Latest news with #WillAinsworth
Yahoo
3 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
‘They say the right things': Veterans react to 12-bill package passing
HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (WHNT) — Alabama Lieutenant Governor Will Ainsworth announced that a 12-bill package passed the Legislature during the 2025 session, with all bills focused on improvements for veterans who call Alabama home. The bills address a wide variety of needs, with Ainsworth's Office saying the bills 'will help ensure that our state remains the nation's friendliest and most welcoming for active service members, veterans, and their dependents.' TVA asking Jackson County residents for input on proposed Pumped Storage Hydro project At first glance, veterans said that while the bills look great in writing, they have to wait and see the plans come to fruition. They're great as they're written,' Veteran Bobby Lee said. 'They have the right words. They say the right things. It's now up to the people that are going to execute it. Do you stick to the letter of the bill?' The bills cover topics from expanding the Veteran Treatment Courts to making certain allowances for military spouses with out-of-state job licenses. Veterans said two efforts stuck out the most: working to improve mental health services and the new Veteran Resource Center. 'It's a very good start,' Lee said. 'Again, it's got to be the emphasis; it can't just be the flavor of the month. Not everybody that has a mental health issue is the person that's huddled up against a building and got their knees pulled up. There are folks out there every day who you don't know…Mental health is the big ball in the sky, so to speak, with health care right now for all veterans, there's a stigma attached to it…We've got to get people to overcome that.' Broadband project brings internet to 600 homes in Killingsworth Cove 'Mostly the mental health, and I know that's a big issue,' Veteran Joseph Gaur said. 'I hope it'll create more awareness and more classes to make more veterans aware of their mental health and to help them.' The bills aim to do what Gaur is addressing through several methods. Arguably, the most notable effort is the opening of the Veteran Resource Center in Montgomery. Ainsworth's office said it is aimed to 'assist military members entering the private sector with employment services, benefits navigation, education opportunities and mental health services.' 'Alabama Veterans Resource Center is going to address an awful lot of overarching issues,' Still Serving Veterans CEO Rich Landolt said. 'Three stressors in anybody's life are death of a loved one, whenever you're moving and whenever you start a new job. And, that veteran is doing two of those three as soon as he starts transitioning out. So, the sooner you can get him into a job and, create that stability in the family, everybody is in a better place.' Rich Landolt is the CEO of Still Serving Veterans and a retired U.S. Navy Rear Admiral. He said the work they're planning to do at the new center is some of what his non-profit does daily, from career transition assistance to benefits navigation. Because of this, Landolt said Still Serving Veterans will be a key player in the Veteran Resource Center's development. 'We're a victim of our own success, and my VA team here has a three-month backlog,' Landolt said. 'As a member of the Workforce Board, the Governor's Workforce Board, and as a CEO of Still Serving Veterans, I can help guide the discussion down in Montgomery as well. And, that'll be helpful, because I've already told them we'd be happy to train up a couple of our counselors to live down there and help with helping that veteran find a job.' Landolt's proposal to hire some of SSV's personnel at the new center is looking like it may become a reality. 'Vice Chairman of the Governor's Workforce Board is a man named Greg Shuman, and he reached out to us with this proposal to hire a couple of our people down there in Montgomery,' Landolt said. 'And we jumped right on it. So we've been able to influence the discussion before this came out.' There are no official plans or an intended opening date for the Veteran Resource Center, as it is still in its early planning stages. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Who is running? Alabama U.S. Senate seat opens up with Tuberville's bid for governor
HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (WHNT) — Alabama U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville says he is running for governor, meaning there will be a reshuffling of the state political map. It has already encouraged new candidates to enter the U.S. Senate race. The state's Agriculture Commissioner also announced a bid for Lieutenant Governor, as current Lieutenant Governor Will Ainsworth, long expected to run for governor, said he won't seek that seat. 'Coach Tuberville for Governor': Tuberville's campaign site goes live And the major question Tuberville's announcement raises is who wants to replace him in the U.S. Senate? Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall has not announced his plans but has said he could pivot to the U.S. Senate race if Tuberville chose to run for governor. Former U.S. Navy SEAL Jared Hudson, who runs the anti-human trafficking organization — Covenant Rescue Group announced Wednesday he is running for Alabama's newly open U.S. Senate seat. Another potential candidate is Mo Brooks, who served six terms as U.S. Rep. for the 5th Congressional District, which includes Huntsville. Brooks, who was initially endorsed by Donald Trump, lost his U.S. Senate bid in a runoff against Katie Britt in 2022. ⭐ News 19 is Your Local Election Headquarters! Click here for more election coverage ⭐ Brooks said he is considering his options, and his decision will be shaped by the field of candidates who emerge by the time qualifying for the seat takes place. He sent the following statement to News 19 on Wednesday: 'The keys to whether I will run for the U. S. Senate are whether I have confidence other GOP candidates have a track record that persuades me they (1) have a good understanding of how to properly handle a myriad of dangerous economic issues looming on America's horizon, (2) will do what it takes to get America's debt under control (not just mouth the right words to get votes but actually do what it takes come hell or high water), and (3) do what it takes to protect the jobs and incomes of struggling American families from an ongoing tsunami of cheap legal and illegal foreign labor.'Personally, I hope there is another GOP candidate who has the strength of character to do what America needs doing. If not, I will give a Senate race strong consideration.' Former Congressman Mo Brooks In terms of fundraising for the gubernatorial and U.S. Senate races, a former federal candidate like Tuberville can only use $1,000 of the $671,000 in his current Senate campaign war chest for the governor's race, under Alabama law. Candidates who have raised significant money for state races, like Lt. Gov. Will Ainsworth with $1.2 million raised or Marshall, with $171,000 on hand, cannot use any of that state-race money for a federal campaign. 📲 to stay updated on the go. 📧 to have news sent to your inbox. Former Alabama Secretary of State John Merrill, who has been considered a potential candidate for both Governor and U.S. Senator, said in an interview with our sister station CBS 42 on Wednesday that he's been approached by supporters about both races, and he is still considering his options. And Wednesday evening, U.S. Rep. Dale Strong, who succeeded Brooks in representing the 5th Congressional District, said he plans to continue serving in the U.S. House. 'After prayerful thought and consideration, I have decided that the best way I can serve Alabama is to remain in the United States House of Representatives,' Strong said. 'For that reason, I will be seeking re-election to Congress in 2026 and no other office. Representing north Alabama in Washington has been the most rewarding experience in my career of public service. I truly believe I am where the Lord wants me, and I want to continue to represent my community.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Ala. Lt. Governor announces 12-bill package aimed at supporting veterans, troops was approved during 2025 regular session
ALABAMA (WHNT) — Alabama Lieutenant Governor Will Ainsworth announced Tuesday that a package of bills was approved by the Legislature during the 2025 regular session. The Office of the Lieutenant Governor sent out a news release announcing that a package of 12 bills was approved during the 2025 regular session. The Office said Ainsworth, who chairs the Alabama Military Stability Commission, said the bills 'will help ensure that our state remains the nation's friendliest and most welcoming for active service members, veterans, and their dependents.' In the release, Ainsworth said Alabama was among the first states to pass legislature ensuring 'occupational licensing reciprocity for military dependents, which allows a military spouse who is licensed to practice in a specific job area in another state to also practice locally while stationed in Alabama.' The bills approved created a one-stop Alabama Veterans Resource Center, expanded the use of Veterans Treatment Courts, protected veterans from predatory scams and more. Below is a list of the bills approved and what it would mean for veterans in Alabama: SB70-engrossedDownload SB70 aims to 'establish the Alabama Veterans Resource Center to assist military members entering the private sector with employment services, benefits navigation, education opportunities and mental health services,' the Lt. Governors office said. The bill was signed into law on Feb. 27. It is set to take effect on June 1. You can read the engrossed bill provided to the left. Alabama-2025-SB200-EnrolledDownload SB200 aims to 'expand the use of Veterans Treatment Courts across the state and incorporates Veterans Treatment Courts into a newly established statewide Accountability Court system,' the Lt. Governors office said. This bill was signed into law on April 17. It is set to take effect on October 1 You can read the full text of the bill to the left. Alabama-2025-SB59-Enrolled-enactedDownload SB59 aims to 'allow children/dependents of active duty military personnel to substitute military medical records as evidence of age-appropriate immunization and testing in place of the Blue Card for presentation to a public or private school authority. It also renames the 'drug courts' to the 'accountability courts,'' the Lt. Governors office said. This bill was enacted on March 19. It is set to take effect on July 1. You can read the full text of the bill to the left. Alabama-2025-SB91-EnrolledDownload SB91 aims to 'update the Military Planning Act to further prevent the construction of tall structures near military installations and provides clarification for the approval of construction of tall structures by local governing authorities,' the Lt. Governors office said. It was signed into law on April 16 and is set to take effect on October 1. You can read the full text of the bill to the left. Alabama-2025-SB206-EnrolledDownload SB206 aims to 'adopt federal standards to prevent predatory practices by private entities assisting veterans to obtain their benefits and applies Alabama consumer protection penalties to those who violate federal protections,' the Lt. Governors office said. It was signed into law on May 22 and is set to take effect on October 1. You can read the full text of the bill to the left. HJR22-enrDownload HJR22 aims to 'update the military friendly designation program, the Purple Star Schools Program, to allow private schools to participate in the program,' the Lt. Governors office said. It was signed into law on May 2. You can read the full text of the bill to the left. SB181-enrDownload SB181 aims to 'enroll the state of Alabama in the Respiratory Care Interstate Compact to assist with military spouse occupational license reciprocity,' the Lt. Governors office said. It was signed into law on April 17 and is said to go into effect on October 1. You can read the full text of the bill to the left. Alabama-2025-SB61-EnrolledDownload SB61 aims to 'enroll Alabama in the School Psychology Interstate Compact to assist with military spouse occupational license reciprocity,' the Lt. Governors office said. It was signed into law on April 22 and is said to go into effect on October 1. You can read the full text of the bill to the left. Alabama-2025-SB104-EnrolledDownload SB104 aims to 'updates the membership of the Alabama Military Stability Commission,' the Lt. Governors office said. It was signed into law on April 10 and will take effect on October 1. You can read the full text of the bill to the left. Alabama-2025-HJR66-EnrolledDownload HJR66 aims to 'express the support of the Alabama Legislature for the basing of the KC-46A aircraft at the 117th Air Refueling Wing in Birmingham, AL,' the Lt. Governors office said. It was signed into law on March 3. You can read the full text of the bill to the left. Alabama-2025-SB179-EnrolledDownload SB179 aims to 'make updates to the Alabama Code of Military Justice at the request of the Alabama National Guard,' the Lt. Governors office said. It was signed into law on April 16 and is set to take effect on October 1. You can read the full text of the bill to the left. Alabama-2025-SB198-EnrolledDownload SB198 aims to 'clarify the ability of Judge Advocate Generals to provide legal services to a range of National Guard, civilian, and prior service personnel at the Request of the Alabama National Guard,' the Lt. Governors office said. It was signed into law on April 8 and is set to take effect on October 1. You can read the full text of the bill to the left. 'Since taking office as lieutenant governor seven years ago, we have worked hard to anticipate and meet the needs of the men and women who currently wear a uniform, those who have previously defended the U.S.A., and the family members who love and support them. Passing these bills creates jobs, grows our economy, and protects Alabama's military bases, but, more importantly, it fulfills what I believe is a moral obligation to support soldiers and service members of the past, present, and future.' Alabama Lt. Governor Will Ainsworth Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Who will be Alabama's next governor? The latest look at who's in and out of the race
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT) – 2026 is shaping up to be a big election year for the state. Many local offices will be on the ballot, as well as our next governor. Lieutenant Governor Will Ainsworth announced Wednesday morning he will not be entering the race for governor. With Ainsworth's announcement, many eyes are now on Senator Tommy Tuberville. He's previously said he'll announce his decision by the end of May. With less than two weeks left in the month, some political experts believe Tuberville will be officially entering the race for governor early next week. 'Qualifying is not until next February. It's Alabama politics, anything can happen between now and next February, but I don't see a strong challenger in the Republican Primary,' said former state representative Paul DeMarco. DeMarco says Senator Tuberville's name recognition and party popularity makes him a strong candidate for governor. He says these factors will also help him get any funding needed to run a statewide campaign. 'I think at this point, he clears the field for the Republican Primary for governor, and so then all eyes are on what happens in the U.S. Senate race to replace him, what happens in some of the other down ballot races, lieutenant governor, attorney general, some of the congressional seats,' he said. 'So, I think the dominoes will fall when he officially announces, which could be any day now.' While some are wondering which Republicans could stand up against Tuberville, others look right to the Democratic side of the ticket and who could put up a solid fight on the other side of the aisle. 'We have two folks on the Democratic side who have announced for governor, but this is very, very early. We believe there will be a whole lot more activity on our side,' Wayne Rodgers, chair of the Jefferson County Democratic Party, said. 'Dr. Will Boyd has announced he's running. A guy named Chad Martin from south Alabama has announced that he's running. There's a possibility that our good friend Doug Jones may be running for governor. It would be a rematch with Tommy Tuberville from 2020.' 'Alabama's a red state, Senator Tuberville's very popular, I don't think any Democrat can beat him,' DeMarco said. 'I know Senator Doug Jones is out there talking about potentially running for him, but I mean, in the past, Republicans have won 60-40 in statewide races. Governor Ivey did that several years ago, I don't see that changing.' Some voters around Birmingham weighed in on who they want to see in the position next. 'Just that, you know, care for the community, they care about the state and just pushing forward. Just a genuine, good person,' Birmingham resident Jimmy Carter Jr. said. 'You want somebody that thinks like you, in a positive way though.' 'Doug Jones, please run against Tuberville. He needs to go,' Center Point resident Roderick Johnson said. 'Mayor Woodfin, if he would run, he's been a great mayor of Birmingham. I see the improvement. Crime is improving with the new police chief, so definitely Mayor Woodfin. That's a long shot, him being a Democrat and a black man in Alabama, but it can happen.' Candidates are able to begin fundraising and campaigning now. The primary election will be on May 19 next year. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Alabama Lt. Gov. Will Ainsworth not running for governor in 2026
Lt. Gov. Will Ainsworth speaks to a senator in the Alabama Senate on May 7, 2025 at the Alabama Statehouse in Montgomery, Alabama. Ainsworth announced Wednesday he will not be running for Alabama governor in 2026. (Brian Lyman/Alabama Reflector) Alabama Lt. Gov. Will Ainsworth will not run for governor next year. In a social media post Wednesday morning, Ainsworth said the decision came after prayers and discussions with his family. 'Kendall and I have decided that focusing on our children during their last years in high school and transitioning to the private sector makes the most sense for all of us at this time in our lives,' he wrote. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Ainsworth, who is term-limited in his current office, said he would campaign for GOP candidates next year. 'I will be on the campaign trail working alongside President Trump to help elect a strong, conservative governor and other Republican elected officials who will keep Alabama moving in the right direction,' he wrote. Though the lieutenant governor's office is relatively powerless, Ainsworth had managed to raise large sums of money over the years from the Big Mules on Goat Hill, taking in $4.8 million between 2017 and today. According to campaign finance records, Progress PAC, the fundraising arm of the Business Council of Alabama, gave Ainsworth over $170,000 from 2017 to 2022. Alabama Forestry PAC gave Ainsworth just over $186,000 during that time; Alabama Power's Employee PAC had given him $152,000. The Alabama Builders Association gave him $150,000. Ainsworth had $1.3 million in his campaign account at the end of January, according to campaign finance records. Ainsworth, 44, was first elected as lieutenant governor in 2018 after serving in the Alabama House of Representatives and re-elected in 2022. His term is set to end on Jan. 18, 2027. The Guntersville resident served one term in the Alabama House before becoming lieutenant governor. Gov. Kay Ivey, who has served in the office since 2017, is term-limited. U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville has expressed interest in running for the governor's office. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE
