VNN EXPANDS ITS ONLINE EDITION IN 2003

VNN publisher Donald V. Watkins announced a major expansion in VNN's online edition starting in January 2003. The political news service will expand its coverage to report news of interest to independent voters in key presidential states such as New York, Florida, California, Illinois and Texas. This move toward a broader, national presence will include the launch of the VNN Spanish edition early this year. VNN is seeking to increase its monthly readership from 190,000 in 2002 to over two million in 2004.

VNN is also converting its news service into a 100% online edition. A recent survey shows that VNN subscribers prefer reading the expanded content online at their own leisure rather than sifting through their monthly mail every month to find the more abbreviated printed edition. For readers who still prefer the printed edition, the expanded edition will also be available for print online.

(From The Birmingham News)
WATKINS MAY HELP CAROLINA SCHOOL
01/10/03
SOLOMON CRENSHAW JR.
News staff writer, The Birmingham News

Birmingham businessman Donald Watkins again plans to help a historically black university make the move to the highest level of collegiate football, and he again has pegged Alabama State coach L.C. Cole as the candidate to lead that move.

Watkins said Thursday that North Carolina A&T had contacted him about implementing the plan he trumpeted unsuccessfully three years ago to make Montgomery's Alabama State University the first historically black university to jump to Division I-A football. He said Cole is a candidate for the Aggies' vacant head coach position and added that Cole would be his choice.

"I do know they're considering him among a couple of other guys," Watkins said. "And I have let it be known that I would look upon his selection in a very favorable manner."

Cole said Thursday he had not been contacted by North Carolina A&T but would have to consider any offer that would help him and his family financially.

"You're always open to opportunities that could come along," he said.

Bill Hayes was relieved of his head coaching duties at A&T, which plays Division I-AA football in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference, after the 2002 season. He had a year left on his contract at the Greensboro, N.C., school.

Watkins led a campaign in 2000 to take Alabama State's football program from Division I-AA to Division I-A. The lawyer and businessman, then an ASU trustee, brought Cole to Montgomery to lead that change.

That effort ran aground as Watkins met opposition from other members of the ASU Board of Trustees.

Watkins told ASU officials then that he had business partners who would help the Hornets pay for the move to I-A. He said Thursday he has added to that list of potential partners in the course of trying to buy the Anaheim Angels of Major League Baseball.

"If they (North Carolina A&T) make the declaration to go I-A, I'll put my resources at their disposal," Watkins said, adding that his effort to buy the Angels will not stop.

"It's a continuation of what I was trying to do for Alabama State. The difference is my one year of experience out on the Major League Baseball track has introduced me to more people and more corporate relationships and I'll introduce those relationships to the North Carolina A&T officials if they declare intent to go I-A."

Clear advantages:

North Carolina A&T, which is only in the discussion stage about moving up to I-A, has clear advantages over Alabama State as it looks to move to I-A, Watkins said.

"It's a larger institution than Alabama State, they have a board of trustees that's committed to the project, an athletic director who's committed to the project (and) they have foundation people who are actively committed to the project," he said. "At Alabama State, we didn't have a president, we didn't have an athletic director and we had a board that had some members who were adamantly opposed to it and were ultimately politically powerful enough to stop it. And that's OK. That's a viewpoint, and some people are comfortable with the status quo. I'm not."

ASU trustees who opposed the idea said it would be too expensive.

Watkins said Alamerica Bank, which he owns, has offered to sponsor the Southwestern Conference Football Championship Game at Legion Field for the next 10 years. If the SWAC doesn't accept that offer, he said he will quickly offer that money to North Carolina A&T. He would not reveal the amount.

If the SWAC accepts the Alamerica offer, Watkins said he has other businesses that can give money to North Carolina A&T.

"There would be a financial contribution by one of my companies to do the project," he said. "I've got an energy company, I have a land and timber company and a number of financial services companies, so it's just a matter of which one and the nature and scope of the contribution."

Moving to Division I-A would require paying for facility improvements, more scholarships and other expenses.



TAXPAYERS TO PAY FOR TERRORISM INSURANCE
By: Adrian Taylor

Birmingham, AL -- President Bush recently signed into law a terrorism insurance bill. The measure comes fourteen months after the attacks on 9/11. The United States Government wrote a $90 billion policy as the "insurance of last resort" for future losses from terror attacks. President Bush had pressed Congress to pass the long delayed bill.

"Terrorism insurance," the president said in a statement, "will help get America's hard hats back on the job, create new jobs for America's workers and spur billions in new investment in construction projects all across the country. This bill comes at a critical time, as commercial construction is at a six year low.

Bush stated that in the wake of the terrorist attacks, many companies are unable to obtain affordable insurance for large construction projects. The economy and workers are hurting. President Bush further stated, "The bill will help ensure construction sites continue to operate, workers continue to fuel our Nation's economic engine, and the threat of future attacks on our economy is minimized."

The measure does not cover damage from the September 11 attacks. The attacks generated over $40 billion in insurance claims.

Senator Phil Gramm, Republican-Texas, opposed the bill. He fought the passage of the bill to the end. Gramm felt the bill overexposed taxpayers to losses and discouraged the development of a private terrorism insurance market.

The Senate voted 86-11 for the measure. The house had already passed the bill but the Senate had problems with Republicans efforts to fan all punitive damage awards in civil law suits related to terror attacks. Bush compromised with Democrats on the issues of unlimited punitive damage awards.

President Bush used his influence after the recent midterm election sweep, and contacted leaders of the GOP insisting that Congress complete the bill before adjourning for the year. Many members of Congress feel that the bill would have never passed in the lame-duck session had it not been for President Bush taking a personal interest in its passage.

Issues Surrounding the Bill

Two questions have presented themselves since the 9/ll attacks:

1. Should the insurance industry be required to subsidize losses from what are essentially foreign acts of war against the United States?

2. Who should pay the cost of another massive terror attack on the U.S.-The government or the insurance industry?

The passage of the Terrorism Insurance Bill answers those questions. So who pays? The taxpayer! They will pay the premium on the insurance policy.

Here is why the U.S. Government got involved:

It is nearly impossible to guess the possible damage that may occur from a future act of terrorism. Insurance companies have argued that without support from the Government in the form of back up insurance, the industry could be devastated by another disaster like the one seen 15 months ago in Washington, D.C. and New York.

Insurance companies now can provide coverage they had been denying customers. Insurance companies pay a small portion. The Government picks up most of the tab. If there are no major terrorism events domestically, then taxpayer liability is limited.

Here is how the bill works:

Federal payments would be capped at $90 billion the first year, $85 billion in the final year of the program. The Government will not be involved in claims for less than 5 million dollars. The measure will expire in 2005.

Insurance companies will pay a deductible equal to 7% of the premiums they received the previous year. In the second year of the program the deductible will rise to 10% and rise 15% in 2005.

Critics of the bill state that insurance companies have already collected hundreds of millions of dollars for premiums for terrorism insurance (based on their risk of paying), 100% of claims, the new measure now allows the insurance companies to pay out only 10 to 20 percent of any claims. Will insurance companies pay back premiums that will be due policyholders? Probably not! Critics also are concerned that one provision of the new bill gives insurers the right to by pass state regulators and charge whatever they want for coverage.

Major Disasters Insurance Companies Covered

Event/Insured loss (billions)

September 11, 2001 World Trade Center/140

August 1992 Hurricane Andrew/15.5

January 1994 Northridge, California (Earthquake)/12.5

September 1989 Hurricane Hugo/4.2

September 1998 Hurricane George/2.9

June 2001 Tropical Storm Allison/2.5

October 1995 Hurricane Opal/2.1

September 1999 Hurricane Floyd/1.96

March 1993 20 State Winter Storm/1.75

Source: Insurance Series Office, Inc.

Many consumer groups opposed the bill saying insurance companies don't need taxpayers to bail them out. Congress has given a gift to a rich and powerful industry. Conversely, Robert Vagley, president of the American Insurance Association, stated, "We believe this bill can significantly improve the marketplace for insuring against nearly infinite losses resulting from terrorism." One can only guess about the long-term role of the United States Government as an insurance underwriter.

Note: Senator Christopher Dodd, Democrat-CT was the chief sponsor of the bill.



DAVIS SET FOR JANUARY START DATE: Congressman-elect set to be sworn in January 7th
By: William Parker

With less than a month before he is sworn in as the next representative for Alabama's 7th District, Congressman-elect Artur Davis is ready to get to work.

During the past year, Davis has seen his title shift from "political upstart" to Democratic congressional nominee, and now congressman-elect in what many term the most surprising upset in this year's political cycle. The 35-year-old double Harvard graduate is now set to be sworn into the US House of Representatives January 7th.

Davis followed up his shattering defeat of Congressman Earl Hilliard in the June 25th primary run-off with a 93 percent victory during the fall vote on November 5th - the largest of any congressional candidate in the country who drew opposition this year.

"We definitely see the November vote as a referendum for change and a ratification of the June 25th results," Davis said. "People who could have skipped this race because of the presumed outcome made a conscious decision to vote for this candidacy, and I'm very humbled by their support. The next task is to get to work on their behalf."

Some would say that Davis is already working as the congressman for the district having rolled out an aggressive agenda this fall of regional research and program development. "We know we have a lot of work to do, and there was no point in waiting until I was sworn in to get started," he said. "We have kept up quite a busy pace this fall."

The Montgomery native, noted for his quiet and eloquent speech delivery, has quickly become one of the more sought after speakers throughout the state of Alabama. The calendar has filled rather quickly with addresses to groups including Leadership Birmingham, the Birmingham Chamber of Commerce, as well as churches and community groups throughout the region and country.

In addition to the overwhelming victory this fall, other highlights included the dreaded House Office Lottery held during the Freshman Orientation Session just after the election. Davis' luck continued to shine as he drew number three out of 54 and along with it the opportunity to select one of the larger offices in the Cannon House Building.

Davis also had a chance to return to that hallowed halls of Harvard University for a congressional policy orientation. "It was good to be back since I had not visited since my law school graduation. I had a chance to absorb and appreciate more than I did when I was a student - and more time," he said.

With the majority of his staff hired and on board, now the mad dash is underway to find office space, purchase equipment and furniture for the district offices as opening day rapidly approaches. Davis is confident the people will be pleased and excited with what his team has to offer.

Commenting on the team he has assembled, Davis noted that "we have put together a really energetic and creative group of people who understand the challenges we are facing. Those challenges deserve innovative thinking when it comes to serving the people and solving their problems, and I'm very happy with the group we have assembled."

Directly along those lines, Davis is set to roll out several initiatives early next year that directly address the problems he discussed during the campaign: access to good jobs and quality healthcare. Research conducted by the Davis Transition Team brought to light the need to provide more information to regular people at the grass roots level and to empower them with information and a seat at the table in developing their communities. "Our focus isn't piecemeal. We are considering a comprehensive quality of life agenda that involves entire communities in the decision making process. We have found that that is one of the best ways to ensure their support of a project or program."

Anticipation is high and the outlook is bright for Davis' tenure in Congress, but he says he is ready for the challenge. "The best way to extend this honeymoon period with the people is to give them the kind of representation they deserve. My team and I look forwarding to serving in this most coveted position."

RILEY WISE TO TACKLE CONSTITUTIONAL REFORM
By: Sharon Childs-Long

Birmingham, AL -- The lack of constitutional reform is an albatross to the state of Alabama. It has continued to plague the state and rob municipal, county and state offices in areas of education, tax reform and economic development.

Following Governor-elect Bob Riley's election, he was quoted in the Birmingham News as saying that one of his first acts as Governor, after being sworn in on January 20, 2003, would be to appoint a Constitutional Reform Commission. This act will be a historical marking in Alabama.

The states 101-year old constitution is long, complex and confusing. It consist of more that 310,000 words and over 700 amendments (prior to the November 2002 elections.) It also consists of racist language, state-power concentration and irrelevant oversight of non-state related issues.

In a May 2002 Voter News Network article, prior to the general elections, Latoiya Stout properly stated that VNN supports constitutional reform and sees Alabama's 1901 Constitution as "outdated and unworkable". She went further to state that VNN believes that the Legislature's focus on this issue should be handled in a special session after the 2002 elections.

After the November 2002 elections, with constitutional reform as a key campaign issue, Governor-elect Riley stated "he would immediately appoint a Constitutional Reform Commission" upon taking office because he wants the commission to provide a recommendation to him no more than 90 days after the Commission is formed. He also added that he wants the report ready when the Legislature goes into session.

The commitment to tackle tough issues, such as constitutional reform, is the type leadership VNN recognized and supported when the screening committee endorsed Governor-elect Riley in the November 2002 election.

Alabama's strangling issues could be dissolved once the 1901 constitution is reformed.



107TH CONGRESS ENDS AS 108TH CONGRESS PREPARES FOR TAKEOFF
By: Stuart Pigler

Washington, DC -- There were many accomplishments in the 107th Congress that the American people should remember as we enter 2003 and beyond. Unfortunately, there were many good bills that did not make it out of the United States Senate and to President Bush's desk.

First, let's highlight the major accomplishments. The biggest item to note in my opinion was the major tax cut bill that the House and Senate passed in 2001 with President Bush's blessing. This was leadership at its best. This legislation provides immediate tax relief through the reduction of individual income tax rates. I want the Congress to make this tax cut permanent!

There were many items in the tax cut bill that provided relief for middle class Americans. For example, the Death Tax was repealed. No one should be forced to visit the undertaker and the I.R.S. in the same day. The Marriage Penalty relief provision was enacted because of an unfair tax that couples pay for just saying, "I do" to help approximately 25 million couples. The Congress passed into law the Adoption Tax Credit that increases the credit to $10,000 for all adoptions. Another provision in the bill is the College Savings Plan that gives families a tax break on savings for college. This is a tremendous relief for parents and students. Under this measure, families will not pay tax on the earnings of these accounts. And of course, we cannot forget the "No Child Left Behind Act" that improves education for every child in America by holding schools accountable to parents, providing states and local school districts with unprecedented new flexibility and giving new choices to parents.

As we enter 2003, the American people are expecting more from the Congress. We still need a National Energy Plan to meet our energy needs, lessen our dependence on foreign oil and OPEC, and promote conservation measures and create jobs. We need Medicare modernization and a comprehensive prescription drug benefit. Please note the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Energy and the Medicare plan legislation, unfortunately, the Senate failed to act on these items.

Long-term care was a major priority for the 107th Congress and I hope it will be at the top of the agenda in the 108th Congress that begins in January. I am a strong advocate for encouraging individuals to plan ahead through the purchase of long-term care insurance polices. The Congress should adopt legislation that would allow individuals a deduction for qualified long-term care insurance premiums and a credit for individuals with long-term care needs. Unfortunately, many of these items were left on the docket in the U.S. Senate after the House acted on these bills. Former Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle refused to even bring up the bills for a vote on the Senate floor.

Now that the Republicans are in control of the Senate, I am expecting liberal Democrats to threatened the use of the filibuster to delay or block legislation that strengthens America. It takes 60 votes to stop a filibuster and usually if a caucus does not have the votes to stop this tactic, they concede and proceed to the next item of business.
I am suggesting to the new Senate Majority Leader that if a Senator wants to block a bill by threatening to filibuster legislation and Sen. Lott does not have the 60 votes, then let them filibuster. Many Americans are familiar with the hours-long filibuster of Senator Jefferson Smith in Frank Capra's film Mr. Smith Goes to Washington. The record for the longest individual speech goes to South Carolina's Strom Thurmond who filibustered for 24 hours and 18 minutes. Let us see for ourselves who are the real culprits in the 108th Congress.

Stuart Pigler is a member of the National Advisory Council of the African-American leadership network Project 21 and a former television commentator in Grand Rapids, Michigan.



GENDER EQUALITY RANKS LOW: STUDY REPORTS STATE NOT REPRESENTING WOMEN WELL
By: Tamiko Utz
Staff Writer, Auburn Plainsman

Alabama women rank low. Low in leadership. Low in voting. Low in employment. Low in the number of high school graduates. Low in health. Low in reproductive rights. Low in life expectancy.

With C being the highest mark, in the area of employment and earnings, and F being the lowest in reproductive rights; Alabama women are not making the grade.

The Institute for Women's Policy Research conducted a study stating that, "Alabama women continue to face serious obstacles to achieving equality with men and attaining a standing that is equal to the average for women in the United States."

Auburn stood up and took notice by recently hosting the,"Women in Politics: A Global Perspective" forum at Auburn University's Hotel & Dixon Conference Center, bringing together women of diversity with common goals.

"Women's voices should be louder in local, state and national politics," said Marie Wilson, president of the White House Project. "Women bring a different perspective from men to the issues."

Alabama's percentage of women in the legislature, 7.9 percent, ranks last among all states. That figure was based on the 11 women in the 140-member Legislature. The number increased to 13 of 140, or 9.3 percent, with the Nov. 5 vote.

But only four states have a higher percentage of female registered voters than Alabama, and only 11 have a higher rate of women voting, according to the study.

The percentage of Alabama women who graduate from high school ranks 50th in the nation, according to the report. Alabama women earn 63 cents of every dollar an Alabama man earns. This was the earning power the average woman achieved nationally by 1979.

Also, Alabama women lead the nation in high blood pressure and diabetes, are 49th in the rate of the sexually transmitted disease Chlamydia and 48th in heart disease.

Further, Alabama women rank 46th in the nation for life expectancy, 46th in infant mortality and 47th in child mortality and low birth-weight babies. 58 percent of Alabama women are living in counties without an abortion provider, and low income women are receiving funding for abortions only in limited, federally mandated circumstances.

And all of these issues pertaining to women are, by and large, in the hands of men.

Of all the state legislatures in the country, Alabama reports a minuscule percentage of women holding seats, and the second lowest total number of women elected as state representatives or senators.

Only 11 women serve in the Alabama Legislature, compared to 129 men. Three serve in the Senate and eight in the House of Representatives.

"Over the years, several studies make it very clear that women have a distinct impact on government," said Sue Carroll of the Center for American Women and Politics at Rutgers University.

"They give priority to their traditional roles as caregivers, so they give more importance to subjects such as health care and education. Even on seemingly 'non-gender' issues, they view issues through a different lens, considering the importance of public policies on women and children."

"Women's rights are human rights," said Sheila Violet Makate Sisulu, ambassador of South Africa. "We are half of the population, and we give birth to all of the population."

(This article was reprinted with permission of the author from The Auburn University Plainsman)

THE JEFFERSON CONVENTION COMPLEX EQUALS DOLLARS FOR THE BIRMINGHAM METRO AREA
By: Frank Poe

Birmingham, AL -- Recent studies from the Birmingham Convention-Visitors Bureau have indicated the convention/tourism industry in Birmingham and Jefferson County provides approximately $1.0B in economic activity annually to our region. Of the approximately $1.0 billion in economic activity associated with the convention/tourism industry in our region, the BJCC represents an estimated
$400M of this amount.

In our most recent updated analysis for the planned convention center expansion, the economic activity projections for the expansion facilities
alone, would generate over 2,000 jobs, and provide a direct economic activity in excess of $600M over the first five years of the expanded facilities operation. Further, the tax dollars generated - sales tax and occupational tax - over the same 5-year period would be in excess of $60.0M.

Therefore, if you were to further analyze these projections for $35.0M dollars in tax support annually, the BJCC would generate over $500M in
annual economic activity - with over 3000 jobs added to our local economy. The BJCC alone would represent in full and part time employment for current and expanded facilities over 500 jobs.

Not a bad return on investment.

Further, as you consider the growth in the convention and entertainment industry, our community and region are being left behind by our competition. Currently, the BJCC can accommodate 35% of the available convention/tradeshow industry. Our position in the market place has eroded over time, as other communities develop their meetings and exhibition
facilities. For Birmingham to remain competitive, first class, flexible facilities are required to meet the requirements of this industry. The planned expansion to the BJCC would allow the BJCC to expand its market potential to over 70% of the convention/tradeshow industry. An almost two
fold increase in our business opportunities.

An additional area more difficult to quantify in dollars/cents is quality of life considerations. Consider for a moment, if Birmingham did not have the BJCC today - developed under the leadership of civic-minded visionaries of the past. Community leaders, which faced similar challenges for a number of "nay Sayers". Consider what our community would miss out on today, if the
BJCC did not exist. Our community would not have the Broadway Series, the Ballet's performance of "The Nutcracker", the BASS MASTERS, the circus,
Disney on Ice, Billy Joel/Elton John, NCAA basketball competition and another 900 plus events enjoyed by our citizens, visitors, and international
guests. How do you value those quality of life issues? If civic leaders and visionaries did not advance such projects as the museum, Civil Rights
Institute, the Zoo, etc (all of which don't generate the level of economic activity dollars the BJCC does), what would our community be? Our citizens
would travel to other cities in our region to enjoy these events, attend conferences and a host of other entertainment activities, spending dollars
in those cities.

With the recent commitment by Jefferson County toward funding an expansion of the BJCC, we are within striking distance of achieving our goal for
annual debt service funding necessary to support an expansion to the BJCC, in the form of a multi-purpose facility. The BJCC is working achieve the
remaining funding commitments from the State of Alabama as well as the City of Birmingham. Each of these entities are benefactors of not only the tax
revenues, job growth and economic activity, but also the development of a major venue in our region for retaining our current convention/entertainment
business as well as expanding our business opportunities.

Our complex today and planned expansion - provide for the entertainment, education, and visitor exposure for our citizens as well as generate
significant economic activity and tax dollars. Not a bad investment of resources in our community.

DONALD V. WATKINS' STATEMENT CONCERNING HIS PURSUIT
OF A MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL FRANCHISE

Birmingham, AL -- Last year, I have had several very positive discussions with individuals involved in Major League Baseball. They have shown me that my ambition to become an owner of a Major League Baseball team is a concept, which they look upon with favor as they continue to process my application. As we continue through that process, we will of course continue to assess with care the impact of the intense economic uncertainty confronting Major League Baseball over the next several months as the owners and players strive to reach an agreement on a satisfactory contract. I am most grateful for the support and advice I have received from Major League Baseball as I continue to seek the franchise which is right for me.

I have narrowed my options, and I am undertaking the requisite due-diligence with all deliberate speed. However, that speed is likely to be governed by overall developments in Major League Baseball economics over which I have no control. I am under several confidentiality agreements, which make any further public comment on my pursuit of a team inappropriate and impossible. For that reason, I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of the fans and others in the baseball community who have so earnestly supported me. When we finally complete the application process in the coming months, you will be the first to hear about it right here on the Voter News Network website.