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Jessica Ballard

Jessica Ballard

National / News

Sen. Doug Jones sponsors bipartisan resolution honoring service of military retirees

Sen. Doug Jones, D-Alabama, introduced a resolution that will make April 18, 2019, “Military Retiree Appreciation Day” to honor military retirees. The resolution aims to commemorate the approximately 2 million retired service members, 60,000 of whom are Alabamians, across the U.S. “Our military retirees have sacrificed so much to serve our nation and continue to … Continued
March 21, 2019

Report explores “crisis” in Alabama’s prisons

The Public Affairs Research Council of Alabama recently released a series of briefs outlining the problems within Alabama’s correctional facilities including overcrowding, unsafe and inadequate environments and an absurdly high incarceration rate compared to other states. In February, APR reported that Gov. Kay Ivey was poised to move forward with her plan to build three new prisons … Continued
March 7, 2019

Jones, McConnell speak on Senate floor about tornadoes

U.S. Sen. Doug Jones and U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell spoke on the Senate floor on Monday about the tornadoes that passed through Lee County on Sunday. They both offered condolences to the confirmed 23 victims’ families and all of the families whose homes and businesses were damaged. “I ask that everyone pray for … Continued
March 5, 2019

BCA commends Gov. Ivey’s infrastructure plan

Gov. Kay Ivey announced her new Rebuild Alabama Infrastructure Plan on Wednesday in Maplesville, Alabama. The plan aims to raise the state’s motor fuels tax to invest in infrastructure in order to further economic development and ensure the safety of Alabamians. The Business Council of Alabama commended Ivey for the plan, saying the state’s transportation … Continued
February 28, 2019

Met coal exports reach $2 billion in 2018

In 2018, 11 million tons of Alabama-mined met coal was exported to global steelmakers, which totaled $2 billion worth of the coal being shipped through the Port of Mobile. This high dollar amount has not been recorded in recent history. The Alabama Coal Association released statistics on Tuesday detailing met coal exports for 2018 that … Continued
February 27, 2019

Steven Reed announces candidacy for Montgomery mayor

Steven Reed, Montgomery county probate judge, announced his candidacy for mayor of Montgomery on Wednesday. “I reached this decision after much prayer and many discussions with family, friends, and members of the community,” Reed said. “I’ve received a great deal of encouragement from a wide cross-section of citizens from religious leaders, business leaders, and people … Continued
February 7, 2019

Jones receives Rural Health Champion Award

Sen. Doug Jones, D-Alabama, received the National Rural Health Association’s 2019 Rural Health Champion Award from HRHA President Tim Putnam. He was given the award at this year’s Rural Health Policy Institute, which attracts health professionals and advocates from around the country to discuss priorities for the rural health advocacy community. Deputy Legislative Director Katie … Continued
February 6, 2019

UA, AARP partner to study needs of Alabama’s older military vets

The University of Alabama Office for Military Families and Veterans and AARP Alabama are partnering to conduct a survey to assess the needs of older veterans in the state. The study aims to pinpoint the needs of the vets in order to connect them to resources and services. According to David L. Albright, the Hill … Continued
February 1, 2019

Jones re-ups bill to increase focus on financial literacy in school

U.S. Sen. Doug Jones, D-Alabama — alongside Sen. Kristen Gillibrand, D-New York, and Maggie Hassan, D-New Hampshire — have reintroduced The Youth Financial Learning Act of 2019. The bill would implement a grant program within the U.S. Department of Education aimed to help states create and sustain financial literacy programs in schools. It would also … Continued
January 25, 2019