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Sen. Katie Britt is unimpressed by President Joe Biden’s newly proposed budget for 2024. In fact, she said the president “is completely out of touch with the harsh reality Alabamians are facing everyday of his term.”

“Prices have already skyrocketed 14.4% since he took office, while Americans’ personal savings have fallen to a nearly 15-year low,” Britt (R-Auburn) said. “… President Biden confirmed that he wants to raise taxes and spend more. His unserious, yet unsurprising, budget proposal only doubles down on the failed tax-and-spend agenda fueling this kitchen table crisis.

“The people of Alabama know that the federal government does not have a revenue problem, this administration has a spending problem.”

Biden’s latest budget proposal is expected to increase the deficit by $1.8 trillion in the next fiscal year, Britt said. And, defense spending would be cut year over year when accounting for inflation.

However, non-defense spending would increase to 7.3%, she said.

The proposal would also reduce the Department of Homeland Security budget by 1%, not even factoring in reduced spending power due to inflation.

“The Biden administration has never taken border security seriously, and this disastrous Department of Homeland Security budget proposal only cements President Biden’s complete disinterest in solving the problem,” Britt said. “There is an unprecedented national security and humanitarian crisis at the border, yet the president would rather fund his own political agenda than the safety of American families and communities.

“This is dangerous and should be rejected by my colleagues on both sides of the aisle.”

Austen Shipley is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News.

Thursday, President Joe Biden released his $6.8 trillion budget proposal, which includes raising taxes on businesses and wealthy individuals.

Members of the Alabama Congressional delegation criticized the President over the high spending, misplaced priorities, and increased taxes that are a part of the plan.

Chairman @RepMikeRogersAL: "The President’s incredibly misplaced priorities send all the wrong messages to our adversaries." https://t.co/C69juwMZ50 pic.twitter.com/2F6QVEfMf1

— Armed Services GOP (@HASCRepublicans) March 9, 2023

“The United States is facing the most complex and challenging set of threats to our national security in decades,” said U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers (R-Saks) in a released statement. “Unfortunately, the President has once again submitted a budget request that fails to take these threats seriously. A budget that proposes to increase non-defense spending at more than twice the rate of defense is absurd. The President’s incredibly misplaced priorities send all the wrong messages to our adversaries.”

As a Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, Rogers said his members are working on a plan that they believe reflects the true threats to America’s national security.

“On the House Armed Services Committee, we are focused on building an NDAA that provides our warfighters with the capability and lethality to deter and, if necessary, defeat the grave threats facing our nation,” he said. “Since day one, our committee has conducted robust oversight of Department of Defense programs, authorities, policies, and spending. As we examine the President’s budget and build the FY24 NDAA, we will continue to engage with DoD officials to determine what weapons, resources, and authorities our warfighters need to defeat the threats we face. Our adversaries will only be deterred by strength, not weakness.”

U.S. Rep. Gary Palmer (R-Hoover) said the budget will not help solve the country’s problems.

pic.twitter.com/f94rtTLbxm

— House GOP Policy (@GOPpolicy) March 9, 2023

“Bad policies have bad outcomes. However, after two years of poor results, the Biden administration is, once again, doubling down on terrible ideas,” said Palmer. “This nearly $7 trillion budget will do nothing to help reduce home energy costs, decrease inflation, make our nation safer, or improve the lives of American families. Instead, it represents yet another tax and spend proposal full of liberal special interest items and plays gimmicks to give an illusion of fiscal solvency. The President and his advisors need to get serious about our nation’s dire financial situation and quit their spending addiction. Republicans in the House stand ready to get our nation’s budget in order and address the economic concerns of all Americans.”

U.S. Rep. Barry Moore (R-Enterprise) also reacted to the proposal, saying this is just another example of Biden’s “out of control” spending.

Biden's budget proposal is not new — it's more of the same.

He spends out-of-control, and hardworking Americans are forced to pick up the tab.

— Rep. Barry Moore (@RepBarryMoore) March 9, 2023

U.S. Rep. Jerry Carl (R-Mobile) posted a statement on Twitter about how Biden’s budget is “unacceptable.”

President Biden's fiscal year 2024 budget is unacceptable. Americans cannot afford trillions in new taxes. Washington spends way too much money, and it is time to reign it in.

— Rep. Jerry Carl (@RepJerryCarl) March 9, 2023

Yaffee is a contributing writer to Yellowhammer News and hosts “The Yaffee Program” weekdays 9-11 a.m. on WVNN. You can follow him on Twitter @Yaffee

The Gov. Ron DeSantis unofficial pre-presidential announcement tour rolled into Hoover to headline Thursday night’s Alabama GOP Winter Dinner.

An unannounced presidential candidate for the GOP nomination, DeSantis touched on a number of topics – one of which DeSantis referred to as “law and order.”

“I know the folks in Alabama feel the same way, but in Florida we stand unequivocally for law and order and we support the men and women who wear the uniform,” he said. “We rejected defunding the police, and in fact I signed legislation in the state of Florida that prohibits local governments in Florida from defunding law enforcement.”

“We rejected the George Floyd riots, as soon as we saw that happening in Minnesota and New York, I called out the National Guard and we dispatched state law enforcement as necessary around the state.”

The Florida governor also discussed anti-riot legislation he recently signed into law.

“We also signed legislation that says very simply if you riot, if you loot, if you engage in mob violence in Florida, we’re not going to treat you like they do in Portland where they arrest you, take your mugshot, slap you on the wrist and put you right back on the street,” he said.

“No, in Florida if you’re rioting looting, engaging in mob violence, you’re not getting a slap on the wrist you’re getting the inside of a jail cell.”

DeSantis is widely expected to announce a presidential run in the coming months.

He also spoke about large numbers of Americans moving away from places such as New York and California.

“We have witnessed in this country a great American exodus,” he said. “Americans have moved to places like Florida, where there looking to find the promised land. I don’t think you’ve ever seen anything in American history where you have so many people leaving one ideological bent and coming to another ideological bent.”

Public Health ($339.1 million)

$100 million to reimburse hospitals for eligible COVID-19 expenses
$100 million to reimburse nursing homes for eligible COVID-19 expenses
Up to $5 million to reimburse veterans’ hospitals for eligible COVID-19 expenses
Up to $40 million to reimburse the State Employees’ Insurance Board
Up to $40 million for the Public Education Employees’ Health Insurance Board
Up to $25 million to support mental health programs and services
Up to $9 million to facilitate the expansion and use of telemedicine
Up to $20 million for healthcare research and access to personalized medicine

Infrastructure ($660 million)

$400 million for water and sewer infrastructure projects
$260 million for broadband expansion

After receiving this stamp of approval in committee today, HB1 is expected to be on the house floor Tuesday and in the senate as soon as next Thursday.

Lawmakers in both houses say this process has been the product of strict spending guidelines and a collaboration between agencies.

“We can’t spend this money on just anything,” said Senate Majority Leader Clay Scofield (R-Guntersville). “(U.S. Department of the) Treasury has given us guidelines as to what we can spend this on.”

In her address Tuesday night, Ivey encouraged the Legislature to not think of the funds as “free money” — and underscored the opportunity to make a generational impact on the state.

Although Gov. Kay Ivey called for tax rebates during her State of the State speech Tuesday, some in the Legislature aren’t sure if that has a chance of passing this session.

Ivey said she wants “one-time rebates of $400,” which means “$800 for our working families.”

Thursday on WVNN’s “The Dale Jackson Show,” State Sen. Sam Givhan (R-Huntsville) said he’s not sure Ivey’s rebate proposal has enough support from Alabama lawmakers to pass.

“There’s no polling in the Legislature on that,” Givhan said, “and I don’t see the appetite. Now whether the Speaker starts whipping people in the House in place, maybe that happens, but I don’t see the appetite in the Senate. I think there’s truly low appetite for that in the House of Representatives.”

The state senator said their are too many lawmakers who prefer some kind of permanent tax cut over a one-time rebate.

“There’s a large contingent that wants nothing in terms of rebates,” he said. “They want either permanent or at least temporary tax relief across the board.”

Givhan said pausing or cutting the grocery tax is a better plan to help taxpayers in the state.

“Maybe we sunset it four years and it kicks back in, give the people a chance to start beating the drum saying ‘hey we want this permanent,'” he said. “That would open the door for that, I think. That’s the relief that people need right now, I think, across the board is if we can do something on the food tax, even if it’s just for four years.”

Givhan is not the only lawmaker is showing support for permanent tax cuts over rebates, as Lt. Gov. Will Ainsworth said as much this week.

“I’ve been on the record that I support tax cuts over rebates,” Ainsworth said, “but certainly I want to look over and study it and find out. We just got the information last night, the details, so I need to look over that before I can give a final opinion, but in general … I think we’ve got to do tax cuts instead of a one-time rebate.”

When is comes to Ivey’s proposal on rebates, Givhan said he’s just is not hearing any real support for it.

“Rebates are way overblown in the Legislature with people I’m talking to,” he said. “I don’t see that there.”

Yaffee is a contributing writer to Yellowhammer News and hosts “The Yaffee Program” weekdays 9-11 a.m. on WVNN. You can follow him on Twitter @Yaffee

State Rep. Ernie Yarbrough (R-Trinity) is hopeful that his school choice bill will be able to make its way through the legislature this year, but admits it won’t be easy.

Yarbrough is carrying the Parental Rights in Children’s Education (PRICE) Act in the State House, which would allow parents to get $6,000 in state tax dollars to put in an education savings account.

While Gov. Kay Ivey mentioned school choice in her State of the State speech, it’s unclear whether she would support vouchers or an education savings accounts.

Recently on WVNN’s “The Yaffee Program,” Yarbrough discussed why he thinks his school choice bill can pass.

“I think we’ve got a better chance now than we’ve ever had,” Yarbrough said. “Whether that’s enough for it to pass, only God knows the future, but I feel like the momentum is on our side, and when I say our side I just mean the side of freedom and liberty. So I am cautiously optimistic. There’s no question there’s going to be a battle, but it’s a battle I wholeheartedly embrace and welcome.”

The lawmaker said that parents should have more options when it comes to their children’s education.

“The fundamental idea behind school choice is the idea that parents ought to have their hands on the financial and ideological steering wheel of their children’s education,” he argued, “For too long it seems like that has not really been the case in terms of parents really having a real seat at the table and really having their hands on the steering wheel to help guide and direct the financial, and therefore the content of the education that affects the souls and minds of their kids.”

The state representative responded to some of his critics and those against school choice generally.

“It seems like these days,” he continued, “a lot of times when true freedom, liberty type of legislation comes to the forefront, sometimes you get crazy accusations like ‘you’re a radical,’ or ‘you’re a racist,’ or in this case ‘you want the rich kids to get their education paid for,’ but not of that is true at all, those are all just red herrings.”

He also believes many parents are not happy with the values being taught in many of the public schools.

“Education isn’t just the learning of facts, it’s the passing down of a way of life,” he said. “And that way of life and those values and not that woke indoctrinating curriculum that is frankly evil and wrong, but passing down that historical way of life that we value and that carries freedom with it is under attack.”

Yarbrough reiterated that he’s ready for the fight to get this accomplished.

“As one man said, ‘if difficulty has to come, let it come in my time that my children might be free.’ So I’m up for the battle and I am in it for the people of Alabama and my own family.” he said, “And I look forward to see what happens.”

Yaffee is a contributing writer to Yellowhammer News and hosts “The Yaffee Program” weekdays 9-11 a.m. on WVNN. You can follow him on Twitter @Yaffee

U.S. Rep. Dale Strong took to the House floor Thursday for his first ever speech as a congressman. In it, Strong called for the Biden administration to resume building the wall on the U.S.-Mexico border.

“My bill will resume border wall construction and ensure the president cannot withhold resources while sending our troops to the front lines,” said Strong (R-Huntsville).

The bill will also ensure that soldiers deployed to the border with have all necessary tools and resources to complete their task, he said.

“I am proud to introduce this legislation and other measures ensure that if the Administration expects our troops to defend our border,” Strong said. “Then we expect them to provide every tool, resource, and means of support to each of the brave men and women protecting our homeland security.”

Strong recently returned from a trip to the border with other members of the House Committee on Homeland Security. On the floor, he spoke of the dysfunction he saw on his visit.

“On our [recent] visit to the [southern] border we met with: Texas National Guard, [The Department of] Homeland Security, [Customs and] Border [Protection] (CBP), [Immigration and Customs Enforcement], Homeland Security Investigations, and Texas State Troopers,” he said. “Not one of these agencies or officials could say that the U.S. border was secure.

“During our trip, I was reminded that on his first day in office, the president terminated the emergency declaration at the southern border and halted border wall construction. Over the last two years, CBP have encountered over 4.7 million illegal immigrants trying to enter our country. That doesn’t include the 1.2 million that have evaded border patrol.”

Strong also made clear that he thinks the Biden administration is misleading the American people about what’s happening at the border.

“The Administration tells the American people that the border is under control,” Strong said. “If our border is secure, then why – over the last two years – has the Administration continued to send our troops to the border? That alone signals to every American that we have a problem.”

Austen Shipley is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News.

Today, on National Slam the Scam Day, Sen. Katie Britt is helping to raise awareness about Social Security scams.

Scammers typically target individuals by using deceptive tactics and techniques designed to persuade, her office said. In a government imposter scam, an individual will say that they are a representative of the Social Security Administration or another government agency. They will then request personal information and begin making threats and/or asking for payment.

“I will always work tirelessly to protect hardworking Alabama families and retirees,” said Britt (R-Montgomery). “In addition to holding accountable the criminals who prey upon our most vulnerable, raising public awareness of their tactics is a key part of this equation.

“On National Slam the Scam Day, I encourage everyone to be alert of the potential scams of which you could be a victim, assist us in spreading awareness, and utilize available federal resources. If you think anything is suspicious, immediately hang up or delete the text.”

National Slam the Scam Day is an initiative created in 2020 to raise public awareness to combat Social Security-related scams. Social Security and its Office of the Inspector General partner with Congress, other government agencies, non-profits, and the private sector to increase awareness about how to spot government imposter scams and stop scammers from stealing money and personal information.

“National Slam the Scam Day helps protect consumers from these predators,” said Social Security Inspector General Gail S. Ennis. “Slamming the scam begins with consumers quickly taking a step to hang up the phone, or delete suspicious texts and emails, without responding to the scammers.

“That simple action remains the easiest and most effective method to avoid falling prey to these vicious scams.”

Data from the Federal Trade Commission shows Social Security-related imposter scams are the number one government imposter scam in the United States. In 2022 alone, consumers lost more than $104.5 million to Social Security-related imposter scams.

Austen Shipley is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News.

State Senate Majority Leader Clay Scofield joins Yellowhammer News’ Dale Jackson from the Statehouse to discuss the special session on ARPA funding and broadband.

Dale Jackson is a contributing writer to Yellowhammer News and hosts a talk show from 5-9 a.m. weekdays on WVNN and on Talk 99.5 from 10 a.m. to noon.

A new magnet high school may be on the horizon for Alabama.

And Demopolis Mayor Woody Collins is “as giddy as a schoolgirl.”

In her State of the State address Tuesday, Gov. Kay Ivey proposed establishing a fourth magnet high school for the state – the School of Healthcare Sciences. To be established in Demopolis, the school would join the Alabama School of Fine Arts in Birmingham, the School of Math and Science in Mobile and the School of Cyber Technology and Engineering in Huntsville.

“I am proposing we establish the Alabama School of Healthcare Sciences to address the growing healthcare worker shortage we are predicted to experience in the coming years,” she said. “This new healthcare high school, to be located in Demopolis, will offer an innovative curriculum for 9th- through 12th-graders, exposing them to a diversity of STEM and healthcare opportunities, as well as hands-on clinical training experiences.”

Collins said the facility would be a game-changer for the region.

“This is groundbreaking, a game-changer,” he said. “We’ve obviously so excited for west central Alabama.

“This isn’t just a project for Demopolis or west central Alabama … this is a state project.”

He said the timing is right, also.

“People are moving from the big cities, now,” Collins said. “It’s more and more putting a strain on health care.

“A lot of health care needs to go to the rural areas.”

In her address, Ivey stressed innovation from the magnet schools as a key part of education.

“In order for Alabama to be innovative tomorrow, we must be innovative in how we teach our students to learn today,” she said. “It’s schools like these that immerse them into subject areas like computer science or writing or even ballet.”

Collins said Ivey’s foresight is to be commended.

“I give so much credit to the governor’s vision,” he said. “I am in awe of her vision.”

The school would offer high school students STEM and healthcare courses, as well as hands-on clinical training, Ivey said.

“Y’all, when these students receive their diplomas, they will be ready to fill a broad spectrum of healthcare jobs or pursue a higher education,” she said. “I am a firm believer in getting our students in real-life experiences. In this modern economy, I also highly value STEM education.”

Collins said the school would be adjacent to Whitfield Regional Hospital, which is undergoing a $20 million renovation. The hospital is also a part of the UAB Health System.

“We’ve got a piece of property near there,” he said. “It’s about 400 to 500 yards from the hospital.

“The kids can see the hospital from the school and they can take a golf cart to the hospital.”

In the meantime, Collins said, he needs to “calm down because the Legislature has not voted, yet.”

But he, nonetheless, is optimistic.

“This is a situation where the stars aligned.”

Sen. Tommy Tuberville introduced legislation Wednesday to help the U.S. regain control of the southern border. Fellow Alabama Sen. Katie Britt was a co-sponsor of the bill.

The Border Safety and Security Act is designed to place more responsibility on the secretary of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Tuberville (R-Auburn) said. It would give more authority to state attorneys general in holding DHS accountable if the department fails to restrict entry and detain illegal immigrants.

“Since President Biden took office, 4.8 million illegal immigrants — nearly equal to Alabama’s entire population — have entered our country,” Tuberville said. “The Biden administration refuses to secure our southern border, despite record numbers of deadly drugs, terrorist watch-listers, and other bad actors pouring into the U.S. unobstructed. Americans are tired of feeling unsafe in their communities and losing loved ones to drug overdoses. I’m proud to introduce the Border Safety and Security Act to regain control of our southern border, hold this administration accountable, and put Americans’ safety first.”

If enacted, the new legislation would:

Authorize the DHS Secretary to suspend the entry of illegal immigrants at the U.S. border should the secretary determine it is necessary to do so in order to regain operational control of the border.
Require the secretary to suspend the entry of illegal immigrants during any period of time in which DHS cannot detain such individuals or place them in Migrant Protection Protocols, or a similar program.
Authorize state attorneys general to bring legal action against the DHS should the secretary fail to suspend entry without detention or use of MPP, continuing to place strain on communities, so as to obtain injunctive relief.

“The unprecedented national security and humanitarian disaster at the southern border is stealing lives, devastating families, and destroying communities in every corner of our country,” said Britt (R-Montgomery). “It is clear that the Biden Administration is a dangerous combination of unable and unwilling to get control of this crisis. This fiscal year alone, there have already been more than 354,000 known ‘gotaways,’ not to mention the hundreds of thousands of migrants caught and then released into our nation’s interior.

“I’d like to thank Senator Tuberville for introducing this piece of legislation to hold the Secretary of Homeland Security accountable and keep hardworking Americans safe. We must seal and secure the border and end the incentives that are fueling illegal immigration.”

According to Tuberville, 2.76 million illegal immigrants crossed the southern border in 2022 alone, and more than 1 million illegal immigrants have entered the country in just the past five months.

Austen Shipley is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News.

7. What is a woman? Democrats are confused by International Women’s Day, some celebrated non-binary people and Jill Biden gave the International Women Of Courage Award to a man.

6. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis prepared for his trip to Alabama by calling out all the people lying about his educational plan. He exposed the lie about book bans by shaming the media and their Democrats by showing the actual smut that was in Florida schools.

5. More than 5,900 schools representing 3,268,752 students across America have policies in place “that blocks parents from knowing whether their child identifies as a different gender in the classroom.” By law, zero Alabama schools made the list, put together by Parents Defending Education, but there have been cases where teachers admitted to keeping this information from parents.

4. Alabama’s star basketball player Brandon Miller’s first comments since his involvement in the death of a young mother were revealed in a court hearing when he told reporters, “I never lose sight of the fact that a family has lost one of their loved ones that night.”

3. Mo’ money, mo’ problems for the Alabama Legislature’s special session, which began yesterday, and will see the members debate a plan that currently allocates $339 million for healthcare costs, $400 million for sewer/water issues, $260 million for more broadband, $60 million to repay a decades-old loan, $55 million for projects that address economic impacts of the pandemic.

2. Lt. Gov. Will Ainsworth comes out in favor of structural tax reform, saying, “I think we’ve got to do tax cuts instead of a one-time rebate.” This is the second time he has recently broken ranks with Gov. Kay Ivey on a major issue. This debate will rage after the special session is over.

1. Former U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Director Dr. Robert Redfield shocked no one when he said, “There’s no doubt that [National Institute of Health] funded gain-of-function research,” during a congressional hearing where Dr. Anthony Fauci was outed as a liar. Redfield added when asked if taxpayers funded the research, “Not only from NIH but from the State Department, USAID, and from (Department of Defense).”

LISTEN HERE:

Dale Jackson is a contributing writer to Yellowhammer News and hosts a talk show from 5-9 a.m. weekdays on WVNN and on Talk 99.5 from 10 a.m. to noon.

The argument between Colorado and Alabama over who will be home to Space Command spilled out into open view.

On the Senate floor Tuesday, Sen. Michael Bennet (D-Colo.) spoke directly to Sen. Tommy Tuberville, calling upon him to lift the holds on Department of Defense civilian and general flag nominees. Tuberville placed the holds in protest of a DoD rule that funds travel and gives paid time off for service members and their dependents seeking an abortion.

Tuberville, on the floor, defended his decision.

“If my colleague cared about military readiness, maybe we’d go after more of the ridiculous policies that have led to our lowest — our lowest — recruitment numbers in decades,” Tuberville said. “But my hold does send a message that the secretary is not — and I repeat, not — above the law. And he cannot ignore lawmakers who are demanding his organization abide by law. I object, and will continue to object to any nominees as long as this illegal new abortion policy is in place.

“I’m holding the military accountable, others are holding our national security hostage by forcing their agenda where it doesn’t belong. Americans want a military focused on a national defense — and that’s what I’m fighting for.”

The fight between the two states over the command has been well chronicled. Much of the Colorado political delegation has maintained that Alabama is undeserving of the Space Command because of its conservative policies, particularly those dealing with abortion.

Toward the end of the debate on the issue, Bennet said, “I call upon my colleague from Alabama to lift these holds.”

Tuberville (R-Auburn), in response, cited the multiple studies, including a recent one from the U.S. Government Accountability Office, that have placed Alabama and Redstone Arsenal as the number one candidate for the headquarters.

Austen Shipley is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News.

Ivey’s school choice gambit is deception.

Dale Jackson is a contributing writer to Yellowhammer News and hosts a talk show from 5-9 a.m. weekdays on WVNN and on Talk 99.5 from 10 a.m. to noon.

At the State of the State address Tuesday, Gov. Kay Ivey introduced Terry Saban, wife of Alabama Head Football Coach Nick Saban, as her special guest for the event.

The reason for the introduction, Ivey announced, was that the state will be partnering with the Saban Center and the city of Tuscaloosa to bring about a state-of-the-art STEM center.

The facility would offer interactive learning opportunities in the fields of science , technology, engineering, and math (STEM) programs. In addition, there will be activities centered around theatre and an outdoor recreational area.

“The Saban Center – a partnership between the Saban family and the city of Tuscaloosa – will be an interactive and immersive STEM experience for young people from all over Alabama,” Ivey said. “And it won’t just be limited to STEM, it will help students become even more well-rounded, exposing them to the arts and, very appropriately, sports sciences.”

The governor said she believes the Saban Center has the potential to be a “learning center for many Alabamians for generations to come.”

“In recognition of this unparalleled generosity, this place of learning (the center) and discovery will be forever known as the Saban Center,” said Tuscaloosa Mayor Walt Maddox. “Tuscaloosa is in competition with the world, and our children deserve an opportunity to compete.”

The center will be in a building that housed the Tuscaloosa News for close to 20 years.

Austen Shipley is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News.

Last night after Gov. Kay Ivey’s State of the State address, Bill Poole, Alabama’s top finance official, spoke with Yellowhammer News about his leadership in the ARPA planning and delivery process. As money is transferred from the federal to state level, he said other states have expended significant resources to outside firms and consultants — which ultimately reduce the benefit received by the taxpayer.

“In Alabama, that figure is essentially under 1%. We did not hire external consultants like a lot of states did, no big law firms, no big D.C. consulting firms,” he said. “We did not absorb the major administrative costs. We were really pleased to hold the administrative costs as low as anybody in the country.”

This is not the first time Poole has had a leadership role in the process. Last year, the legislature overwhelmingly passed a $772 million ARPA appropriation package, during which Poole also served as state finance director.

“We knew what the targets were. The Legislature passed an excellent bill, gave clear instructions. We deployed the funds as quickly as possible. We had most of the funds out within 60 to 90 days,” he said.

What that means for the current moment, as lawmakers in Montgomery perform the same job for remaining funds, he says, “Moving quickly and efficiently, we’ve had no negative audit findings … We’ve had a clean, transparent, efficient process — so that’s the goal.”

During her State of the State Speech Tuesday, Gov. Kay Ivey called for a one-time tax rebate for Alabamians.

“I am calling on you to put nearly a billion dollars back into the hands of hardworking, taxpaying Alabamians through one-time rebates of $400,” Ivey said. “That means $800 for our working families, and it couldn’t come at a better time.”

While the move is expected to get broad support from lawmakers, some think a permanent tax cut would be better option.

Wednesday on WVNN’s “The Yaffee Program,” Lt. Gov. Will Ainsworth reacted to Ivey’s speech and discussed what he would support to reduce the tax burden for the people of Alabama.

Ainsworth said he believes the time is now to cut taxes because the state’s economy is in good shape.

“I think when the state is doing well, the economy is doing well, giving a tax cut, permanent, back to the people, is a better option, in my opinion, than a rebate,” he said. “But also I want to look over the proposal before I comment on it 100%. I haven’t had a chance to look over the proposal, yet.”

One of the taxes that Ainsworth thinks the state could cut is the grocery tax, which is being debated in the Legislature.

“Yeah I support it,” he said. “I’ve been supporting it since I’ve been in the House. Get rid of the grocery tax. You look at what the Biden economy has done, it’s raised the cost of goods. If we could lower the cost that would help every Alabamian in our state by getting rid of the grocery tax.

“That’s certainly something I’ve always supported and would support now and think that’s a great idea.”

Overall, Ainsworth said Ivey’s speech and her proposals were excellent.

“I thought the governor gave a good message of talking about how well the state’s doing,” he said. “Also talked about different challenges that we’ve got to continue to tackle … Obviously with anybody I’m not going to agree 100% on everything.

“I think some of the things we could tweak, but I thought she did a great job.”

Yaffee is a contributing writer to Yellowhammer News and hosts “The Yaffee Program” weekdays 9-11 a.m. on WVNN. You can follow him on Twitter @Yaffee

The Rocket City is becoming the bass fishing capital.

Just six months after landing Kayak Bass Fishing, Huntsville reeled in another major angling event.

Major League Fishing announced Tuesday that Huntsville and the Von Braun Center will be the home of Redcrest VI, the MLF’s major tour championship. The four-day (April 2-6, 2025) event brings the top anglers to compete for MLF’s most prestigious title and a $300,000 prize.

“We couldn’t be happier to be announcing Redcrest 2025 in Huntsville, Alabama,” said Michael Mulone, MLF vice president of marketing and business development. “Huntsville has been extremely successful hosting a variety of sporting events, and we are pleased to work with them to roll out the red carpet for our fans.

“Huntsville is one of the fastest growing cities in America and it’s our pleasure to work with them to welcome a national audience via the MLF platforms.”

The competition will take place on Lake Guntersville, about 30 miles south of Huntsville.

“The best word to describe Lake Guntersville is legendary,” Mulone said. “So many of our MLF anglers call Lake Guntersville their home for good reason and between the competition on the water and the excitement at the expo, this will be a can’t miss event.”

In addition to the tournaments, the MLF Outdoor Sports Expo featuring hundreds of exhibitors and activities will be held each year in conjunction with the championship event. Fishing and outdoor enthusiasts from around the globe will watch the world’s best bass-fishing action live. The fans on site will enjoy the crowd experience of the watch party as well as engage with MLF sponsors and exhibitors to see the latest new tackle, gear, boats and outdoor equipment.

“Huntsville is excited to welcome Major League Fishing to Von Braun Center in 2025 for their biggest event of the year,” said Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle. “North Alabama is one of the top fishing destinations in the country and to bring the fishing world to Huntsville for a week will provide a great showcase for our city while making a tremendous economic impact with our hotels, restaurants, and businesses.”

The biggest names in the outdoor industry will be on hand, including all 80 Bass Pro Tour anglers.

“We are excited about bringing the fishing world to Huntsville for the 2025 Redcrest,” said Judy Ryals, president/CEO of the Huntsville/Madison County Convention & Visitors Bureau. “Sitting in the middle of one of the great bass fishing areas in the United States, we look forward to seeing the Redcrest continue to grow when it comes to the Rocket City and the expo takes over the Von Braun Center as we create a one of a kind experience for everyone interested in the sport.”

With more than 40,000 fans and fishing supporters expected to attend the tournament and expo, the event is projected to have an economic impact of $6.1 million on Huntsville.

“Our team at the VBC welcomes all of the fishing community to Huntsville for the premier event on the Major League Fishing schedule,” said Steve Maples, executive director of the Von Braun Center. “We look forward to a great week of competition and providing a first class experience for all the fans and followers as they enjoy the biggest event of the season.”

It was fourth grade and parents’ day was approaching. Parents’ day was the one day of the year that parents come to the school, meet the teacher, and admire the small work of art or craft their child has created.

It is also the dreaded day when both my parents would meet each of my teachers face to face.

L.F. Corley Elementary school was brand new. My class was the first fourth-grade class to attend this modern new building. The building itself was an experiment in design. It failed.

We were seated in “pods” facing the teacher with retractable walls between pie shaped rooms. The rear of the room had no wall and was wide open to the other three rooms with a large common area acting as some form of a hub. It was awful. But I was the guinea pig and had no voice in the design.

On this day our homeroom teacher gave us an assignment to draw something on a paper bag. My deal has always been the mountains. I drew mountains. Some were covered with snow, others jagged with pointed tops. I was proud of my work.

Then the teacher walked by surveying the handiwork of her pupils. When she came to me, I just knew she would beam with pride and show my art to the entire school as an example of what a talented student could produce. She didn’t. She accused me of copying someone else!

I was devastated. It wasn’t like we were going to be graded on this thing. It was just a picture to be put on display for our parents. I did not copy anybody’s work.

I don’t know if that was the first time in my life that words hurt. I do know that was in 1969 and I’m still a little torqued about it. The teacher lived only two blocks from my home and each time I rode by, my mind drifted to dreams of pay back.

I never took my revenge, and I never told her. As an adult, time and again, I actually thought of stopping by her home and telling her that I didn’t cheat. I never did.

The story is told of Earnest Hemingway talking with friends in a bar. I know, hard to imagine Hemingway in a bar. The discussion drifted to how words carry an emotion and how few words can do so. The truth of the matter is that the details vary. However, the point of that meeting remains constant.

Hemingway said he could create an emotion in six words. His companions laughed. He took a napkin and penned: “For sale. Baby’s shoes. Never worn.”

Words matter. More specifically, your words matter.

Each day we can speak wrath or speak life. Speak life every time you can. Your words may make a difference in the life of someone in a way you will never know.

Today, somebody needs your words.

Speak life.

Aaron Johnson is a contributing writer for Yellowhammer News. He is pastor of Christ Redeemer Church in Guntersville.

7. The Legislature doesn’t appear to be ready to get rid of the state’s food tax, but the city of Clay has cut its food tax in half. Maybe other cities will follow suit?

6. One person has been arrested in Mexico in connection with the death of two Americans who were kidnapped by a Mexican drug cartel after they were mistaken for Haitian drug smugglers. They were in Mexico for a budget tummy tuck surgery.

5. After gun incidents in schools recently in Birmingham, Monroe County, Jefferson County, Decatur, Huntsville, Beauregard, and more, it should be no surprise that a bullet was found in a Huntsville elementary school classroom. There is no indication where it came from.

4. Two long-shot pro-abortion bills have very little chance of passing but State Sen. Vivian Davis Figures (D-Mobile) has offered up an abolishment of Human Life Protection Act and, if that fails, another bill would create exemptions for rape and incest.

3. Establishment Washington, D.C., in the form of U.S. Sens. Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) and Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) slam Fox News and Tucker Carlson for highlighting inconsistencies in the Jan. 6 narrative.

2. The Alabama Legislature was in session, but is now recessed in preparation of a special session, and the first full-term for Speaker of the House Nathaniel Ledbetter (R-Rainsville) could be “consequential.” Ledbetter told Yellowhammer News, that economic incentive renewal, allocation of American Rescue Plan Act money, and education issues will dominate.

1. Gov. Kay Ivey says the state is “thriving” and “filled with immense opportunity and endless possibilities.” She announced a special session and called for tax rebates of up to $800 per family. Ivey also wants to move forward on education but a voucher program and REAL school choice doesn’t seem to be in the cards.

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Dale Jackson is a contributing writer to Yellowhammer News and hosts a talk show from 5-9 a.m. weekdays on WVNN and on Talk 99.5 from 10 a.m. to noon.