Katie Britt says she’s not ‘radical’, she’s an ‘American’ in new T.V. ad
First time Republican Katie Britt has released the first TV ad for 2022 in her bid to become Alabama’s next U.S. Senator. The 30-second commercial, called “Fight for Alabama,” shows Britt discussing her views and her commitment to Alabama. In the commerical, Britt says, “My faith and relationship with the Lord guide my everyday life. Being pro-life and pro-SecondAmendment doesn’t make me radical; it makes me American. We have to show strength at the border, and what we are showing as a country right now is total weakness. It is so important that we protect our nation’s borders. We are a nation of laws, not a nation of lawlessness. We need somebody that knows how to fight for Alabama, that believes in Alabama. I’m Katie Britt and I approve this message.” “We have been working tirelessly on the campaign trail and are proud to have visited all 67 counties in a matter of months,” said Britt in a statement. “From the momentum we’re seeing on the ground, it is clear that our grassroots campaign and our Alabama First message are resonating.” “As our state’s next Senator, I will fight to ensure Alabamians always have the best possible seat at the table and that Alabama’s Christian conservative values are protected,” Britt continued. “It is time for fresh blood to shake things up and move the needle on the challenges and opportunities facing communities in every corner of Alabama. Zipcode should never define opportunity for Alabamians, and I’ll work nonstop to make sure the American Dream is alive and well across our great state.” Britt became the first U.S. Senate candidate to formally qualify with the Alabama Republican Party 2022. She has been endorsed by the Alabama Farmers Federation’s FarmPAC, the Home Builders Association of Alabama, the Alabama Retail Association, and Manufacture Alabama. Britt’s campaign recently released a new online survey that showed Britt leading the U.S. Senate Republican primary contest. The poll was conducted by TargetPoint on behalf of Britt’s campaign and ran from November 3-8. The online-based survey interviewed 300 likely GOP primary voters in Alabama.
Katie Britt and Mo Brooks neck and neck in new senate poll; Mike Durant a contender
A new poll is showing a close Senate race between first-time candidate Katie Britt and six-term Congressman Mo Brooks. The poll was conducted by firm McLaughlin & Associates and was commissioned independently from any campaign or entity that supports a candidate in the race. The poll shows Britt leading Brooks on a head-to-head ballot, 38.8% to 36.6%. 24.6% of voters were undecided. When voters were asked who they would vote for amongst four candidates, Brooks came out on top, with 31.4%, while Britt was a close second at 26.2%. Third place went to candidate Mike Durant with 16.6% and Jessica Taylor came in fourth with 4%. 21.8% were undecided when asked about all four candidates. Sean Ross, a spokesman for the Britt campaign, said in an email, “It is clear the Alabamians want fresh blood in the Senate, not a do-nothing, 40-year career politician. Katie continues to work tirelessly every day to directly deliver her positive message to every corner of our state, and her grassroots campaign is paying off. She will be the best candidate to protect Alabama’s Christian conservative values, fight to always put Alabama first, and deliver real results that benefit hardworking Alabama families, not Washington, D.C. special interests. Alabamians can see this, as the numbers reflect.” In the same poll, when asked about President Joe Biden, 90% of voters had an unfavorable opinion of him. 85.8% had a favorable opinion of Donald Trump, and 64.6% had a favorable opinion of retiring Senator Richard Shelby. Britt, who was recently endorsed by Manufacture Alabama, has also been out-fundraising her opponents. In October, she had already raised $3.76 million for her campaign while Brooks had raised $1.79 million. Britt is also endorsed by the Alabama Farmers Federation, the Alabama Retail Association, and the Home Builders Association of Alabama. “Manufacture Alabama seeks to endorse pro-business candidates who will advocate on behalf of manufacturers in Alabama. Katie Britt embodies these qualities and has the tenacity and experience we need representing Alabama in the U.S. Senate,” said George Clark, President of Manufacture Alabama. “Katie has the work ethic, energy, and vision required to ensure Alabama will be a great place to live and work for future generations.” David Hughes, associate professor of political science and public administration at Auburn University at Montgomery believes Brooks and Britt will end up in a runoff. The professor told Al.com, “For my money, this race is headed to a runoff between Britt and Brooks,” Hughes said. “Britt has a name recognition problem, and Brooks has an image problem. We’ll see how that plays out leading down the stretch.”
Lockheed Martin’s Jason Crager named to Manufacture Alabama Board of Directors
Manufacture Alabama — the state’s only trade association dedicated exclusively to the competitive, legislative, regulatory and operational interests and needs of manufacturers and their partner industries and businesses —on Tuesday announced the addition of Jason Crager to the Board of Directors effective immediately. Crager, who serves as the Director, Lockheed Martin Pike County Operations, has more than 20 years of experience in various roles within Manufacturing Operations and Product Management at Lockheed Martin. “We are extremely pleased to have Jason come on in a leadership role,” said Manufacture Alabama President George Clark. “Just as Alabama’s manufacturing sector evolves, so does Alabama’s manufacturing trade association. Jason brings with him a certain insight into the aerospace and defense segments of Alabama’s manufacturing base that will be of great value to the association.” The Texas native started his career as a Production Technician at Loral Vought in Lufkin, Texas while completing his Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Business Communication and Legal Studies from Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches, Texas. “I’m honored to be part of a great group of leaders in raising the profile of Alabama manufacturing,” said Crager. “This state is well-recognized for its place in the industry thanks to Manufacture Alabama, and in this role I intend to add to those efforts to continue strengthening Alabama’s economy and workforce. In addition to Crager, Manufacture Alabama’s Board of Directors includes: Chairman David Carroll of Hunt Refining Company in Tuscaloosa Vice-Chairman David Hendrixson of Daikin America, Inc. in Decatur Treasurer Marty Parker of Packaging Corporation of America in Jackson Secretary Paul Vercher of United States Steel in Birmingham Mark Bush of SSAB North America in Axis Carl Gunter of International Paper in Prattville
Here’s everyone who Manufacture Alabama has endorsed in the 2018 election cycle
Manufacture Alabama — the state’s only trade association dedicated exclusively to the competitive, legislative, regulatory and operational interests and needs of manufacturers and their partner industries and businesses — has endorsed several candidates in the 2018 election cycle. Here are the candidates who Manufacture Alabama has endorsed, who they believe will help create a business and political climate that enhances the opportunity for growth of Alabama Manufacturers: Statewide Races Governor: Kay Ivey Lieutenant Governor: Twinkle Cavanaugh Attorney General: Steve Marshall Commissioner of Agriculture and Industries: Gerald Dial Alabama Public Service Commission, Place 1: Jeremy Oden Alabama Public Service Commission, Place 2: Chip Beeker State Senate Races Senate District 2: Tom Butler Senate District 3: Mike Sparks Senate District 7: Sam Givhan Senate District 8: Steve Livingston Senate District 12: Del Marsh Senate District 21: Gerald Allen Senate District 34: Jack W. Williams State House Races House District 10: Mike Ball House District 12: Corey Harbison House District 14: Tim Wadsworth House District 16: Kyle South House District 22: Ritchie Whorton House District 30: Rusty Jessup House District 48: Jim Carns House District 49: April Weaver House District 55: Rod Scott House District 64: Harry Shiver House District 73: Matt Fridy House District 77: Malcolm Calhoun House District 102: Thomas Gray House District 105: Chip Brown Alabama Supreme Court Chief Justice: Lyn Stuart Place 1: Brad Mendheim Place 4: Jay Mitchell Alabama Court of Civil Appeals: Place 1: Christie Edwards Place 2: Terri Thomas Alabama Court of Criminal Appeals Place 1: Richard Minor Place 2: Chris McCool Place 3: Bill Cole State Board of Education Place 8: Rich Adams
Alabama trade groups applaud passage of steel industry resolutions
Manufacture Alabama, a trade group representing industrial interests in the state, and the Alabama Iron & Steel Council, which represents the iron and steel manufacturing industry in Alabama, Thursday applauded the Alabama Legislature for passing two steel industry resolutions. The resolutions urge President Barack Obama and Alabama Congressional Delegation to fight for strong enforcement of U.S. trade laws against unfair foreign practices that are impacting the domestic steel industry. Sponsored by Vestavia Hills-Republican Sen. Jabo Waggoner and Fairfield-Democrat Rep. Rod Scott led the effort in their respective chambers to pass SJR80 and HJR266 with unanimous support. “For over 100 years, steel and iron manufacturing has been an economic driver in Alabama, and it is currently playing a significant role in Alabama’s flourishing automobile manufacturing sector,” said George Clark, President of Manufacture Alabama. “Today we see wages being slashed and thousands of jobs eliminated, and it is largely attributed to the trade imbalance created by illegal practices of foreign producers, especially those in China, that dump products into our market at prices below the cost of production. It is my hope that the passage of this important resolution will serve as a reminder that a level playing field must be achieved for fair competition.” Considered the ductile iron pipe capital of the United States, Alabama is a leading steel producer with its products being used in construction, infrastructure, and energy production projects, as well as a variety of end use products including appliances, automobiles and firefighting equipment across the country. According to the American Iron and Steel Institute the steel industry supports 63,000 jobs across the state.
Trespassing in Alabama could soon cost you up to $6,000, one year in prison
The Alabama Senate passed legislation Thursday which will increase penalties for “criminal trespass of critical infrastructure,” thereby better protecting Alabama businesses. “Critical infrastructure” references such establishments as chemical manufacturing facilities, electrical tower substations, railroad switching yards, trucking terminals and water treatment facilities. SB217 from Sen. Cam Ward (R-Alabaster) would increase penalties for such crimes to a Class A misdemeanor, which carries a fine of up to $6,000 and a possible sentence of one year in prison. Previously, crimes of this nature were considered only a criminal violation, punishable by up to 30 days in jail and a $200 fine. “These are extremely sensitive business sites that often contain dangerous chemicals or support our utility infrastructure,” Ward said in the release. “Criminal trespass of these sites puts the public at risk and represents a huge loss in annual revenue to Alabama’s businesses and consumers.” “We applaud Senator Ward’s leadership in championing this important piece of legislation protecting Alabama’s manufactures and their partners,” stated George Clark, President of Manufacture Alabama. “Ensuring the safety and security of our state’s vital industries allow them to build their businesses and grow Alabama’s economy.” With its passage in the Senate, the bill is cleared to go before a House committee before going to the full House of Representatives.
Manufacture Alabama endorses Twinkle Cavanaugh for PSC president
The powerful pro-business consortium Manufacture Alabama has endorsed Twinkle Andress Cavanaugh for re-election to the presidency of the state Public Service Commission. The group cited Cavanaugh’s conservative “business-minded” approach to regulations and said her leadership on the commission helped protect the pocketbooks of Alabamians. “Throughout her tenure at the PSC, Twinkle has protected ratepayers by standing up to environmental extremists and the federal government’s mounting EPA regulations,” said Manufacture Alabama President George Clark. “Her business-minded leadership at the PSC is vital to our state and our state’s industry — because when the price of energy rises, the impact is felt not only by residential and industrial ratepayers but also by our state’s business climate. Competitive and reliable energy is necessary to drive business.” Cavanaugh, a Republican, responded in kind to the group’s endorsement. She expressed a shared commitment to promoting economic growth through a conservative regulatory style. “During these difficult times, the most important issues for Alabama families are jobs, jobs, jobs. Growing manufacturing jobs in our state is critical to putting mamas and daddies back to work,” said Cavanaugh. “If re-elected, I will continue to fight the liberal EPA and rogue environmental interests in their efforts to raise energy costs and burden employers with mandates that jeopardize our ability to retain and attract good-paying jobs for Alabamians,” continued Cavanaugh. Cavanaugh joined the commission in 2010 and was re-elected in 2012 after a narrow loss to Democrat Lucy Baxley in 2008. The PSC regulates and approves rates for the state’s energy utilities. Cavanaugh so far faces a challenge from former commissioner Terry Dunn, who joined the race just before the qualifying deadline in November. Dunn originally filed for the race in August, but then dropped out in October citing concerns that the utilities would spend “a lot of money” to defeat his bid to return to the commission. Before joining the commission, Cavanaugh served as the state Republican Party’s first female executive director and an adviser to former Gov. Bob Riley.
Martha Roby picks up key endorsement from Alabama manufacturers
Manufacture Alabama — the state’s only trade association dedicated to the competitive, legislative, regulatory and operational interests and needs of manufacturers and their partner industries and businesses — has endorsed U.S. Rep. Martha Roby (R-AL) in her re-election campaign in Alabama’s 2nd Congressional District. The group cited the Congresswoman’s experience and reputation for the association’s endorsement over challenger, Wetumpka Tea Party founder Becky Gerritson. “Congresswoman Roby is a proven and solid leader for our state,” said Manufacture Alabama’s President, George Clark. “She has an established pro-manufacturing record and has continuously supported the energy, workforce development and regulatory issues critical to the livelihood of manufacturing.” “Congresswoman Roby is passionate about public service and is committed to serving the people of Alabama’s Second Congressional District,” Clark concluded. The primary election is set for March 1.
Groups, lawmakers come together to urge court to rule on Clean Power Plan
Tuesday, Lance Brown, the Executive Director of the Partnership for Affordable Clean Energy (PACE) released a video calling for the court to rule on the controversial Clean Power Plan — the Obama administration’s flagship policy for cutting carbon dioxide emissions at power plants. Finalized by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in August, the plan aims to cut power plant emissions by 32 percent in 2030 compared to 2012. While the plan sets individual targets for each state, it leaves many of the details for reaching those targets to each state legislature. “The EPA’s so-called Clean Power Plan won’t change global temperatures, but it will change power bills,” said Brown in the video. “That’s why the courts need to rule on this bad policy before we spend billions to comply with it.” Brown’s opinion is echoed by a chorus of other groups and lawmakers in the video. Senator Gerald Allen of Alabama calls the rule “a power grab by the Obama administration that will have zero impact on the global climate.” The plan is “an unprecedented attempt by EPA to set energy policy for the entire country,” said Regional Business Coalition of Greater Atlanta. National Black Chamber of Commerce says the plan will “lead to lost jobs, lower incomes, and higher poverty rates for the 128 million blacks and hispanics living in America.” Seniors advocate 60 Plus calls the rule “absolutely devastating for seniors.” These opinions should come as little surprise to those following the Clean Power Plan. Only hours after the president introduced the final version, attorney generals from 15 states across the country announced that they planned to sue the EPA over the rule, and lawmakers in over 35 states, like Alabama’s own Rep. Martha Roby stand in opposition to plan. Back in August, Roby wrote, “It’s no surprise that the EPA is once again going beyond its authority, pushing for overly burdensome regulations that have the potential to significantly affect our economy, discourage investment and stifle job creation. This agency is one of the most egregious offenders of ‘backdoor legislating’ by frequently attempting to circumvent Congress to set policy.” Roby continued, “Through the appropriations process thus far, we have used the ‘power of the purse’ to prevent the EPA from implementing harmful regulations like the ‘Waters of the U.S.’ rule, which will cost Alabamians greatly. Also included in our Fiscal Year 2016 Interior and Environment Appropriations bill are provisions to prohibit implementation of the Clean Power Plan.” That’s exactly the kind of action Manufacture Alabama‘s Director of External Affairs, Molly Cagle is hoping for. In the video Cagle explained “the EPA’s Clean Power Plan is a step backwards for manufacturers.” “The President and federal lawmakers need to reverse this plan before it’s too late,” Cagle concluded. You can watch the full video here:
Alabama reactions to President Obama’s Clean Energy plan
President Barack Obama‘s effort to combat climate change by cutting greenhouse gases from U.S. power plants is drawing sharp criticism from across Alabama. Obama unveiled the final version of the controversial Clean Power Plan earlier today, which seeks to cut the nation’s carbon emissions by 32 percent, compared to 2005 levels, by 2030 — nine percent more ambitious than the original proposal. Each state will have to make specific targeted reductions by that time. According to the EPA, Alabama would be required to cut its carbon emissions by 27 percent below its 2012 levels. Below are some of the reactions from politicians and groups across the state: U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers (AL-03) (via a press release): “This Administration and the EPA continue their pattern of overreach into our lives and pockets with President Obama’s clean power plan announcement. In June, the Supreme Court ruled against parts of President Obama’s radical agenda, yet he continues to push forward with his faulty environmental plans. This clean power plan will do nothing more than pass on additional costs to consumers and raise energy prices for hard-working families across East Alabama already struggling to make it paycheck to paycheck. I will continue to fight against this very flawed proposal.” U.S. Rep. Gary Palmer (AL-06) (via press release): The EPA’s release of its final rule to regulate emissions from power plants continues the overreaching, agenda-driven policy that we have seen frequently from the EPA under this administration. American workers and their families, particularly the most economically vulnerable, can ill afford the real-life costs of this rule, which will result in significant utility rate increases and lost jobs with little to no measurable environmental impact. With my support, the House has already taken action by passing a bill to delay this costly rule, which faces serious legal challenges. I will continue to work to fight this rule and protect the American people from this costly agenda. Attorney General Luther Strange (via email): After years of propaganda efforts aimed at convincing Americans that they must sacrifice lower energy bills and jobs in order to meet arbitrary carbon emission goals, the Obama administration has finally unveiled its new energy mandate,” said Attorney General Strange. The Environmental Protection Agency’s new Clean Power Plan continues the Obama administration’s theme of ignoring the legal limits on its executive authority in order to satisfy a political agenda that places the lowest priority on the rights of coal industry workers and American consumers. Under the EPA rule, Alabamians’ average annual household energy bills could rise by more than $800 a year by the time the plan is fully implemented. This places an undue burden on those who can least afford it, including the poor, the elderly and others on fixed incomes. What’s more, it punishes as many as 16,000 Alabamians whose jobs are dependent upon the coal industry. As Attorney General, I testified before Congress in opposition to the illegal EPA rule and I have joined with other states in opposing the Obama administration’s unwarranted anti-coal policy in federal court. The same administration that once complained that people don’t pay enough for gasoline is now forcing Americans to endure higher energy costs and further blows to our economy. It’s time for common sense to prevail. Rep. Darrio Melton, Alabama House Democratic Caucus Chairman (via PACE email): EPA’s final version of the Clean Power Plan raises a number of important questions for many families in my district and for low-income people across this country. It remains unclear what steps will be necessary for states to comply with these aggressive carbon dioxide emission goals, but my fear is that the cost of electricity for families and businesses will rise, placing even more economic pressure on those who can least afford it. My hope is that EPA and the administration will give those concerns the attention they deserve and help ensure that this new rule doesn’t unduly burden the most vulnerable Americans. Sen. Greg Reed, Chairman of Alabama Permanent Joint Legislative Committee on Energy (via PACE email): Utilities across America and here in Alabama are already moving toward lower-carbon, cleaner energy due to other EPA regulations and a host of improved technologies. Incentivizing more clean energy options is the right path forward. This rule does the exact opposite. It is another massive tax on energy at a time when the American economy needs more affordable energy to help get our economy growing again. Alabama Coal Association, George Barber (via email): President Obama continues to wage his war on coal as Alabama’s coal industry fights to keep workers employed and energy prices low. Today’s announcement in which President Obama did not even hide his intent to kill coal jobs, saying instead that he supports training coal workers for other jobs, is another example of costly and unnecessary regulation meant to force the closure of all mines throughout the nation. I am grateful that Alabama has our Attorney General, Luther Strange, standing up for our miners, their families and the many others depending on coal throughout the state. The Alabama Coal Association will continue to fight for miners throughout the state. Partnership for Affordable Clean Energy (via email): A year ago in Atlanta, we told EPA officials that while the agency’s new carbon mandate would not change the earth’s temperature, it would change power bills. Now, with the final rule made public, we can be even more certain that EPA has presented the American public with a lousy bargain. While this rule will do nothing to affect the agency’s climate change indicators, it holds the strong potential to raise electricity prices, cost American jobs, endanger reliability, and make our nation less competitive. It is critical that our nation’s leaders, particularly the President and the Congress, intervene to limit the damage from this bad rule. Manufacture Alabama (via PACE email): Last year, voices from coast to coast stood up to tell EPA that its plan to regulate carbon dioxide would hurt our nation’s competitiveness, cost jobs, raise power prices, and endanger the reliability of the power sector. This message, particularly from America’s manufacturers, was overwhelmingly
Terri Sewell, Bradley Byrne re-introduce Workforce Development Tax Credit Act
A bipartisan duo of Alabama congressional members — Democratic Rep. Terri Sewell and Republican Rep. Bradley Byrne — is bringing back the Workforce Development Tax Credit Act, H.R. 1781. It would help stimulate employment and increase work-skills development by creating incentives for employers to hire apprentices. “A strong manufacturing sector is crucial for our nation’s economic growth and prosperity,” Sewell said in a news release. “The Workforce Development Tax Credit Act encourages businesses to work with community colleges and universities to develop apprenticeship programs that will lead to more skilled workers. Emphasizing skills training will enable our country to maintain its competitive edge, and help bring more Americans into the middle class. I am proud to sponsor this bill with Bradley Byrne, my friend and fellow Alabamian, and I look forward to its passage.” According to a study by the Washington, D.C.-based Manufacturing Institute, almost 3.5 million U.S. manufacturing jobs will need to be filled during the next decade. If current trends prevail, though, about 2 million of those jobs will go unfilled because of a skilled labor shortage. Sewell and Byrne were joined in supporting their bill to try to stem that tide by Manufacture Alabama, a pro-growth consortium of Alabama’s leading manufacturers. In a Tweet from the group’s @ManufactureAL Twitter account, MA President George Clark issued a statement in praise of the members’ efforts to stimulate activity in the workforce: “I support the Workforce Development Tax Credit Act, as it is in total alignment with the goals of the Alabama Workforce Investment Board and the recommendations made by the Alabama Workforce Council regarding public/private partnerships,” said Clark, who also holds leadership positions on the AWC and AWIB. The bill is also co-sponsored by a number of lawmakers of across the country, including U.S. Rep. Chris Van Hollen, ranking member of the powerful House Budget Committee. “Apprenticeship programs are a critical tool to bridge the skills gap and help employers train and hire workers for jobs that strengthen our economy,” Van Hollen said in a prepared statement. “I am proud to stand with Representatives Sewell and Byrne and support this common-sense approach to incentivize apprenticeships and help connect workers to good-paying jobs in my home state and across the country.”
