State News
Governor Riley: Agreement Helps Accelerate Fuel Shipments into Alabama
Governor Riley: Agreement Helps Accelerate Fuel Shipments into Alabama
MONTGOMERY - Governor Bob Riley said Alabama has entered into an agreement with Mississippi and Louisiana that will help speed the arrival of gasoline and diesel fuel into our state. The agreement waives certain state regulations on Alabama-based trucks transporting gasoline and diesel fuel from Louisiana back into Alabama.
“Although the situation has improved, there are still some Alabama communities that are facing fuel shortages due to the damage caused by recent hurricanes in the gulf. This agreement allows us to take sensible action to ease the burden some drivers face in finding fuel for their vehicles, especially in our rural areas,” said Governor Riley.
The agreement applies only to Alabama-based trucks obtaining gasoline and diesel fuel from bonded suppliers in Louisiana. Trucks transporting fuel into Alabama will be required to have an 8 ½- inch X 11-inch sign in their windshields with the wording “Hurricane Motor Fuels Transport Relief.” Additionally, each vehicle will be required to have a copy of the signed agreement for presentation to law enforcement, if necessary. Alabama-based operators wishing to participate in this transport relief effort must contact the Alabama Department of Revenue at (334) 242-9008 to obtain the required documents authorizing this effort before travel into Louisiana and Mississippi.
The tri-state agreement waives certain regulations of the International Registration Plan and the International Fuel Tax Agreement for 30 days. The International Registration Plan is a registration reciprocity agreement among states and Canadian provinces providing for payment of fees based on distance. The International Fuel Tax Agreement is an agreement among states in the continental U.S. and Canadian provinces to simplify the reporting of fuel used by motor carriers operating in more than one jurisdiction.
Elizabeth Allen Joins Department of Finance as Personnel Director
MONTGOMERY- State Finance Director Jim Main has named Elizabeth Allen
director of the Department of Finance’s Personnel Division. The Personnel
Division is responsible for managing all personnel functions for the
Department, which currently employs more than 500 people in 12 divisions.
Allen has more than 17 years of experience in personnel
matters, having worked for both the Alabama Department of Education and the
Board of Pardons and Paroles. She graduated from Auburn University
Montgomery with a degree in Human Resource Management.
“You have to have a true desire to help people when you
choose this career path,” said Allen. “You’re always working with someone
about an issue that’s important to them, and in personnel matters, you must
be able to know how to achieve the solution that’s best for both the
employee and the employer.”
State Finance Director Jim Main said, “We are
tremendously pleased to have Ms. Allen join the Department of Finance. Her
experience in state personnel matters makes her a perfect fit for the needs
of our Department.”
Allen begins her duties as director today.
Read more at:
Jumpstart’s Read for the Record Campaign
Governor Riley Helps Alabama’s “Clean Corridor” Move Forward
Ethanol and biodiesel fuel pumps added at two Mobile stations on I-65
MOBILE - An effort to make Interstate 65 in Alabama the nation’s first biofuel corridor moved forward Friday when Governor Bob Riley helped open new fuel pumps at two Mobile gas stations that dispense E-85 ethanol and B-20 biodiesel.
“Their opening today means drivers in this area have a less expensive fueling option that is better for our environment and helps reduce our dependence on foreign oil,” said Governor Riley at the Ford’s Fuel station on Airport Boulevard.
The second station in Mobile offering the alternative fuels is located on Government Boulevard.
They join a Shell station off I-65 in Vestavia Hills that are part of the Clean Corridor initiative Governor Riley helped launch last year with a $312,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Energy. The grant covers 50 percent of the cost for a fuel retailer to add the infrastructure necessary to offer the alternative fuels.
Governor Riley said other stations along I-65 - at the Brewton exit and in Montgomery, Prattville, Warrior and Athens - will be joining those in Mobile and Vestavia Hills by offering the biofuels within weeks.
“We originally planned to place six E-85 and five B-20 retail outlets along I-65 in Alabama, but we will exceed our goal. We will instead be placing seven E-85 and eight B-20 outlets,” said Governor Riley.
The Clean Corridor along Interstate 65 will be the nation’s first biofuels corridor providing the public with E-85 and B-20 fueling options. When complete, drivers of flexible fuel vehicles and diesel vehicles will never be farther than a tank away from an E-85 or biodiesel pump along I-65.
“Nearly 7,000 Mobile-area residents own flex-fuel vehicles that can be run solely on gasoline, solely on E-85, or any combination of the two,” said Mobile Mayor Sam Jones, who joined Governor Riley at the Airport Boulevard station. “E-85 offers consumers a choice that can help lower our dependence on foreign oil.”
Protec Fuel Management worked with Ford’s Fuel to design and build the station and is supplying the E-85 and B-20. Promotional efforts, labels and displays at the stations were provided by the Ethanol Promotional and Information Council. The effort between stations, suppliers and government agencies was coordinated by the Alabama Clean Fuels Coalition, based in Birmingham.
The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA) partnered with the Alabama Clean Fuels Coalition to select the service stations where alternative fuel pumps will be added.
“By opening these ethanol and biodiesel pumps in Mobile, our state takes an important step toward wider commercial availability of biofuels,” said ADECA Director Bill Johnson. “We have made the promotion of alternative fuels a priority at ADECA because we believe Alabama has the potential to become a leader in the biofuels industry.”
Typically, a gallon of E-85 is cheaper than a gallon of gasoline. The lower price of ethanol accommodates any expected loss in gas mileage. E-85 costs are dictated by their proximity to an ethanol production facility. The nearer a station is to a plant, the cheaper the price tends to be. With the recent opening of a cellulosic ethanol production demonstration facility in Livingston, Mobile and other Alabama E-85 stations could potentially see lower E-85 prices in the future.
“Sort of like the chicken and egg, we often get asked which needs to come first to increase the use of E-85 - more E-85 infrastructure or more flex-fuel vehicles,” said Mark Bentley, Executive Director of the Alabama Clean Fuels Coalition. “We think they are walking hand-in-hand. Automotive makers are providing more flex-fuel vehicle options; consumers are buying more of these vehicles; at the same time, we have more production facilities and stations opening. Regardless of where it begins, the results are the same: less dependence on oil, more local jobs, and a cleaner environment.”
To celebrate the addition of the alternative fuel pumps, the station’s owner - Ford’s Fuels, LLC - offered E-85 for 85 cents a gallon from 11 a.m. to noon on Friday. The rest of the day motorists paid only $2.85 a gallon for the plant-based alternative fuel.
E-85 is 85 percent ethanol and 15 percent gasoline. Ethanol is a distilled alcohol-based fuel that is derived from starch crops like corn and mixed with gasoline to fuel vehicles. B-20 biodiesel is made from soybean and other crops that produce oil and can be used in diesel engines.
Governor Riley Promotes Stronger Trade Ties to Hong Kong
MONTGOMERY - Governor Bob Riley met with Hong Kong’s highest ranking official in the United States on Wednesday to promote stronger economic ties. The Governor met with Margaret Fong, Hong Kong Commissioner to the United States. As commissioner, she directs Hong Kong’s activities to encourage economic and trade relations between Hong Kong and the U.S. Commissioner Fong oversees the work of three Hong Kong Economic and Trade Offices in Washington, New York and San Francisco.
Governor Riley led a delegation of Alabama business leaders to Hong Kong in April during a trade mission to China.
“Exports have been one of our economy’s strong points during the past few years. We can increase that strength by exploring new export opportunities for Alabama businesses in Hong Kong and other parts of Asia,” said Governor Riley.
The Port in Mobile would directly benefit from new trade opportunities, Governor Riley said. “The improvements at our port put us in a stronger position to compete for business on a global scale,” he said.
Governor Riley also told Commissioner Fong the state is considering opening an economic development office in Hong Kong, which would help existing Alabama companies that want to export their products to Asia and help build stronger relationships with Asian business leaders.
“Good relationships matter because they lead to more opportunities for our companies to compete in foreign markets. By hosting distinguished visitors such as Commissioner Fong, we develop stronger relationships, which can lead to new investment and economic opportunities for Alabama,” said Governor Riley.
Alabama companies exported $111.9 million worth of merchandise to Hong Kong in 2007, and the state imported $14.8 million from Hong Kong.
Globally, state exports rose to a record $14.4 billion in 2007. Since 2004, exports from Alabama have risen almost 60 percent.
$250,000 Grant Awarded for Broadband Expansion Effort
MONTGOMERY - Governor Bob Riley’s effort to bring high-speed Internet access to all Alabamians has been awarded a $250,000 grant from the Appalachian Regional Commission. The Governor announced the Alabama Broadband Initiative during his State of the State Address in 2008. Its goal is to make high-speed Internet available to every community in the state within the next four years.
“Expanding broadband access is essential if our communities are to remain competitive in today’s 21st century economy,” said Governor Riley. “We must make sure every Alabamian has access to affordable, high-speed Internet service, regardless of where they live in our state.”
The initial phase of the project is to research and map the current broadband infrastructure in the state. The Initiative will conduct a comprehensive inventory of existing broadband accessibility and produce a digitized map of the network. The map will serve as a resource for communities to show industrial recruiting prospects existing infrastructure, and will be a guide for the state’s Internet service providers interested in filling in the gaps.
The second phase of the project is working with communities to develop local technology-growth plans.
In addition to stimulating economic development, broadband can expand the availability of mental and physical healthcare and offer communities the opportunity for enhanced education, public safety, agri-business, tourism and e-government.
Governor Riley created the Alabama Broadband Initiative by executive order in May and established a 15-member board to coordinate its efforts.
The Appalachian Regional Commission is a federal-state partnership that works to improve the region’s economic development and quality of life.
| State Agencies in the Nation’s Top Ten for E-Government |
State Finance Director Jim Main said, “We
understand that websites are just as important as other forms of media in
communicating with our citizens. That’s why we’ve encouraged each of our
state agencies to take seriously the value of e-government by maintaining
websites that meet the expectations of those we serve.”
“Agencies that improved their sites the
past year have shown their commitment to teamwork by doing what is best for
the state as a whole,” said Jim Burns, the State’s Chief Information
Officer. “They've standardized how visitors use their sites, making
navigation and features straight-forward, consistent, and convenient."
Governor Riley Awards $1.1 Million for Alternative Energy Projects
MONTGOMERY - Governor Bob Riley has awarded grants totaling $1.1 million to six local governments to harness fuel and energy from renewable sources. Governor Riley awarded grants to Bay Minette, Enterprise, Fultondale, Henry County, Lee County and Tuscaloosa. Each will collaborate with an Alabama university on projects to create biofuels or alternative energy and demonstrate technology that can be replicated by other governments to reduce fuel and energy costs or generate revenue. “Innovative approaches are needed to make our nation energy independent and to free us from our dependence on foreign oil,” Governor Riley said. “By generating alternative energy from renewable sources, these projects will serve as an example that other governments may follow to cut energy costs and stretch taxpayer dollars.”
· Bay Minette will use a $195,000 grant to turn garbage and yard clippings into biodiesel that can be used to fuel city vehicles and equipment. The city will partner with Auburn University and Cello Energy, a local biodiesel producer, for the project.
· Enterprise is receiving a $200,000 grant to install and operate a facility to convert used cooking oil collected from area restaurants into biodiesel. The city will burn the fuel in its diesel equipment and sell any excess to other municipalities in the area. Auburn University’s Center for Bioenergy and Bioproducts will assist with the project.
· With a $150,722 grant, Fultondale will partner with Auburn University and Alabama Power Company for a project to determine the feasibility of producing electrical power from yard waste. The project will analyze the energy content of yard waste and design a unit that can convert the waste into a gas that generates electricity. City officials say the process could eventually reduce the amount of material in the city’s landfill by 30 percent.
· Henry County will use a $200,000 grant to establish a vegetable oil recycling program. The program will collect used oil from restaurants, cafeterias and catering services and convert it to biodiesel to fuel city and county government vehicles. The county will partner will Auburn University and the cities of Abbeville and Headland for the project.
· A $200,000 grant will enable Lee County to install solar panels at the Lee County Justice Center. County officials estimate the panels will generate enough solar power to reduce electric power consumption by 25 percent. Auburn University’s Space Research Institute will assist with the project.
· Tuscaloosa will use a $198,231 grant for a project to create methane gas from waste at the city’s wastewater treatment plant. The methane will be used to heat equipment that treats wastewater. The city will work with the University of Alabama on the project which officials estimate will save $78,080 in energy costs annually.
The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs is administering the grants awarded from the Alabama Research Alliance Trust Fund. The fund was established in 1981 with $10 million from the sale of drilling rights in state waters. Interest earned from the fund is currently used to support alternative energy research in Alabama.
Highest ranking Hong Kong official in US to visit Alabama
MONTGOMERY - Hong Kong’s highest ranking official in the United States will meet with Governor Bob Riley in Montgomery and make stops in Huntsville and Birmingham later this month to promote economic and trade relations.
Margaret Fong, Hong Kong Commissioner to the U.S., will be in Alabama September 22-24. She will speak at a public engagement on September 22 in Huntsville at an event sponsored by the North Alabama International Trade Association and the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber of Commerce. On September 23, Commissioner Fong will speak in Birmingham at Samford University’s Brock School of Business as part of the Brock International Business Speaker Series. The commissioner’s visit to Alabama will wrap up with a meeting with Governor Riley on September 24.
“Relationships are of vital importance in today’s global economy. By hosting distinguished visitors such as Commissioner Fong, we develop stronger relationships, resulting in new investment, economic and educational opportunities for Alabama,” said Governor Riley.
Board Approves Governor’s Appointment of Nancy Buckner as Commissioner of Human Resources
MONTGOMERY - The board that oversees the Alabama Department of Human Resources voted Tuesday to confirm Governor Bob Riley’s appointment of Nancy Buckner as commissioner of the agency.
“With her 35 years of experience at DHR, Nancy Buckner is well-qualified to lead this important agency,” said Governor Riley. “Over the past few years, DHR has been transformed. It is now recognized as a model agency by the rest of the nation and other states look to emulate its performance. I know Nancy will work to not only maintain DHR’s improved performance but also seek to enhance it.”
Governor Riley appointed Buckner last week to replace Page Walley, who served as Human Resources Commissioner from Dec. 2003 until Sept.1. Walley left DHR to become Managing Director with Casey Family Programs.
Buckner had most recently served as Assistant Director of the Talladega County DHR, where she served since 1993. During her tenure at Talladega County DHR, she has also served by special appointment as Interim Director of the Calhoun County DHR and as Child Welfare Administrator for the St. Clair County DHR to improve services in those two counties. She also served as the legislative liaison for the state DHR.
Governor Riley Declares State of Emergency, Price Gouging Law Goes Into Effect
MONTGOMERY - Governor Bob Riley on Friday afternoon declared a state of emergency for Alabama after he received new information from the U.S. Department of Energy that energy shortages will likely occur in the state due to Hurricane Ike.
The Governor’s declaration notes that “disruption of essential utility services, systems and severe energy shortages will likely occur.”
Earlier in the day, the Governor’s Office noted that an Alabama governor’s ability to declare a state of emergency was very limited. By law, an Alabama governor cannot declare a state of emergency unless there has been or there is anticipated to be an attack on the United States, a natural disaster of major proportions impacting Alabama or a public health emergency.
“I believe this new information means a threat to public health is a strong possibility due to the shortage of fuels,” said Governor Riley. “I deem it an emergency.”
The state law that prohibits “unconscionable pricing” of items for sale or rent goes into effect when the governor has declared a state of emergency.
Governor Riley Reacts to Pentagon Decision to Delay Air Force Tanker Replacement
MONTGOMERY - Governor Bob Riley made the following comments about the Pentagon announcement it will delay a decision on replacing its aging fleet of Air Force refueling tankers:
“I strongly disagree with this decision and find it absolutely bewildering. The Air Force has been trying for six years now to replace its aging fleet of tankers. Yet another delay does nothing except put our warfighters at greater risk. For that reason alone, I can’t understand why anyone would make this decision.
“At some point, we have to say we are going to put our warfighters first - not the suppliers, not politics.
“I still agree with the statement Secretary Gates made at Maxwell-Gunter Air Force Base on April 21 when he said: ‘All I can say is that I think it would be a real shame if the tanker were to get delayed yet again. We’re long past due in terms of getting on with this program.’”
|
Alabama Earns “Best of the Web” Honor MONTGOMERY - Alabama’s state government web portal, www.Alabama.gov, is earning national praise. Alabama’s web portal is receiving one of the Center for Digital Government’s “Best of the Web” awards for 2008. The awards recognize the most innovative and user-friendly state and local government web portals in the nation. Alabama.gov is one of six state web portals receiving the honor. “Our state government continues to be a leader in using technology to serve our citizens,” said Governor Bob Riley. “Being named among the Best of the Web shows we are committed to maintaining web services that are both useful and user-friendly.” Visitors to Alabama.gov can use the site to conduct a variety of electronic transactions with the state. From buying hunting and fishing licenses, to searching for unclaimed property and filing tax extensions, Alabama.gov offers more than 130 services to make doing business with the state a little easier. “Offering these online services is one more way of fulfilling our promise to make state government more accessible and more accountable to our citizens,” said State Finance Director Jim Main. “Our Best of the Web award is further proof that the Finance Department’s Information Services Division continues to make innovation a priority.” In addition to conducting business with the state online, visitors to Alabama.gov can also learn more about the state’s history, government and places to vacation, as well as other information about moving to or living in Alabama. “Best of the Web is certainly an honor we’re pleased to receive,” said Alabama Chief Information Officer Jim Burns. “The state’s technology staff and partners have worked hard to ensure that Alabama citizens can be informed and do business conveniently and securely using Alabama.gov.” More information about the Best of the Web awards, including a complete list of recipients, is available online at www.centerdigitalgov.com. |
Governor Orders Flags at Half-Staff on Thursday
MONTGOMERY -- Governor Bob Riley is directing flags to be flown at half-staff on state government buildings to honor those who lost their lives and gave their lives during the September 11 terrorist attacks seven years ago Thursday. The Governor is also encouraging local governments and schools to fly their flags at half-staff on their buildings.
A joint resolution approved by Congress in 2001 designates September 11 of each year as Patriot Day. Flags on all federal buildings will be flown at half-staff by order of President Bush.
"On Patriot Day, we will come together as a nation to remember those who were taken from us by this tragedy. We will also honor the men and women who protect our country and our communities every day. Alabama will always be grateful for their service." said Governor Riley.
Flags will return to flying at full-staff on Friday.
Sessions Announces $450,000 in Federal Funding for AIDS Alabama
WASHINGTON – U.S. Sen. Jeff Sessions (R-AL) announced $450,000 in federal grants today that will improve AIDS Alabama’s programs for patients with substance abuse or mental health issues.
AIDS Alabama is a statewide organization devoted to preventing the spread of HIV/AIDS and helping people afflicted with the disease to lead healthy, independent lives.
The funding was awarded by the Center for Substance Abuse Treatment in the Department of Health and Human Services, and will specifically help enhance established substance abuse programs.
“I am pleased to announce that $450,000 has been awarded to AIDS Alabama,” Sessions said. “AIDS Alabama understands the importance of programs that provide critical medical, emotional, and financial care for HIV/AIDS patients. I am proud of their leadership and commitment to help state and local agencies continue to improve and grow their capabilities to help those in need.”
In 2007, Sessions worked with the Senate to pass the renewal of the Ryan White CARE Act, which provided funding for testing, medical care, anti-retroviral treatments, and counseling for HIV/AIDS patients.
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.
Motion Industries Acquires Drago Supply Company
BIRMINGHAM, Ala.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Drago Supply Company, a regional industrial supplies company, headquartered in Port Arthur, Texas, has been acquired by Motion Industries. Drago has eight locations in Texas, Arkansas and Louisiana with annual revenues of approximately $75 million.
“We are very pleased to have a well-established, successful company like Drago Supply join our organization,” states Bill Stevens, President and CEO of Motion Industries.
Joe Drago, President; Philip Drago, Executive Vice President-Marketing; and Sam Drago, Executive Vice President-Business Development will remain as the leadership and continue to manage the business as the Drago Supply Company.
Drago Supply stocks in excess of 30,000 items of hand tools, power tools, general hardware, cutting tools, abrasives, contractor supplies, safety supplies, paper and janitorial supplies and many other products. Drago inventories and distributes products from over 700 manufacturers including Stanley-Proto, 3M, Union, Ingersoll Rand, DeWalt, Dow Corning, Cooper Tools, and Kimberly-Clark.
Drago Supply customers include the refinery, petrochemical, construction, marine, manufacturing, forest products, and power generating industries. Drago Supply is recognized as one of the 100 largest industrial distributors in the United States and is widely recognized as a leader in inventory management, traditional and integrated supply contracts and superior customer service.
With 2007 sales of $3.4 billion, Motion Industries is a leading industrial parts distributor of bearings, mechanical power transmission, electrical and industrial automation, hydraulic and industrial hose, hydraulic and pneumatic components, industrial products, and material handling. Motion Industries has more than 500 operations including ten distribution centers throughout North America and serves more than 100,000 customers from the automotive, chemical, food and beverage, wood and lumber, iron and steel, pulp and paper, mining and aggregate, petrochemical, and pharmaceutical industries.
|
Mercedes-Benz Reports August Sales of 18,507
|
Year-To-Date Sales of 158,519 Continue to Outpace 2007
MONTVALE, N.J., Sept. 3 /PRNewswire/ -- Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA) today
reported August sales of 18,507 new vehicles, an 11.8 percent decrease
compared to August 2007. On a year-to-date basis, MBUSA continued to
outpace its 2007 performance with sales of 158,519 new vehicles (versus
157,806).
Demand for the company's volume-leading C-Class boosted that model
line's sales performance by 53.1 percent (6,990 vs. 4,565) for the month.
On a year-to-date basis, the C-Class posted a gain of 39.8 percent (50,593
in 2008 vs. 36,184 in 2007). While down for the month of August (2,430 vs.
3,062), the popular M-Class sport utility vehicles continued to hold their
gain on a year-to-date basis with a 7.2 percent increase (22,517 in 2008
vs. 21,012 in 2007).
Separately, through the Mercedes-Benz Certified Pre-Owned program,
MBUSA marked a 46.8 percent increase in August sales with 6,440 vehicles
sold compared to 4,388 in August 2007, bringing year-to-date sales to a
total of 42,973 units, an increase of 23.3 percent over the same period in
2007.
Mercedes-Benz USA, headquartered in Montvale, New Jersey, is
responsible for the sales, marketing and service of all Mercedes-Benz
products in the United States. In 2007, MBUSA achieved an all-time sales
record of 253,433 new vehicles, setting the highest sales volume ever in
its history.
National Guard Units Providing Security at Evacuee Shelters
MONTGOMERY - Governor Bob Riley called up 130 Alabama Army National Guard units to perform security missions at seven locations housing evacuees from Hurricane Gustav. The units were called up to relieve local, county and state law enforcement officers who have been providing security at each location. This will allow these civilian law enforcement officers to concentrate on their regular duties. Alabama Army Guard MPs have been sent to Bevill State Community College campuses at Sumiton, Hamilton and Fayette. Other evacuee locations include Northwest-Shoals Community College at Muscle Shoals and Phil Campbell, Wallace State Community College in Hanceville and Calhoun Community College in Decatur. The 231st Military Police Battalion from Prattville will have a command cell located in Decatur. Personnel from MP units in Alexander City, Opelika and Prattville will be at the other locations. Members of the Alabama State Defense Force are assisting with the delivery of meals and water to evacuees at six locations in the Birmingham area. The SDF is a voluntary unit supporting the State of Alabama and reports to the Adjutant General of the Alabama Army National Guard. The SDF personnel are delivering meals to Jefferson State Community College, First Baptist Church of Irondale, Fair Park Arena, Gardendale Civic Center, Bartow Arena and Lawson State Community College campuses in Birmingham and Bessemer.
Governor Riley Orders Evacuations for Parts of Mobile and Baldwin Counties
CLANTON - At the request of local emergency management officials, Governor Bob Riley on Sunday ordered the mandatory evacuation of residents of low lying and flood prone areas of southern Mobile County and Baldwin County due to the threat posed by Hurricane Gustav.
The evacuation order, which went into effect at 7 a.m. Sunday, applies to all residents of Mobile County in Hurricane Evacuation Zone 1, which is south of Interstate 10 and includes areas such as Fowl River, Coden and Bayou La Batre, and all Baldwin County residents on Fort Morgan Peninsula, Plash Island, and areas south of Fort Morgan Road in the city of Gulf Shores.
“I’ve discussed this with local officials and we’re in agreement this evacuation is necessary to protect the lives of these residents,” said Governor Riley. The current track of Hurricane Gustav indicates the primary threat posed to Alabamians is going to be flooding in these areas.”
The 3,000 Alabama National Guard troops the Governor activated earlier remain on alert, and the Alabama Department of Transportation continues to have staff propositioned along Interstate 65 and are ready to reverse lanes if and when that becomes necessary. Alabama State Troopers also remain deployed to assist the flow of evacuation.
Governor Riley Declares a State of Emergency Due to the Threat of Hurricane Gustav
MONTGOMERY-Governor Bob Riley today declared an official state of emergency due to the imminent threat posed by Hurricane Gustav. The emergency declaration enables the Governor to invoke various emergency preparedness measures.
“The tracking of Hurricane Gustav indicates that Alabama is at risk to sustain damage from high winds, heavy rains, and possible tornadoes,” said Governor Riley. “I am again urging everyone to take the necessary precautions to ensure your and your family’s safety. Because of the high possibilities of damage, it is extremely important to have a declaration in place.”
The Alabama Emergency Management Agency has been directed to make appropriate assessments of damages and seek the necessary state and federal assistance for the affected areas, if necessary.
Governor Riley has already put 3,000 Alabama National Guardsmen on alert, and the Departments of Transportation and Public Safety are also preparing to re-route traffic on I-65, should it become necessary.
The Governor is keeping in close contact with officials from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the Alabama Emergency Management Agency, as well as local emergency management officials.
The declaration also allows the Governor to invoke Alabama’s price gouging law, which applies during times of a state of emergency issued by the Governor.
The full text of the declaration is attached.
Governor Riley Declares State of Emergency as a Result of Tropical Storm Fay
CLANTON - At the request of the Alabama Emergency Management Agency, Governor Bob Riley declared an official state of emergency in Alabama today due to the threat posed by Tropical Storm Fay. The emergency declaration enables the Governor to invoke various emergency preparedness measures. The Alabama National Guard has worked with AEMA to deploy four, five-ton trucks and drivers to Baldwin, Geneva, Houston and Mobile Counties. These trucks will be in place in the event a rescue mission is necessary. “Based upon on the track of TS Fay some of the Southern counties are likely to receive a significant amount of rain and possible damage, and that’s why it’s important to have this declaration in place” Governor Riley said. The Alabama Emergency Management Agency is directed to make the appropriate assessments of damages and seek the necessary state and federal assistance for the affected areas.
As of 8AM today (Saturday), the State Emergency Operating Center is operating at level three. The SEOC is closely monitoring estimated rain projections and flood zones. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) teams are in Alabama working with AEMA to provide a liaison between the two agencies.
“We want Alabama residents to know TS Fay has the potential to produce severe weather and therefore we want to stress the need for individual preparedness, said Brock Long. “It’s our mission the assist residents of Alabama, but it’s essential for everyone to have an emergency preparedness kit, know their evacuation route and listen to the direction of local officials.”
Biofuels for Schools
Grants
Help School Bus Fleets Switch to Renewable Biofuels
MONTGOMERY - As the school year begins, Governor Bob Riley is urging interested school systems to apply for a new grant that will help them cover the cost of switching their bus fleets to a cleaner-burning renewable fuel. Through the new “Biofuels for Schools” program, any public school system may apply for a grant of up to $2,500. The money will be used to prepare fuel storage tanks for B20, a fuel blend that is 80 percent petroleum diesel and 20 percent biodiesel made from renewable energy sources like soybeans, vegetable oils and animal fat. “Biodiesel is an all American renewable fuel. It’s also better for the environment because it reduces air pollutants like soot and carbon dioxide,” said Governor Riley. “Our hope is that if we help school systems with the cost of switching to biodiesel, more school buses in Alabama will be running on this cleaner-burning fuel that reduces our dependence on foreign oil.” B20 can be used in traditional diesel engines without modifications, “so it works with the buses we already have,” said the Governor. However, the biofuel has a solvent effect that may release accumulated sediment from the inside walls of storage tanks that previously contained diesel. The released deposits can clog fuel filters. The “Biofuels for Schools” grants will pay for cleaning the above- and below-ground fuel tanks prior to using biodiesel to ensure that deposits do not pose a problem. Funding of $50,000 is available from the grant program. School systems awarded a grant are required to use biodiesel in school buses for at least three years and must report the number of gallons of biodiesel used during that period. The grant program is being administered by the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs. School systems can find a grant application online at www.adeca.alabama.gov/energy.
Governor Riley on Today’s Court Ruling in “Water Wars”
“Today’s court order means that the end is in sight
for the 18-year-old water war litigation concerning Atlanta’s water
withdrawals at Lake Lanier,” said Governor Riley. “The federal appellate
court in Washington has already validated Alabama’s position that Atlanta’s
future water supply plans violated federal law. Alabama believes that
Atlanta’s current withdrawals also violate federal law, and we are pleased
that the federal court has placed that issue on a fast-track for
resolution.” “The federal judge handling these cases has
emphasized the need for the three states to work out a long-term solution to
this problem,” said Governor Riley. “He is certainly right, and I remain
ready to meet any time, anywhere with Governor Perdue and Governor Crist to
work toward an equitable agreement for sharing this vital natural resource.
The three states should reach an agreement, but only if there is a
recognition that each state has to make compromises.”
Insurance Commissioner Walter Bell Resigning
Walter A. Bell, the first Alabamian to serve as President of the National Association of Insurance Commissioners, will be leaving his position as State Insurance Commissioner at the end of the month, Governor Bob Riley announced today. "It has been my genuine honor to serve as Commissioner of the Alabama Department of Insurance,” Bell said. “I appreciate the opportunity afforded to me by Governor Riley. I also appreciate the hard work and dedication from our wonderful team at the Alabama Department of Insurance. “I am excited as to what the future holds for the Department of Insurance, and I am excited about the challenges ahead for me.” Bell was named by Governor Riley as Alabama’s chief insurance regulator in January 2003. He served a one-year term as President of the National Association of Insurance Commissioners in 2007. This year, he has served on the NAIC Executive Committee as past president and also as chair of the International Insurance Relations Committee. “Walter’s deep knowledge and understanding of the insurance industry has been a tremendous asset to the people of Alabama,” said Governor Riley. “He is a man of great integrity and decency, and he has my sincere appreciation for the service he has provided our state.” Under Commissioner Bell’s leadership, the Alabama Department of Insurance has streamlined operations, making it easier for consumers and industry to access the Department’s services. Also, the Department regained accreditation by the NAIC. At the NAIC, Commissioner Bell’s tenure as President was highlighted by several efficiency initiatives to streamline insurance regulation. His work on international issues led to his election as Vice Chairman of the International Association of Insurance Supervisors. He also serves on the executive committee of that organization. He is also a director of the Bermuda Monetary Authority. Prior to becoming an insurance regulator, Commissioner Bell had a 20-years-plus career in financial services. After serving as a banker in his native Mobile, Commissioner Bell joined The MONY Group as a financial professional in 1983. He served as National Director for Emerging Markets before being named the company Vice President for Diversity Marketing. Commissioner Bell is a director of EnergySouth, Inc., and is also a limited partner in the Mobile BayBears Baseball Team, an affiliate of the Arizona Diamondbacks franchise. He is a former trustee of Spring Hill College, of which he is a graduate. He is also a trustee of the Mobile Arts & Sports Association and the National Maritime Museum of the Gulf of Mexico. He is a former trustee of the Boys and Girls Clubs of America. He has served as president of numerous charitable and civic endeavors in both Mobile and New York, and has been honored in both cities for his civic leadership.
Sessions comments regarding the new draft Request for Proposal issued today by the Department of Defense for the U.S. Air Force tanker competition
“I applaud Sec. Gates for moving ahead today with a new draft RFP. There is an urgent and compelling need to provide our men and women in uniform with the aerial refueling tanker that best meets their needs. I will continue to insist that this competition is conducted without political interference so that it leads to the selection of the best aircraft, based on the merits and capabilities of the respective proposals.”
Alabama Department of Public Health issues 2008 Fish Consumption Advisories
Concern about protecting the public from possible health exposure to mercury from
eating fish led to the issuance of several new fish consumption advisories for bodies of
water in Alabama, while one other advisory was removed. The quality of water, based upon
the levels of contaminants in fish from the waters in Alabama, generally continues
improvements made in recent years.
The Alabama Department of Public Health annually updates fish consumption
advisories based on data collected the preceding fall by the Alabama Department of
Environmental Management.
ADEM collected samples of specific fish species for analysis from various
waterbodies throughout the state during the fall of 2007. The Alabama Department of Public
Health assessed the analytical results to determine whether any of the tested contaminants
in the fish may give rise to potential human health effects.
Fish consumption advisories are issued for specific waterbodies and specific species
taken from those areas. In reservoirs, advisories apply to waters as far as a boat can be
taken upstream in a tributary, that is, to full pool elevations.
Beginning with the 2007 advisories the Department of Public Health adopted a
contaminant level for mercury in fish that would protect those who might consider eating
more than one fish meal per week. The new U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
standards are four times more protective. Newly issued advisories will be represented as the
safe number of meals of that fish that can be eaten in a given period of time, such as meals
per week, meals per month or no consumption. A meal portion consists of 6 ounces of
cooked fish or 8 ounces of raw fish.
All advisories previously issued using Food and Drug Administration guidelines
remain in effect for this year (2008) and other advisories have been updated to reflect the
EPA consumption levels.
New consumption advisories were issued for the 12 bodies of water, locations or
species described here:
Choccolocco Creek – Calhoun County
In the vicinity of Boiling Springs Road bridge crossing
Spotted bass
Contaminant – Mercury
Consumption level– Two meals per month
Coosa River – Calhoun, St. Clair, Talladega counties
Between Neely Henry Dam and Riverside
Contaminant - PCBs
Limited consumption of catfish over 1 pound
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Coosa River – St. Clair, Talladega counties
Between Riverside and Logan Martin Dam
Contaminant – PCBs
Do not consume striped bass
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Coosa River – Shelby, St. Clair, Talladega counties
Between Logan Martin Dam and the railroad tracks crossing the Coosa near Vincent
Contaminant - PCBs
Do not consume striped bass
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Coosa River – Chilton, Coosa, Shelby, St. Clair, Talladega counties
Lay Lake between Logan Martin Dam and Lay Dam
Contaminant - PCBs
Do not consume striped bass
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Coosa River – St. Clair County
In upper Lay Reservoir approximately two miles downstream of Logan Martin Dam and one
half mile downstream from the Kelly Creek - Coosa River Confluence in the vicinity of
Ratcliff/Elliott Island.
Contaminant - PCBs
Limited consumption of spotted bass
Cook elected to Alabama Power board of directors
Former Alabama Supreme Court Justice Ralph D. Cook was elected today to the Alabama Power board of directors. “It is an honor to have Judge Cook on our board of directors,” said Alabama Power President and CEO Charles McCrary. “His impeccable reputation as a leader and jurist will bring great value in guiding our company in a manner that benefits our customers and shareholders.” Cook was appointed in 1993 as associate justice of the Supreme Court of Alabama by Gov. Jim Folsom and subsequently elected to the position in November 1994. He served until January 2001. Prior to serving on the Supreme Court, Cook was circuit court judge in the Bessemer Division of the 10th Judicial Circuit. He also was elected district court judge and served as family court judge of Jefferson County, Bessemer Division.
In August 1976, Cook was appointed dean of Miles Law School in Birmingham. He also taught at San Jose State University and Cabrillo College in California. Educated in the public schools of Jefferson County, Cook earned a Bachelor of Science degree at Tennessee State University and a Juris Doctor degree from Howard University School of Law in Washington, D.C. Active in community and professional associations, Cook is a charter member and has served in various leadership positions with the West Jefferson Kiwanis Club. He serves or has served on the board of directors for the Community Foundation of Greater Birmingham, the Salvation Army, the Alabama Civil Justice Foundation, the Bessemer Hall of History, the Bessemer YMCA, St. Vincent’s Foundation and the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute. Cook is a member of the Quarterback Club and the Birmingham Inn of Court. Cook is currently Of Counsel with the Hare, Wynn, Newell & Newton law firm in Birmingham. He is married to the former Charlsie Davis. They are parents of three adult children: Kimberly, Nakela and Ralph Jr.
Jim Yoder Chosen to Head Office of Space Management
Jim Yoder has
been named
Yoder worked in the general contracting industry for more than twenty years before joining the Department of Finance’s Office of Special Projects in 1992.
While in
service to the state of
Yoder was named
An
The Department of Finance Office of Space Management reviews
all leases to insure they meet state requirements. All leases of private
property must be approved by the Governor or the Finance Director, and by the
Office of Space Management. The Office of Space Management is also directly
involved in state building and renovation efforts.
Secretary Chapman Announces Veterans Who Vote Program
MONTGOMERY—Secretary of State Beth Chapman announced Saturday
a new initiative entitled, Veterans Who Vote. She made the announcement at the
Birmingham Marriot during a homecoming celebration for National Guard Soldiers,
C-Company, 1-167th Infantry out of Cullman returning from a one year tour in
Iraq.
Chapman created the Veterans Who Vote Program to partner with
the Veterans of Foreign Wars to recruit veterans to register voters, work at the
polls, and be poll watchers for the November General Election.
“Veterans have fought to provide our right to vote, protect
our right to vote and now they have an opportunity to help preserve our right to
vote by being a part of the process” Chapman stated.
“There is no one better to trust managing and watching the polling places where
we vote than the ones who fought for our right to vote” she concluded.
State Quartermaster Travis Whaley agreed, “We are honored to
partner with Secretary Chapman to participate in Alabama’s voting process.
Our men and women will work hard to see that honest elections are
conducted in Alabama.”
Chapman is known for her work with the military, making
Alabama one of only three states in the nation to provide a more accessible
means for those who are eligible to register to vote while overseas.
Chapman was also asked to give exclusive testimony on behalf of the
National Association of Secretaries of State before the House Administration
Committee on the subject of military voting. She has received numerous
commendations from various military organizations including the highest national
award given by the Veterans of Foreign Wars.
For more information on the Veterans Who Vote Program please contact the Secretary of State’s office at 334-242-7200 or visit www.veteranswhovote.com.
Governor Riley Promotes Carpooling for State Employees
MONTGOMERY - With gas prices so high, Governor Bob Riley is promoting a new service that helps state employees save money by carpooling to and from work. “Commute with Company” is a way state employees can find potential ride partners through a secure website maintained by the State Personnel Department. At the website, state employees complete an online application and are added to a database that matches their commuting patterns with other state employees. Participants will be able to search the database not only by location, but by department as well. The database is password protected and will be available only to those who apply. “This is a great service I hope state employees will use. It helps them combat high gas prices and reduces traffic on our roadways,” said Governor Riley. “We realize that many State employees drive long distances to and from work and our goal is to help State employees find someone with whom to share their commute,” said Jackie Graham, State Personnel Director. “Commute with Company” is totally voluntary and free to all state employees. To participate, employees need to visit the State Personnel Department’s website at www.personnel.state.al.us.
Governor Riley’s Statement on Decision by Volkswagen
“Our congratulations go to Chattanooga and to my friend Governor Bredesen. I want to express my deep appreciation to Volkswagen for considering Alabama and selecting us as a finalist site. My thanks go to the local leaders in Huntsville and Limestone County for their complete support throughout this very thorough selection process. Alabama is obviously disappointed our state was not selected, but we are extremely pleased this Volkswagen plant will be located close to us.”
Automotive Suppliers Announce Expansions Across Alabama
Two automotive suppliers
have announced expansions this week with plans to add a total of 600 jobs to the
state’s work force.
A Mercedes-Benz supplier
is expanding in
"This is really a great
story in that you are not only retaining 280 jobs that are there, but you now
have the potential to grow to almost 700 jobs," said Patrick Murphy, vice
president with the Metropolitan Development Board.
The 460,000-square-foot
Ogihara was
In the east
The Korea-based company
produces brake and steering systems for automakers, including Hyundai in
“Mando’s
remarkable growth in a short amount of time is a testament to the company’s
leadership, their workforce and the community they call home,” said Gov. Bob
Riley. “I congratulate the company and
Neal Wade,
director of the Alabama Development Office, also congratulated Mando on the
announcement. “
Sessions comments today regarding the U.S. Air Force tanker competition:
“Secretary Gates has elevated the tanker competition from the U.S. Air Force to the Department of the Defense, where he is personally overseeing the response to the eight concerns identified by the Government Accountability Office.
“Sec. Gates is highly respected in Washington, and I applaud his determination to reach a final decision by the end of the year. He is committed to a fair and transparent competition, and he understands the urgent and compelling reasons to start production on the air refueling tankers – already long-overdue – as quickly as possible.
“The decision to move forward in an expeditious manner, by addressing the limited concerns identified by the GAO without changing the fundamental requirements of the proposal or simply starting over, is a positive development.
“It is critical that military experts be allowed to select the aircraft that best meets the needs and requirements of the people who will fly them. The move today will result in additional analysis and evaluation, and I am hopeful that the end result will confirm the Air Force’s previous selection of Northrop-Grumman/EADS to build the next generation tanker.”
VW Says US Plant Decision May Come After July 15th Meeting
FRANKFURT, Germany — A spokesman for Germany's Volkswagen AG says it likely will announce a decision on its plans for a new U.S. plant after a supervisory board meeting next week.
Wolfsburg-based Volkswagen, Europe's largest carmaker, has been mulling a new production facility in Alabama, Tennessee or Michigan.
The company wants to increase its presence in the U.S., where it holds only 2 percent of the market. VW officials have said the company intends to more than triple its U.S. sales to 1 million by 2018.
Christoph Adomat, a spokesman for VW, said Monday that an official announcement is most likely some time after a July 15 meeting of the supervisory board — the German equivalent of a board of director
STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION
ANNUAL MEETING TUESDAY
Montgomery, Ala. —
The
Alabama Board of Education will hold its annual K-12 meeting Tuesday, July 8,
at 9:30 a.m., in the auditorium of the Gordon Persons Building at 50 N.
Ripley Street in Montgomery. The meeting is open to the public. Meeting agenda
items include:
·
Election
of Vice President and President Pro-Tem for the Alabama State Board of Education
·
Resolution Commending Ann Allison, “Barbara Fannin Memorial Employee of the
Quarter,”
July-September 2008
·
Resolution Commending Shaneadra Graham, B. B. Comer High School, Talladega
County Schools, 2008 Semifinalist Royal Bank of Scotland Achievers of the Year
·
Resolution Commending Melissa Hughey, Recipient of the Gold Apple Teacher Award
in the Scholastic Art and Writing Awards of 2008
·
Resolution in Honor of Dr. John Draper, Executive Director, Council for Leaders
in Alabama Schools
·
Authorize
Review of a Teacher Education Program, Jacksonville State University,
Jacksonville, Alabama
·
Authorize
Review of Teacher Education Programs, University of South Alabama
·
Approval
of Teacher Education Programs, Spring Hill College, Mobile, Alabama
·
Resolution to Appoint a Substitute Member to the Health Education and Physical
Education State Course of Study Committee
·
Superintendent’s Report
·
Legal
·
Date,
Time, and Place of Next Elementary/Secondary Meetings:
Monday,
Aug. 4, 2008, 9:30 a.m., K-12 meeting, Gordon Persons Building Auditorium
Thursday, Aug. 28, 2008, 10:30 a.m.,
K-12 Work Session, Gordon Persons Building, Plaza 104
Governor Riley Calls for Energy Independence in Fourth of July Message
MONTGOMERY - As Americans celebrate Independence Day, Governor Bob Riley says Congress must take steps now to make America energy independent.
In a video message released to coincide with the Fourth of July, the Governor is again urging Congress to allow for more energy exploration to free the country from its dependence on foreign oil.
Last week, Governor Riley sent a letter to U.S. Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi urging her to allow for debate on a bill that would lift restrictions on energy exploration offshore, on federal lands in the West and the Alaskan tundra. In the video message, Governor Riley encouraged Alabamians to join him in sending the message to Washington that America needs to be in charge of its own energy future.
The following is a transcript of Governor Riley’s message.
All Americans look forward to celebrating Independence Day. But this Fourth of July, we find ourselves in a different type of struggle for independence. Today we’re in a struggle for energy independence, but Congress is standing in the way.
Because of restrictions passed by Congress, we can’t explore for energy here at home. We can’t tap into 18 billion barrels of oil that lie 50 to 200 miles off our shores in deep water. Because of Congress, we can’t access oil shale out west where there is the equivalent of 800 billion barrels of oil - enough to replace the amount of oil we currently import for more than 160 years. And because of Congress, we can’t reach the 10 billion barrels of oil in a remote part of Alaska - which Congress had originally set aside for energy exploration in 1980.
That’s why I’ve sent a message to Congress calling on them to take steps now - steps that will put America in charge of our own energy future. And as we gather with our families to celebrate Independence Day, I hope Alabamians all across the state will join me in sending that message to Washington.
America is blessed with vast energy resources. With today’s technology these resources can be brought to market in an environmentally-safe manner. Will it take time for these changes to have an impact? Yes it will. That’s why Congress should start now, so that by our next Independence Day celebration, we’ll be on our way toward energy independence.
Governor Riley Calls on Congress to Develop American-Made Energy
|
|
|
|
MONTGOMERY - Governor Bob Riley is urging Congress to increase domestic energy production by authorizing the exploration of proven American energy reserves.
“How high do gas prices have to rise before Congress gets serious about increasing our energy supply? For decades, our own supply of energy has been locked up and now Americans are paying the price at the pump,” said Governor Riley. “There is a better way forward. America has vast energy sources. With today’s technology, they can be brought to market in an environmentally-safe manner, and the sooner, the better.”
The Governor has written House Speaker Nancy Pelosi asking her to reconsider a decision to indefinitely postpone action on an appropriations bill because of concerns by some members that energy-related amendments could pass. Those amendments are expected to deal with removing congressional restrictions on offshore energy exploration, exploration in part of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge and development of some of America’s vast oil shale resources.
“It is astonishing to me that Congress would deliberately fail to act on these proposals because of fear they are so popular with the American people that they would actually pass. With Americans paying a national average of $4.08 per gallon of gasoline, there is simply no excuse for inaction or delay by Congress, so I respectfully ask you to reconsider this decision,” Governor Riley wrote.
“It will take time for these policy changes to have an impact and that’s exactly why Congress should start immediately,” said Governor Riley. “For many Americans, no concern is more pressing at this time than the record high prices they’re paying for gas. They deserve a full, factual and vigorous debate on these ideas.”
The Governor says Congress should act now on the following:
Give states the option of opening up their offshore oil and gas resources. Eighty-five percent of the areas off the nation’s shores are currently off-limits to energy exploration. Experts believe these areas contain about 18 billion barrels of oil and 77 trillion cubic feet of natural gas. These are considered conservative estimates because the data they’re based on come from the 1970s. Congress has restricted offshore access since the early 1980s.
President Bush last week called on Congress to pass legislation giving states the option of opening up their off shore resources. This would allow the federal government and the states to work together to make additional energy resources available and share new leasing revenue.
Some of that revenue, Governor Riley said, could be directed toward research on renewable fuels and alternative energy sources and on environmental protection.
Develop oil shale resources on federal lands. Oil shale is a type of rock that can produce oil when it is exposed to heat or other processes. One major deposit in the Western United States holds the equivalent of about 800 billion barrels of oil, enough to equal 160 year’s worth of currently projected oil imports. 576 billion of those 800 billion barrels of oil are on federal lands. Congress has blocked oil shale leasing on federal lands.
Permit energy exploration in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR). Of ANWR’s 19.6 million acres, this would permit energy exploration in less than 2,000 acres - about 0.01 percent of the total area. It is estimated ANWR holds more than 10 billion barrels of oil, which is the equivalent of roughly two decades of imported crude oil from Saudi Arabia. When ANWR was created in 1980, Congress specifically reserved a portion for energy development.
“When it comes to developing our own energy resources, for decades Congress has said ‘no.’ Well, ‘no’ is not an energy policy. The path we’re on now leads to irreversible economic damage and jeopardizes our national security. We need to take the necessary steps that put America in charge of her own energy future,” said Governor Riley.
Secretary of State Beth Chapman reminds voters that separate Absentee Ballot Applications are necessary to Vote in June 3rd Primary Election and July 15th Primary Runoff Election
Secretary of State Beth Chapman reminds all voters wishing to vote by absentee
ballot in the July 15, 2008 primary runoff election that they must apply for an
absentee ballot for that election and that such absentee ballot applications
must be received by the absentee election manager no later than July 10, 2008.
Secretary
Chapman states, “Under Alabama law, because the primary runoff election is more
than 30 days after the first primary election, absentee voters wishing to vote
in both elections must complete and file two separate applications for absentee
ballot—one for the first primary election, and a second for the primary runoff
election.” However, this requirement does not apply
to Alabama military and overseas voters.
Chapman
further notes that the need to file two separate applications is a change for
voters who are accustomed to completing only one application.
Thus, it is important that absentee voters understand that they cannot
vote absentee in both the June 3rd primary election and the July 15th primary
runoff election unless they have filed a separate absentee ballot application
for both elections.
Under a 2006 Alabama Attorney General’s opinion, absentee election managers were instructed to send two absentee applications to voters who requested an application for the 2008 primary election cycle. Any voter with questions should call the Secretary of State’s Elections Division at 1-800-274-8683.
Sessions comments today following the release of a Government Accountability Office report regarding the U.S. Air Force tanker competition
“It is extremely disappointing that the GAO found errors in the U.S. Air Force bid process. Their report will, unfortunately, further delay the purchase of the Air Force’s new refueling tanker, which is their number one acquisition priority.
“The Air Force’s tanker competition was designed to select the finest aircraft available for our men and women in uniform. I firmly believe that the Northrop Grumman/EADS proposal is the superior aircraft.
“The GAO report specifically notes that it should not be read to reflect negatively on the airplane’s merits. The GAO pointed out several questions regarding the Air Force’s selection process, and we look forward to the Air Force’s response as we move forward.
“While this is a most disappointing decision, the competition is not over. I am confident the merits of the Northrop Grumman/EADS tanker will be acknowledged. It is important to note that this was a decision based on errors in process, not on the relative merits of the aircraft.”
| New SOS Unit Dedicated to Stop Voter Fraud |
MONTGOMERY
- Secretary of State Beth Chapman has announced a new
Voter Fraud Unit within the Secretary of State’s office dedicated to dealing
with reports of voter fraud. With claims of
voter fraud continuing to come in from the June 3rd primary, Secretary
Chapman has appointed members of her legal and elections staff to be trained
to speak with those individuals who have such reports.
“It is important for the citizens of Alabama who have reports of
voter fraud to know that someone is here to listen and to gather the
information in a manner which complies with the law.
It is also important for these individuals to know that appropriate
action is being taken with their complaint” Chapman stated.
Secretary Chapman emphasized that all reports will be kept
confidential.
In
conjunction with the new Voter Fraud Unit, Secretary of State Beth Chapman
has also announced her office’s new website and toll free number for
citizens to report incidents of voter fraud. The
site will provide a report/complaint form that will be collected and
reviewed by the Secretary of State and the Voter Fraud Unit and forwarded to
the Attorney General for further review.
The
website
www.StopVoterFraudNow.com is up and
running today and available for reports or confidential meetings to be
scheduled to report such abuse.
“My staff and I are proud to provide these tools for people to use to report voter fraud,” Chapman said. “We will continue to rattle the swords of democracy until voter fraud is stopped in Alabama.”
Governor Riley Signs Education Budget
PRATTVILLE - Governor Bob Riley visited a pre-kindergarten classroom on Thursday to ceremoniously sign a $6.3 billion education budget into law. The budget was approved with overwhelming support by the Legislature in the special session that ended May 31.
"We knew this would be a difficult education budget because of the state of the national economy right now. But I’m very proud that this budget not only protects funding for those programs we know are working to make a difference in children’s lives, it increases them to record funding levels," Governor Riley said. "Because of this budget, more students will benefit from our nationally acclaimed reading initiative, our math and science initiative, our ACCESS distance learning program and our top-rated First Class Pre-K Initiative."
The Governor noted the difficulty the education budget faced in the Legislature this year. The Legislature failed to pass the education budget during the regular session, prompting the need for a special session. However, the budget passed quickly during a five-day special session. "Republicans and Democrats came together and realized these programs are worth fighting for precisely because they’re making Alabama a leader in education reform in this country," said Governor Riley.
Overall spending in the budget is down, however four education initiatives Governor Riley has said are priorities received significant funding increases. The Alabama Reading Initiative, the Alabama Math, Science and Technology Initiative, and ACCESS distance learning each received increases of $5 million. The budget also doubles funding for pre-kindergarten programs to $20 million. This increase will allow an additional 1,854 four-year-olds to enroll in the First Class Pre-K program in the upcoming school year. First Class will fund 103 additional classrooms, including 40 in public schools, 34 private childcare programs and 22 Head Start classes.
Governor Riley first unveiled the First Class Pre-K Initiative in December and made it a focus of his State of the State Address at the beginning of the legislative session in February. Alabama’s pre-K program is tied with North Carolina’s as the best in the nation for quality standards. "First Class Pre-K includes our public schools, our Head Start centers and private childcare centers. It helps everyone achieve the high quality standards we demand while providing affordable access for a much greater number of Alabama’s four year olds," said Governor Riley.
Indonesian Ambassador Visits State to Promote Economic and University Ties
Improving bilateral economic relations and higher education exchanges and cooperation will be the focus of an Indonesian dignitary’s visit to Alabama on June 25th. The State of Alabama will host Indonesian Ambassador Sudjadnan Parnohadiningrat during his visit to Birmingham. The objective of this visit is to promote Indonesia and its relations with the U.S. “Alabama understands that in today’s global economy, relationships count,” said Governor Riley. “By hosting distinguished visitors such as Ambassador Parnohadiningrat, we nurture and strengthen these relationships, resulting in new educational and economic opportunities for our state.” During the Ambassador’s visit, he will speak at a public engagement in Birmingham as part of the Brock International Business Speaker Series - Samford University’s Brock School of Business. The event will be held at the Medical Forum Conference Center/Sheraton Downtown Hotel from 7:30 - 9:00 a.m. Breakfast will be served. There is no cost to attend, but registration is required. Reservations can be made online at www.samford.edu/business. Ambassador Parnohadiningrat will also visit with local businesses and universities to discuss economic opportunities between Indonesia and Alabama. For more information about the Ambassador’s visit, please contact Heath Cosgrove at the Alabama Development Office by email at heath.cosgrove@ado.alabama.gov.
AIDT
Receives International Certification Again
Alabama Industrial Development Training, the state’s workforce preparation
agency, has again received international certification for the quality of its
services. The certification was awarded for AIDT’s development and delivery of
pre-employment training and on-the-job training. “Alabama has
consistently been recognized for the high quality of our workforce,” said
Governor Bob Riley. “The awarding of this national recognition, once again, only
reiterates how successful our worker training program is. This certification
provides Alabama with a tremendous advantage when attracting new industry and
creating new jobs.” SRI Quality System Registrar auditors
certified AIDT’s conformity to requirements specified in ISO 9001:2000 standards
developed by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). SRI is an
internationally accredited registrar for quality management systems standards.
ISO 9001:2000 certification recognizes organizations that link business
objectives with operating effectiveness. Companies that achieve Quality
Management System certification to ISO 9001:2000 demonstrate effective
implementation of documentation and records management, top management’s
commitment to their customers, establishment of clear policy, good planning and
implementation, good resource management, efficient process control, measurement
and analysis. Certification confirms that continuous improvement is an
organizational goal. ISO is a network of institutes from 146
countries working in partnership with international organizations, governments,
industry, business and consumer representatives. The network has created 15,000
international quality and environmental management standards for business,
government and society organizations around the world. In 2005, AIDT
was the first state workforce training organization in the United States to
achieve the certification and remains the only state training entity to achieve
ISO 9001:2000 certification.
Governor Riley Signing Small Business Health Insurance Bill
Governor Bob Riley will sign into law legislation that provides a tax incentive to help small businesses afford health insurance for their employees. The Governor proposed the legislation as part of his Plan 2010 second term agenda and the measure was passed by the Legislature during the special session that ended May 31.
Under the legislation, owners of small businesses with fewer than 25 employees will be able to deduct 150 percent of the amount they pay for health insurance premiums from their state income taxes. Employees of these small businesses who earn less than $50,000 a year will also be able to deduct 150 percent of the amount they contribute toward their health insurance plans from their income taxes.
This proposal will help small businesses lower their health care costs and also encourage more small firms to offer health coverage to their workers.
State recovers $193,018 from Walgreens for allegations of improper billing.
Attorney General Troy King announced today that Walgreen Co. ("Walgreens") has agreed to pay $193,018 to the Alabama Medicaid Program to settle allegations of improper billing. The payment, part of a $35 million settlement with the United States, 42 states and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, resolves claims that Walgreens violated various state and federal statutes and regulations by switching dosage forms of three medications commonly prescribed for Medicaid patients, thereby causing Medicaid programs nationwide to pay substantially more for these drugs than they otherwise would have.
"I am pleased that this agreement returns funds that the Alabama Medicaid Agency could ill afford when it should not have had to pay these additional expenses," said Attorney General King. "The Attorney General's Office stands vigilant to protect taxpayers' money from those who seek to improperly profit at the expense of the least fortunate among us."
Walgreens, which currently operates retail pharmacies in 48 states and Puerto Rico, furnishes pharmacy services to Medicaid recipients in Alabama. This settlement is the result of a joint federal-state investigation arising from the filing of a false claims act lawsuit in U.S. District Court in Chicago in 2003. The whistleblower's complaint in that action alleged that Walgreens filled prescriptions for numerous Medicaid recipients by aggressively switching dosage forms of ranitidine (the generic form of Zantac, a commonly prescribed anti-ulcer medication); fluoxetine (the generic form of Prozac, an anti-depressant); and selegiline (the generic form of Eldepryl, used in the treatment of Parkinson's disease and senile dementia), and that this conduct violated various federal and state statutes and regulations.
Government investigators contend that these improper switching practices continued from July 2001 through 2005, and that the wholesale substitution of alternate dosage forms of these drugs resulted in higher payments under the automated Medicaid reimbursement system, with no corresponding medical benefit to the individuals receiving the prescriptions. Today's settlement also resolves allegations that Walgreens made these wholesale switches without physician involvement and therefore violated numerous state regulations governing pharmaceutical dispensing. This settlement is the third and final in a series resulting from investigations of similar conduct by pharmacy providers nationwide. Together, the three cases have brought back more than $120 million to Medicaid programs around the country.
In addition to the payment of cash settlements to the state and federal governments, Walgreens has agreed to the terms of a Corporate Integrity Agreement ("CIA") with the Office of the Inspector General of the United States Department of Health and Human Services. The CIA will include provisions that will ensure that Walgreens does not switch dosage forms of medications if the result would increase the costs to third-party payers, including Medicaid, and will subject the company's billing practices to ongoing federal scrutiny.
The settlement was the result of negotiations jointly conducted by the United States Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Illinois and the National Association of Medicaid Fraud Control Units, with representatives of the attorneys general of Ohio, Illinois, Massachusetts, Florida and Texas leading the effort for the states.
Department of Ag & Industries Hosts
Foreign Animal Disease Training Exercise
The purpose of this exercise is to provide participants with an opportunity to evaluate current response concepts, plans, and capabilities for a response to a foreign animal disease outbreak in Alabama. The exercise will focus on local emergency responder command and control coordination, critical decisions, notifications, and integration of State and Federal assets necessary to save personal property, private industry, the economy, and to protect public health and security.
A large number of federal, state, and local agencies, as well as many stakeholder groups have been designing the exercise over the past 3 months. This exercise is a follow-up to another Foreign Animal Disease Tabletop Exercise that took place in October, 2007, which brought most of the same stakeholders and agencies together.
A Foreign Animal Disease is defined as an important transmissible disease of livestock or poultry believed to be absent from the United States. Foreign animal diseases are considered a threat to the United States when they significantly affect human health, or when there is appreciable cost associated with control or eradication of disease in livestock. In addition to disease control costs, the most immediate consequence of an FAD in the United States is the loss of export markets.
This particular exercise will focus on the state’s response to Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD). FMD is a severe, highly contagious disease of cattle, pigs, sheep, goats and deer. Humans are not affected by FMD but can carry the disease on their clothing and infect other animals. The 2001 FMD outbreak in the United Kingdom is estimated to have cost the U.K. $20 billion and their cattle market is 10 times smaller than that of the United States. The economic impact of FMD as well as the fact that it is a highly contagious disease makes the preparations to respond to FMD a main concern for the State of Alabama and the United States.
For more information regarding this exercise, please contact Dr. Brad Fields or his staff in the Homeland Security section at 334-240-7278.
A.G. King subpoenas Perry County voting records
Attorney General Troy King today announced that agents from his office have served subpoenas upon Perry County election officials and have taken custody of records relating to Tuesday's primary election. Attorney General King said this action was taken after his office learned of alleged improprieties.
Attorney General King stated that his agents served subpoenas upon Circuit Clerk Mary Cosby Moore, Sheriff James Hood, and Probate Judge Eldora Anderson. Specifically, the subpoenas directed these officials to provide immediately "any and all records regarding: June 3, 2008 election, including, but not limited to, applications for absentee ballots, poll list, identification accompanying absentee ballots, affidavits accompanying absentee ballots, record of elections, ballot accounting sheets, sign in sheet from each polling place, and clerk's book for each polling place."
A.G. King announces election hotline
The Office of Attorney General will
answer questions, examine any allegations of election fraud, and actively
investigate any legitimate complaints of wrongdoing in the June 3 primary
election, according to Attorney General Troy King. A toll-free hotline will be
available to assist citizens and election officials with any allegations of
wrongdoing or legal inquiries.
The Office of Attorney General will assign an attorney specializing in election law to a hotline during election week, from Tuesday, June 3, through Friday, June 6.* Citizens may call the Attorney General's Office with questions about election law and information about alleged violations and voter fraud at 1-800-831-8814. There is no charge for calls to this number.
The Office of Attorney Gene