyles and choices, we should not speculate about one’s sexuality and it certainly shouldn’t be used as a weapon as Rep. Todd tried to do this week. Again, what is happening in ones bedroom doesn’t really matter in terms of ability to do a given job so long as there aren’t any professional complications to go with the personal actions. Anyone perpetuating this rumor should be ashamed of themselves and needs to focus on the things that really matter for our state and the people in it. We need to focus on results, not rumors. Alabama is at a turning point where we’re slowly making headway against the Bentley fall out and the national headlines that stemmed from the U.S. Senate race. Let’s concentrate on the positive and we have plenty of that at the moment.
Success Plus initiative aims to add 500,000 high-skilled workers
A new strategic workforce development initiative targets the addition of 500,000 high-skilled employees to Alabama’s workforce by 2025 in response to increasing employer demands for the higher levels of talent needed in modern workplaces. Representatives of the Alabama Workforce Council, a group of high-level business leaders from across the state, presented Gov. Kay Ivey with a report on the Success Plus initiative, which aims to prepare a pipeline of workers with industry-recognized skills obtained through earning certificates, credentials or degrees. “Success Plus research recognizes that Alabama will need to add as many as 500,000 high-skilled employees to the workforce by 2025 to fill industry’s labor needs and compete for new businesses, which would equate to approximately 60 percent of the state’s working-age population,” the report says. Ivey said the initiative is needed because the skills required to compete in 21st century workplaces are shifting. “In order to stay competitive in a global economy, Alabama must prepare our workforce to be ready for the jobs of tomorrow,” she said. “We will be working with business and industry to ensure we have the training necessary to equip Alabamians with the skills needed for these high-tech, high-skill jobs.” Read the Success Plus report. Creating pathways Representatives of the Alabama Workforce Council’s Statewide Educational Attainment Committee presented Ivey with its Success Plus report at an announcement event at the Mobile shipyard of manufacturer Austal, which employs more than 4,000 people. “Today’s economy is changing and evolving rapidly,” said the committee’s chairman, Jeff Lynn of the Alabama Community College System. “More and more skill training, in addition to a high school degree, is essential to citizens looking to build a career, improve their lives and provide opportunities for their families.” In addition to laying out a series of goals and measurements, Success Plus aims to improve access to educational opportunities, create pathways and defined routes that show people how to advance a career, and encourage collaboration among private and public entities. Zeke Smith, chairman of the Alabama Workforce Council, said Success Plus is a natural extension of AlabamaWorks, a unified system that aims to link employers with job seekers and create career paths for young people. “Success Plus will provide my team with another tool to utilize on the recruitment tool so that we can build on the economic development momentum we have going today,” said Greg Canfield, secretary of the Alabama Department of Commerce. “This initiative will underscore our commitment to providing a trained workforce and will give companies yet another reason to invest and create jobs in Alabama.” Republished with the permission of the Alabama Newscenter.
Kay Ivey among 7 governors backing Donald Trump’s nomination for Nobel Peace Prize
Alabama Governor Kay Ivey announced her part in nominating Donald Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize on Tuesday. “Yesterday, I was proud to join six other governors in highlighting the historical progress President Trump has made toward denuclearization and peace for the peoples of North and South Korea,” said Ivey. “Ending North Korea’s pursuit of nuclear weapons has eluded American presidents for decades. President Trump is due to be honored for his ability to bring everyone to the table to discuss a way forward which offers the Korean Peninsula, and the world, a path toward stability and peace.” Ivey joined Governor’s Eddie Baza Calvo of Guam, Jeff Colyer of Kansas, Phil Bryant of Mississippi, Governor of Maine Paul LePage, Henry McMaster of South Carolina, and Governor of West Virgnia, Jim Justice in nominating the President by sending a letter to Berit Reiss-Andersen, chair of the Norwegian Nobel Committee. “Though he has only been in office one year, President Trump has achieved an unprecedented victory for global peace and security. The President’s firm stance against nuclearization, coupled with his willingness to engage one-on-one with Pyongyang, has succeeded in opening new avenues of cooperation, friendship and unity between the two Koreas – and the rest of the world,” said the letter. “It isn’t often that presidents follow through on their promises; yet, President Trump is proving time and again that he isn’t like most presidents,” said Ivey. “I am thankful to the president for the conservative, smaller-government direction he is taking our nation and for his efforts in ensuring that our world is a safer place. The Nobel Committee should act quickly in affirming President Trump’s nomination and should give him the Nobel Peace Prize, which he certainly deserves.”
