Libertarian Jimmy Blake says state needs to change ballot access law
On Friday, Jimmy Blake told Alabama Today that the State of Alabama has the most restrictive ballot access law in the country and that that needs to change. Blake was the Libertarian Party of Alabama nominee for governor in last week’s general election. On November 8, Blake received 45,823 votes – 3.25 percent of the votes cast – in his failed bid to be governor of Alabama. Kay Ivey was reelected to another term with 944,845 votes – 66.93% of the vote. Blake also was unable to achieve a high enough threshold for the Libertarian Party to have automatic ballot access in the 2024 election. “In 48 states, all but Kentucky and Alabama, I would have gotten enough votes for the party to have had ballot access,” Blake said. For a minor party to remain on the ballot in Alabama, one of its statewide candidates has to achieve 20% of the general election vote. Democratic nominee Yolanda Rochelle Flowers received just 29.16% of the vote in the governor’s race. That was the poorest showing for a Democratic gubernatorial candidate in Alabama history, down from Walt Maddox’s 40.4% just four years ago. None of the 65 Libertarian candidates on the ballot in last Tuesday’s general election were victorious. In the U.S. Senate race, Libertarian nominee John Sophocleus received just 2.32% of the vote (32,790 votes), and Democratic nominee Will Boyd received 30.87% (435,428 votes), while Republican Katie Britt received 66.64% (940,048 votes). Where Libertarians did best were in races where there was a Republican running but no Democrat. In the Lieutenant Governor’s race, Republican incumbent Will Ainsworth coasted to victory with 83.69% of the vote (955,372 votes). Still, with no Democrat in the race, his Libertarian opponent, Ruth Page Nelson, received 15.60% of the vote – 178,069 votes – still short of that 20% threshold required by Alabama state law. 1,411,756 people voted in the governor’s race, but only 1,141,507 votes in the Lieutenant Governor’s race, a drop off of 270,639 voters. Many of those voters who dropped off the ballot were Democrats who voted a straight-party ticket without making a preference in races where the Alabama Democratic Party failed to recruit a candidate. Candidate qualifying was over, and the ballot was set before new Democratic Party Chairman Randy Kelley was even elected. No Democrat won a statewide race on Tuesday. In fact, Doug Jones’s surprise victory over former Chief Justice Roy Moore in the 2017 special election for U.S. Senate is the only win for a Democrat in a statewide race in Alabama since 2008. The unlikely chance that a Democrat can win a statewide race in Alabama has made it extremely difficult for the Alabama Democratic Party to recruit candidates or for Democratic or non-Republican candidates to raise money. Where Libertarians came closest was in the race for Public Service Commission Place 2 race. There incumbent Republican Chip Beeker received 83.18% (929,248 votes), while Libertarian nominee Laura Lane received 16.05% (179,302 votes). “Laura Lane had enough votes for 49 states, even Kentucky, which has the second hardest ballot access at ten percent,” Blake said. The Libertarian candidates for PSC Place 1, State Auditor, and Commissioner of Agriculture and Industries all received over 14 percent of the vote in addition to Lane and Nelson. Blake said that Libertarians would be asking the Legislature to reform the state’s ballot access law. The last time the Libertarian Party of Alabama had ballot access was 2002. Then Sophocleus received more votes than the deciding margin between incumbent Democrat Don Siegelman and winner then-Congressman Bob Riley. Following that heavily contested race, the State Legislature changed Alabama’s ballot access laws to make it more difficult for minor parties to qualify for ballot access. The state requires a minor party or an independent candidate to turn in ballot access signatures of registered voters. To gain ballot access in this election cost the Libertarians over $240,000 and weeks of canvassing. The Party only completed the work in the days before the May 24 deadline. Without intervention by the Legislature or the court system, Libertarians will have to repeat that process if they hope to run statewide candidates in 2024. The 2024 election will include the statewide offices of President, PSC President, Alabama Supreme Court, and appellate judge. To connect with the author of this story, or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Republicans are hoping for another sweep in 2022 election
On Tuesday, Alabama voters are going to the polls to elect new leaders for the state. The Alabama Republican Party is hoping to see history repeat itself again in this election, and they will maintain their dominant position in Alabama politics. “Just a reminder that if you are tired of sky-high gas prices, out-of-control inflation, and rising crime, you have a choice. Vote Republican tomorrow on Election Day,” the Alabama Republican Party wrote on Facebook Monday. Alabama Republicans hope that this election follows the script of recent Alabama elections. In 2010, the Alabama Republican Party won every statewide office on the ballot. U.S. Senator Richard Shelby was easily re-elected to another term. Republican nominee for Governor, State Rep. Robert Bentley, defeated his Democratic opponent Ag Commissioner Ron Sparks. Then Treasurer Kay Ivey defeated incumbent Lieutenant Governor Jim Folsom in a race that even most Republicans at the time thought was a long shot. The people of Alabama, however, had grown tired of Alabama Education Association-dominated Democrats and found President Barack Obama’s policies too liberal for Alabama. National voters agreed, and 2010 was a massive “red wave” election that gave Republicans control of both Houses of Congress. In Alabama, Republicans won supermajorities in both Houses of the Alabama Legislature after 135 years of Democratic domination of the state legislature. In 2014 Bentley, Ivey, and the rest of the Alabama GOP were back. Bentley faced former Congressman Parker Griffith, and Ivey faced former State Rep. James Fields. Democrats viewed the 2014 election as so hopeless that they did not even find a candidate to run against popular U.S. Sen. Jeff Sessions. The Alabama voters once again rewarded Republicans with every statewide office on the ballot, and they grew their supermajorities in both Houses of the Legislature. In 2018, Bentley was gone, and Ivey had been elevated to Governor. Shelby was reelected to a sixth term in 2016. Democrats, however, were optimistic because their nominee for U.S. Senate, Doug Jones, had just defeated the Republican nominee, former Chief Justice Roy Moore in a special election. It had been the first win for an Alabama Democrat in a statewide race since 2008. Speaker of the House Mike Hubbard, who had masterminded the Republican campaigns in 2010 and 2014, had been convicted of corruption in 2016 (he is still in prison to this day). None of that mattered. Ivey easily bested her Democratic opponent, Tuscaloosa Mayor Walt Maddox. In the Lieutenant Governor’s race, State Rep. Will Ainsworth defeated his Democratic opponent, Florence Pastor Dr. Will Boyd. The Republicans also grew their supermajorities in the state legislature. Former Auburn head football coach Tommy Tuberville beat Sen. Jones in a landslide in 2020, so once again, there is no statewide Democratic officeholder in Alabama. On Tuesday, Ivey is seeking her second full term as governor. This time she faces political newcomer Yolanda Flowers and a Libertarian – Dr. James “Jimmy” Blake. Ainsworth faces Libertarian Ruth Page Nelson. Democrats failed to run a Lt. Gov. candidate. Shelby is retiring after 36 years in the Senate and 52 total years in office. His former Chief of Staff, Katie Britt, is the Republican nominee for Senate. She faces Boyd and Libertarian John Sophocleus. This is the first election since 2002 where there are Libertarians on the Alabama ballot. There are a lot of parallels between the 2022 election and the 2010 election. Once again, Democrats control both Houses of Congress and an unpopular Democratic Presidential incumbent, former Obama VP Joe Biden, is in the second year of his presidency. Many political analysts are predicting that Tuesday will be a second “red wave” election, like 2010, that will sweep Democrats out of office and give Republicans control of both Houses of Congress again. Alabama Republicans are hoping this is true of Alabama as well, and the GOP will retain its almost total mastery of Alabama politics. That is for the voters of Alabama to decide. Polls will open at 7:00 am and close at 7:00 am. Voters need to bring a valid photo ID with them to the polls. Various forms of photo ID are acceptable. To connect with the author of this story, or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Kay Ivey announces $1.3 million for state innovation and research
Governor Kay Ivey announced Wednesday awards of $1.3 million in order to stimulate new research and development at three Alabama universities and university systems hoping to help improve lives. The University of Alabama at Birmingham was awarded two grants totaling $666,910, the University of Alabama was awarded two grants totaling $486,026, and Auburn University received a grant of $184,773. “Often, the research and development that comes out of our universities has far-reaching and life-altering impacts across a wide array of issue areas,” said Gov. Ivey. “Alabama’s future outlook is largely dependent on our ability to find solutions to the problems of tomorrow, and I commend the students and professors for their dedication and time-consuming efforts to ensure Alabama remains the leader in innovation that it is.” The grants are from the Alabama Research and Development Enhancement Fund. The state-funded program was created in 2019 under the Alabama Innovation Act, which was approved by the Alabama State Legislature and signed into law by Gov. Ivey. The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA) is administering the grants. “ADECA is pleased to join with Governor Ivey in supporting and encouraging research and innovation at our state universities,” said ADECA Director Kenneth Boswell. “It is amazing to see solutions arise out of challenges relating to science and technology and other fields of study.” The grants awards: University of Alabama at Birmingham • $316,910 to conduct research relating to the development of a new neurovascular stent for stroke treatment. • $350,000 to conduct research involving the development of a new material in dental root-canal treatment. University of Alabama • $399,831 to conduct research relating to development of a membrane for the removal of some man-made chemicals which may cause harm in humans. • $86,314 to conduct research involving the development of ultra-high performance concrete using materials available in Alabama Auburn University • $184,773 to conduct research relating to the development of an iron-based contrast agent in an angiography procedure that examines blood flow in the body. ADECA administers a wide range of programs that support law enforcement, victim programs, economic development, water resource management, energy conservation and recreation. Gov. Ivey grew up on a cattle farm in Wilcox County. She graduated from Auburn University and taught school in California before returning to Alabama to hold several positions in state government. In 2002 she was elected State Treasurer. She has served two terms as Treasurer and two as Lieutenant Governor. In 2017 she was elevated to Governor and then elected in her own right in 2018. Ivey seeks a second term in Tuesday’s general election. Ivey faces Libertarian nominee Dr. James “Jimmy” Blake and Democratic nominee Yolanda Flowers. There are also two write-in candidates seeking the office. To connect with the author of this story, or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
November is Thank Alabama Teachers Month
Alabama Governor Kay Ivey on Tuesday kicked off the annual Thank Alabama Teachers observance to honor Alabama’s K-12 educators. Governor Ivey, at the commencement, announced that she is officially declaring November as Thank Alabama Teachers Month. The Thank Alabama Teachers initiative was created in 2020 to demonstrate gratitude in ample ways for the role Alabama teachers play in every facet of their students’ lives. Gov. Ivey was joined by Alabama State Superintendent of Education Dr. Eric Mackey at Carver High School for the event. “As someone whose career began in the classroom, I know the important work our teachers do on a daily basis,” Ivey said on Twitter. “Our educators are truly shaping the future – the future of AL & our nation!” The Governor asked that Alabamians show their support for teachers by visiting the website. The website both thanks Alabama teachers for their contributions to Alabama society but also encourages more people to enter the profession. “You could qualify for $17,500 or more in student loan forgiveness,” the site explains to prospective teachers. “Teachers in a low-income school or educational organizations having taught full time for at least five consecutive years, learn more here. Additionally, if you are teaching or plan to teach math or science, the Alabama Math and Science Teacher Education Program (AMSTEP) is a loan repayment program for you.” Alabama State Superintendent of Education Eric Mackey said on social media, “This morning, we kicked off #ThankALTeachers month with a press conference & proclamation from @GovernorKayIvey. Teachers truly make a difference in the lives of our students & we want everyone to let teachers know they are appreciated.” Gov. Ivey also issued a proclamation thanking teachers and declaring November as Thank Alabama Teachers Month. Education and the state’s long track record of underperforming in education is a major issue confronting the State Legislature in the next four years. There is growing pressure to respond by dramatically increasing school choice across Alabama. Any effort to increase options for families will be strongly opposed by teacher’s unions as well as the Alabama State Superintendents Association. Ivey was elevated to governor in 2017 and then elected to her own term in 2018. She is seeking a second term. On Tuesday, she faces Libertarian nominee Dr. James “Jimmy” Blake and Democratic nominee Yolanda Flowers in the November 8 general election. To connect with the author of this story, or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Libertarian candidate for Governor, Jimmy Blake, discusses issues
On Wednesday, Libertarian nominee for Governor, Dr. James “Jimmy” Blake, addressed voters online in a forum hosted by the Jefferson County Libertarian Party at the Mountain Brook Library. Blake said he had recently attended the “Break the Chains” rally organized by the families of prisoners of the Alabama Department of Corrections (ADOC). Blake said that he was moved “When you heard the stories and saw the videos that the families brought in there.” “The people of Alabama are a very decent bunch of people, and I don’t know whether politicians think they will be seen as soft on crime or they think that people just don’t care,” Blake said, urging the state to care for its prisoners better. According to a report by the Trump Department of Justice, the Alabama prison system is the most dangerous in the country. The state is facing a DOJ lawsuit alleging that incarceration with ADOC is an unconstitutional “cruel and unusual punishment,” banned by the Eighth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. Blake chastised legislators and the Ivey administration for not focusing on the problem. “I think we are focused on sending money to favored contractors,” Blake said, criticizing the state for “Spending $400 million that was supposed to go to the people for COVID relief” to build new mega prisons. Blake said that he favored housing the prisoners in a more humane environment. “They want people to be rehabilitated and not more dangerous than when they went in there,” Blake explained. Even though Blake is running for governor, he still weighed in on the U.S. Senate race to chastise Republicans. “They had a guy who was a small government conservative in Mo Brooks,” Blake said. “They said so many outrageous things about him that were untrue and then chose a BCA lobbyist (referring to Katie Britt). We have a guy who knows what the government is supposed to be doing in John Sophocleus.” Blake said that the Libertarian Party was created 50 years ago when Republican President Richard Nixon devalued the currency by getting off of the gold standard. “A 1964 dime is 95% silver,” Blake said. “It is worth over two dollars today. A 2022 Biden dime is worth ten cents, and in a year, it will be worth nine cents a year from now due to inflation.” Blake chastised incumbent Gov. Kay Ivey for rejecting structural tax changes and what he called the corrupt duopoly of the two major political parties. Blake argued against laws banning marijuana, saying that Prohibition only creates “black markets,” detailing how Prohibition in the 1920s increased crime and violence while also leading to harder alcohol and alcohol poisoning. “You wouldn’t have fentanyl” if drugs were legal, Blake said. “Your liability would be too high.” Blake is a former U.S. Air Force flight surgeon who flew nuclear strike F4 Phantom fighters in Europe during the Cold War. He graduated from Auburn University and went to medical school at UAB on an Air Force scholarship. Blake served eight years on the Birmingham City Council. He also led the RAPS group that opposed the MAPS effort by then Birmingham Mayor Richard Arrington to build a domed stadium and other projects by raising taxes across Jefferson County. Blake is a former chairman of the Libertarian Party of Alabama. He started the first free-standing “urgent care” healthcare clinic in Alabama – American Family Care. After leaving that business, Blake practiced medicine in the Hoover area. More recently, Blake has practiced emergency medicine at rural hospitals. Blake’s wife was killed in a tragic car accident. This is the first time Libertarians have had ballot access in Alabama in twenty years. Blake is challenging incumbent Gov. Ivey. Ivey has led the state since 2017. Yolanda Flowers is the Democratic Party nominee for Governor of Alabama. There are also two write-in candidates campaigning for governor. The general election is on November 8. Voters must have a valid photo ID to participate in any Alabama election. To connect with the author of this story, or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Kay Ivey awards $19.3 million in grants for community improvements
On Thursday, Gov. Kay Ivey announced grant awards of nearly $19.3 million in grants to provide improvements in 49 Alabama towns, cities, and counties. The Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) are federal dollars from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The HUD grants will be used by local governments to pave or resurface roads, eliminate blight and drainage problems, improve water or sewer service and build or improve local community centers and playgrounds. “Community Development Block Grants help communities address major needs whether it be supplying clean drinking water or eliminating dilapidated and unsafe structures,” said Gov. Ivey. “I congratulate the cities and counties who received grants in this keenly competitive process, and I wish them the best in improving their communities.” The CDBG money in Alabama is awarded annually in a competitive bid process that is based on several categories: small city (population 2,999 or less), large city (population 3,000 or more), county, and community enhancement. Planning grants are also awarded to help local governments examine needs and provide a vision for the future. The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA) administers the grants. “ADECA is pleased to be a part of a program that is so beneficial to cities and counties across our state,” said ADECA Director Kenneth Boswell.” I commend community leaders and planners for their efforts to improve the lives of their residents and make their communities better places to live.” The grants awarded and projects (grouped by geographical region) are: North Alabama · Belk – $400,000 to replace a major water line. · Berry – $400,000 for sewer line replacement and related improvements. · Cherokee – $362,422 for drainage and ditch improvements. · Colony – $399,827 for street improvements. · Courtland – $400,000 for water line upgrades and improvements. · Garden City – $389,800 to upgrade the town’s sewer system. · Guinn – $304,000 for street resurfacing and drainage improvements. · Hodges – $329,000 for downtown revitalization, including razing dilapidated buildings. · Jacksonville – $500,000 to replace sewer lines. · Lexington – $397,907 for water and fire suppression improvements. · Oxford – $500,000 for drainage improvements and demolition of dilapidated structures. · Pell City – $500,000 for water system improvements. · Rainsville – $500,000 to repair and replace sewer lines. · Ranburne – $400,000 to renovate the town’s senior citizen center. · Scottsboro – $400,000 to demolish and clear 26 dilapidated structures. · Steele – $400,000 to replace a main water line. · Valley Head – $400,000 for street and drainage improvements. · Winfield – $342,000 to demolish 18 dilapidated and abandoned/vacant structures. Central Alabama · Brent – $500,00 for sewer line rehabilitation. · Coosa County – $135,801 to resurface American Legion Road near Goodwater and Coosa County Road 38 in the Mt. Olive Community. · Coosada – $350,000 to demolish 30 dilapidated vacant or abandoned structures throughout the town. · Crenshaw County – $500,000 to resurface and relocate water lines on Starhope Church Road. · Forkland – $400,000 to upgrade the town’s park including constructing a pavilion and concession stand/bathroom facility. · Hale County – $500,000 for water system rehabilitation along Hale County Road 64 · Luverne – $400,000 for sewer line improvements and street paving. · Mosses – $400,000 for the resurfacing of Main Street. · Notasulga- $32,000 to develop a comprehensive city plan. · Randolph County – $500,000 to resurface and improve drainage along Randolph County roads 30 and 17 in the Rock Mills Community. · Roanoke – $500,000 to rehabilitate and resurface five streets. South Alabama · Ashford – $234,000 to make improvements on four streets. · Barbour County – $400,000 to construct a new senior citizen center in Clio. · Butler – $222,750 for a sewer line replacement. · Castleberry – $400,000 to rehabilitate the town’s water system and several streets, including adding fire hydrants. · Clayhatchee – $202,366 to provide lighting for a baseball field and to build a pole barn at the recreation park. · Coffeeville- $400,000 for roof replacement at the town’s community center. · Elba – $500,000 for street resurfacing and drainage improvements. · Florala- $375,655 to renovate the former Florala Middle School gymnasium. · Florala – $32,000 to develop a comprehensive city plan. · Geneva- $500,000 for housing rehabilitation as part of its neighborhood revitalization program. · Geneva County – $474,667 to resurface several streets in the Bellwood community. · Gordon – $400,000 for sewer line rehabilitation. · Jackson – $500,000 for drainage improvements. · Louisville – $400,000 for housing rehabilitation and demolition and clearance. · Madrid – $229,200 to resurface and make improvements on two city streets. · Monroe County – $500,000 to rehabilitate a portion of the Excel Water System serving the unincorporated Hillside Community. · New Brockton – $392,900 for housing rehabilitation. · Opp – $400,000 to resurface several streets. · Pinkard – $342,177 to resurface and make improvements on several city streets. · Vredenburgh – $337,125 to make improvements at the town’s community park including construction of a pavilion. · Washington County – $500,000 to resurface Mitchell Road east of Millry. ADECA administers an array of programs supporting law enforcement and traffic safety, economic development, energy conservation, water resource management, and recreation development. Kay Ivey is running for re-election on November 8. She faces Democrat Yolanda Rochelle Flowers and Libertarian Dr. James “Jimmy” Blake. Ivey was elevated to the office in 2017 when Gov. Robert Bentley resigned. She was elected to her own term in 2018. To connect with the author of this story, or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Kay Ivey outpaces other gubernatorial candidates in September fundraising
The September campaign finance reports are in, and incumbent Governor Kay Ivey, the Republican nominee, is lapping her opponents in fundraising. According to the campaign finance reports filed by the Secretary of State’s office, the governor entered the month of September with $75,583.16 in her re-election account. During September, the governor raised another $316,011 in contributions. Ivey outspent everyone else in the race: combined with expenditures of $189,915.81 in September alone. Ivey enters the month with $201,678.35 in cash on hand. Ivey is only the second woman to be elected as Governor of Alabama. She is the longest serving woman governor in state history as Gov. Lurleen Wallace died of breast cancer in office during her one and only term. Ivey was twice elected as State Treasurer and twice elected as Lieutenant Governor; before being elevated to governor in 2017 when then Gov. Robert Bentley resigned. Ivey was elected to her own term of office in 2018. Dr. James “Jimmy” Blake is the Libertarian candidate for governor. Blake, as a challenger, enters the race with less name recognition than the incumbent governor. The way a campaign builds name recognition is through commercials: radio, TV, internet, print, direct mail, signs, and billboards, and all of that costs money in a state with over five million people and multiple media markets. The Libertarians did not even get ballot access until late May, so building a fundraising apparatus to challenge an incumbent Governor has been challenging. The Blake campaign began in September with just $834. Over the course of the month, Blake raised $9,325, spent $5,389.90, and entered October with $4,769.10 in cash on hand. The situation is even bleaker for the Democratic nominee for Governor. Yolanda Rochelle Flowers reported contributions for the month of just $2,150. The Democratic nominee only had $673.32 in funds coming into September. After spending just $2777.09, the Flowers campaign was left with only $46.23 entering October. The last three Democratic nominees for governor Walt Maddox, Parker Griffith, and Ron Sparks, were running campaigns that were at distinct disadvantages to their Republican counterparts. Still, ideological liberals, Democratic Party loyalists, and allied special interests did at least fund their campaigns. Flowers can’t raise money, and Democrats appear to have thrown in the towel on this and every other statewide race. Democrats aren’t giving to Flowers, who already has a mountain to climb to establish name recognition, much less win votes on election day. Flowers is the first Black woman to be nominated for Governor of Alabama by one of the two major political parties. Ivey, Blake, and Flowers are the only three candidates that will appear on the ballot on November 8, but there are also at least two write-in candidates who do not have the advantages of a statewide political party working for their cause. Write-in candidate Jared Budlong began the month of September with just $105.23 in his campaign account. Over the course of the month, he raised $918.40 in contributions for his campaign and borrowed another $370.07. Budlong spent $659.72 on the campaign and entered October with $733.98 in cash on hand. Lee county pastor and former Republican primary candidate Dean Odle is running as a write-in candidate. Odle entered the month of September with $12,081.61 in cash on hand. Odle reported cash contributions of $5,735.02, in-kind contributions of $666.40, expenditures of $11,550.16, and an ending cash balance of $6,266.47. To vote for Budlong or Odle, voters must check the write-in candidate as their choice for governor and then write in their name on the paper ballot. Republican candidates have dominated fundraising in this election cycle. Republican candidates have raised $46,753,741.68. Political Action Committees have raised $19,798,304.29 in contributions. The Democratic candidates have contributions of $7,282,846.27 combined. All other candidates, including the 65 Libertarian candidates on the ballot, have only raised $178,572.12 combined in this cycle. By comparison, Ivey by herself raised $316,011 just in the month of September. Ivey has raised $9,898,554.35 in this election – more than every Democrat, Libertarian, and independent candidate combined. The election will be on November 8. If, for some reason you are unable to vote on November 8, you can apply for and obtain an absentee ballot. To connect with the author of this story, or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Jimmy Blake criticizes Kay Ivey’s tax rebate plan
Alabama Governor Kay Ivey announced on Monday that she may soon introduce a plan to provide rebates to Alabama taxpayers, but citing the possibility of future economic uncertainty Ivey said that it would be reckless to introduce structural changes to the state’s tax structure. Libertarian nominee for Governor Dr. James “Jimmy” Blake has been urging for permanent tax cuts, not one time tax rebates. Blake spoke on the phone with Alabama Today on Monday night following the Governor’s announcement. “She hasn’t considered cutting the size of government,” Blake said. “She won’t do anything that will help anybody in the long run.” “How is the state going to compete with a five percent income tax rate, when the states around us have a lower rate or no state income tax at all?” Blake said. “Why not commit to decreasing the size of state government and get it out of the people’s pockets.” Blake dismissed the Ivey promise of some tax rebates. “You won’t be able to compete with that,” Blake said. “It is election time, so she talks about some tax relief. She is going to do what she has done before, which is increase the burden on Alabama taxpayers.” Blake has called for reducing the state income tax rate, with a goal of eventually eliminating the tax altogether. “There are clearly plenty of Republicans who agree with what we are saying,” Blake said. The state’s 2022 fiscal year ended on Friday, with the state of Alabama ending the year with an extra $2 billion in surplus to carry over to 2023. Ivey said that making structural changes to the tax code would be a mistake. “Many predict – and I agree – a potential downswing in the economy is right around the corner,” Ivey said. “We must ensure both Alabama and her citizens are in the best possible position to weather any future economic circumstances. We all know the bills have got to be paid one day, and we cannot make permanent structural change because of temporary circumstances. Anyone who tells you otherwise is likely looking to score political points – just as our federal government has done with their massive spending.” Ivey faces Libertarian nominee Dr. Blake and Democratic nominee Yolanda Rochelle Flowers in the November 8 general election. Flowers has advocated for eliminating the four percent sales tax on groceries and replacing that revenue with a lottery. To connect with the author of this story, or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Kay Ivey promises tax rebates to help Alabama families
The state’s 2022 fiscal year ended on Friday, and the state of Alabama had over $2 billion it did not spend left over going into 2023. On Monday, Governor Kay Ivey announced that, while she believes these revenues are unsustainable, she will present a plan to the State Legislature where some portion of this historic surplus will be rebated back to taxpayers. “Last week, we closed out the fiscal year, and I am proud to report to the people of Alabama that thanks to the conservative management of our budgets for the past several years, Alabama’s financial footing is very strong,” said Gov. Ivey in a statement. “Let’s be clear, though: This is the citizens’ hard-earned money, and I thank each and every one of them for keeping our economy rolling and economic activity robust, even in a difficult climate. While our budgets are balanced, we are recording revenues far exceeding normal levels. In fact, these revenues are historic but completely unsustainable. No doubt, this surplus is a direct result of reckless spending by the federal government.” Some ultra-conservatives have suggested that the state should cut income tax rates or even end the four percent tax on groceries instead of simply making one-time tax rebates. The Governor dismissed what she called “permanent structural change” because of a likely potential downturn in the economy. “Many predict – and I agree – a potential downswing in the economy is right around the corner,” Ivey continued. “We must ensure both Alabama and her citizens are in the best possible position to weather any future economic circumstances. We all know the bills have got to be paid one day, and we cannot make permanent structural change because of temporary circumstances. Anyone who tells you otherwise is likely looking to score political points – just as our federal government has done with their massive spending.” Ivey said that she is committed to providing some tax relief to taxpayers before the November 8 general election. “And while the federal government acts recklessly, we, in Alabama, will be deliberate and thoughtful with our taxpayer dollars,” Ivey said. “I have spoken to folks across the state, and people are feeling the pinch of today’s economy, and I have committed to them that I want to provide some relief to their pocketbooks. As we move through the November election cycle, I will work closely with the Legislature to provide relief directly to the people of Alabama. I will present a plan to the Legislature to allocate these funds in a manner that helps our citizens with the issues that we face today while also considering our children and their future.” “I do believe that some form of rebates should be considered, but rest assured that every option we are exploring will be focused on the interests of our citizens and keeping our people first,” Ivey concluded. State receipts go to two different funds: the state general fund (SGF), which deals with non-education expenditures, and the education trust fund. The state anticipates receipts of $2.6 billion in the SGF and $8.2 billion in the ETF. Ivey faces Libertarian nominee Dr. James “Jimmy” Blake and Democratic nominee Yolanda Rochelle Flowers in the November 8 general election. To connect with the author of this story, or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
“We need to do better,” Yolanda Flowers says of Alabama’s criminal justice system
On Monday, inmates at the Alabama Department of Corrections (ADOC) launched a statewide work stoppage to protest their quality-of-life concerns in Alabama’s prisons. On Wednesday, Alabama Democratic Party gubernatorial nominee Yolanda Rochelle Flowers said in a videotaped statement sent to Alabama Today, “We can do better.” Flowers claimed that the prisoners were being treated “worse than animals” and called on people to call Alabama Governor Kay Ivey to address her concerns. “Hey, this is Yolanda Flowers. I am your gubernatorial candidate for Governor of Alabama,” Flowers said. “My concerns that I want to address is our criminal justice system and how unfair it is all across the state.” “Our incarcerated loved ones, our incarcerated citizens, are suffering,” Flowers claimed. “They are suffering from the injustices. They are not getting the proper food. They are not getting the proper healthcare services. Whether it is mental or physical…they are not getting it. They are living in conditions that, to be honest, are worse than animals outside. We need to do better. We need to call our governor up on this. No, she doesn’t want to give equitability to our people, but our people are suffering. Yes, they made some mistakes, but that is OK; she has too. So I am asking that you all will vote for Yolanda Flowers.” The Alabama prison system has been heavily criticized over the years. The Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC), on behalf of several current and former inmates, has sued the state claiming that the prisoners do not get the proper mental services and that the prisons are chronically understaffed. Federal Judge Myron Thompson has ordered the state to address the lack of mental health services. ADOC has responded by contracting with a new mental healthcare provider. Thompson has also ordered ADOC to hire 2,000 more prison guards. Despite raising the pay and providing generous signing and retention bonuses, ADOC has not been able to hire even 20 percent of that number in the past three years. That case is still pending. The Obama Justice Department ordered an investigation of the Alabama prison system. An investigation that the Trump Justice Department carried out. The DOJ investigation revealed that ADOC is the country’s most violent prison system and that numerous documented cases of beatings, rapes, and even murders of inmates by other inmates in the system. The system is awash in illegal drugs, and several inmates have overdosed while in ADOC custody. After the Ivey administration failed to move quickly enough to address DOJ’s concerns, then-Attorney General William Barr filed suit against the state, claiming that conditions in the Alabama prisons are so bad that they constitute a “cruel and unusual punishment” and are thus unconstitutional – a claim that the state of Alabama disputes. The Biden DOJ has not backed away from the Trump administration’s position and offered leniency to the state. In November, the Alabama Legislature approved Gov. Ivey’s plan to build two new mega prisons that will house in excess of 4,000 inmates each. The Ivey administration claims that the new facilities will allow ADOC to guard the same number of inmates with fewer guards while providing better health and mental services to inmates. Construction is underway on the two mega prisons in Elmore and Escambia Counties. In December, Gov. Ivey fired ADOC Commissioner Jeff Dunn, a Bentley Administration holdover who had been tasked with transforming the prison system. A video of an inmate being beaten by an ADOC guard on the roof of one of the prisons has only enflamed passions on both sides of the standoff. The inmates claim that ADOC is retaliating against their work stoppage by withholding food. Ivey and Flowers, along with Libertarian Dr. James “Jimmy” Blake, will be on the November 8 general election ballot for governor. To connect with the author of this story, or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Kay Ivey promises tax relief for citizens if given a second term
Governor Kay Ivey addressed the Kiwanis Club of Montgomery on Tuesday. In addition to the Governor’s normal talking points she added support for “providing tax relief in the pocket books of Alabamians.” The Governor did not go into detail and did not say whether she favored one-time tax rebates out of the state budget surplus or tax reform to lower the income tax rate or reduce the four percent tax on groceries. A number of key legislators have already suggested that tax rebates or tax would be seriously considered during the 2023 Alabama regular legislative session. The state is expected to carry over a surplus in excess of $2 billion into the 2023 fiscal year which begins on October 1. Sen. Arthur Orr has proposed rebating a portion of that excess money back to the taxpayers rather than using it to grow the government. Some ultra-conservatives have suggested going farther than just a tax rebate and have advocated for passing substantive tax cuts. The State of Alabama collects a five percent income tax on all income, active or passive, in the state except on pensions. Florida, Georgia, Tennessee, and Mississippi have all either have no state income tax or have moved to reduce their taxes while Alabama has stayed at 5%, though the legislature has increased the standard deduction that every citizen is allowed to take. Tax relief could take the form of further increasing the standard deduction helping all taxpayers equally, but on a percentage basis would greatly help the working poor and low wage earners. A reduction in personal or corporate income tax rates would similarly help all taxpayers; but would much more greatly benefit high income Alabamians. Tax reform has become a general election campaign issue. Libertarian nominee for Governor Dr. James “Jimmy” Blake is campaigning on reducing or eliminating the income tax. Democratic nominee for Governor Yolanda Rochelle Flowers has campaigned on eliminating the four percent tax on groceries. Flowers has also voiced support for a suspension in gas tax collections. After learning of Gov. Ivey’s support for tax relief for Alabama taxpayers Dr. Blake told Alabama Today, “I will take credit for that.” The general election is not until November 8. The 2023 regular legislative session will not even begin until March so it could be many months before Alabamians can expect any actual tax relief from the legislature if it passes the legislature. Ivey was the keynote speaker at the Kiwanis Club of Montgomery meeting to honor Sr. Trooper TerMarlon Blair of the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency’s Highway Patrol Division as the club’s Trooper of the Year for 2022. To connect with the author of this story, or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Jimmy Blake addresses Libertarians in Homewood
Libertarian nominee for Governor of Alabama Dr. James “Jimmy” Blake addressed the Libertarians of Greater Birmingham at a dinner event at Jim’ N Nick’s barbecue restaurant in the greater Homewood area on Tuesday night. “I am a former chairman of the (Libertarian) Party,” Blake said. “I have been involved with the Libertarians really since the 1970s. I was chairman of the Libertarian Party when I was elected to the city council. I am very proud of some of the things we accomplished back then.” Blake is a career doctor, an Air Force veteran, and a former Birmingham City Councilman. “Our party has not been on the ballot since 2002,” Blake said. “Then John Sophocleus got more votes than the Republican margin of victory over Don Siegelman, and the Republicans and Democrats agreed that they did not want competition.” Sophocleus finished third in the 2002 gubernatorial election behind then-Congressman Bob Riley and then Governor Siegelman. Sophocleus is the 2022 Libertarian nominee for U.S. Senate. “We have, I think, 65 candidates on the November ballot, and 50 of them are only running against a Democrat or a Republican,” Blake said. “Without them, the voters would not have any choice in those races.” Blake attacked both of the major political parties. “I call them the blue ticks and the red ticks because they are both sucking us dry,” Blake said of the Democrats and the Republicans. “One thing that they agree on is that they don’t want competition.” Alabama law requires a political party that did not have a candidate get 20 percent of the vote in the latest gubernatorial general election ballot to get signatures from registered Alabama voters to gain ballot access. “It cost us a quarter of a million dollars to get ballot access,” Blake explained. “Ballot access petitions – it sounds fine but go out there and get ten of them, and it’s harder than it sounds. We had to have 85,000. We need 20% of the vote in one of these statewide races to keep ballot access.” “Getting name ID is probably the biggest challenge that we face,” Blake said. “There may be 50,000 people in the state that even know that I am running. We need somewhere between 300,000 and 350,000 votes to get ballot access.” Blake said that inflation is another way that government takes money away from the people. “I have a 1962 dime that I keep in my pocket,” Blake stated. “A pre-1964 dime is 90% silver. It is worth two dollars and ninety cents today, while a Biden dime is worth ten cents. Since 1964 our money has lost over 95% of its value.” Blake argued that both political parties are responsible for the current situation. “Both of them are spending more money than we can justify,” Blake said. Blake said that he and other Libertarian candidates are circulating a petition for the Alabama Legislature to pass the Firearms Protection Act, which would prohibit state or local officials from participating in any federal gun seizure efforts. “The blue ticks are trying to take away our firearms away, and there is a reason for that. You can’t impose tyranny with an armed population,” Blake stated. Blake said that the Libertarians are getting pushback from the Republicans, which control the state. “The Republicans now are threatened by us,” Blake said. “They are threatening their own people that they can’t run as a Republican for six years if they support one of us. Now they are trying to close their primaries even though they are supported by the taxpayers. If they are funded by tax dollars, I ought to be able to vote in all the primaries. It did not cost one tax dollar to get our 65 candidates on the ballot.” Blake said that he supports substantive tax reform and not tax rebates. “My first priority is to get rid of the Alabama income tax,” Blake said. “Our income tax makes us noncompetitive with other states. Florida does not have one. Neither does Tennessee, and Mississippi is phasing theirs out. Georgia passed over $2 billion in tax cuts, while we increased the gas tax and some piddling tax cuts.” Blake urged people to volunteer for his campaign. “We need bodies. We need manpower at every level,” Blake said. “We could sure use some help. We have gotten great support from some of our technical people. I used to know how to run a campaign, but it is all different now.” Blake is running against incumbent Republican Governor Kay Ivey and Democratic nominee Yolanda Rochelle Flowers in the November 8 general election. To connect with the author of this story, or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
