Government

JeffCo Commission Discusses Rescue Spending

The Jefferson County Commission is considering how to spend money coming in as part of Phase 1 of the American Rescue Plan Act funds. The commission began that discussion Tuesday, although the federal government has not yet issued the final guidelines for spending under that act. County staff devised the current plan using the preliminary guidelines, Justin Smith, an assistant to the county manager, told commissioners. “We're trying to get some money out immediately pending the receipt of that final guidance using the interim guidance that has been provided by the Treasury,” Smith said. “We don't want to put all our eggs into one basket this time because things are going to change once that final guidance comes out. Read more. Also in the Jefferson County Commission:

Not Us: JeffCo Commissioners Not Responsible for JCCEO

Application Period for Library Board Closed Tuesday

Applications to become a member of the Birmingham Public Library’s board of trustees are due today at 5 p.m. Three slots on the board are open now and terms for another three members expire at the end of the year. The board has been controversial for more than a year as employees became discontent, the executive director was fired and, most recently, the board discussed closing several library branches. Read more.

New Law to Infuse Billions for Alabama Infrastructure

Alabama could get more than $6.8 billion in road and transportation funding in the recently approved $1.2 trillion Infrastructure, Investment and Jobs Act. While broad outlines of how that money will be allocated are available, more federal direction is needed before specific projects are identified. “We’re still waiting on the federal guidance on what exactly we can do with this money,” Tom Layfield, executive director of the Alabama Road Builders Association, told Alabama Daily News. To see approximately what Alabama should expect from the infrastructure law over five years, read more.

Now or Later? What Will Happen With Remaining Rescue Funds?

Alabama lawmakers, particularly those on the General Fund budget committees, will have a larger task in the legislative session that begins in January. But it’s still unclear how much of the remaining about $1.6 billion American Rescue Plan Act will be allocated in the Legislature’s spring meeting. “We’ve got a lot more to figure out than just the Education Trust Fund and General Fund,” Sen. Greg Albritton, R-Range, said about lawmakers’ normal annual budgeting process. The state’s more than $2 billion in ARPA money comes in two tranches, about half this year and half likely in June 2022, according to the Department of Finance. By May, lawmakers have will already ended their 2022 session. Whether they’ll allocate all the money in the spring session or wait to distribute the 2022 share is still being discussed. Read more.

Birmingham Mayor Woodfin Sworn in for a Second Term

Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin began his second term in office Tuesday, continuing his tenure as the city’s 30th mayor. The inauguration took place at Linn Park on a stage in front of city hall with the American flag and the mayor’s image as backdrop. Jefferson County Judge Ruby Davis swore in Woodfin, who was accompanied by his mother, Cynthia Woodfin-Kellum. In a 20-minute speech, he spoke about his administration’s accomplishments over the past four years, such as investing in infrastructure and creating the Birmingham Promise college scholarship and apprenticeship program. He talked about continuing to reimagine public safety in the next four years, wanting to create opportunities for citizens to live their best lives and make Birmingham the best city it can be. Read more.

Birmingham Council Transfers Two Sewer Stations to Jefferson County

The Birmingham City Council has approved the transfer of two sanitary sewer pump stations in the city’s Fairmont neighborhood to Jefferson County. Operations of those stations already had been turned over to the county as part of a 1998 unification agreement, but the properties themselves had remained under city ownership. Read more.

Labor Secretary Marty Walsh Announces $15 Minimum Wage for Federal Contractors During Visit to Birmingham

An estimated 327,000 people across the country could see a pay increase under a new U.S. Department of Labor rule announced Monday. Starting Jan. 30, federal contractors will be required to pay workers a new $15-an-hour minimum wage. Labor Secretary Marty Walsh spoke about the policy during a trip to Birmingham. Read more.

Bill Would Prevent Social Media Companies From Blocking Users Over Viewpoints

Proposed legislation would prohibit large social media platforms from blocking a user in Alabama or deleting the opinions or information they share. Read more.

JeffCo Commission Announces $1.1 Billion Deal With Smucker’s

The Jefferson County Commission announced Thursday the largest economic development project in the history of the region. J.M. Smucker Co. will build a manufacturing facility in McCalla at the Jefferson Metropolitan Industrial Park to support its growing Smucker's Uncrustables line. The $1.1 billion capital investment will bring 750 high-wage jobs to the community. The development will be about 1½ miles from the Jefferson-Tuscaloosa counties line on old U.S. 11 between exits 100 and 104 of Interstate 20/59. Smucker’s project manager Brad Borkowski said excavation will begin Nov. 29, and the first sellable products are to roll out in May 2024. The McCalla plant will be one of three the company has producing Uncrustables, a fruit and peanut butter pocket pastry. “Smucker’s is coming to Jefferson County,” Commissioner Steve Ammons said in the announcement. “Now I can tell you it’s a sweet deal.” Read more.

Marshall Sues to Stop Biden Health Care Worker Vaccine Mandate

MONTGOMERY — Attorney General Steve Marshall filed a lawsuit Monday against the Biden administration’s COVID-19 vaccine mandate for all health workers. It is the third lawsuit brought by the state challenging federal vaccine mandates. Read more.