#alpolitics Weekly Roundup - February 10-15, 2025
Happy Saturday! Here are our top stories from Alabama Politics for this week of February 10, 2025:
Senator Tommy Tuberville Named Chairman of Senate HELP Subcommittee on Education and the American Family
Senator Tommy Tuberville has been appointed as the Chairman of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Subcommittee on Education and the American Family. In his new role, Senator Tuberville aims to address the challenges facing the U.S. education system, emphasizing the need for significant improvements to better serve students nationwide.
Alabama Veterans Oppose State Takeover of Veterans Affairs
A significant number of Alabama veterans and veterans' organizations are voicing strong opposition to Governor Kay Ivey's proposal to restructure the Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs (ADVA). The proposed changes would shift control from the State Board of Veterans Affairs to the governor's office, a move critics argue could politicize the department and undermine the interests of veterans.
Rep. Barry Moore Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Modernize Forest Data Collection
Congressman Barry Moore (R-AL) has introduced the Forest Data Modernization Act, a bipartisan effort aimed at updating the technology and methods used in the Forest Inventory and Analysis (FIA) Program. The legislation seeks to provide foresters with improved data accessibility and advanced tools to support sustainable forest management and economic growth in the timber industry.
Senator Katie Britt Applauds the End of USAID's 'Woke' Spending
Senator Katie Britt (R-AL) has praised recent actions to dismantle the U.S. Agency for International Development's (USAID) programs that she describes as promoting "woke" ideologies abroad. Senator Britt views this move as a victory for American taxpayers and a step toward refocusing foreign aid on initiatives that directly benefit U.S. interests.
Lt. Governor Ainsworth Opposes Governor Ivey's Plan to Restructure Veterans Affairs
Lt. Governor Will Ainsworth has publicly opposed Governor Kay Ivey's proposal to take greater control over the Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs. Ainsworth argues that leadership of the department should remain with the State Board of Veterans Affairs, composed of veterans who understand the unique needs of their peers, rather than shifting to political appointees.
Senator Tuberville Introduces Legislation to Dismantle DEI Programs
Senator Tommy Tuberville, along with Senator Eric Schmitt and Congressman Michael Cloud, has introduced the Dismantle DEI Act. This legislation aims to eliminate diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs within the federal government, with the goal of restoring a merit-based system and preventing future administrations from reinstating such policies.
For more detailed information on these stories, visit Alabama Politics.
