Jan. 12, 2024 Capitol Connection

January 12, 2024

Gambling Expert Speaks at Federation

Top: Stop Predatory Gambling National Director Les Bernal spoke to state and community leaders Jan. 11 at the Federation home office. Below: Bernal speaks with Alabama Policy Institute (API) President and CEO Stephanie Smith.

Stop Predatory Gambling National Director Les Bernal addressed state and community leaders Jan. 11 at the Alabama Farmers Federation home office concerning the personal and societal dangers associated with state-sponsored gambling.

“Gambling ran as a business by the state becomes an adversarial relationship between the business and the person using the business, or the citizens in this case,” Bernal said. “Alabama has not had this relationship because good people have stood against it. Alabama is better today because it didn’t go down that road.”

Bernal communicated the risks of gambling being operated by the state. He also used examples from neighboring states where legalized gambling has negatively impacted the economy and citizens.

Federation External Affairs Department Director Brian Hardin said Bernal’s presentation should be startling to anyone who supports legalized gambling.

“Les has witnessed the dangers of state-sponsored gambling firsthand,” Hardin said. “The information presented was eye-opening. Our hope is that attendees will be more equipped to speak to why this is not good for Alabama.”

Other supporters of Bernal's presentation at the Federation included Alabama Citizens Action Program (ALCAP), Alabama Policy Institute and Eagle Forum.

Gambling is expected to be debated during the 2024 Regular Session. The Federation opposes all forms of gambling.

Click the link below for a conversation between Hardin and Bernal:

Kitchens, Brinyark Prevail in Special Elections

The Alabama Senate and House of Representatives will be welcoming new members following special elections Tuesday to fill previously vacated seats.

Rep. Wes Kitchens, R-Arab, and Bryan Brinyark of Northport won elections in State Senate District 9 and State House District 16, respectively.

Kitchens, who served two terms in the House, finished with 53% of the Republican primary vote and avoided a runoff. Kitchens did not draw a general election opponent. He is replacing Clay Scofield who stepped down in October 2023 to accept a position with Business Council of Alabama. Senate District 9 covers Marshall County and portions of Madison and Blount counties.

Brinyark is a practicing attorney who was elected to the fill the seat vacated by Kyle South in July 2023. The Federation's Alabama FarmPAC endorsed Brinyark in Tuesday's general special election. House District 16 covers parts of Fayette, Jefferson and Tuscaloosa counties.

In October, FarmPAC-endorsed candidate Travis Hendrix, D-Birmingham, won the special election to replace former Rep. Fred Plump in House District 55.

Jefferson County Farmers Federation Hosts Legislative Breakfast

Clockwise from top left: Alabama FarmPAC-endorsed candidate for State Board of Education, District 5, Kelly Mooney, center, visits with Jefferson County Farmers Federation (JCFF) President Dr. Stevan Parsons and JCFF Secretary-Treasurer Rhonda Hughes; elected officials attending the event pose for a picture with Parsons; Parsons visits with Sen. Dan Roberts, R-Mountain Brook, and Rep. Allen Treadaway, R-Morris; and Alabama Supreme Court Justice Greg Cook visits with JCFF members.

Federation Makes Endorsements in CD-2, School Board Elections

The Alabama Farmers Federation’s political action committees, Alabama FarmPAC and ELECT, have endorsed Caroleene Hardee Dobson for U.S. House of Representatives, District 2.

Federation President Jimmy Parnell said Dobson’s agricultural background, conservative values and commitment to restore common sense to government appeal to members of the state’s largest farm organization.

“Caroleene is one of us,” Parnell said. “She grew up on a fifth-generation cattle farm in Monroe County and understands the challenges facing farmers and rural families. Caroleene’s intelligence and personal drive gave her the opportunity to further her education and make connections throughout the country, but she never forgot her roots. Her devotion to faith, family and hard work will make her a strong voice for Alabama’s Second Congressional District as she goes toe to toe with those who are seeking to undermine the foundational values of our great nation.”

Alabama FarmPAC also endorsed candidates for Alabama State Board of Education.

County leaders pledged support for incumbents Jackie Zeigler, R-Mobile, in District 1, and Tonya Smith Chestnut, D-Selma, in District 5. Kelly Mooney, R-Indian Springs, earned the endorsement in District 3, while Allen Long, R-Florence, was endorsed for District 7.

Read the news release on Dobson's endorsement here.

Read the news release on School Board endorsements here.

The Alabama Legislature convenes Feb. 6 for the 2024 Regular Session

Capitol Connection | Alabama Farmers Federation | (334) 288-3900 | AlfaFarmers.org

Questions?

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