Meetings Provide Momentum for Alfa Health Plans | |
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Meetings with Alabama Farmers Federation members and legislators provided additional momentum for Alfa Health Plans legislation this week.
SB 84, sponsored by Sen. Arthur Orr, R-Decatur, would authorize the Federation to offer health coverage similar to 10 other states where Farm Bureau members have enjoyed savings up to 30-60% when compared to traditional insurance.
Federation External Affairs Department Director Brian Hardin said member engagement is paying dividends as lawmakers decide how they’ll vote.
“The past seven days have been huge in moving Alfa Health Plans legislation forward,” Hardin said. “During the Young Farmers Conference, members sent hundreds emails supporting Alfa Health Plans to senators and representatives. We followed that with our Taste of Alabama legislative reception where about 100 Federation members visited face-to-face with legislators. We also had helpful discussions with the Senate Banking and Insurance Committee and the House Democratic Caucus (pictured).”
All together, more than 6,300 individual emails have been sent to lawmakers supporting Alfa Health Plans — not to mention phone calls and personal visits.
“It’s making a difference!” Hardin said. “We encourage members to continue telling their stories about the high cost of health coverage. Thank the legislators who have pledged their support, and continue educating those who have questions.”
Rep. Kerry “Bubba” Underwood, R-Tuscumbia, spoke about his support of Alfa Health Plans at the Taste of Alabama.
“I understand what (the Federation) is trying to accomplish,” he said. “We’re looking for affordable care for the people who are part of the Federation, and there’s nothing wrong with that. I get that they are trying to provide a service and coverage for the people in their community, which is mostly farmers but not all. That’s something I should support. I understand that, and I’m happy to listen and be a part of that conversation.”
In addition to group meetings, the Federation External Affairs Department met with House and Senate leadership this week to answer questions about Alfa Health Plans. A House of Representatives companion to SB 84 could be introduced as early as next week.
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Farm-Center Board Confirmations | |
From left are Alabama Farmers Federation President Jimmy Parnell, Alabama Power's Ralph Williams, Brad Fuller of Jefferson County, Joe Lambrecht of Elmore County, Thomas Ellis of Lowndes County and Tuskegee University's Dr. Barrett Vaughn. | |
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The Agriculture Exhibition Center Corporation (AECC) board of directors were officially confirmed Thursday by unanimous vote in the Alabama Senate.
The AECC board members are:
- Jimmy Parnell, Alabama Farmers Federation – appointed by Gov. Kay Ivey
- Ralph Williams, Alabama Power – appointed by Ivey
- John Starnes, farmer – appointed by Speaker of the House Nathaniel Ledbetter, R-Rainsville
- Thomas Ellis, farmer – appointed by Commissioner of Agriculture and Industries Rick Pate
- Dr. Barrett Vaughn, Tuskegee University – appointed by Pate
- Joe Lambrecht, farmer – appointed by Lt. Gov. Will Ainsworth
- Brad Fuller, farmer – appointed by the Jefferson County Commission
The board was created to oversee Alabama Farm Center operations by Act 2024-451, which was passed during the 2024 legislative session. The legislation was carried by Sen. Shay Shelnutt, R-Trussville, and Rep. Danny Crawford, R-Athens.
Appointments were initially approved in the Senate Confirmations Committee Wednesday. Committee Ranking Minority Member Sen. Rodger Smitherman, D-Birmingham, thanked Parnell and the Federation for working with lawmakers on the legislation to ensure everyone has an opportunity to participate.
Lee County Farmers Federation board member and Confirmations Committee Member Sen. Randy Price, R-Opelika, also offered his support for the Center. He said looked forward to having a central location to serve and promote Alabama agriculture for the next generation.
The Alabama Farm Center will accommodate a wide variety of uses such as livestock and equestrian competitions, rodeos, family entertainment and concerts. The Center will be in House District 51 represented by Rep. Allen Treadaway, R-Morris, and Senate District 17 represented by Sen. Shelnutt, at Hallmark Farm in Jefferson County.
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Taste of Alabama Brings Federation Grassroots to Life | |
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The Alabama Farmers Federation’s grassroots efforts thrived during the organization’s annual Taste of Alabama legislative reception Feb. 19 in Montgomery.
Almost 200 legislators, elected officials and farmer-leaders gathered for Alabama-grown food, fellowship and one-on-one conversations about issues facing Alabama agriculture.
Sen. Josh Carnley, R-Ino, said getting young people back to farming is essential for the industry.
“I like to talk farming,” said Carnley, who grew up on a row crop, cattle and poultry farm in Coffee County. “Working on the farm made me who I am. I have a special place in my heart for the ag industry and for the young people who are coming into it. We have to encourage young people and give an incentive to come back to farm.”
For Carnley, it’s all about working close with constituents and understanding their personal experiences.
“Hearing it from the people who make up the industry is important to lawmakers,” Carnley said. “This year, the Federation has a lot going on in the legislative session with Alfa Health Plans legislation.”
Learning and listening was a common theme during the Taste of Alabama.
Rep. Pebblin Warren, D-Tuskegee, said it’s the best opportunity to talk directly with farmers. She added the reception’s focus on Alabama home-cooking was refreshing.
“Speaking with farmers first-hand helps us get it straight, so if we had to get on the floor and talk about the industry, we could,” Warren said. “If we don’t have our farmers, we don’t have anything.”
In addition to legislators, the Federation welcomed Gov. Kay Ivey and Lt. Gov. Will Ainsworth among other constitutional officers, as well as Alabama Supreme Court justices, appellate judges and members of the Alabama State Board of Education and Public Service Commission.
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House Illegal Immigration Package Introduced | |
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Members of the House of Representatives introduced legislation this week to combat illegal immigration in Alabama.
Several bills serve as companions to legislation addressed in the Senate last week.
HB 3 by Rep. Chip Brown, R-Hollinger’s Island, would mandate enhanced sentences for crimes committed by illegal aliens. It would also increase misdemeanor crimes against minors by illegal aliens to Class C felonies.
HB 297 by Rep. Jennifer Fidler, R-Fairhope, would place a 4% fee on international wire transfers originating in Alabama to discourage tax evasion by illegal immigrants. Alabama residents would be able to receive a tax credit to offset the transfer fees.
HB 298 by Rep. Brock Colvin, R-Albertville, would prevent certain English language learners from being counted in public school’s daily membership totals when athletic classification is determined.
HB 304 by Rep. Jamie Kiel, R-Russellville, would authorize impounding vehicles operated unlawfully by individuals without a valid driver’s license.
HB 302 by Rep. Ben Robbins, R-Sylacauga, would require labor brokers who recruit guest workers for employment in Alabama to register with the Department of Workforce. It would also mandate employers use E-Verify and impose new sponsorship reporting requirements. Requirements under this legislation would not apply to federal H-2A and H-2B programs.
Alabama Farmers Federation Agricultural Legislation Director Preston Roberts said he appreciates lawmakers’ concerns and thanked them for consulting with the Federation about impacts to agriculture when developing the package.
“Illegal immigration has been a growing concern, and we appreciate members of the House and Senate for finding ways to combat the issue,” Roberts said. “We are working with Rep. Robbins and others daily to ensure farmers are not negatively impacted by this legislation. Many farmers rely on guest worker programs to operate, and we want to protect their ability to contribute to one of the state’s largest economies.”
The package was introduced Tuesday. HB 3 and HB 302 await action in the in the House Judiciary Committee. HB 304 is in the House Public Safety and Homeland Security Committee; HB 298 is in the House Education Policy Committee; and HB 297 is in the House Ways and Means Education Committee.
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Colvin Named House Majority Whip | |
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Rep. Brock Colvin, R-Albertville, was named the majority whip of the Alabama House Republican Caucus Monday following the resignation of Rep. Randall Shedd, R-Fairview.
Colvin, 29, takes over the third-highest position in the caucus as the youngest House member. He was first elected in 2022 and serves on the House Ways and Means Education Committee.
“Our House GOP Caucus is united behind the conservative beliefs, values and principles that most Alabamians across the state embrace,” Colvin said. “Those conservative principles take shape in the bills we pass and the ideas we promote, and I look forward to playing a key role in that process.”
Alabama House GOP Majority Leader Scott Stadhagen, R-Hartselle, said Colvin is trusted and respected among fellow caucus members.
Rep. Randall Shedd served as majority whip since 2022. He resigned to take a position in fellow Cullman County lawmaker and Senate President Pro Tem Garlan Gudger’s office.
Alabama Farmers Federation State Legislative Programs Director Russ Durrance congratulated Colvin and thanked Shedd for his service.
"Rep. Colvin understands the importance of agriculture in Alabama and will continue to represent Alabama farmers well in this new position," Durrance said. "We also appreciate Rep. Shedd's time in leadership along with his hard work and commitment in serving our members while in the House and now in the Senate pro tem's office."
As majority whip, Colvin will coordinate votes and help manage action on the House floor.
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Hunting and Fishing Licenses Not Valid Form of I.D.: SB 62 by Sen. Lance Bell, R-Pell City, would prohibit individuals from using state-issued hunting and fishing licenses as valid forms of I.D. The bill was reported favorably out House Public Safety and Homeland Security Committee Wednesday.
Illegal Immigration Enforcement: SB 63 by Sen. Lance Bell, R-Pell City, would require local law enforcement to fingerprint and DNA sample illegal immigrants in custody and turn that information over to state authorities. The bill was reported favorably out of House Ways and Means General Fund Committee Wednesday.
Motor Vehicles in Navigable Waters Prohibition: SB 171 by Sen. Clyde Chambliss, R-Prattville, would prevent operating land-based motor vehicles through navigable waters (creeks, streams, rivers, etc.). Exceptions apply to property owners operating on their own property and anyone with written authorization from the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources State Lands Division. The bill was passed by the Senate County and Municipal Government Committee Tuesday and awaits a full Senate vote.
Truck Squat Prohibition: HB 17 by Rep. Ron Bolton, R-Northport, would create the Alabama Squat Truck Law to prohibit altering motor vehicles in ways that raise the front fender four or more inches higher than the rear fender. The bill was reported favorably out of the House Public Safety and Homeland Security Committee and awaits a full House vote.
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