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Sparks Assumes Presidency of National Association

“I have been proud to represent Alabama’s agriculture industry in our national organization and it is certainly an honor to become president of NASDA,” said Sparks. “I hope that serving as president will help Alabama to continue to have a strong voice when it comes to protecting our farmers and consumers.”

Several issues important to agriculture in Alabama were discussed at length during the conference. Some key issues include: rural development and financial security, the role of agriculture in climate change policy, and food regulation and nutrition.

NASDA represents all of the 50 states in the United States and Puerto Rico. The majority of members are secretaries or commissioners of state departments of Agriculture.

Senate Declares September “National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month”

WASHINGTON – The United States Senate last night unanimously approved S. Res 667, introduced by U.S. Senator Jeff Sessions (R-AL), declaring September “National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month.”
The resolution is aimed at enhancing awareness of prostate cancer and encouraging the public to take an active role in the fight to increase early detection, improve treatment, and discover a cure for the disease.
More than 186,320 men in the United States will be diagnosed with prostate cancer this year. The disease will lead to more than 28,000 U.S. deaths.
   Sessions, a prostate cancer survivor, is active in efforts to increase the public’s awareness of this treatable disease.
“It is critical that men over the age of 45 undergo annual screenings for prostate cancer. The screening typically is a simple blood test and physical exam. It is a deadly disease that is not easily detected without proper examination,” Sessions said. “While it may be years before a cure is discovered, we are not powerless against this disease. The best opportunities are found in the areas of early detection and treatment. Recognizing September as National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month is one step we can take to help men realize the importance of regular examinations.”
Studies indicate that prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed non-skin cancer and the second-leading cause of male cancer-related deaths. One in six U.S. men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in his lifetime, and 30 percent of all new diagnoses will occur in men under the age of 65.
There are no noticeable symptoms of the cancer while it is in its early stages, making screening critical for early detection.
Most health insurance plans cover the screening process. Sessions’ resolution was co-sponsored by 43 senators.

Sparks Advises Horse Owners to Vaccinate for EEE & WNV

“Heavy rainfall has made us extremely vulnerable to the spread of mosquito-borne viruses and we need to protect our livestock and ourselves,” stated Sparks. “I want to encourage horse owners to vaccinate their horses for both EEE and West Nile Virus as soon as possible.”

EEE is a mosquito-transmitted disease that is much more severe than West Nile Virus (WNV). The mortality rate in horses from WNV is reported at around 30%, while the rate for EEE is almost 90%. Infected mosquitoes are the primary source for EEE. The virus causes inflammation or swelling of the brain and spinal cord. General symptoms include central nervous system signs such as: head pressing, convulsions, lack of response to facial stimulation, fever above 103 degrees, ataxia, paralysis, anorexia, depression, and stupor. Other symptoms may include irregular gait, teeth grinding, in-coordination, circling, and staggering. All symptoms may not be exhibited by an infected horse.

Commissioner Sparks and State Veterinarian Dr. Tony Frazier recommend vaccinating your horses every six months against both EEE and WNV. Horse owners are encouraged to contact their local veterinarian to schedule a vaccination for their horses. The public is also advised to make every effort to reduce human exposure to mosquitoes during the hurricane season.

For more information about EEE or WNV, please contact Dr. Tony Frazier at 334-240-7253.

MORTON AND FIRST LADY LAURA BUSH DISCUSS READING

  Montgomery, Ala. ─ On Wednesday, September 17, State Superintendent of Education Joe Morton met with First Lady Laura Bush and U.S. Secretary of Education Margaret Spellings in The White House to discuss federal funding for the Reading First Initiative. Congress is currently debating funding for Reading First, and indications from some are the program may be eliminated. This program focuses on putting proven methods of early reading instruction in classrooms. Through Reading First, states and districts receive support to apply scientifically based reading research — and the proven instructional and assessment tools consistent with this research — to ensure that all children learn to read well by the end of third grade. The program provides formula grants to states that submit an approved application. Alabama was one of the first three states to earn such a grant and has received $117 million in Reading First funds since 2003. These funds aid 95 schools in 43 school systems statewide.

Superintendent Morton shared with the First Lady and Secretary Spellings the success of Reading First in Alabama. Morton pointed out that the Alabama Reading Initiative, when paired with federal Reading First funding, caused huge increases in reading proficiency among all students in Grades
1-3 – especially among low income and Black students.

 Mrs. Bush and Secretary Spellings offered praise and thanks for the positive achievements taking place in Alabama, especially of the fourth grade scores on the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), which increased 8 points last year — the largest increase in the nation.

The first results of both Reading First and the Alabama Reading Initiative being implemented together in schools became available in Spring 2004. From 2004 to 2007 first grade proficient (grade level) scores for all students rose 9 percentage points from 51% to 60%, and Black student scores rose from 49% to 60%, thus closing the achievement gap between White and Black students statewide.

 Mrs. Bush expressed grave concerns over Congress cutting Reading First funding 60% for FY 2009 and possibly cutting all funding by 2010. Morton said, “Cutting federal funding to an effective reading program at the same time we are showing great improvements just doesn’t make sense.”  Morton continued, “If our nation is going to be strong in the future, and if Alabama is going to be economically competitive, we must ensure that all students master reading early and well.  Otherwise, we lose in our state, and our nation falls behind internationally.”   Joining Superintendent Morton, First Lady Bush, and Secretary Spellings were state superintendents from Iowa, North Carolina, and Massachusetts. City superintendents from New York City, Washington, DC, and Atlanta were also involved.

Sessions comments on the Department of Defense’s decision to postpone the selection of a new aerial refueling tanker

            “I’m deeply disappointed that the Department of Defense has given the impression that it has blinked in the face of political pressure.  As I have said repeatedly, the Department must remain steadfast in its commitment to a fair competition, free of political interference, aimed at selecting the aircraft that best meets the needs of the military.  That was the Secretary’s position as recently as a month ago, and it is unthinkable that he would reverse course now.

            “While the Department may have found some legitimacy to Boeing’s request for more time, such a determination does not justify cancelling the contract or punting the selection to the next administration.   Acquisition officials have worked hard to address the narrow procedural problems identified by the GAO, and abandoning this process now only throws the competition further into a state of confusion.  “A decision to delay this competition is inconsistent with previous statements by Air Force officials that the tanker is their number one acquisition priority.  Ultimately, our men and women in uniform who urgently need these new airplanes stand to lose the most as a result of further delay.  “The Air Force originally determined that the Northrop Grumman/EADS proposal was the best aircraft for the military, and I remain convinced that its selection was justified.  The successful conclusion of this competition remains my top priority.”

Sessions Announces Nearly $300,000 for the Alabama Department of Corrections

            WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jeff Sessions (R-AL) today announced $282,500 in federal funding for the Alabama Department of Corrections to implement a comprehensive state sex offender registration and notification system.    The funding is part of the SMART Office for the Adam Walsh Implementation Grant Program, a branch of the U.S. Department of Justice.

            “I am pleased the Alabama Department of Corrections will be able to further protect Alabama citizens from sex-offenders through this $282,500 federal grant,” Sessions said. “As a former federal prosecutor, I prosecuted a number of individuals charged with sexual-based offenses.  The registration program will allow law enforcement officials to better track sex offenders after they serve their sentences, and it will equip parents with the information needed to protect their children.”

Sessions, a senior member of the Senate Committee on the Judiciary, voted in favor of the Adam Walsh Child Protection and Safety Act, which President Bush signed into law in 2007.

           Adam Walsh was a six-year old abducted and murdered in 1981.  The bill, named in his memory, has helped strengthen federal laws to protect children from sexual and violent crimes.

            Federal grant programs are one way that local leaders, elected officials, and non-profit organizations can secure funding for local community improvement projects.  Twenty-six federal agencies administer over 1,000 different competitive grant programs each year.

Sessions’ Birmingham office includes a full-time staff member to help local officials around the state seeking federal grants.  In the last two years, the office assisted in obtaining over $183 million in federal funds for communities and organizations in Alabama.

  Sessions’ office also publishes a Weekly Grants Advisory, available on Sessions’ website, www.sessions.senate.gov, to make grant information and application procedures more accessible to leaders in Alabama.        

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Statement of Senator Barack Obama on the Anniversary of the 9/11 Attacks

Today, we honor the memory of the lives that were lost on September 11, 2001, and grieve with the families and friends who lost someone they loved in New York City, at the Pentagon, and in Shanksville, Pennsylvania. We will never forget those who died. We will always remember the extraordinary efforts of our firefighters, police and emergency responders, and those who sacrificed their own lives on Flight 93 to protect their fellow Americans. And we give thanks for the Americans defending us every day in our communities at home, and in our military abroad.

On 9/11, Americans across our great country came together to stand with the families of the victims, to donate blood, to give to charity, and to say a prayer for our country. Let us renew that spirit of service and that sense of common purpose. Let us remember that the terrorists responsible for 9/11 are still at large, and must be brought to justice. Let us resolve to defeat terrorist networks, defend the American homeland, stand up for the enduring American values that we cherish, and seek a new birth of freedom at home and around the world.

85 More Schools to Receive ACCESS Distance Learning in January

MONTGOMERY - Governor Bob Riley spoke with leaders of 85 high schools on Wednesday about the new learning opportunities their students will have when their schools receive video conferencing capabilities in January.     Each of the 85 high schools is receiving $85,000 to fund an ACCESS Distance Learning classroom. ACCESS stands for Alabama Connecting Classrooms, Educators and Students Statewide. Governor Riley first proposed the ACCESS program during his State of the State Address in 2005. With it, classrooms can be linked online and through interactive video conferencing technology. Earlier this year, the Governor and State School Superintendent Joe Morton announced that all high schools in Alabama will have ACCESS Distance Learning by the time school begins in August 2009.   Governor Riley, who grew up and raised his family in rural Clay County, said distance learning levels the playing field for students who attend school in rural areas. Sometimes course offerings are more limited in rural schools than in metropolitan area schools.   “Students in our rural communities are just as bright and just as capable as any others. They deserve as much opportunity as other children in this state,” Governor Riley said. “With ACCESS, every high school will be able to provide more learning opportunities than ever before. Alabama will be the first state in the nation to have online learning and video conferencing in every high school.”   A wide range of courses are available to ACCESS schools, including foreign languages and advanced level courses in math, English, social studies and science.   Currently, 181 schools already have ACCESS Distance Learning. All 371 high schools in the state will start school in August 2009 with ACCESS.    Click here to view the list of course offerings.

College Board Praises Performance of Alabama Public School Students on AP and SAT

Advanced Placement (AP) Participation and SAT Scores Outpace the Nation
 

MONTGOMERY - The College Board released results today that show the number of Alabama public school students taking Advanced Placement (AP) exams increased by 24.3 percent in 2008, compared to the national increase of 8.6 percent. The number of AP test-takers who achieved a score of 3-5 on AP exams increased by 7.8 percent; again exceeding the national increase of 5.7 percent.

    

“These results are absolutely incredible,” said Governor Bob Riley. “They clearly show that after just one year of funding, our AP Initiative is working to make more Alabama students college-ready. We’re off to a great start, but we must do more. We must make sure every high school can offer AP courses in all the four core subject areas. With the continued expansion of both our AP Initiative and ACCESS Distance Learning, we can offer these rigorous, high-quality courses to every high school student in the state.”

The College Board also reports that 2008 SAT Reasoning Test scores for Alabama’s public school students are up from 2007 scores by 3 points in reading and 2 points in math. The College Board praised the Governor, State Superintendent, and State Board of Education for their emphasis on advanced academics for Alabama’s high school students.

Gaston Caperton, President, The College Board, said, “I congratulate the state of Alabama, its educators, students, and families for their efforts to increase the college readiness of Alabama’s students. The improvement in students’ skills is evident in the higher overall SAT scores this year and in the number of students who are succeeding on Advanced Placement Examinations. Not only are more students taking AP in high school, they are going on to take AP Exams and earning grades of 3 to 5.

“Governor Bob Riley, Superintendent Joe Morton and his Department of Education, district and school leaders, and the A+ College Ready team have been proponents of a college-readiness system in Alabama backed by a robust professional development program for teachers. I am confident that the new ‘First Choice’ program that schedules students for rigorous courses will translate into higher standards for the state’s students and will surely lead to global promise for the citizens of Alabama.”

The Advanced Placement Program offers high school students the opportunity to take college-level courses, and perhaps earn college credit. AP students traditionally perform better on the SAT and ACT, and AP exam scores of 3-5 are indicators of future success in college.

In every minority group, substantial gains were made in the number of students making scores of 3-5 on AP Exams.

More Good News from The College Board

For the 17th consecutive year, Alabama’s public high school students scored above the national average on the 2008 SAT Reasoning Test.

Compared to the rest of the nation, more Alabama public school students scored 700-800 - 800 is a perfect SAT score - on all three sections of the SAT. Twice as many Alabama students scored 700-800 in Math and almost three times as many scored 700-800 in Reading and Writing.

Thirty percent of Alabama’s public school SAT test-takers were minorities. All minority groups scored above the national average on the 2008 SAT.

“The College Board data released today shows Alabama is moving forward,” said State Superintendent of Education Dr. Joe Morton. “Our students’ scores reflect that Alabama has a plan to educate all students and that the plan is working. We continue to raise the bar and still see increases. The State Board of Education recently adopted First Choice, which increases academic expectations and opportunities for our graduates. Through the First Choice options of Credit Recovery, Credit Advancement, On-Line Learning, and Credit-Based Endorsement, our students will be ready for college, the work place, and the global 21st century.

“The state’s investment in AP is producing positive results,” continued Dr. Morton. “AP participation and scores are now steadily on the rise in Alabama’s public schools. ACCESS [Alabama Connecting Classrooms, Educators, and Students Statewide] expansion, the department’s Alabama Advanced Placement Initiative, and A+ College Ready are contributing to Alabama’s AP growth. Currently, over 45 percent of our high schools have ACCESS. By 2009 - two years ahead of schedule, ACCESS will be available in every public high school in Alabama.”

Through ACCESS, more Alabama public school students are benefitting from more course offerings, including 14 foreign language courses. ACCESS also offers 11 AP courses:

1. AP English Language and Composition
2. AP English Literature and Composition
3. AP United States History
4. AP Macroeconomics
5. AP U.S. Government and Politics
6. AP Biology
7. AP Calculus AB
8. AP Statistics
9. AP Psychology
10. AP Art History
11. AP Computer Science A

The Alabama Advanced Placement Initiative funds the expansion of AP classes in rural and urban schools. The AP Initiative also provides On-site Pre-AP and AP Professional Development and a Mentoring Program for AP teachers. A+ College Ready has strengthened AP courses in math, science, and English through professional development and mentoring for teachers, identification of lead teachers, additional time for student learning, and financial incentives based on academic results.

Alabama’s 2,361 SAT test-takers, representing 6 percent of Alabama’s public high school graduates, are attending in-state colleges and universities. The top five Alabama schools receiving the most SAT score reports from Alabama test-takers were The University of Alabama, Auburn University, University of Alabama Birmingham, University of Alabama Huntsville, and University of South Alabama. Over 11,000 out-of-state students are sending their SAT scores to Auburn University and over 7,000 to The University of Alabama.

For more information, visit www.collegeboard.com.

Governor Riley Announces Free Online Tutoring Service Available to All Alabamians

Gov. Bob Riley participates in an online tutoring session through the website www.homeworkalabama.org as State Librarian Rebecca Mitchell looks on.

MONTGOMERY - Alabamians regardless of age are able to benefit from free tutoring services by logging on to www.homeworkalabama.org, Governor Bob Riley announced Monday during a visit to a public library in Montgomery.   The tutoring sessions had been available to students in the fourth through 12 grades since the Internet program was launched statewide in 2005. With more than 200,000 online tutoring sessions since then and an overwhelmingly positive response to the service, it is being expanded so “students from five to 95 can connect to a tutor for free one-to-one help,” said Governor Riley.   Expert tutors are available to offer assistance from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday in subjects ranging from English to Math, Science and Social Studies. Alabamians can connect to a tutor for live help through any computer with Internet access, including computers at their local public library or at home.   “With today’s technology, we can literally transcend the walls of the traditional classroom,” said Governor Riley. “But our commitment to providing children with the tools to learn must not stop when the school day ends. Technology offers innovative ways to improve student achievement and give our children the one-on-one help they need after school.”

    The Governor noted that more children are being introduced to the computer at earlier ages than ever before. “Parents who bring their young children to these live online tutoring sessions will provide them with a new and safe learning resource. It will also help increase a young child’s ability to work with computers, and in today’s world the value of that experience is extraordinary,” said Governor Riley. “We also have many adults who can benefit from a tutor, whether they’re working toward their GED, taking an adult education class or seeking grammar help with their resume or a work-related project.”   Since homeworkalabama.org began in 2005, students have logged on for free tutoring sessions more than 204,000 times. If parents had paid a tutor for those sessions at the average national rate of $35 per session, the cost would have been more than $7 million.

The service uses Tutor.com to select and train the tutors, who are current and retired teachers, graduate students and college professors. Every tutor must pass a security check. In addition, before they are hired, prospective tutors submit resumes and teaching samples that show how they would help a child solve particular problems, complete technology training, participate in mock sample sessions, undergo a 30-day probation period and work with a mentor.    During a demonstration at Juliette Hampton Morgan Memorial Library on Monday, Governor Riley was connected to a tutor over the Internet. Tutors help students through the use of instant messaging, an interactive virtual “chalkboard” and shared Web browsing. Drawing and diagramming features allow tutors to demonstrate math and science concepts. When the session is complete, students can print their session for future reference or share it with a parent or teacher. Both students and tutors complete surveys, which are shared with the Alabama Public Library Service each month.   According to surveys, 91 percent of students who have used it said Homework Alabama is helping them complete their homework assignments, 90 percent said it is helping to improve their grades, and 95 percent said the service makes them more confident about their school work.   Can students use the system to get tutors to do their homework for them? No. Every tutoring session is recorded and monitored, tutors are trained to prevent such problems and tutors are forbidden from completing homework for students.   “Homework Alabama is obviously a great service for students, but it’s great for parents, too. There are many parents out there who can’t always be available to help their children with homework. Sometimes even if they are available, they don’t know enough about the subject,” said Governor Riley. “It’s so easy, even a parent can use it.”

Barack Obama Names Joe Biden as Running Mate in Presidential Election

Presumptive Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama has ended one of the most suspenseful vice presidential hunts in election history as he named Delaware. Sen. Joe Biden as his running mate for the 2008 November election.

In a brief message posted on the Barack Obama campaign site voters learned of the Illinois Sen.’s decision on Biden, “Barack has chosen Joe Biden to be his running mate.” It went on to note, “Joe Biden brings extensive foreign policy experience, an impressive record of collaborating across party lines, and a direct approach to getting the job done.”

Biden, 65, has been a member of the U.S. Senate since 1972 and is considered by many to be the best choice for Obama as he provides foreign relations experience and an ability to connect with blue-collar Americans, two areas Obama has been criticized for lacking.

Obama and Biden will appear at a rally on Saturday in Springfield, Il.

Sessions Announces $540,000 Grant for Alabama Department of Corrections

            WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jeff Sessions (R-AL) announced today that the Alabama Department of Corrections will receive $540,000 in federal grant funding to enhance various prisoner treatment programs and to establish a new standardized re-entry program for released inmates.            The re-entry program will help prepare those who have served time in prison to re-enter society.  The program includes treatments such as substance abuse rehabilitation, cognitive behavioral therapy, life skills training, and mentoring and partnerships with Faith-based/Community-based Organizations.

            “I am pleased to announce this funding of $540,000 for the Alabama Department of Corrections,” Sessions said.  “Incarcerated individuals need to be able to function when they are released from prison.  The Prisoner Re-entry program will help provide these men and women with the skills necessary to be responsible members of our society.”

 The funding was made available through the Department of Justice Prisoner Reentry Initiative grant program.         

 “Winning this competitive grant reflects well on the leadership and vision of Alabama Prison Commissioner Richard Allen and his fine team,” Sessions said.  “They are committed to a better and safer prison system that strives to reduce re-arrest rates and to do so at the lowest cost to the taxpayer.”

 Federal grant programs are one way that local leaders, elected officials, and non-profit organizations can secure funding for local community improvement projects.  Twenty-six federal agencies administer over 1,000 different competitive grant programs each year.

Sessions’ Birmingham office includes a full-time staff member to help local officials around the state seeking federal grants.  In the last two years, the office has assisted in obtaining over $170 million in federal funds for communities and organizations in Alabama.

 Sessions’ office also publishes a Weekly Grants Advisory, available on Sessions’ website, www.sessions.senate.gov, to make grant information and application procedures more accessible to leaders in Alabama.        

Sessions comments today regarding the missile-defense agreement reached between the United States and Poland

“I am pleased that an agreement between the United States and Poland has been reached to allow for an effective defense of Europe and, importantly, the U.S.   Our missile defense technology should be in place by 2013, the year that many analysts believe Iran will first have the missile capability to strike our European allies.     “As the Russian government has known for some time, the site in Poland will be strictly defensive, and will pose no threat to Russia.  Any attempt to cast it as something other than defensive is disingenuous.  Thus, Russia’s increasingly absurd complaints and bellicose threats can only be seen as a sad indication of a determination to exercise domination over its now democratic, progressive, and sovereign former Soviet satellites.  The inability of Russia’s leaders to accept this new reality may represent the greatest threat to peace in the contemporary world.     “Poland is a sovereign nation, free to make its own military decisions.  Such freedom, an essential component of sovereignty, applies equally to Georgia, Estonia, Lithuania, Ukraine, and the other nations that once felt the deep tread of the Soviet boot.

“Russia must not act as a regional bully. The continuation of such behavior places a cloud over progress in the region and is doomed to failure.  This agreement, therefore, represents another step in the defense of the United States and its allies and a clear statement that Poland is committed to a course of democracy and progress.”        

Public Safety Announce ‘Take Back Our Highways’ Campaign

State Troopers Set Sights on DUI, Seat Belt Violations,   Aggressive Driving
   Governor Bob Riley announced that more than 125 additional state troopers will hit the roads Aug. 18-24, ramping up DUI, seat belt and aggressive driving enforcement during a statewide “Take Back Our Highways” traffic safety campaign.  Public Safety Director Col. J. Christopher Murphy joined the governor at a Montgomery news conference to unveil plans for the traffic safety and enforcement effort, which DPS successfully pioneered last year to combat Alabama’s rising fatality rate. Trooper-worked fatalities dropped by 62 in 2007, and troopers have worked 93 fewer fatalities this year, compared with the same period last year.

“‘Take Back Our Highways’ is clearly working to save lives. It has gotten real results. There are people alive today because of this intensive highway safety effort. We want the people of Alabama to understand that when they travel, their safety is our number one concern,” said Governor Riley.

The governor said the Mississippi and Tennessee highway patrols and Alabama sheriff and police departments also will join state troopers in the initiative to save lives and increase traffic safety.

Since the initial “Take Back Our Highways” campaign in August 2007, rural traffic crashes, deaths and injuries have declined significantly, said Murphy. “We have saved more than 150 lives in the last 18 months because of the work of our state troopers. With innovative programs like ‘Take Back Our Highways,’ we are making a difference for Alabama.”

Murphy said Public Safety is not content with the recent gains in highway safety and that troopers remain focused on changing driving behavior to increase safety. “Too many Alabamians die or are seriously injured on our roadways in preventable crashes,” he said. “Too many motorists are the victims of drunken drivers, and fully two-thirds of the fatality victims troopers have responded to this year were not using seat belts.”

Murphy said every available trooper, including approximately 125 from divisions other than Highway Patrol, will be patrolling during the week-long blitz, enforcing traffic laws and assisting motorists statewide. “We will have troopers from every rank and every division, including Driver License and ABI, in uniform and on the road Aug. 18-25,” he said.

Troopers will utilize proven enforcement initiatives, including line patrols, checkpoints and saturation patrols, concentrating their efforts on high-traffic, high-crash corridors. In addition to DUI, seat belt and child restraint enforcement, troopers will target other driving behaviors that place motorists at greatest risk. These are speeding, failure to yield the right of way, following too closely, and driver inattention.

DPS also will roll out the first of nine new “BAT Mobiles” during the initiative, placing into service two of the specially equipped DUI enforcement assets that will be assigned to trooper DUI task forces statewide. The “BAT Mobiles” are equipped with custom breath alcohol testing gear, provided by the Department of Forensic Sciences, and other equipment needed to process impaired drivers and gather evidence for court. They are funded by $1.4 million in grants awarded by the governor and administered through the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs.

“Thanks to Governor Riley, ADECA and Forensic Sciences, troopers will be able to test suspected impaired drivers on the spot, increasing effectiveness and saving both time and money,” said Murphy.

Throughout the traffic safety campaign, troopers will use the “BAT Mobiles” at sobriety checkpoints to test the blood alcohol content of impaired drivers.

Alabama Named “State of the Year”

Tyson Foods Recalls Chicken Breast Products Due To Undeclared Allergens
  

• 10-pound cases of “Standard Quality Uncooked Fritters, Old Fashioned Chicken Breast Tenderloins.” Each box bears the case code of “2523-954” as well as a packaging date of “7/23/08” printed on the side of the box.
• 10-pound cases of “Sysco Uncooked, Fritters, Chicken Breast Tenderloins.” Each box bears the case code of “2523-895” as well as packaging dates of “7/24/08” or “7/29/08” printed on the side of the box.
• 10-pound cases of “Heritage Valley Uncooked Steakhouse Chicken Breast Tenderloin Fritters.” Each box bears the case code of “2523-398” as well as a packaging date of “7/23/08”, “7/24/08,” or “8/01/08” printed on the side of the box.
• 20-pound cases of “Spare Time Uncooked Fritters, Chicken Breast Tenderloins.” Each box bears the case code of “2523-861” as well as a packaging date of “7/23/08” printed on the side of the box.
• 10-pound cases of “Tyson Uncooked Chicken Breast Tenderloin Fritters.” Each box bears the code of “2989-928” as well as a packaging date of “7/25/08” printed on the side of the box.

Governor Riley Announces Alabama Named “State of the Year” for Economic Development, Highlights Industrial Diversity

   Governor Bob Riley visited expanding businesses in the aviation, life sciences and automotive fields in three cities on Wednesday to announce Alabama has been named “State of the Year” by a trade magazine for its economic development performance in 2007.  This is the fifth time in the last six years Alabama has been ranked the South’s top economic development state by Southern Business and Development magazine.  "Once again, Alabama leads the South in economic development and the South leads the nation,” said Governor Riley. “Our ranking as number one is a monumental accomplishment. It’s recognition that Alabama is the place where there are more jobs, more prosperity and more opportunity.”  The magazine, which covers economic development activity in 17 states, uses a point system based on announcements of 200 jobs or more and/or capital investments of $30 million or more to rank the states.  Alabama has been named “State of the Year” for 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005 and now 2007.  Last year, Alabama saw 473 new and expanding industry announcements. Those projects resulted in more than 24,000 announced new jobs.  To celebrate the news, Governor Riley and Alabama Development Office Director Neal Wade visited three companies that announced expansions and new jobs last year: Westwind Technologies in Huntsville, Brookwood Pharmaceuticals in Birmingham and Hyundai outside Montgomery.   Each of the three represents industry sectors the state has worked to increase its presence - aviation, life sciences and automotive manufacturing.  Westwind Technologies in Huntsville specializes in engineering, aviation integration, and flight simulator production. The company is expanding its services with plans for additional hangar space at Huntsville International Airport to meet growing demand. The company employs 300.   Governor Riley remarked that Alabama is seeing tremendous growth in the aerospace industry. More than 300 aerospace companies call the state home.  Brookwood Pharmaceuticals in Birmingham develops drug-delivery technologies, including injectable solid implants and biodegradable polymers. It is expanding with a new facility that increases the company’s capacity for research and development and clinical manufacturing. It employs about 80 but with expansion is expected to employ about 300 over the next five years.  Alabama has a flourishing biotechnology industry, Governor Riley said, with more than 90 companies in bio-related industries located in the state. These companies employ 24,000 Alabamians, and Genome Technology magazine earlier this year named Alabama one of nine “emerging biotech regions” in the world.  Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama in Hope Hull is a $1.4 billion automotive manufacturing plant that employs 3,300 team members. In 2007, the company announced it would build a second engine plant to supply both Hyundai and the new Kia plant being built in Georgia. That expansion is expected to create more than 500 new jobs at full operation.  Alabama is home to three auto assembly plants that employ more than 11,000. The automotive manufacturing industry in the state grew to 48,457 direct automotive jobs in 2007, up from 44,834 jobs in 2005, according to the Alabama Automotive Manufacturers Association. Since 2001, Alabama’s auto industry has added more than 21,000 jobs, the association reported earlier this year.   “Whenever we recruit a new industry to our state, it gets a lot of headlines and attention, and it should. But when an existing company succeeds to the point that it needs to grow and add more jobs - and it wants to put those jobs in Alabama - that’s something we truly need to celebrate,” said Governor Riley.  The Governor said one reason why he wanted to visit these three companies is to highlight the state’s success in diversifying its economy.   “We’ve worked to diversify our economy. We never want to be reliant on any one industry. You can look at other states across the nation that relied too much on one industry and see how that can invite disaster,” Governor Riley said. “Our economic diversity is enabling Alabama to weather this national downturn better than most states.”  At each of the three stops on Wednesday, the Governor also thanked Wade and local economic developers for Alabama’s strong economic performance.  “We’ve built strong partnerships that have worked to bring new jobs to Alabama. I thank all of you because it wouldn’t be possible without your leadership and our outstanding workforce,” Governor Riley said.  Several Alabama cities were also recognized by the magazine.

• Birmingham was ranked fifth in the major markets category (populations between 750,000-2,999,999)
   
• Mobile ranked first, Huntsville second and Montgomery fourth in the medium markets category (populations between 250,000-749,999).
   
• The Shoals area ranked fourth in the small markets category (populations under 250,000).

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To read the magazine article naming Alabama “State of the Year,” go to www.sb-d.com and click on “2008 SB&D 100: 2008 State Summary” on the left side of the website.

AT&T Announces $400 Million Planned Investment to Bring New Technology to Consumers in Alabama

AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T) announced plans to invest approximately $400 million over the next several years in fiber network upgrades, further broadband deployment and Internet-based technologies to bring new services, including innovative television, to Alabama consumers, upon approval of agreements being considered by city and county governments.

"We commend the 213 city and county leaders in 34 individual Alabama communities for their vision in helping to ensure that Alabama is not left behind in efforts to give consumers more choices in the video services market," said Fred McCallum, state president of AT&T Alabama. "The local support shown most recently by the Birmingham City Council, including council President Carole Smitherman, and Birmingham Mayor Larry Langford, and the Jefferson County commissioners, including commission President Bettye Fine Collins, will give consumers a new communications and entertainment experience. We look forward to delivering advanced television, voice and Internet services to Alabama."

On July 8, the Birmingham City Council, with support from the mayor, approved an agreement with AT&T that will enable AT&T to provide these new services to local consumers. That same day, the Jefferson County commission approved a similar agreement.

They join 34 communities across the state in approving similar agreements with AT&T, including Hoover, Bessemer, Midfield, Helena, Bay Minette, Vestavia Hills, Clanton, Tuscaloosa County, Jasper, Madison and Albertville.

"We are continuing to work with other cities and counties around the state that are critical to our investment decisions and look forward to completing these negotiations in the near future," said McCallum.

In part, the new technology upgrades being considered by AT&T will support Internet Protocol (IP)-based television, high speed Internet and Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services. AT&T is the only national provider to offer a 100 percent IP-based television service, making AT&T U-verse^SM TV one of the most robust and feature-rich services available today. The service includes features such as the ability to record up to four programs at once using a digital video recorder (DVR); Web and Mobile Remote Access to a DVR; access to customized weather, sports, traffic and stock information; and built-in picture-in-picture browsing.

Company will invest $1 billion and bring about 2,000 direct jobs to tri-state area

HERNDON, Va. (July 15, 2008) - Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. announced today that it will build a U.S. automotive production facility in Chattanooga, Tenn., where it will produce a car designed specifically for the North American consumer and invest $1 billion in the economy. The announcement is an important element of the company's overall U.S. strategy of connecting with its customers, increasing its competitiveness and tripling its U.S. customer base in the next decade.

"The U.S. market is an important part of our volume strategy and we are now very resolutely accessing that market," said Prof. Martin Winterkorn, CEO of Volkswagen AG. "Volkswagen will be extremely active there. This plant represents a milestone in Volkswagen's growth strategy. We will be selling 800,000 Volkswagens in the U.S. by 2018, and this new site will play a key role. This, along with our growth strategy, is a prerequisite for the economic success of the company in the dollar region. We look forward to establishing an important mainstay for ourselves when we become the biggest European carmaker there."

"This is a significant step forward in achieving our goals in the U.S. market and a clear sign of the Volkswagen Group's commitment to the North American consumer. Today's decision is a fundamental part of our new strategic direction in the U.S. and our five-pillar strategy," said Stefan Jacoby, President and CEO of Volkswagen Group of America. "Chattanooga is an excellent fit for the Volkswagen culture, having an exceptional quality of life and a long manufacturing tradition."

The company will build the facility in the Enterprise South Industrial Park, located 12 miles northeast of downtown Chattanooga. The 1,350-acre site is 100 percent owned by the city of Chattanooga and Hamilton County and is certified as an industrial megasite by the Tennessee Valley Authority. Enterprise South is adjacent to Interstate 75. Initial production capacity for the facility is anticipated to be 150,000 vehicles, including a new midsize sedan designed specifically for the North American market. Production is scheduled to begin in early 2011.

"I'm enormously pleased by the announcement from Volkswagen Group of America and grateful for the company's investment in Chattanooga and in the people of Tennessee," said Tennessee Gov. Phil Bredesen. "I believe Volkswagen chose Tennessee because of our shared values, our commitment to innovation and our strong respect for the environment. This project will have a significant impact on the economy of Tennessee and the region for decades to come."

"I couldn't be more pleased that the spirit of partnership between the state of Tennessee, Volkswagen and the government and business leadership of Chattanooga and Hamilton County has resulted in this significant investment in Enterprise South," said Matt Kisber, commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development. "Volkswagen's investment in this community means the hard work and dedication demonstrated by people at the state and local level to create one of the best business climates in the country is paying off."

"We started with a vision of transforming an idle Army facility into the source of thousands of family-wage jobs," said Hamilton County Mayor Claude Ramsey. "Over the last 14 years, I've worked with four different city mayors as well as county commissioners, city councilmen and countless others in overcoming barriers and objections to that plan. Today, we stand with our new friends from Volkswagen to make a historic announcement that will create new opportunities for our community for years to come."

"Volkswagen and Chattanooga have a lot in common," said Chattanooga City Mayor Ron Littlefield. "Both are serious about environmental sustainability and 21st Century manufacturing."

Environmental responsibility is a core value of the Volkswagen Group. The company's focus on sustainable mobility and environmentally responsible manufacturing are right in line with Chattanooga's strong environmental commitment. As an expression of this shared commitment, the state of Tennessee, Volkswagen and Chattanooga-area organizations are partnering to distribute two saplings for every tree displaced by the project. The new trees will be planted by local school children.

According to United States Sen. Bob Corker, who was mayor of Chattanooga when the city and Hamilton County acquired the land and established Enterprise South as an industrial park, the Volkswagen announcement represents a new chapter in Chattanooga's success story. "Through twists and turns, our community has maintained focus, invested wisely and exercised tremendous effort and energy in recruiting a major employer to Enterprise South. The breaking of this final barrier and the realization of the vision to which we have held true will take us to levels we can only begin to imagine," said Corker.

He continued, "Volkswagen is the very best manufacturer and partner we could possibly have in terms of our shared values, and as a result of their enormous investment, not only will Chattanooga be forever changed, but our entire state will reap great benefits from the new suppliers that this facility will attract to the region. I am proud to have been part of a dedicated team that has worked seamlessly on this effort and celebrate this outstanding achievement for our city and our state."

United States Sen. Lamar Alexander praised Volkswagen's decision to locate at Enterprise South, saying, "Volkswagen and Chattanooga, the ideal marriage: one of the world's most admired companies and one of America's most livable cities. This decision keeps Tennessee on the road to becoming the No. 1 state in auto jobs. Congratulations especially to Gov. Bredesen, Sen. Corker and Mayors Ramsey and Littlefield for their leadership," Alexander concluded.

"Over the past seven months, more than 100 Tennesseans at the local, state and federal level have worked odd hours on short deadlines to help us reach this day," said Trevor Hamilton, vice president of economic development for the Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce. "From this day forward, we dedicate ourselves to partnering with Volkswagen to move from construction to production as quickly as possible. We will unify our team with Volkwagen's to ensure long-term success for the company, our community and the state of Tennessee."

With the new plant, Volkswagen will bring about 2,000 direct jobs to the area, and will add a significant number of jobs in related sectors. It is expected that these jobs will come from the tri-state area, pulling from the labor force of Tennessee as well as Georgia and Alabama. Volkswagen of America received an attractive, comprehensive package of incentives for the new facility from Gov. Bredesen's office and the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development. The statutory incentives are tied to job creation and capital investment. Additional support includes assistance for public infrastructure and job training, each designed to ensure the local economy best leverages Volkswagen's investment to benefit the local work force and ensure the facility's success.

"This area has a deep base of well-trained labor, with excellent engineering and manufacturing programs at the universities and technical colleges," added Jacoby. "Thanks to the visionary leaders and people of Chattanooga, we're confident that the values of this area are compatible with our own, and we envision a long and productive partnership."

Last year, Volkswagen outlined a new strategic direction in the U.S. based on five pillars: product, brand positioning, dealer network, organization and local production. As it moved forward to assess the potential for local production, the company considered many other site options and earlier this year had narrowed its search to Alabama, Michigan and Tennessee.

"We reviewed three excellent sites, all of which had the specific qualities necessary to build a plant in the United States," said Jacoby. "Both Gov. Granholm and Gov. Riley were strong advocates on behalf of their states and the citizens they represent. This was a difficult decision, but we look forward to continuing our relationships with both states. I thank both governors and their staffs."

[Source: VW]

Sessions comments after the Senate voted to confirm Gen. Petraeus  and Lt. Gen. Odierno

“From time to time in our nation’s history, we have looked to the generals of our Armed Forces to lead brave American soldiers in life or death struggles to protect the United States and defend the principles that we cherish.  We are fortunate when history aligns men of talent and the true gift of leadership with our nation’s greatest challenges, which is the case with Generals David Petraeus and Raymond Odierno.

“They are soldiers from the finest mold, respected up and down the military ranks for their decency, experience, and sharp strategic minds.  Both have a keen understanding of the nature of warfare and the need to impose costs on the enemy while minimizing American losses.

“I am pleased that the Senate overwhelmingly confirmed General Petraeus to lead CENTCOM and General Odierno to lead U.S. forces in Iraq, positions that will allow an even larger number of our military forces to benefit from their great leadership.”

State’s Water Systems to be Digitally Mapped
Governor Riley says project can help with economic development, statewide water planning

MONTGOMERY - Global Positioning System satellites will be used to digitally map Alabama’s municipal and rural public water systems, providing a grid-like view of water lines that can aid water systems during shortages, help statewide water resource planning, and support industrial recruitment.

Governor Bob Riley made the announcement on Monday and said the mapping project will be funded with a combination of federal, state and local resources.

“This project is a substantial undertaking, but one that is truly worth the effort,” said Governor Riley. “This map will be a valuable tool for communities across the state. It will help with economic development, water sharing during times of emergency, and even with improving fire safety.”

The mapping system will enable water systems to plan development and better serve customers by being able to quickly locate water lines and other features. Fire departments also can use the map to locate existing hydrants and determine the best sites for future hydrants to improve fire safety and help reduce home insurance rates.

The statewide map can also help determine the best connection routes for sharing water among systems during times of crisis, and the data can be used to make key decisions to protect and restore water supplies threatened by natural disasters such as hurricanes and droughts.

The statewide mapping project is being coordinated by the Office of Water Resources (OWR), a division of the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs. Much of the field work will be conducted over the next three years by regional planning commissions with guidance and technical expertise from OWR and assistance from individual water systems.

A successful pilot project was completed last fall in Bibb, Hale and Pickens counties. OWR will receive additional data as it is collected and will create the statewide digital map.

Design of Alabama Postage Stamp Unveiled

MONTGOMERY - Governor Bob Riley and other officials were on hand Tuesday to unveil the design of Alabama’s state postage stamp as part of the U.S. Postal Service’s “Flags of our Nation” series. Each of the 50 states will be featured in the multi-stamp series and each stamp’s design will include state flags. The unveiling ceremony took place at Montgomery’s main post office.

Sessions comments  following the release of the Supreme Court’s opinion in District of Columbia v. Heller:

“After a dismal record of judicial activism in recent weeks, it’s nice to see the Court affirm a right that’s actually in the Constitution,” Sessions said.  “In doing so, the Court issued a strong holding that the Second Amendment protects the right of Americans to possess firearms for lawful purposes like recreation, hunting, and self-defense.  The Second Amendment is a guarantee from the Founding Fathers to future Americans, and, as the Court noted, it is not subject to alteration on the basis of what a lifetime-appointed federal judge thinks is good policy.  217 years after the Amendment was ratified, the Court has finally made it clear that the right for individuals to bear arms, a bedrock principle on which our nation was founded, shall not be infringed by the central government.”

Governor Riley Celebrates Passage of New Law that Helps Families Save for College

MONTGOMERY - Governor Bob Riley, State Treasurer Kay Ivey and Dr. Greg Fitch, Executive Director of the Alabama Commission on Higher Education, celebrated the passage of legislation that gives families a tax break when they contribute to the state’s two college savings plans.

The new law provides a state income tax deduction of up to $5,000 per year for money put in the state’s Prepaid Affordable College Tuition plan or the state’s Higher Education 529 Fund. The new law is retroactive to Jan. 1, 2008.