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Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey Kicks Off Statewide Expansion of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library

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Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey Kicks Off Statewide Expansion of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library

Below is an official press release from the office of Alabama Governor Kay Ivey.

MONTGOMERY – Governor Kay Ivey on Wednesday kicked off the statewide expansion of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, during an official launch event. Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library is dedicated to inspiring a love of reading by gifting free books each month to children birth to age 5.

Alabama Department of Early Childhood Education Acting Secretary Dr. Jan Hume, elected officials, community leaders and partners, parents, teachers and Alabama’s youngest learners joined Governor Ivey to officially launch the statewide program. Additionally, Dolly Parton made a virtual appearance during the event.

Held on National Book Lovers Day, Governor Ivey began the event recognizing the significance of reading proficiency.

“No matter what a child grows up to be, reading proficiently is simply critical. No doubt, learning to read begins at home. Parents are our first teachers, after all,” said Governor Ivey in her remarks. “It is really important that our parents start reading to our children when they’re just babies. And we must encourage our children to open books during their earliest developmental stages.”

First declaring Alabama’s intent to participate in Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library during her 2023 Inaugural Address and subsequently acting on her promise with Executive Order 729, Governor Ivey continued her remarks to officially announce the statewide expansion of the book gifting program.

“This program – through the state and community support – will help to eventually ensure every child in Alabama can receive books directly to their homes each month after they are born until five years of age. Since I first announced this effort during my inaugural address in January, we have worked hard to engage community partners all across our state, a couple of whom you will hear from in just a moment,” continued Governor Ivey. “Our goal is to bring this program to all 67 counties, and we are well on our way to making that a reality.”

As a statewide program, the goal is to establish local programs in all 67 counties, cultivating new partnerships to help fund and support local program partners. Local program partners and affiliates must be a 501c3, which includes businesses, school districts, libraries, local foundations and others.

Currently, Alabama’s program has 55 operation local program partners covering portions of Alabama’s 67 counties. Over 40,000 eligible children in the state are currently receiving free, high- quality books through these programs.

“I’m so excited to help announce that my Imagination Library is coming to Alabama,” said Dolly Parton. “A lot of good people have worked to make our Imagination Library dream for Alabama a reality, but I want to send my very special thanks to Governor Kay Ivey for her leadership in making this happen.”

The Imagination Library of Alabama expansion will focus on finding community partners to start new Imagination Library programs to reach more children and families, increasing registration in existing Imagination Library programs in the state.

“Thank you to Governor Kay Ivey for her continued support of early learning and providing pathways like the Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library to ensure children in Alabama have a strong start in life. We know that reading aloud to children can positively impact their brain development, so having the opportunity to provide free books to parents and children across the state is priceless,” said Alabama Department of Early Childhood Education Acting Secretary Dr. Jan Hume. “We will continue to work hard until we have Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library in all 67 counties in Alabama.”

Governor Ivey concluded her remarks sharing her optimism in Alabama students’ drive to learn and read. She recognized the impact the Imagination Library will have for Alabama families, while addressing the support it requires to be successful.

“So, whether you are a nonprofit or school system, I am calling on you to join with the state in making the Dolly Parton Imagination Library available to children birth to age 5 in every corner of Alabama,” said Governor Ivey.

Overview of North Carolina Congressman Dan Bishop, (Republican)

Matt OHern
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Overview of North Carolina Congressman Dan Bishop, (Republican)

Congressman Dan Bishop is a Republican member of the U.S. House, representing North Carolina’s 8th district. Bishop assumed office on Sept. 17, 2019.

On Aug. 4, 2023, Bishop announced his candidacy for North Carolina Attorney General, and said he would not run for re-election to congress. Bishop’s decision not to seek reelection to the 8th District will create an open seat in a district that former President Donald Trump would have carried by 34 points in 2020, however North Carolina’s map is expected to be redrawn this year.

During his time as a state legislator, Bishop was the lead author of North Carolina’s Public Facilities Privacy & Security Act, commonly called the “bathroom bill”, which prohibited transgender people from using public restrooms other than those of their biological sex as defined on their birth certificates.

Personal Background

Rep. Bishop was born in Charlotte and currently resides in Waxhaw, NC. He has been married to his wife Jo, for 25 years. His son, Jack, is following his father’s footsteps and pursuing a law degree. Bishop has been a commercial litigator for three decades and has been named to North Carolina’s “Legal Elite”, on ten different occasions. career experience includes working as an attorney with Erwin, Bishop, Capitano, & Moss, P.A.

Educational Background

  • Rep. Bishop received a B.S. in business administration from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1986, where he graduated with high honors, Order of the Coif, and served on the North Carolina Law Review
  • Rep. Bishop received his degree in Business Administration from University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he graduated with highest distinction

House Committees and Subcommittees

Committee on Homeland Security

  • Subcommittee on Counterterrorism, Law Enforcement, and Intelligence
  • Subcommittee on Oversight, Investigations, and Accountability (Chairman)

Committee on the Judiciary

  • Subcommittee on the Administrative State, Regulatory Reform, and Antitrust
  • Subcommittee on the Constitution and Limited Government

Select Subcommittee on the Weaponization of the Federal Government

Sponsored Legislation, Amendments, Bills, Resolutions

  • H.R.4848 – To provide for a right of action against Federal employees for violations of First Amendment rights.
  • H.R.1229 – Stop Critical Race Theory Act.
  • H.R.1228 – Combating Racist Training in the Military Act of 2023.
  • H.R.991 – COVID–19 Vaccination Non-Discrimination Act.
  • H.R.453 – AMERICANS Act.
  • H.Amdt.102 – An amendment numbered 3 printed in House Report 118-7 to ensure that law enforcement can only take action against unlawful speech.
  • H.R.6704 – HUNTER Act of 2022.
  • H.R.5328 – No Critical Race Theory Act.
  • H.R.5327 – Masks Off Act.
  • H.R.4123 – Increasing Health Coverage through HRAs Act of 2021.
  • H.R.3266 – Jumpstart the Economy with Jobs Act.
  • H.R.3134 – Combatting Racist Training in the Military Act of 2021.
  • H.R.2002– Let States Cut Taxes Act.
  • H.R.1902 – Do Your Job Act of 2021.
  • H.R.1871 – Transportation Security Transparency Improvement Act.
  • H.R.1482 – 504 Credit Risk Management Improvement Act of 2021.
  • H.R.1097 – Creating Hope and Opportunity through Increased Choice in Education Act.
  • H.R.506 – Immigration Detainer Enforcement Act of 2021.
  • H.J.Res.72 – Providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention relating to “Requirement for Persons To Wear Masks While on Conveyances and at Transportation Hubs”.
  • H.Res.1303 – Establishing the Marxist roots of critical race theory and detail the threat this divisive ideology poses to the American republic.
  • H.Res.1237 – Of inquiry requesting the President to provide certain documents to the House of Representatives relating to online censorship of political speech.
  • H.Res.1039 – Providing for the consideration of the joint resolution (H.J. Res. 72) providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention relating to “Requirement for Persons To Wear Masks While on Conveyances and at Transportation Hubs”.
  • H.Res.620 – Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives regarding legislative provisions in the Protecting the Right to Organize Act and American Jobs Act to void the State right-to-work laws that protect workers from being required to join and pay forced dues to a union to get or keep a job.
  • H.R.8199 – 504 Credit Risk Management Improvement Act of 2020.
  • H.R.8182 – CHOICE Act.
  • H.R.8120 – Increasing Opportunities for Small Businesses Act of 2020.
  • H.R.7619 – Expanding Assistance to Farmers Act of 2020.
  • H.R.7503 – No RIOT Act of 2020.
  • H.R.7285 – Chopping Cash for CHAZ Act of 2020.
  • H.R.6336 – Increasing Hospital Capacity to Fight the Coronavirus Act of 2020.
  • H.R.5670 – Transportation Security Transparency Improvement Act.
  • H.R.5224 – Increasing Health Coverage through HRAs Act.
  • H.R.4948 – Immigration Detainer Enforcement Act of 2019.

Official Congressional Website

Visit Dan Bishop’s official congressional website at danbishop.house.gov

Official Campaign Website

Visit Dan Bishop’s official campaign website at votedanbishop.com

Map of North Carolina’s 8th Congressional District

Tennessee Gov. Lee Issues Official Call, Presents Legislative Priorities Ahead of Public Safety Special Session

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Tennessee Gov. Lee Issues Official Call, Presents Legislative Priorities Ahead of Public Safety Special Session

Below is an official press releases from Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Today, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee issued the special session proclamation and presented the administration’s legislative and budget priorities that will go before the Tennessee General Assembly during the special session on public safety, convening August 21.

“As our nation faces evolving public safety threats, Tennessee remains vigilant and is taking continued action to protect communities while preserving the constitutional rights of law-abiding citizens,” said Gov. Bill Lee. “In the months leading up to the public safety special session, we have listened to Tennesseans and worked with members of the General Assembly to identify thoughtful, practical measures to strengthen public safety across our state, including steps to support law enforcement, address mental health, prevent violent crime and stop human trafficking. I thank the General Assembly for its continued partnership and look forward to achieving meaningful results for Tennesseans.”

Gov. Lee will present legislative and budget priorities during the public safety special session to keep Tennessee communities safe, support law enforcement and address mental health, all while preserving constitutional rights. In addition to bringing the following solutions in the administration package, the Governor will continue to work with members of the General Assembly on other legislation specified in the call.

1.     Codification of EO 100 and Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) Report Implementation: Requires reporting of accurate, complete and timely records from court clerks to the TBI within 72-hours and requires electronic submissions of dispositions and expungements to the TBI

2.     TennCare Mental Health Coverage Waiver: Directs TennCare to seek a waiver from the federal government to allow federal matching funds for Medicaid to cover services for mental illness and substance use disorders at institutions of mental diseases

3.     Addressing Mental Health Workforce Challenges: Budget initiatives that prioritize opportunities to grow and retain mental health professionals in the state

4.     Reforms for Mental Health: Expands access to mental health treatment by eliminating certain collaborative practice requirements for Advanced Registered Practice Nurses with psychiatric training

5.    Strengthening the Identification of Individuals Arrested for Felonies: Provides for the collection of DNA at the time of an arrest for all felonies

6.     Human Trafficking Report: Resolution directing TBI to report on the state of human trafficking in Tennessee

7.     Promoting Safe Storage: Eliminates taxes on firearm safes and safety devices, provides free gun locks, expands safe storage training in state-approved safety courses, and creates a public service announcement to promote safe storage

To date, more than 20,000 Tennesseans have submitted public comments on strengthening public safety, and the form will remain open through the entirety of the special session to ensure that Tennesseans can continue engaging in the conversation.

The full special session proclamation can be viewed here.

South Carolina Congressman Jim Clyburn Celebrates $17.4 Million in Federal Funding for Claflin University

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South Carolina Congressman Jim Clyburn Celebrates $17.4 Million in Federal Funding for Claflin University

Today, Congressman James E. Clyburn (SC-06) is pleased to celebrate over $17.4 million in National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) funding for Claflin University. The funding will go towards the construction of a Bioscience Research and Technology Center at Claflin University. Claflin will be the first Historically Black College and University (HBCU) to receive NIST-Construction funding.

“It has always been one of my priorities to provide HBCUs with the resources they need to develop the next generation of leaders,” said Congressman James E. Clyburn. “HBCUs are some of the most important intuitions in this country. This funding will allow Claflin to provide invaluable learning opportunities to its students and ensure STEM students of color have an equal opportunity to grow and thrive.”

“We cannot thank Congressman James Clyburn enough for recognizing how important a new science and technology center will be to Claflin, the state of South Carolina, and our aspirations for increasing research opportunities for our faculty, staff, and students,” said Claflin President Dr. Dwaun J. Warmack. “This grant is an investment that will provide Claflin with the resources and the potential to lead research in critical areas that impact our nation and the world.”

The Bioscience Research and Technology Center will be the epicenter for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) on Claflin’s campus. The new state-of-the-art facility be equipped with laboratories and advanced technologies to foster research opportunities for faculty, staff, and students. When completed, this will put Claflin University in a major competitive position to continue recruiting leading scientists to grow the research enterprise of the School of Natural Sciences and Mathematics.

This funding was sponsored by Congressman Clyburn and made possible through the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023. Congressman Clyburn was the only member of the South Carolina House delegation to vote for this legislation.

Virginians Want Their Change Back

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Virginians Want Their Change Back
Virginians Want Their Change Back

Wicker Leads Passage of Senate Defense Bill

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Wicker Leads Passage of Senate Defense Bill

Below is an official press release from U.S. Senator Roger Wicker (R-Miss).

Last month, by an 86-11 vote, the Senate passed its version of the government’s annual national security bill, called the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). I am privileged to be the top Republican on the Senate Armed Services Committee, which is responsible for writing the bill. Though the legislation does not include everything I wanted, it takes important steps to provide for the common defense. The bill would refocus the Pentagon on warfighting, not divisive social issues, and it would support many of Mississippi’s contributions to our military.

NDAA Equips Our Troops

The United States faces the most dangerous threat environment since World War II. China’s massive military spending, Russia’s brutality in Ukraine, and threats from other rogue nations compel us to strengthen our military might. This year’s NDAA helps accomplish that.

The bill would prioritize our greatest asset: our people. The NDAA would bring a substantial pay raise to all troops and would make housing and healthcare more affordable for military families. It would also authorize monumental investments in our naval power and munitions capacity. The U.S. submarine program remains one of our most significant advantages over China, and this bill would increase its strength. It authorizes new purchases to help the Pentagon put American-made tools in American soldiers’ hands. And by supporting emerging technology research, the NDAA would help keep our troops on the cutting edge. I also successfully included border security measures in the bill. Among those is the FINISH IT Act, which I authored to compel the Department of Defense to use already-purchased barrier materials to build the border wall.

NDAA Protects Military’s Culture of Excellence

As Senate Republicans helped draft this legislation, we were aware that our armed forces face a recruiting crisis. In this year’s NDAA, we are seeking to reverse that disturbing trend. This bill would increase the military’s budget for recruiting and advertising. It would also invest in programs like Junior ROTC, which introduces youth to the value of military service and leads many to join.

I am convinced that one reason for the military’s enlistment shortage is the politicization of the Pentagon. Political military leaders have instituted a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) bureaucracy that distracts from their core deterrence mission. In response, I authored the MERIT Act, which would ensure that merit, not demographics, remains the top factor in service member promotions.

Mississippi Leads in National Security

Mississippi is a leader in national defense innovation. This bill recognizes that by investing in our array of military installations, shipyards, airfields, and manufacturing sites.

Our shipyards will empower the Navy’s future success. The NDAA would authorize construction of another amphibious warship, a berthing barge, and submarine components along the Gulf Coast. We also host crucial airfields and training grounds. The bill would provide a fire and crash rescue site for the 172nd Airlift Wing at the Jackson-Medgar Wiley Evers airport. It would devote significant resources to T-7A pilot training and aircraft maintenance at Columbus Air Force Base. Camp Shelby would also receive authority to expand its rail capabilities and complete a training installation.

The NDAA would also tap into the vast resources of our universities. It would support optoelectronic materials research at the University of Southern Mississippi, language education at the University of Mississippi, and machine learning research at Mississippi State University.

The Senate’s NDAA honors our troops, supports Mississippi’s contributions, and makes our nation safer. The House and the Senate will soon meet to reconcile our defense bills and send a unified package to the president’s desk.

Florida Congressman Byron Donalds introduces the Post 9/11 Veteran Business Acceleration Act

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Florida Congressman Byron Donalds introduces the Post 9/11 Veteran Business Acceleration Act

Below is a press release from Florida Congressman Byron Donalds.

REP. DONALDS INTRODUCES THE POST 9/11 VETERAN BUSINESS ACCELERATION ACTShare on Facebook Share on Twitter Print this Page Share by EmailWashington, August 5, 2022WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Rep. Byron Donalds (R-FL) introduced the Post 9/11 Veteran Business Acceleration Act alongside Representatives Rob Wittman (R-VA) and Young Kim (R-CA). This bill amends the Post 9/11 Educational Assistance Program to establish a joint pilot program between the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the Small Business Administration (SBA) to allow eligible individuals to receive financial assistance for business operations instead of educational aid.“When our brave servicemen and women return to civilian life, we must alleviate the barriers and promote as many avenues as possible for our heroes to succeed at home. In an age when citizens are engaging in new and innovative ways of achieving the American Dream, Congress must recognize that earning a diploma from a higher education facility isn’t the only ticket to success in America,” said Rep. Donalds. “My bill allows veterans to use funds intended solely for education to assist Post 9/11 veterans in establishing, opening, and successfully operating a qualified small business. Our veterans are the greatest among us and deserve every opportunity to excel in the nation they valiantly defended.”“I’m proud to support this bill that will ensure our veterans receive every opportunity to succeed at home. The Post 9/11 Veteran Business Acceleration Act will give veterans the flexibility they deserve to direct their own path toward business ownership or higher education,” said Rep. Wittman. “Veterans demonstrate the dedication, vision, and patriotism that contribute to the best of American innovation and entrepreneurship. They deserve every opportunity to thrive and our nation will be better for it.”“We need to have the backs of our brave veterans and ensure they have the tools available to achieve their dream,” said Rep. Kim. “I’m proud to join Reps. Donalds and Wittman to introduce the Post 9/11 Veteran Business Acceleration Act to reduce barriers to success for our veterans and allow more veterans to start businesses, create jobs, achieve their dream and support our local communities. As Ranking Member of the Small Business Innovation, Entrepreneurship and Workforce Development Subcommittee, I’m proud to support our small business owners.” “This impactful, and forward-thinking, legislation will give these veteran entrepreneurs the vital access to capital which will provide a solid foundation for their business’s success. We are grateful for Congressman Donalds’ leadership in developing and introducing the Post 9/11 Veterans Business Acceleration Act!” –  Mark Odell, Board of Directors SWFL Veterans Business Council

Florida Congressman Soto Introduces Don Young Veterans Advancing Conservation ActFlorida Congressman Soto

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Below is a press release from Florida Congressman Darren Soto.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Darren Soto (FL-09) announced the introduction ofH.R. 4949, the Don Young Veterans Advancing Conservation Act — a bill to require the Secretary of Commerce to establish a grant program that facilitates the training and employment of veterans in the marine conservation field.

“So many veterans in our community are looking to continue their service beyond the military. Our bill encourages the Department of Commerce to create opportunities for veterans to reinvest their training and potential through conservation efforts,” said Congressman Soto. “I’m proud to be leading this effort in the House in honor of the late Don Young. Congressman Young was a champion for veterans in Alaska and the nation. He was also a dear friend that I had the privilege of serving with for nearly three terms on the Natural Resources Committee, and I was his co-lead sponsor on the legislation previously. It is now up to us to continue his efforts to help veterans when they come home.”


The Don Young Veterans Advancing Conservation Act calls on the Department of Commerce to create the “Veterans Advancing Conservation Grant Program” to award grants to nonprofit organizations that train or employ veterans toconduct underwater marine and coastal conservation activities. These activities include coral restoration, marine debris removal, hurricane recovery, and more.

H.R. 4949 is co-sponsored by Reps. Mary Sattler Peltola (D-Alaska), Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR-01), Jenniffer González Colón (R-Puerto Rico), Garret Graves (R-LA-06), Jared Huffman (D-CA-02), and Anna Paulina Luna (R-FL-13). It has been referred to the House Committee on Veterans Affairs.

For the full text of the bill, please click here.

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