PSC commissioners vote to save Alabama Power customers $337 million
Alabama Power customers have something to celebrate. On Tuesday, the Alabama Public Service Commission unanimously voted to save them $337 million over the next two years. Their decision stems from President Donald Trump signing into law the historic Tax Cuts and Jobs Act that Congress passed with the intention of bringing real relief to American families and businesses back in December. The Commission’s vote makes good on those intentions and guarantees that Alabama Power’s 1.4 million customers will reap the windfall from the president’s tax plan. “This is a great day for Alabama consumers and taxpayers,” President Twinkle Andress Cavanaugh stated. “What a difference President Trump has made to reverse the out of control policies of the tax-and-spend-and-regulate Obama Administration.” More money in your wallet A typical residential customer for Alabama Power will see monthly bills reduced by more than $9 starting in July. The reduction to all customers’ bills totals $257 million through the rest of 2018. Customers will see their bills reduced by another $50 million in 2019 due to tax reform. Customers also will see fuel costs lowered by $30 million, bringing to $337 million the total reductions to their bills as a result of the Commission’s vote. “That is real money going back to Alabamians, who can spend it on things other than electric bills,” Commissioner Jeremy Oden said. “President Trump and Republicans in Congress deserve great praise for bringing real relief to Alabamians and all Americans.” The Commission worked with Alabama Power to guarantee no increases in the company’s base rates through 2020. Commissioners also modified the rate system governing the company, lowering the top end of the range and providing an allowable percentage to be used to maintain the Company’s credit rating that is necessary to control the overall cost of debt for Alabama Power customers. “This Commission is committed to protecting Alabama consumers,” Commissioner Chris “Chip” Beeker, added. “I am proud to have voted to return to ratepayers their hard-earned dollars.”
Will Ainsworth makes 2018 races largest ad buy yet
Guntersville-Republican State Rep and candidate for Lieutenant Governor Will Ainsworth announced a cumulative ad buy totaling $1 million on Wednesday. The campaign spot is the largest ad buy of all of the 2018 races, thus far. The new ad is designed for Ainsworth to introduce himself to voters and tout his Christian faith. It is currently airing on network and cable stations across the state as well as in digital and social media formats. “Unlike his career politician opponents, Will Ainsworth is a fresh face with new ideas, and this ad will help voters learn what guides his beliefs, thoughts, and actions,” Ainsworth campaign director Lewis McDonald said. “As a former youth pastor, Will has a devout commitment to his Christian faith, and he will lead the fight to preserve the morals and values that the Bible instructs us to follow.” Ainsworth will face Public Service Commission President Twinkle Andress Cavanaugh and State Senator Rusty Glover in the June 5 Republican primary. The winner of the GOP primary will advance to the general election again Democratic hopeful Dr. Will Boyd. Watch the ad below:
Fundraising and ethics upfront in lieutenant governor’s primary
Three million dollars have poured into the Alabama lieutenant governor’s race as four candidates vie for a statewide position with limited responsibilities other than succeeding the governor. In the Republican primary, Alabama Public Service Commission president Twinkle Andress Cavanaugh is running against two state legislators: Rep. Will Ainsworth from Guntersville and Sen. Rusty Glover from Mobile. The lieutenant governor presides over the state Senate, but only casts a vote in the event of a tie. He or she serves on two dozen committees and appoints more than 400 state positions. The primary responsibility is succeeding the governor if he or she dies, resigns or is impeached. A failed Senate bill this year attempted to strip the lieutenant governor’s powers and criticized the role as simply a political stepping stone to the governor’s office. The lieutenant governor position has been vacant since April 2017 when Kay Ivey succeeded Robert Bentley as governor. Bentley quit while embroiled in a sex scandal. If Ivey wins election in November, she will be Alabama’s oldest governor at 74. Analyst and former University of Alabama politics professor William Stewart said Ivey would be unlikely to run for a second term. “The lieutenant governor race is more significant this year,” Stewart said. “More money has gravitated toward the race because it seems to be a foregone conclusion that whoever is elected as lieutenant governor this year, that person will almost automatically become the favorite for the governorship four years from now.” Stewart said Cavanaugh has name recognition advantage as an already elected statewide official. The Republican nominee will face Democrat Will Boyd, a minister who lost the U.S. Senate special election primary against Doug Jones last year. The four candidates are vying for funds ahead of the June 5 primary. As of April 19, Ainsworth and Cavanaugh have both raised just shy of $900,000. Cavanaugh started the campaign with more than $500,000 and Ainsworth loaned himself the same amount to match her. The most recent filings show that Cavanaugh outstripped her opponents by raising more than $70,000 in March, although Ainsworth still boasts more than $1 million currently in hand. Glover trails significantly, having raised just around $125,000. Boyd has raised less than $4,400. Beyond fundraising, ethics is a top issue in the race as the Legislature looks to review the state’s ethics law next year and lawmakers currently face corruption charges. GOP contenders are trumpeting their integrity and staunch conservatism. Cavanaugh, a seasoned politician, touts her six-year record as the Alabama Public Service Commission president. She said she has regulated ethics and cut costs, never taking a state car. She hands out her personal cellphone number because she believes elected officials should be approachable. Cavanaugh was on the ticket for governor last year but told The Associated Press that after meeting with Ivey, she decided she would run for “second-string quarterback” instead. “We need a very strong, ethical, honest and Christian public servant if necessary. We always pray that our governor is in good health and doing a good job, but we have to be prepared,” she said. In a private interview, Cavanaugh steered controversial subjects such as racial profiling toward her Christian faith and belief that Alabama has a “bright future” — a reference to her campaign slogan playing off her unique first name. Ainsworth, the owner of a sportsman’s lodge and founder of a prominent hunting and fishing expo, said his comparative lack of experience is a good sign that he’s not a corrupt career politician. “I don’t believe we’re going to solve problems that have plagued us for decades by hiring the same people. I think we’re a fresh face,” Ainsworth said. In his one term in the House of Representatives, Ainsworth sponsored bills to impose term limits and let voters recall elected officials who don’t keep campaign promises. This year, Ainsworth introduced a bill to arm trained teachers after a shooting at a high school in Parkland, Florida. He ran his first campaign ad using the catchphrase “teachers can’t arm themselves with a number 2 pencil.” Three-term state Sen. Glover is the only candidate with experience in the legislative body that the lieutenant governor leads. Glover is most well-known for introducing a resolution to stop changing clocks under daylight saving time. He said that as lieutenant governor he would promote education, and economic and workforce development. “I want to preside over the Senate in a fair way and be an honest person,” Glover said. “I want to be someone people can trust.” Boyd, the uncontested Democratic candidate, said he is fighting for education, health care and social equality. The primary is June 5. Republished with the permission of the Associated Press.
Alabama Retail Association endorses over 50 candidates
With less than two months until the June 5 primaries, the Alabama Retail Association’s state political action committee, Alabama RetailPAC made a large number of endorsements on Friday. “The Alabama Retail Association believes these candidates understand the issues retailers face and that, if elected, these individuals will give retailers’ interests a fair hearing,” said Alabama Retail Chairman Jacob Shevin. The association evaluated each candidate’s record and discussed the ramifications of each race before providing their endorsement; “We are confident these candidates are the best choices for these positions,” said Rick Brown, Alabama Retail President. The Alabama Retail Association is an organization for retailers by retailers who represent retail businesses in Alabama Legislature and U.S. Congress. The association currently represents 4,200 members and 6,000 locations statewide, ranging from small, family owned retail stores to large national chains. Read the full list of candidate endorsements below: For the state’s constitutional offices, RetailPAC endorses: Governor Kay Ivey Lieutenant Governor: Twinkle Cavanaugh Attorney General Steve Marshall Secretary of State John Merrill State Treasurer: John McMillan For the appellate court races, RetailPAC endorses: Supreme Court Chief Justice Lyn Stuart Place 1 Associate Supreme Court Justice Brad Mendheim Place 4 Associate Supreme Court Justice: Jay Mitchell Place 1 Court of Civil Appeals Judge: Christy Edwards Place 2 Court of Civil Appeals Judge Terri Thomas Place 1 Court of Criminal Appeals Judge: Richard Minor Place 2 Court of Criminal Appeals Judge: Chris McCool Place 3 Court of Criminal Appeals Judge: Bill Cole For the Alabama Senate, RetailPAC endorses: District 2: Tom Butler, R-Huntsville District 4: Garlan Gudger, R-Cullman District 6: Larry Stutts, R-Tuscumbia District 8: Steve Livingston, R-Scottsboro District 10: Mack Butler, R-Rainbow City District 12: Del Marsh, R-Anniston District 13: Randy Price, R-Opelika District 21: Gerald Allen, R-Tuscaloosa District 25: Ronda Walker, R-Montgomery District 26: John Knight, D-Montgomery District 33: Vivian Davis Figures, D-Mobile District 34: Jack Williams, R-Wilmer For the Alabama House of Representatives, RetailPAC endorses: District 4: Parker Moore, R-Decatur District 9: Scott Stadthagen, R-Hartselle District 10: Mike Ball, R-Madison District 12: Corey Harbison, R-Cullman District 14: Tim Wadsworth, R-Arley District 16: Kyle South, R-Fayette District 19: Laura Hall, D-Huntsville District 22: Ritchie Whorton, R-Owens Cross Roads District 27: Wes Kitchens, R-Arab District 30: Robert McKay, R-Ashville District 31: Mike Holmes, R-Wetumpka District 32: Barbara Boyd, D-Anniston District 33: Ron Johnson, R-Sylacauga District 39: Ginny Shaver, R-Leesburg District 42: Jimmy Martin, R-Clanton District 45: Dickie Drake, R-Leeds District 48: Jim Carns, R-Birmingham District 49: April Weaver, R-Alabaster District 55: Rod Scott, D-Fairfield District 56: Louise Alexander, D-Bessemer District 58: Rolanda Hollis, D-Birmingham District 60: Juandalynn Givan, D-Birmingham District 64: Harry Shiver, R-Bay Minette District 65: Elaine Beech, D-Chatom District 67: Prince Chestnut, D-Selma District 69: Kelvin Lawrence, D-Hayneville* District 73: Matt Fridy, R-Montevallo District 76: Thad McClammy, D-Montgomery District 82: Pebblin Warren, D-Tuskegee District 85: Dexter Grimsley, D-Newville District 97: Adline Clarke, D-Mobile* District 102: Willie Gray, R-Citronelle District 105: Chip Brown, R-Mobile Alabama Retail Association PAC endorses these federal candidates: 2nd District: U.S. Rep. Martha Roby, R-Montgomery 4th District: U.S. Rep. Robert Aderholt, R-Haleyville Twinkle Andress Cavanaugh candidate for Lieutenant Governor released a statement on Monday regarding her endorsement. “I am honored to receive the endorsements of job creators across Alabama,” said Cavanaugh. “Through the sale of food, clothing, furniture, medicine and much more, the Alabama Retail Association’s thousands of members touch almost every aspect of daily life in our great state. Having owned several small businesses, I have signed both sides of a paycheck and am committed to sound conservative policies that allow job creators to do what they do best. With education, infrastructure, and workforce development as priorities, our brightest days are ahead of us.” Alabama Attorney General candidate Steve Marshall said he was honored to receive the endorsement. “The backing of the Alabama Retail Association signals significant momentum for our campaign and I’m truly honored to receive their support.”
Twinkle Andress Cavanaugh announces endorsements from AGC, ALVMA
With less than three months to go to Republican June 5 primary, Lieutenant Governor candidate Twinkle Andress Cavanaugh on Friday announced two major endorsements of her candidacy. A lifelong conservative Republican and current President of the Alabama Public Service Commission (PSC), Cavanaugh received the endorsements of the Alabama Associated General Contractors (AGC) and the Alabama Veterinary Medical Association (ALVMA). The AGC and ALVMA join the Business Council of Alabama and Manufacture Alabama in endorsing Cavanaugh’s campaign for Lt. Governor. “I am honored to receive the endorsements of job creators across our great state,” Cavanaugh said of the endorsements. “Having owned several small businesses, I have signed both sides of a paycheck and am committed to sound conservative policies that allow job creators to do what they do best. With education and workforce development as priorities, Alabama’s brightest days are ahead of her.” Since January 1, 1920, Alabama AGC has brought together qualified construction contractors and industry-related companies dedicated to skill, integrity and responsibility. Alabama AGC is a $100 million+ construction trade association with holdings all over Alabama and the Panhandle of Florida with 26 full-time employees and own offices in Florence, Huntsville, Birmingham, Montgomery, Mobile and Pensacola. With over 1,000 members statewide, Alabama AGC is the oldest and largest non-residential construction trade association in Alabama. Founded in 1907 and comprised of approximately 700 veterinarians from around the state, the ALVMA is the oldest and largest professional veterinary association in the state of Alabama and is nationally recognized as one of the most active. ALVMA members are dedicated to the advancement of the art and science of veterinary medicine, the promotion and support of sound legislation as it affects veterinarians and small business owners, and the encouragement of responsible pet ownership. Cavanaugh has caught the attention of many organizations by the way she has led the PSC by refusing a state car, and over the past seven years she has “right-sized” the PSC, reduced overall spending by 30%, and saved the taxpayers over $50 million. In 2017 alone, the PSC returned a record $13 million to the general fund. “Politicians always talk about cutting government, but talk is cheap,” Cavanaugh added. “I have actually cut government. As Alabama’s Lt. Governor, I’ll work to right-size state government just like I right-sized the PSC. And I’ll fight to make Alabama a land of economic opportunity so we all can enjoy a brighter future in the years ahead.”
Stump speeches: Twinkle Andress Cavanaugh on Right-sizing the government
Public Service Commissioner Twinkle Andress Cavanaugh has served on the commission since 2010. While the focus of the commission is regulated industries, Cavanaugh has gone and beyond the call of duty in reevaluating the cost to taxpayers of running commission as a whole. While on the stump running for Lieutenant Governor, she is highlighting more than just the work at the commission has done in dealing with consumer protections, she’s also highlighting her efforts to “Right Size” government. We offered Chairman Cavanaugh the opportunity to tell our readers a little more about these efforts and here’s what she had to say: The first thing I did after being sworn in was grab my red pen and start looking for fat to trim from the commission’s budget. As a small-business owner, I know the value of a dollar and what it feels like to tighten our belts. Alabama’s state budgets were stretched thin during this time. This was during the Great Recession and the slow and painful recovery from it. Families all over Alabama were sitting around the kitchen table hoping they’d have some decent meals to share together. When I grabbed the reins of the PSC, we had 119 employees. I undertook a careful analysis and learned we could do the same job, probably better than ever before, if we sharpened our staff and reduced the headcount. Without firing a single employee, the PSC now has 72 employees, down more than 39% from when I got there. As employees retired or took other positions outside of the commission, we reorganized, retrained, reduced our numbers, and remained laser focused on making sure the commission continued its inspections and regulatory functions without missing a beat. We are now saving nearly $2.6 million annually because of the rightsizing of our staff, without sacrificing our pipeline and railway safety duties. Public servants must lead by example. When I got to the PSC, it looked like that episode of Oprah where she gave the entire audience a new car. We had 59 cars – essentially one car for every two employees. The very first decision I made at the PSC was to tear up the paperwork for the car the commission wanted to assign to me. I had my own personal car, and I didn’t need the taxpayers giving me another one for free. Then I started getting rid of every single car at the commission that wasn’t absolutely needed. I got rid of three out of every five cars the PSC had in its fleet. We went from 59 cars down to 24. Now, the only employees who are assigned cars are those who have daily responsibilities requiring daily travel, like the employees in Gas Pipeline Safety. We also retained a very small pool of cars that can be checked out by employees who absolutely must travel for state business. As you can imagine, as we reduced the headcount in the building, more and more offices were sitting dark and empty and collecting dust. In 2014, I looked into the possibility of moving the entire commission into another building to save money, but I found we could save even more money by merely reducing the amount of space we rent in our current building. Again, leading by example, I reduced my personal office space by 65% and then reduced our commission’s overall office space by 38%. Finally, I put the brakes on employees traveling on the taxpayers’ dime. Since I arrived in 2010, out-of-state travel expenses have been cut by 74% and in-state travel has been cut by 70%. The commission still continues to travel to necessary functions, but the days of frivolous trips taken by previous commissions are over. I’m proud of my work over the last seven years. I work with great commissioners and employees who are as dedicated as any public servants and employees I’ve ever known. I’ve asked a lot of them as we’ve trimmed the fat in our budget and slashed expenses by 32% – or $3.2 million annually. Every dollar we save at the PSC allows the state legislature to appropriate those dollars to other areas of need. As a result, our savings at the PSC help keep taxes and fees as low as possible in Alabama. I want other agencies to follow our lead, examine their budgets line by line, and substantially trim the fat. Every dollar sent to the government was earned by the blood, sweat, tears, and sacrifice of an Alabamian who should trust us to use it wisely. And my faith tells me to be a good steward of money, particularly when I’m managing other people’s money. There is no higher calling in public service than keeping a careful watch over every single dollar sent to the government. Ultimately, we owe it to each Alabamian to carefully examine the use of those dollars and cut expenses anywhere and everywhere possible.” Amount sent to the General Fund 2009 – $3.8 million (year before I got into office) 2018 – $13 million PSC Operating Expenses 2010 – $9.9 million 2017 – $6.7 million The positions or interpretations set forth in this statement are those of Commissioner Twinkle Andress Cavanaugh and do not reflect the official position of the Commission.
Twinkle Cavanaugh asks Alabama Legislature to train teachers as Reserve Deputy Sheriffs
In the wake of Wednesday’s school shooting in Parkland, Fla. people across the country are looking for solutions to prevent similar massacres in the future. One such solution-seeker is the president of the Alabama Public Service Commission (PSC) and Lt. Governor candidate Twinkle Andress Cavanaugh. She’s asking the Alabama Legislature to consider a 2013 school safety law, which was passed for Franklin County, to be considered statewide. Spearheaded by Red Bay-Democrat State Rep. Johnny Mack Morrow, the Alabama legislature passed HB404 in 2013, which allows suitable teachers, school personnel, and locals to volunteer to be trained as Reserve Deputy Sheriffs and carry firearms on school grounds in Franklin County. Cavanaugh says the law has has given the state a model to study for almost five years when it comes to the subject of school safety “I find it shameful when people, on both sides of the aisle, play politics with tragedies. This is an exploitation tactic used almost exclusively by liberals, hotheads, and children,” Cavanaugh said in a press release. “Yesterday there was a knee-jerk reaction to try to capture the headlines of every news story in Alabama for political gain. I believe we need strong, measured leadership that puts our children and teachers first- not political pandering.” Cavanaugh added, “Yesterday, I spoke with Franklin County Sheriff Shannon Oliver, along with the bill’s sponsor, and the bill seems to be working in Franklin County. I would ask that the legislature look at this bill and look how well it has worked for Franklin County. This bill could be expanded to a statewide level on a bipartisan basis, as the 2013 bill passed without a single ‘nay’ vote in both the House and the Senate.” This bill would allow local control of school safety, giving decision-making power to a county’s sheriff, principals, and school board. According to Cavanaugh, many Alabama counties do not have the funding for resource officers, leaving law enforcement with a long response time to schools in an active shooter situation. Which is precisely why HB404 was introduced and passed in the first place — following the Sandy Hook school shooting, the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office realized that their response time in a similar situation would be over thirty minutes to East Franklin.
Alabama kids no longer in danger of losing coverage after CHIP, All Kids funding restored
Due to a lapse in federal funding the Children’s Health Insurance Plan (CHIP), known as ALL Kids in Alabama, recently found itself in jeopardy. The program, which acts as a safety net for roughly 150,000 children across the state became an important bargaining chip in the government shutdown when it came to negotiations over the federal budget and immigration. But the tide turned in CHIP’s favor early Monday afternoon, when members of the U.S. Senate agreed to pass a bill extending the federal budget for an additional three weeks — and CHIP’s budget for an additional six years. Across the state, Alabama officials applauded the extension of the program. “I am thankful that Congress has finally passed a continuing resolution to fund the Federal Government, including a six-year reauthorization of the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP),” said Gov. Kay Ivey. “I have continually supported CHIP funding because approximately 159,000 Alabama children depend on it for their health insurance. Caring for our children and meeting their healthcare needs is a bipartisan issue; I appreciate Alabama’s Congressional Delegation for playing a key role in ensuring continued funding for CHIP.” President of the Alabama Public Service Commission (PSC) and Lieutenant Governor candidate Twinkle Andress Cavanaugh said funding is “vital for Alabama.” “Great to hear that the #SchumerShutdown is about to end and the government will reopen. #CHIP funding is vital for Alabama, and a continuing resolution protects our military families and many hardworking federal employees and contractors (like those at @TeamRedstone),” Cavanaugh tweeted. More than 83,000 children in the state are covered by All Kids program. Meanwhile, another 75,000 are covered by an Alabama Medicaid component of CHIP. “Families across Alabama deserve to breathe a sigh of relief, but it never should have come to this. CHIP funding deserved a quick, straightforward renewal before it expired nearly four months ago. Delaying the renewal and tying it to other important issues was unnecessary and irresponsible,” said Jim Carnes, policy director for the Arise Citizens’ Policy Project. “CHIP, known as ALL Kids in Alabama, is a proven success story that played a big part in cutting our state’s uninsured rate for children from 20 percent to just 2.4 percent over the last two decades. Other states have seen similar improvements. Kathy Caldwell, Director of the Bureau of Children’s Health Insurance at the Alabama Department of Public Health confirmed those statistics. Since its inception in 1998, ALL Kids has helped reduce the number of uninsured children in Alabama from 20 percent to 2.4 percent. With such a success story, state legislators had worried how the state would fund the much-needed program should Congress fail to reauthorize the program since the legislative session began. Ozark-Republican and House Ways and Means Chairman Steve Clouse had gone on record saying that if the state has to pick up even a fraction of the cost of program, it will cast a “shadow” over the entire budget. Now, he tells the AP, the state can “breathe a collective sigh of relief here.” But ALL Kids future isn’t set in stone. While Congress has funded the program through 2023, the funding rates will decrease over time. For the first two years, federal money will pay for at least 88 percent of the program’s expenses in the state. In 2020, the federal share will decrease and the state will have to pick up some of the costs.
Twinkle Andress Cavanaugh qualifies to run for Lieutenant Governor
The current president of the Alabama Public Service Commission (PSC), Twinkle Andress Cavanaugh, on Monday qualified with the Alabama Republican Party to run for Lieutenant Governor in the 2018 election cycle. The lifelong conservative Republican is the first GOP candidate to qualify for the race. “It is important for our state to have a strong conservative fighting for us and providing leadership in the Lieutenant Governor’s office,” Cavanaugh said. “Alabama needs to see conservative solutions when it comes to jobs, the economy, infrastructure and rural broadband, education, eliminating government waste, and much more. It is time for Alabama to take charge of its own education system and produce a top-notch, trained workforce. With education as a priority, we will grow existing businesses and expand industrial recruitment. I look forward to continuing to lead on job creation in the Lt. Governor’s office.” Called the “prohibitive favorite” by prominent Alabama political analyst Steve Flowers, Cavanaugh has received donations from over 450 unique individuals and businesses from across Alabama since June. While working at the PSC, Cavanaugh has endeavored to lead by example by refusing a state car. Over the past seven years she has “rightsized” the PSC, reduced overall spending by 30%, and saved the taxpayers over $50 million. In 2017 alone, the PSC returned a record $13 million to the general fund. “This election will be about our Alabama families,” Cavanaugh said. “With proven conservative leadership, together, we will build a brighter Alabama for our children and grandchildren.”
Twinkle Andress Cavanaugh: We have a lot to be thankful for in Alabama
This is always one of my favorite weeks of the year. As we gather to give thanks for and with our loved ones, 396 years since the first Thanksgiving, this week also marks the 62nd annual National Farm-City Week. It is only fitting that we celebrate both of these occasions at the same time. After all, the early settlers came together to rejoice over a successful harvest that would sustain their colony. The Thanksgiving experience certainly has changed over the years, but Farm-City week gets us back to our traditional roots. We can sometimes lose sight of this in modern times, but farmers work diligently year-round to put food on our tables. We owe them a tremendous debt of gratitude. Without them, we could not enjoy our American way of life. For some context, my brother and I were “the city cousins” growing up. Our grandparents on both sides of the family were farmers; my dad’s parents were poultry farmers (really they called themselves “chicken farmers” back then) in Crenshaw County, and my mom’s parents grew soybeans, cotton, and peanuts and had a small herd of cattle near the line between Pike County and Bullock County. We would spend our time at one of the two farms during the summer, on weekends, and for holidays. However, unlike our cousins, we lived in the city because my parents moved to town so they could both teach school. While we were fortunate enough to experience life both on and off the farm, most families only know one of the two lifestyles. That’s why since 1955, this week has been designated as National Farm-City Week. It is the time of year when we focus on increasing understanding between people on and off the farm. You really do not know what it’s like to be in someone else’s shoes until you have walked in them. To that end, the Alabama Farm-City Committee does a tremendous job throughout the year providing educational programs and first-hand experiences to bridge the gap and increase understanding. Even with these differences between farm and city life, rural and urban communities rely heavily on each other for their livelihood. On one hand, farmers work diligently to produce high-quality food, fiber, and forest products for everyone to enjoy. Getting these products from farms to homes across the state, country, and world requires cooperation with people across many industries and walks of life. There are manufacturing and distribution aspects of agriculture, too. Grocers, truck drivers, factory workers, computer scientists, bankers, veterinarians, chemists, salesmen, and various others all play vital roles in getting agriculture products from the farm into households worldwide. The increased understanding that stems from Farm-City programs leads to better cooperation and a stronger economy. This is a boon for families across our great state. Overall, the positive effect that agriculture has on Alabama year-round is truly unparalleled. While the most direct impact is reflected in this year’s Farm-City Week theme, ‘Agriculture: Food for Life,’ there are many lesser known “ag facts” that I would like to share. For instance, farmland covers approximately a quarter of our state and forestland covers two-thirds. This provides a significant benefit when it comes to ecosystem services. Second, Alabama is home to around 43,000 farms, most of which are family owned and operated. The influence goes way beyond these families, as nearly 600,000 Alabama jobs are dependent on agriculture. Between agriculture, forestry, and related industries in Alabama, the annual economic impact is over seventy billion dollars. This does not even include the social benefits of agriculture in our state. Alabama farmers are pillars of their local communities who are giving of their time, talent, and resources. They practice a core belief of mine in all of their work: doing more with less. From my personal experience, life on the farm builds character. The scorching-hot summers I spent working in my grandparents’ chicken houses, my shoes caked with chicken litter as I bustled about trying to keep the chickens from killing each other, helped teach me the virtues of hard-work. This has stuck with me throughout my life, and I am forever grateful for my time on the farm. Which brings us back to Thanksgiving. Let’s challenge ourselves this year. We have so many things to be thankful for in Alabama. But all we see in the news is negative. Let’s count God’s blessings and highlight the things that we love about our state. Most importantly, we still live in a state of God-fearing people. We are also blessed to have an abundance of natural resources in Alabama. We have the most navigable waterways in the country, allowing goods to flow in and out of the state. We have a huge supply of coal that provides jobs for so many families and helps keep electricity rates low for everyone. Our beautiful land and bodies of water make our state a premier destination for hunting and fishing. Alabama is also blessed to have tremendous farmland, ranging from the dark fertile soil in the Black Belt to the bountiful Tennessee Valley. The unemployment rate just hit an all-time low, and we are moving in the right direction with workforce development. Our manufacturing sector is thriving, with new companies making Alabama home left and right. And so, so much more. We are truly blessed, and I am proud to call Alabama home. Happy Thanksgiving and happy Farm-City Week! Our state’s great farmers work hard so that we can focus on our families and enjoy cherished traditions this Thanksgiving Day. So, if you see a farmer during the holiday season, be sure to thank them. This week and throughout the year, we should be grateful for everything they do. When you are saying your prayers, please ask God to continue blessing our farmers and our great state. ••• Twinkle Andress Cavanaugh is the President of the Alabama Public Service Commission. Opinions expressed do not represent the position of the Public Service Commission or its other commissioners.
Twinkle Andress Cavanaugh: ‘Strong start, strong finish’ is vital to Alabama’s future
As I travel around our great state listening to thousands of Alabamians talk about the things near and dear to their hearts, I am filled with hope. Alabama is a wonderful state with so much potential. We have smart, hardworking, God-fearing people, and we can do anything when we put our minds to it. A brighter Alabama is on the horizon. But we need to invest now in order to secure a better future. There is a multitude of steps we need to take, including fixing our run-down roads and bridges, maintaining our navigable waterways, and bringing broadband to all areas of our state, but we cannot achieve anything without drastic improvements in education. For far too long, Alabama has ranked nearly last in the country in education. Our children are our most valuable resources, and they deserve nothing less than the absolute best. It is well past time that we turn things around and compete for number one instead of settling for forty-eighth. We need an educational renaissance in our state. We must ensure that our children are equipped with a top-notch education so that they can compete in a modern, global economy and prepare them to secure good, high-paying jobs. This summer, Governor Kay Ivey announced a major step on our road to educational excellence in Alabama. The new policy initiative, ‘Strong Start, Strong Finish,’ focuses on three key phases of education: 1) early childhood, 2) computer science in middle school and high school, and 3) workforce preparedness. I fully support this important new initiative and will do everything I can to help ‘Strong Start, Strong Finish’ flourish. It all begins with the period from pre-K through third grade. We cannot allow students to fall behind in this early phase of education, because these formative years are vital layers of foundation for everything to follow. We must ensure every child in Alabama has a solid base that allows for seamless development and learning; the goal is that one year’s learning will be reinforced and built upon in the next year until our children are properly prepared to fill a job of their choice. As a state, we must continue to expand our First Class Pre-K program and strive for reading proficiency levels that lead the nation in this early stage of education. A strong start is integral to everything that follows. The next stage, ‘CS for AL,’ focuses on a cohesive, statewide expansion of computer science education. Today, our state has over 4,600 computer science jobs available, and this sector is poised to grow significantly in the coming decade. These jobs have a high average annual salary of $82,000, but Alabama is not preparing a workforce to meet the industry’s needs. A unified emphasis on computer science and STEM education will help recruit new businesses, lower unemployment, and equip our children with the skills to compete in a modern economy. By 2020, 62% of available jobs in Alabama will require some type of post-secondary education. I like to call this the “13th grade.” Whether it is a certificate, credential, 2-year college degree, or a 4-year degree, our children will need the 13th grade to compete for quality, high-paying jobs. Right now, only 37% of our workforce meets this criterion. This is nowhere near good enough, so focusing on a strong finish to our children’s education is much-needed for not only our families but Alabama’s economy, too. For some of our students, that means a college degree from one of our world-class colleges or universities, but for many it means getting a technical certification or job training. Workforce development programs, technical schools, public-private partnerships, and dual enrollment programs with local community colleges will prepare our children for good, high-paying jobs and make Alabama an attractive place to start or grow a business. The bottom line is that each child should be equipped for and allowed to choose his or her own path to success. I am proud of the work that Governor Ivey is doing for our state. But it is going to take a strong team-effort to keep Alabama surging forward to brighter days. I firmly believe education is the key to our future and will pay large dividends down the road. Let’s all get behind ‘Strong Start, Strong Finish’ and ignite an educational renaissance right here in Alabama. ••• The above is the opinion of Twinkle Andress Cavanaugh, the President of the Alabama Public Service Commission. Opinions expressed do not represent the position of the Public Service Commission or its other commissioners.
Twinkle Andress Cavanaugh: ‘Buy America’ policy is important for Alabama jobs
This Labor Day weekend, Alabamians will celebrate the end of summer and the start of another college football season. While we gather with family and friends, I hope we will also reflect on the importance of supporting Alabama jobs and the contributions American workers continue to make to our economy. Since I first became active in public service, job creation and growth have been two of my primary objectives. As I continue to serve Alabama, my goal is to create a healthier economy and facilitate job growth in all corners of the state. Jobs must be our primary focus, whether in farming, manufacturing, coal mining, the iron and steel trades, or any other industry in our state. For more than 150 years, Alabama’s steel manufacturing industry has been a driving force behind our state’s economic growth; providing a solid workforce and job opportunities to thousands of hardworking Alabamians. Today, I would like to particularly highlight the continued importance of this Alabama industry. According to the American Iron and Steel Institute, over 60,000 Alabama jobs are supported by the steel industry. The strength of our domestic steel industry is vital to the health of our national economy and is directly connected to the economic wellbeing of local communities. The United States’ steel industry faces challenges, especially competing with foreign countries like China and Russia. Fortunately, we have opportunities to strengthen Alabama and America’s steel industry through ‘Buy America’ policies and the U.S. Department of Commerce’s investigation into Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act. ‘Buy America’ is a policy that suggests we keep our tax dollars in our own economy to support state-funded projects; this creates jobs, boosts the local economy, and strengthens our national security. The National Association of Manufacturers states that manufacturing contributes $27 billion to Alabama’s economy each year, so by keeping that money in our own economy and supplying infrastructure projects with local materials, we are supporting our own hardworking citizens instead of relying on foreign countries. With the Section 232 investigation, the U.S. Department of Commerce is reviewing the impact that imports of steel and aluminum are having on the U.S. economy, national security and jobs. I hope the Department of Commerce will recommend action that will allow domestic steel producers in Alabama to continue to thrive. By doing this, we are implementing conservative policies that will have a direct impact on Alabama jobs. This will create a ripple effect that will have a positive impact on not just steelworkers, but their families, local communities and our economy. I am proud of the work that men and women across Alabama do to support steel manufacturing in our state and contribute to our local economy. As a state, we must continue to identify ways to improve our economy and infrastructure and develop a strong workforce. Let us keep that in mind as we enter the Labor Day weekend; making a conscious effort to invest in Alabama companies, grow jobs, and make improvements to our infrastructure that will strengthen the economy in our state and create opportunities for future generations. ••• Twinkle Andress Cavanaugh is the President of the Alabama Public Service Commission. Opinions expressed do not represent the position of the Public Service Commission or its other commissioners.
