Personnel Note: Retired Rear Admiral Kent Davis named head of Alabama VA
On Thursday, Governor Kay Ivey announced her selection of Alabama native Rear Admiral W. Kent Davis as commissioner of the Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs. On January 4, the State Board of Veterans Affairs voted on this selection before today’s official offer. In a press release, Ivey said “After serving his country in multiple branches of the military over the course of his distinguished career, Adm. Davis has proven himself as an excellent selection to serve as the next commissioner of the Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs. I commend the hard work of the State Board of Veterans Affairs Search Committee for recommending our next VA leader. I know that Adm. Davis will take his broad spectrum of experience and apply it well to help the honorable men and women of Alabama who have so proudly served in uniform.” According to the press release, Adm. Davis served in both the U.S. Army and U.S. Navy in active duty but, in his 30 years in uniform and 11 years of active duty, has experience with all military services. Adm. Davis, it says “Adm. Davis is one of only a few people who has served both as a field grade officer in the Army and a senior officer in the Navy.” In addition, he has a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Louisiana State University and his law degree from Georgia State University. AL.com reports that Adm. Davis began his career as an officer aboard the U.S.S. Missouri in 1986 and retired from the Navy in October of 2016. He has also worked as city manager for Anniston, deputy superintendent of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Center for Domestic Preparedness (CDP)in Anniston, director of public affairs for U.S. detention operations in Afghanistan. He is currently chief communication officer at Air University at Maxwell Air Force Base in Montgomery. In the press release, Adm. Davis was quoted as saying, “I look forward to continuing to serve my country as the commissioner of the Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs. As a veteran myself, I understand the importance of providing help to the hundreds of thousands of Alabamians who have served in uniform,” Adm. Davis said. “It is an honor to have been chosen for this new post. I appreciate the confidence in me shown by Governor Ivey and the State Board of Veterans Affairs. I will work hard each day to ensure the veterans of Alabama are treated with the utmost respect and granted the care they so greatly deserve.” Adm. Davis told the Anniston Star that he left his position at CDP in Anniston under pressure after trying to address serious problems. “I had to walk away from that,” Davis said. “I thought, do I stay and fight this out with all the risks, or do I walk away knowing that if I resign it ends everything?” In 2017, the Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs earned national recognition for a website that improves veterans’ access to VA benefits and services.
Local and state officials react to death of Mobile police officer Sean Tuder
Sean Tuder, a 30 year-old police officer from Mobile, was shot and killed in the line of duty Sunday. AL.com reports that Tuder joined the Mobile Police Department in March 2016 and was named officer of the month in August of 2017 for his exceptional service. MPD Chief Lawrence Battiste spoke about Tuder outside of the emergency room at Providence Hospital saying, “He was one of those guys that certainly resonates in your mind as a true leader, a true commitment to doing his best in this community to keep it safe and to be a role model for others. Officer Tuder was one of those guys that believed in mentoring and help bringing other officers along.” Mobile’s Mayor Sandy Stimpson took to Twitter with a statement. Earlier today, Mobile lost one of our best and finest, Officer Sean Tuder. We send our thoughts and prayers to his friends and family during this tragedy. We mourn together as a community and we love together as a community. pic.twitter.com/PTSSOHqtoj — Mayor Sandy Stimpson (@MayorStimpson) January 21, 2019 Ashley Rich, Mobile District Attorney, posted a tribute to Tuder on Facebook which read “The city of Mobile lost one of its finest officers today. This tragedy is a stark reminder of the dangers that the brave men and women of law enforcement face everyday. I would like everyone to take a moment to remember the man who made the ultimate sacrifice while protecting our community. Please keep Officer Sean Tuder’s family in your thoughts and prayers.” Alabama Governor Kay Ivey released a statement saying, Less than a day after laying to rest Birmingham Police Sergeant Wytasha Carter, I’m saddened to learn of the death of Mobile Police Officer Sean Tuder, who was killed today in the line of duty. I extend my sincerest condolences and heartfelt prayers to Officer Tuder’s wife and family, fellow officers and to the community he served. Officer Tuder was an exceptional young officer, a true leader and was once recognized as ‘Officer of the Month’ for his commitment to serve and protect. This senseless tragedy has sadly taken the life of yet another Mobile police officer, far too soon, and stands as a reminder of the sacrifices made by those who wear the badge. To the Mobile community, know that all of Alabama joins you in mourning this remarkable law enforcement officer. Elected officials in Washington also shared condolences. Horrific news out of Mobile. Our prayers are with Officer Tudor’s family, the @MobileALPolice, and our entire community. https://t.co/fOYWBff9kJ — Archive: Rep. Bradley Byrne (@RepByrne) January 20, 2019 Praying for @MobileALPolice Officer Sean Tuder’s family following this tragic shooting. https://t.co/jQf0TkcGxP — Richard Shelby (@SenShelby) January 20, 2019
Seven communities awarded Broadband Accessibility Fund Grants by Kay Ivey
Governor Kay Ivey announced in a statement on Tuesday that seven communities were awarded the first Broadband Accessibility Fund Grants totaling $1.1 million. She said “These grants may only represent one step in terms of providing high-speed internet opportunities to rural Alabama, but it is a monumental leap for a program that has the ability to positively impact the lives of so many people,” Gov. Ivey said. “By supplying these services to rural Alabama, we are also providing these areas the ability to step up in education, health care and economic development.” In order to qualify for these funds, a community must be unincorporated or have a population of 25,000 people or fewer. The grant cannot exceed more than 20 percent of the total cost of the project. The Alabama Broadband Accessibility Fund is administrated by the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs. In Ivey’s statement, ADECA Director Kenneth Boswell said “Providing broadband services to Alabama’s rural communities is in many ways the equivalent of providing those same areas with electricity in early 20th Century,” He continued “ADECA and Gov. Ivey share the goal of supplying this essential service to every part of Alabama.” The Alabama Broadband Accessibility Act, which became law in March 2018, authorized the grant program, to remedy the number of people in Alabama with no or limited access to high-speed internet. As of March 2018, nearly 850,000 people are without high-speed internet, more than 1 million have access only to one wired internet provider, and more than 275,000 had no wired providers available. Providers have been expanding access as well. In December of last year, AT&T brought fixed wireless internet to rural parts of 39 counties that previously did not have internet access. “In today’s digital economy, access to reliable broadband service is critical. My colleagues and I are working hard to create an environment that supports private investment and enhanced broadband access for all Alabamians. I applaud AT&T’s continued investment and am pleased Fixed Wireless Internet is now available in parts of 39 Alabama counties,” said Alabama 4th District U.S. Congressman Robert Aderholt, “With the use of multiple technologies across Alabama, we will close the access gaps that exist in some of our rural communities.” Expanding internet access has been a bipartisan effort. In December of last year, Democrat Senator Doug Jones encouraged rural entities to apply for broadband loans and grants from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). Jones said, “Today, more than ever, high-speed internet is no longer a luxury, but a necessity. Students rely on connectivity for their education, hospitals and health care providers use telehealth capabilities to reach rural communities, and small businesses need the internet to thrive. It provides economic opportunity, strengthens our communities and connects our workforce throughout Alabama and the nation. This USDA funding is a great opportunity to close the broadband gaps that exist in Alabama and I encourage any eligible entity in the state to apply.” Grants awarded and coverage areas are: Millry Telephone Co. Inc. of Millry – $938,306 for coverage in incorporated areas of Gilbertown and Toxey and some unincorporated areas in Choctaw County. Marcus Cable Associates of Birmingham – $11,022 for coverage in the East Wood Point area in Moulton. Marcus Cables Associates of Birmingham – $11,063 for coverage in the Emerald Ridge area in Chelsea. Charter Communications – $29,567 for coverage in Glen Ridge in southwest Tuscaloosa County. Charter Communications – $6,017 for coverage in Grace Haven subdivision in Boaz. Charter Communications – $8,415 for coverage in the Vickey Lane area in Boaz. Farmers Telecommunications Cooperative Inc. – $74,586 for coverage in the Pea Ridge community near Henagar.
Personnel note: Kay Ivey taps former Congressman Jo Bonner to be new chief of staff
On her second day of her first full term, Governor Kay Ivey announced on Tuesday announced a major change in her office. Former U.S. Representative Jo Bonner will be her new chief of staff. Bonner will replace longtime confidant and chief of staff Steve Pelham who will be leaving the Governor’s Office to become the new Vice President for Economic Development and Chief of Staff to Auburn University President Steven Leath in February. Pelham became Ivey’s chief of staff when she was elected Alabama’s first Republican woman Lieutenant Governor in 2011. “Steve has been a close friend and a trusted confidant for a number of years and has provided our office with outstanding leadership,” Ivey said. “When we made the transition to the Governor’s Office in 2017, Steve was responsible for leading the effort to make certain the Ivey Administration was up and running on day one. He has maintained that level of commitment to our organization, structure and focus to details throughout our first term together.” Bonner joined the Ivey Administration on December 1, 2018, as the governor’s senior advisor. Prior to that he served as Interim Executive Director for the Tuscaloosa County Industrial Development Authority and prior to that as Vice Chancellor for Economic Development for The University of Alabama System. Before that, Bonner represented Alabama’s First District in the U.S. House of Representatives, being elected to six terms. In Congress, Bonner earned a reputation as a respected and influential voice of reason in both Alabama and Washington, D.C. He was a member of the House Appropriations Committee, where he served on three key subcommittees, as well as the House Ethics Committee. Widely respected on both sides of the aisle, Bonner was selected by House Speaker John Boehner to serve as chairman of the House Ethics Committee in the 112th Congress. “Jo brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to our administration, and I know we aren’t going to miss a step as my cabinet, staff and I work, every day, to honor the support and confidence the people of Alabama gave us last November,” Ivey added. “Jo Bonner is a respected leader and a known quantity in Washington and throughout Alabama. We knew he would be a valuable addition to our team when I announced he was joining us last month.” Ivey has encouraged Pelham to take some time off so that he may have the opportunity to regroup before he transitions to his new role, today is his last day in the office. As a result, Bonner will become Chief of Staff upon Pelham’s final separation but will immediately assume those responsibilities during his transition.
Judge rules Alabama Confederate monuments protection law is null and void
A judge has overturned an Alabama law that prevents the removal of Confederate monuments from public property. Late Monday, Jefferson County Circuit Judge Michael Graffeo issued a 10-page ruling that said the Alabama Memorial Preservation Act does not have any legal authority. “Just as the state could not force any particular citizen to post a pro-Confederacy sign in his or her front lawn, so too can the state not commandeer the city’s property for the state’s preferred message,” Graffeo wrote in his ruling. On May 25, 2017, Gov. Kay Ivey signed the act into law. It preserves all historical monuments on public property that have been in place for at least 40 years. “We can’t change or erase our history, but here in Alabama, we know something Washington doesn’t — to get where we’re going means understanding where we’ve been,” Ivey said in a campaign ad highlighting the law. Graffeo’s ruling follows a 2017 lawsuit filed by Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall against the City of Birmingham and then-Mayor William Bell for violating the state law by constructing barriers to deliberately obscure a Confederate monument in the city’s downtown Linn Park. “In accordance with the law, my office has determined that by affixing tarps and placing plywood around the Linn Park Memorial such that it is hidden from view, the Defendants have ‘altered’ or ‘otherwise disturbed’ the memorial in violation of the letter and spirit of the Alabama Memorial Preservation Act,” said Marshall. “The City of Birmingham does not have the right to violate the law and leaves my office with no choice but to file suit.” “A city has a right to speak for itself, to say what it wishes, and to select the views that is wants to express,” Graffeo added. “The state acknowledges that the city is generally free to engage in government speech… but explains that the act withdraws from the city the right to engage in a particular expressive message. This explanation is impermissibly content-based… [the state] also cannot manipulate the city’s speech for the illegitimate purpose of favoring certain content of viewpoints.”
Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey to be sworn in for first full term
Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey, who said she “steadied the ship of state” after taking over for a scandal-battled predecessor nearly two years ago, will be sworn in for her first full term Monday. Ivey takes the oath of office during inauguration festivities at the Alabama Capitol. She is the state’s second female governor and the first Republican woman elected to the position. Ivey, 74, who had been lieutenant governor, automatically became governor 21 months ago when then-Gov. Robert Bentley suddenly resigned in the midst of an impeachment investigation partly centered on his relationship with an aide. Ivey won a term in her own right after easily defeating Tuscaloosa Mayor Walt Maddox in the November election. In her 2018 campaign Ivey largely focused on her brief record as governor and emphasized the state’s recovering economy and restoring trust to state government. She told voters she had “steadied the ship of state.” She is expected to begin her second term with a number of initiatives and pressing issues before the state, including some that could be difficult political waters to navigate. Ivey has been in discussions with legislative leaders about a possible gasoline tax increase to fund road and bridge construction. The state has not had an increase in the statewide gasoline tax since 1992. Legislative leaders have said they are gauging the temperature of members about a possible increase. Senate President Pro Tem Del Marsh said last week that the governor wants “a reasonable increase in a fuel tax.” ″As you know, we haven’t had an increase since ’92. It’s been 26 years,” said Marsh, R-Anniston. Prisons will remain a pressing issue for state officials as Alabama tries to comply with a federal judge’s order to improve “horrendously inadequate” mental health care in state prisons. “The hiring of officers in order to comply with Judge Thompson’s order will be the key,” said Sen. Cam Ward, R-Alabaster. Ward said the construction of new prisons, or the renovation of existing facilities, will be have to be addressed at some point. State Rep. Terri Collins, R-Decatur, said she has been working with Ivey’s office on education issues, including an initiative to focus on improving reading ability of students in kindergarten through third grades. “I see it as an enhanced version of the reading initiative,” Collins said. The governor made children’s literacy a theme of her pre-inauguration activities, including hosting book drives. The inauguration ceremony is at 10 a.m. and will be followed by a parade. Republished with permission from the Associated Press.
Outer Continental Shelf Governors Coalition names Kay Ivey chair
Governor Kay Ivey on Wednesday was selected by her peers to serve as chairwoman of the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) Governors Coalition. The Coalition, formed in 2011, is a bipartisan effort to advance safe offshore energy development through responsible resource management, as part of a comprehensive national energy policy. The Coalition has been a leader on state and federal discussions and coordination for offshore energy issues and environmental protection. “I’m thrilled to become the next chairwoman of the OCS Governors Coalition,” Ivey said. “Alabama and the nation benefit when we are all working together to ensure we can meet our energy needs now and well into the future. I look forward to working with my fellow governors at a time when U.S. energy production is transforming our economy here at home and changing political calculations around the world.” This group brings together a cross-section of coastal governors to share information and speak collectively to federal officials about the best ways to manage our abundant offshore resources – from wind to wave to oil and natural gas. Energy development in the Gulf of Mexico is a major economic driver for the state of Alabama. With the new federal leasing program expected in early 2019, members of the Coalition will work together to advance offshore leasing for wind and oil and natural gas for the Eastern, Central and Western Gulf. The OCS Governor Coalition is currently comprised of the governors of Alabama, Alaska, Louisiana, Maine, Mississippi and Texas. Ivey will serve a two-year term as chair of the group.
DC taxpayer watchdog Grover Norquist calls on Kay Ivey, lawmakers to resist gas tax hike
When the Alabama Legislature convenes in March one of the first things lawmakers are poised to consider is raising the state’s gas tax in order to help fund infrastructure improvements. But DC-based taxpayer watchdog Grover Norquist on Friday sent a letter calling on Alabama lawmakers to resist the urge to raise taxes, saying gas tax hike would “claw back the federal tax relief that their constituents received thanks to passage of the Tax Cuts & Jobs Act” last year. Norquist’s, founder and president of Americans for Tax Reform (ATR), call comes in the wake of Alabama House Majority Leader Nathaniel Ledbetter saying a gas chance is likely to pass this legislature this session. “While there are many opportunities to improve Alabama’s tax and regulatory climate, it’s important to first do no harm,” Norquist wrote in the letter. “As such, I urge that you reject the aggressive, but misguided push to hike the state gas tax, a proposal that would diminish and, in some cases, could totally erase the relief that your constituents have received from federal tax reform.” Looking to Ivey for support Norquist appears to have a particularly watchful eye on Alabama, keeping track of Gov. Kay Ivey and weighing-in on the state’s spending. In fact, he is counting on Ivey to stand up to the state legislature and veto a tax-hike if necessary. “There is a ‘secret’ plan to hike gas taxes after the election in Alabama. Good news is that Alabama Governor Kay Ivey has signed the Taxpayer Protection Pledge promising all Alabama voters she would veto any gas or other tax hike,” Norquist tweeted ahead of the general election. There is a “secret” plan to hike gas taxes after the election in Alabama. Good news is that Alabama Governor Kay Ivey has signed the Taxpayer Protection Pledge promising all Alabama voters she would veto any gas or other tax hike.#ALpolitics — Grover Norquist (@GroverNorquist) October 26, 2018 Ivey is listed as an “active” signer of the Taxpayer Protection Pledge, which asks candidates for federal and state office to commit themselves in writing to oppose all tax increases. ATR considers the pledge “binding as long as an individual holds the office for which he or she signed the Pledge.” Ivey signed the pledge Feb. 12, 2010 ATR State Relations Coordinator, Miriam Roff, confirmed to Alabama Today. At the time she was running in a crowded field for governor. Less than a month after signing the pledge, Ivey abandoned her run for governor and qualified to run for lieutenant governor. Ivey handily won the 2010 election for lieutenant governor, but it wasn’t until former Gov. Robert Bentley‘s resignation in April 2017 did Ivey find herself catapulted to the office of governor. In Nov., Ivey was elected to her first full-term as governor. Alabama Today reached out to Ivey’s campaign ahead of the election to see if Ivey was still standing by her pledge, but did not receive a response. Nor does it appear that the Ivey campaign reached out to ATR for a correction if she’s against keeping her pledge. Read Norquist’s full letter below: To: Members of the Alabama Senate From: Americans for Tax Reform Dear Senator, With the 2019 legislative session only a few months away, I write to encourage you and your colleagues to use the coming year to enact reforms that will help grow the state economy and protect taxpayers. While there are many opportunities to improve Alabama’s tax and regulatory climate, it’s important to first do no harm. As such, I urge that you reject the aggressive, but misguided push to hike the state gas tax , a proposal that would diminish and, in some cases, could totally erase the relief that your constituents have received from federal tax reform. Attempting to impose a regressive tax hike that will do the greatest harm to households who can least afford it is already bad enough. It’s even worse when it has already been documented that existing transportation dollars are not appropriately spent. Ballot measures to hike state gas taxes were resoundingly rejected in Missouri, Utah, and Washington State just last month. Between that and the throngs of French citizens now protesting President Emmanuel Macron’s gas tax hike, which he just suspended, it’s clear that gas tax hikes are a political loser, both at home and abroad. In addition to being terrible politics, the proposed gas tax increase is also bad policy. Consider that a state gas tax increase would counteract the benefits of federal tax reform and eat into Alabama taxpayers’ federal tax cut savings. This is one of the reasons why Congress has declined to raise the federal gas tax, despite pressure for them to do so; the same sort of misguided pressure that is currently being applied to you and your colleagues. According to Strategas Research Partners, 60% of the federal income tax cut would be wiped out by a $0.25 gas tax increase and rising prices: It’s no coincidence that the U.S. has reclaimed the number one spot on the World Economic Forum’s Global Competitiveness Index following enactment of federal tax reform that significantly cut federal income tax rates, both personal and corporate. The United States is a more attractive destination for investment and commerce following the enactment of federal tax reform, and global capital flows are expected to shift to the U.S. as a result. It’s clear that many investors, CEOs, and site selectors are bullish on the U.S. relative to other potential destinations for their capital. Yet once business owners or investors make the decision to bring new capital or create jobs in the U.S., either by relocating or expanding operations stateside, they then have 50 choices before them. That’s why it is more important than ever for state legislators in Montgomery to do everything they can to make Alabama an attractive place to invest, do business, live, and raise a family. This is why it is so critical for lawmakers to reject economically harmful policies, such as the proposed gas tax hike, that would make Alabama a
Kay Ivey puts children’s literacy front and center throughout inaugural festivities
In keeping with the theme, Keep Alabama Growing, the Kay Ivey Inaugural Committee announced plans on Friday to promote children’s literacy throughout the 2019 Inaugural festivities. “Investing in the next generation is critical to our ability to keep Alabama growing,” said Ivey. “As we prepare for four more years of growing opportunities for Alabamians, I can’t think of a better place to begin than with our children’s literacy, ensuring they get a strong start.” As part of this effort, the Ivey Inaugural Committee will be hosting book drives at the Gulf Coast Inaugural Celebration on January 12 and the Inaugural Gala in Montgomery on January 14. The books collected will be donated to the Alabama Literacy Alliance, a nonprofit dedicated to improving literacy in Alabama communities. Tickets to the Gulf Coast Inaugural Celebration are available to the general public. The $25 ticket price will be waived for attendees who bring four children’s books to the celebration. The Inaugural Gala in Montgomery is invitation only. More details will be announced in the coming weeks and posted on Ivey’s Inaugural website.
Kay Ivey kicks-off yearlong Alabama Bicentennial celebration
The state of Alabama is preparing to celebrate its 200th birthday in 2019. On Friday, Governor Kay Ivey launched the year of Alabama’s bicentennial celebrations at the Alabama State Capitol, saying it will be a year to celebrate and educate. “We have an opportunity in front of us, and just as Alabamians have done for the past 199 years, we will make the most of that opportunity,” Ivey said. “Alabama is defined by its people. It’s that simple. As we near our state’s bicentennial, we recognize that our story of success is told by our people. And that is who we are celebrating: the Alabamians who got us here, all the men and women across our state today and the future generations of Alabamians who will help take us to even greater heights.” Children from Pell City’s Eden Elementary joined Ivey and Alabama Senator Arthur Orr, Chairman of the Alabama Bicentennial Committee, in previewing some of the more than 400 Bicentennial events that will take place before the bicentennial’s culmination on December 14, 2019 in Montgomery. Two hundred schools across the state have been selected as Alabama Bicentennial Schools and are putting on bicentennial projects. Although there are hundreds of public events, Orr said the bicentennial celebration is also having a huge but more subtle impact on Alabama, from its largest cities to its smallest communities. “It’s not just celebrations and festivals,” Orr explained. “It’s almost impossible to estimate how many thousands of Alabamians are learning more about the state’s history through touring exhibitions, the journeys they are making using the Alabama PastPort book and app, or through the thousand teachers who will have been instructed on ways to teach Alabama history by the end of the Bicentennial.” Coca-Cola was on hand Friday to introduce its Alabama Bicentennial Commemorative bottle at the event. Children had their pictures made with Coca-Cola’s famous polar bear icon before the press conference began. A list of some of the key upcoming events was made available at the announcement. During the next 365 days, 225 Alabama cities, towns and communities across the state will hold more than 400 events in celebration of Alabama’s 200th birthday. The events include everything from celebrating the 50th anniversary of Alabama’s role in landing a man on the moon to revealing a replica that will show modern Alabamians for the first time what the state’s first capitol looked like in Old Cahawba. There will be a release of a U.S. Postal Service Alabama Bicentennial forever stamp, special concerts throughout the state, a Native American Bicentennial event in Moundville, the opening of Huntsville’s newly renovated Constitution Village, a tour involving Alabama’s most important documents, events honoring Alabama veterans and the culmination of the year-long celebration in Montgomery with the dedication of the Bicentennial Park in front of the Capitol.
Alabama gets federal assistance to help take drug dealers, drugs off the streets
In the state’s ongoing fight against the drug epidemic, Gov. Kay Ivey has put federal funds in the hands of law enforcement in hopes of reducing illegal drug use in the state by arresting those who buy or sell illegal drugs or falsely obtain prescription drugs. On Thursday, the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA) announces Ivey awarded nearly $1.6 million to the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) and the seven regional drug task force offices under ALEA. The task forces were formed in January 2018 and are made up of officers in local law enforcement agencies. “We must combat illegal and illegally obtained drugs that rob so many people of productive lives and destroy families,” Ivey said. “I am pleased to support this task force, and I am grateful to the men and woman who risk their lives to take drugs off our streets.” In less than a year since its inception, the statewide drug task force has been involved in 889 drug cases and has seized 463 pounds of marijuana, 179 pounds of cocaine and 29.3 pounds of heroin and opioids along with other drugs and 312 firearms. The task force is made up of 93 law enforcement officers representing 46 state, county and municipal law enforcement agencies. ALEA and the seven regional drug task force offices each received $197,500 in grant funding. Each regional office covers eight to 12 counties, although officers have powers in other jurisdictions. Funds will be used to cover overtime and operational expenses and equipment purchases. The ADECA is administering the grants from funds made available to the state from the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ). “ADECA is proud to be a partner with Gov. Ivey and ALEA in this process that takes drugs and dealers off out streets and makes our communities safer,” ADECA Director Kenneth Boswell said.
Kay Ivey awards $3.1M in grants to help low-income Alabamians secure jobs, improve lives
Governor Kay Ivey on Thursday announced the award of grants totaling $3.1 million for programs that help low-income residents take steps to secure gainful employment and improve their quality of life. The Community Services Block Grants (CSBG) will enable 20 community action agencies across the Yellowhammer State to help low-income Alabamians achieve self-sufficiency and address barriers to success through a variety of programs and services. “Community Action Agencies offer services that support low-income families as they work to create a more stable foundation for a successful life,” Ivey said. “I commend these agencies for their work toward reducing poverty and helping families in need.” Ivey awarded grants to the following 20 agencies: Community Action Partnership of Huntsville/Madison and Limestone Counties Inc. (Madison and Limestone) – $189,303. Community Service Programs of West Alabama Inc. (Bibb, Choctaw, Dallas, Fayette, Greene, Hale, Lamar, Perry, Tuscaloosa, Sumter) – $297,099. Walker County Community Action Agency Inc. (Walker) – $49,098. Pickens County Community Action Committee and Community Development Corporation Inc. (Pickens) – $21,041. Organized Community Action Program Inc. (Bullock, Butler, Covington, Crenshaw, Dale, Lowndes, Pike) – $144,570. Community Action Agency of Northwest Alabama Inc. (Colbert, Franklin, Lauderdale) – $119,822. Community Action Agency of Northeast Alabama Inc. (Blount, Cherokee, DeKalb, Jackson, Marshall, St. Clair) – $242,780. Community Action Partnership of North Alabama Inc. (Cullman, Lawrence, Morgan) – $139,089. Montgomery Community Action Committee Inc. (Montgomery) – $163,530. Mobile Community Action Inc. (Mobile, Washington) – $318,001. Marion-Winston Counties Community Action Committee Inc. (Marion, Winston) – $40,626. Macon-Russell Community Action Agency Inc. (Macon, Russell) – $67,261. Jefferson County Committee for Economic Opportunity (Jefferson) – $393,941. Southeast Alabama Community Action Partnership Inc. (Barbour, Coffee, Geneva, Henry, Houston) – $148,476. Community Action of Etowah County Inc. (Etowah) – $68,073. Community Action Partnership of Middle Alabama Inc. (Chilton, Shelby, Autauga, Elmore) – $142,374. Community Action Committee Inc. of Chambers-Tallapoosa-Coosa (Chambers, Tallapoosa, Coosa) – $62,991. Community Action Agency of South Alabama (Baldwin, Clarke, Conecuh, Escambia, Marengo, Monroe, Wilcox) – $222,661. Alabama Council on Human Relations Inc. (Lee) – $98,797. Community Action Agency of Talladega, Clay, Randolph, Calhoun, and Cleburne Counties (Calhoun, Clay, Cleburne, Randolph, Talladega) – $183,020. The specific needs of the communities served determine which programs are available, which can include job search assistance and short-term employment skills classes, parenting classes, transitional housing, summer youth programs, financial literacy programs as well as emergency food and shelter. The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA) is administering the grants from funds made available by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. “Governor Ivey and I are committed to helping those agencies that offer support some of our state’s most vulnerable residents,” said ADECA Director Kenneth Boswell. “ADECA’s partnership with these agencies has helped many residents and families achieve a better quality of life and created more opportunities for success.” Residents seeking assistance should contact their local community action agency. Full contact information for each agency can be found at www.caaalabama.org/agency-list.php.
