Alabama State Senator Andrew Jones had a busy 2022 and this year (2023) promises to be even bigger.
10. Senator Jones was pleased to support a $772 million appropriation of federal relief dollars within Alabama for broadband and many other infrastructure needs. A significant portion of these funds was able to be utilized for the citizens of Senate District 10.
9. $39,000 in Tourism Grant Funding Secured
Senator Andrew Jones was able to provide ten $3900 tourism grants throughout District 10 to help bring people to our area. Examples of the projects funded were a fishing tournament, a wine festival, and a music festival.
8. Military Friendliness Bills Become Law
2022 saw a continued push to make Alabama an even more military-friendly state. One of the bills passed was SB99 by Senator Jones, which allows military spouses to practice counselling through license reciprocity.
7. Over $99,000 in Classroom Teacher Grants Awarded
In his 4th round of teacher grant funding, Senator Andrew Jones awarded 661 teachers in Etowah, Cherokee, and DeKalb each with a $150 classroom grant for supplies, software, projects, and the like.
6. Key Adoption Legislation Passed
2022 saw the passage of two key pro-adoption bills in the Alabama Legislature– the Adoption Promotion Act, authored by Senator Jones, as well as the Adoption Tax Credit Renewal Bill, carried in the Senate by Senator Jones
5. New Center for Advanced Manufacturing Coming to Gadsden State
Through the support of Senator Andrew Jones and many, many others, Gadsden State Community College was selected to host a new 50,000 square foot advanced manufacturing center.
4. $9 Million in Broadband Funding Brought Home to Etowah, Cherokee & DeKalb
$27 million in first-round broadband funding was announced in the State of Alabama with 1/3, or approximately $9 million, going to provide new internet access in the three counties within Senator Jones’ district.
3. A New Beginning for Etowah County
Congressman Robert and Caroline Aderholt, Senator Andrew and Summer Jones, and Representative Craig and Angela Lipscomb join other elected officials and members of the community to celebrate a new chapter in Etowah County politics following a two-year battle against an unwanted rendering plant.
2. I-759 Eastern Connector Announced
Following years of work, planning, and speculation, the new I-759 Eastern Connector was announced by Governor Ivey and the Alabama Department of Transportation. The new project will open up a new major corridor for commerce and relieve traffic congestion in downtown Gadsden.
1. Senator Jones Elected to a Second Term
In November the voters sent Senator Andrew Jones back to Montgomery for a second term. New Members of the Etowah Delegation Rep. Mack Butler and Rep. Mark Gidley join Senator Jones and Rep. Craig Lipscomb to form a new Etowah County Delegation.