The Greene County Democrat

Category: Health

  • Newswire : November Jobs Report shows rising unemployment and worsening outlook for Black workers

    Black worker leaving job with personal materials

    By Stacy M. Brown
Black Press USA Senior National Correspondent

    The U.S. labor market showed further signs of strain in November, with new federal data revealing rising unemployment, steep losses in government jobs, and worsening conditions for Black workers, particularly Black men, according to an analysis of the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics report and a review by the National Women’s Law Center.

    Employers added 64,000 jobs nationwide in November, a modest gain following months of data disruptions caused by the federal government shutdown. The unemployment rate rose to 4.6 percent, up from 4.4 percent in September, the last month for which a full labor force survey was completed. The increase places unemployment at its highest level in four years.
    Behind the headline figures, federal employment continued to fall sharply. Since January, when Donald Trump returned to office, federal payrolls have declined by 271,000 positions. The November report reveals continued reductions tied to deferred resignation programs and layoffs that accelerated earlier in the fall, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
    The rise in unemployment has been uneven, with Black workers experiencing some of the most severe impacts. Black men ages 20 and older saw their unemployment rate jump from 6.6 percent in September to 7.5 percent in November. Black women ages 20 and older recorded an unemployment rate of 7.1 percent in November, slightly lower than September’s 7.5 percent but still higher than any other racial or ethnic group.
    Long-term unemployment has also become more pronounced for Black workers. Black women who are unemployed are typically out of work for 14.5 weeks, while Black men face average unemployment spells of 12.1 weeks. By comparison, white women experience unemployment lasting about 8.6 weeks, and white men about 9.6 weeks, according to the National Women’s Law Center’s review of federal labor data.
    The November report shows that overall job growth remains concentrated in a narrow set of sectors. Healthcare added more than 46,000 jobs, while construction employment rose by 28,000. Manufacturing lost 5,000 jobs, and transportation and warehousing shed nearly 18,000 positions. Leisure and hospitality also declined, reflecting broader weakness outside a handful of growth industries.
    Federal officials cautioned that November’s data carries higher-than-usual margins of error due to the shutdown-related survey delays. Even so, economists reviewing the report noted that revisions to late summer and early fall payrolls showed fewer jobs than initially reported, reinforcing signs of a cooling labor market.
    The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that the number of people unemployed for more than six months rose to 1.9 million in November, up from 1.7 million a year earlier. Wage growth slowed to 3.5 percent over the past year, the weakest pace since before the pandemic, adding pressure on households facing elevated prices and limited job mobility.
    The National Women’s Law Center said it will continue monitoring labor market data by race, gender, and industry to assess how job losses and prolonged unemployment affect women and families as federal employment contracts and hiring remain subdued.

  • Greene County Commission assists ambulance service to meet expenses and keep operating

    At a special called meeting on Thursday, December 18, 2025, the Greene County Commission responded to an urgent request from the Greene County Emergency Medical Services (GEMS) for funds to pay bills, including payroll, to allow the county’s ambulance services to keep operating.
    Commission Chair Garria Spencer said, “We are responding to the Greene County Ambulance Service with an advance of $88,000 to meet back expenses. We expect GEMS to contact others, including, the county municipalities, the Sheriff, the Industrial Board, the volunteer fire departments and others for immediate support. Any money collected from other agencies should be paid to the County Commission, to reimburse for this advance. The advance will allow the ambulance service to continue operating while we seek a more permanent solution to its problems.”
    Vickie Colson, was recently chosen as Chair of the GEMS, when other members resigned. She informed the County Commission of the crisis financial problems and asked for assistance in continuing the vital work of the ambulance service in Greene County.
    Colson also informed the Commission that Chris Jones, GEMS current Executive Director, had submitted his resignation and that the board would be responsible for directing and supervising operations until a new director is found and can be placed in that position.
    Other surrounding rural counties including Sumter, Pickens and Hale have also had problems in maintaining ambulance services in a situation with isolated and aging rural populations, low reimbursement rates from Medicare and Medicaid, and the general uncertainties of the future financial stability of rural health care, under the Trump budget cuts.
    In talking with Ms. Colson, it seems that the Greene County EMS is in need of more guaranteed revenue sources to subsidize operations and capital expenses, like maintaining and expanding the ambulance fleet. Beyond the County Commission, the municipalities, gaming, the fire departments and others will need to make annual guaranteed allocations for the ambulance services. Another possibility is to raise the advalorem milage property tax rate to support the ambulance service.
    The County Commission stepped up to the plate to assure the continuance of ambulance services in Greene County but all of us, residents of the county, businesses and industries, fire departments and others will need to stand firm in figuring a way forward for this vital and needed service.

  • Newswire : Sierra Club, HBCUs Outside train next generation of Black Outdoor Leaders

    Students participate in an outings training led by by Sierra Club and HBCUs Outside in Atlanta in 2025. Photo credit: Gerry James

    By Shawn White, HBCU News

    This fall marked the inaugural partnership between Sierra Club and HBCUs Outside, training 19 college students to become Sierra Club Chapter Outings leaders. With more than 5,000 chapter outings leaders nationwide, the partnership brings a new group of young Black leaders into the Sierra Club’s national network connecting thousands of people across the country to the outdoors.
    HBCUs Outside is a nonprofit providing students and faculty at Historically Black Colleges and Universities with the resources needed to build sustainable outdoor communities, lead outings, and engage with the outdoor industry.
    During the trainings, students completed the Sierra Club Chapter Outings Leader Course, which covered ethical leadership, risk management, best practices in outings planning, and strategies for building community led conservation and outdoor access movements. In partnership with Sierra Club Chapters, sessions took place in Georgia, Washington D.C., and North Carolina and drew students from Spelman College, Morehouse College, Morehouse School of Medicine, Clark Atlanta University, Howard University, and North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University.
    “The partnership between HBCUs and the Sierra Club centers on creating inclusive outdoor experiences for students. This year’s North Carolina training with A&T University students showcased shared curiosity, skill, and honest dialogue. Students brought outdoor expertise, asked deep questions, and remained engaged. Together, we addressed issues of safety, belonging, and comfort for Brown and Black people in outdoor spaces, especially when navigating a predominantly white outdoor industry and today’s political climate,” said Lornett Vestal, Senior Campaign Strategist with the Sierra Club’s Military Outdoors program. 
    “The forming of this partnership between the Sierra Club and HBCUs Outside has been one of the most fulfilling experiences during my time with the Sierra Club. Student participation in these trainings is just one step of their holistic journey to leading outings for their communities. I am honored to be part of it and look forward to being a network of support as they refine their practice and create meaningful experiences for their participants.” Marissa Llanes,  Chapter Outings Team Director

  • Newswire : Alabama students, professors appeal ruling in lawsuit challenging anti-DEI law

    Flowers on campus

    By Chance Phillips, Alabama Political Reporters

    On Monday, the NAACP Legal Defense Fund and the American Civil Liberties Union filed an appeal in a lawsuit challenging the anti DEI law SB129 on behalf of college students and instructors at Alabama’s public universities.
    In a press release, ACLU of Alabama Legal Director Alison Mollman called the appeal a “necessary next step to ensuring that the constitutional rights of all professors and students are protected in Alabama.”
    Filed last January, the lawsuit alleges that SB129 is an unconstitutional infringement on Alabamians’ First and Fourteenth Amendment rights.
    “SB 129 unconstitutionally abridges the First Amendment right of the students to receive information and the right of the professors to disseminate ideas without undue imposition of governmental viewpoints,” the original complaint asserts. “SB 129 violates the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment because it was enacted with intent to discriminate against Black professors and students, and those who ally with them.”
    APR reported earlier this year that documents submitted as evidence in the lawsuit showed professors concerned that their classes would be effectively banned by SB129 and describing a general “pall of distrust, anxiety, and fear.”
    “As a senior, I have watched our campus change overnight, as students are afraid to speak, opportunities for thoughtful engagement have disappeared, and students’ shared sense of belonging has eroded,” Sydney Testman, a student at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, stated. “With this appeal, we hope the courts will recognize the real and lasting damage that SB 129 has caused to me, my classmates, and my professors.”
    Before SB129 was enacted, Testman was the finance coordinator for UAB’s Social Justice Advocacy Council, which had received funding from the university that was terminated after UAB and other public universities closed their offices meant to encourage and help students who are members of minority groups.

    Signed by Governor Kay Ivey during the 2024 legislative session, SB129 formally prohibits state agencies and public universities from sponsoring diversity, equity and inclusion programs or requiring individuals to “personally affirm, adopt, or adhere to a divisive concept.”
    In August, a federal district court judge denied the plaintiffs’ request for a preliminary injunction against SB129’s enforcement. He wrote that the University of Alabama Board of Trustees “clearly has an interest in regulating the type of classroom indoctrination forbidden by SB 129” and referred to the current Trump administration’s stance on “preferential treatment based on race.”
    Requesting the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit approve a preliminary injunction, the appeal filed earlier this week charges that the district court judge “committed an abuse of discretion” by ruling that the students and the Alabama NAACP lacked standing, which contributed to the denial of the request for an injunction.
    It also challenges claims that SB129 is not unconstitutionally vague and that professors’ speech affected by SB129 is not protected by the First Amendment.
    “The law continues to censor classrooms, restrict student expression, and disproportionately harm Black and LGBTQ+ students,” Legal Defense Fund Senior Counsel Antonio Ingram wrote. “We will continue to challenge SB 129 because every student in Alabama deserves an accurate, high-quality education free from discrimination, fear, or undue interference from politicians.”

  • Newswire : House Republicans leaders ditch vote on ACA funding cuts, all but ensuring healthcare premiums will rise

    By Sahil Kapur, Julie Tsirkin and Brennan Leach, HBCU News

    WASHINGTON — It’s official: House Speaker Mike Johnson says he won’t call a vote to extend enhanced subsidies under the Affordable Care Act, effectively guaranteeing they will expire at the end of this month.
    That means higher insurance premiums will go into effect for millions of Americans who get coverage through Obamacare next year.
    The speaker made the announcement Tuesday after a closed-door Republican caucus meeting, saying that leadership failed to reach a deal with centrist members to bring up an ACA amendment on a health care bill set for a vote on Wednesday.
    “There’s about a dozen members in the conference that are in these swing districts who are fighting hard to make sure they reduce costs for all of their constituents. And many of them did want to vote on this Obamacare Covid-era subsidy that Democrats created,” Johnson, R-La., told reporters. “We looked for a way to try to allow for that pressure release valve, and it just was not to be. We worked on it all the way through the weekend, in fact. And in the end there was not an agreement — it wasn’t made.”
    As Johnson’s office rolled out the bill Friday, GOP leadership aides said they were working with lawmakers on a path forward for a vote on an amendment to keep the ACA funds flowing.
    “I certainly appreciate the views and the opinions of every member of this conference,” Johnson said. “But I will tell you: One thing they will all join in unity on is voting for this bill that we’ve been discussing this morning.”
    The centrist Republicans who have been pushing for an ACA funding extension include Reps. Jen Kiggans of Virginia, Brian Fitzpatrick of Pennsylvania and Mike Lawler of New York — all of whom represent competitive districts that could make or break the Republican majority in the 2026 midterms.
    “I am pissed for the American people. This is absolute bulls—, and it’s absurd,” Lawler said Tuesday. “Everybody has a responsibility to serve their district, to serve their constituents. You know what’s funny? Three-quarters of people on Obamacare are in states Donald Trump won. So maybe, just maybe, everybody should look at this and say, ‘How do we actually fix the health care system?’”
    He faulted the leaders of both parties on the issue.
    “You have two leaders that are not serious about solving this problem,” Lawler said, adding that it would be “idiotic” to not hold a vote on the expiring subsidies.
    Asked about Lawler’s criticism, Johnson called him “a very dear friend and a close colleague of mine.”
    But, he said, other Republicans come from different districts with “different priorities and ideas.” Many Republicans want the funds to expire on schedule.
    Another reason the talks broke down is that leaders told the centrist Republicans that they would need to find spending cuts to pay for an ACA funding extension, which is projected to cost about $35 billion per year. That’s a tall order, and one that went over poorly among those GOP members, particularly as party leaders are regularly willing to waive “pay-for” rules on policies they favor.
    Some Republicans who want to extend the subsidies have not ruled out signing onto a “discharge petition” by Democrats to end-run Johnson and force a vote on a clean three-year extension of ACA subsidies.
    “All options are on the table,” Lawler said.
    Asked if he’s open to signing the Democrats’ discharge petition, Fitzpatrick said, “We’ll talk about that after today.”
    The GOP divisions are likely to empower House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., who is insisting on a clean three-year extension with the support of all Democrats. Some Democrats have backed a shorter-term extension with some reforms to win GOP votes, but Jeffries is holding firm.
    “There are 214 Democrats who have signed a discharge petition that would force an up-or-down vote on extending the Affordable Care Act tax credits — to make sure that tens of millions of Americans don’t experience increased health insurance premiums that will prevent them from being able to go see a doctor when they need one,” Jeffries said Monday. “All we need are four House Republicans to join us.”
    Rep. Tim Burchett, R-Tenn., who represents a solidly red district, said members like Lawler should remember that other Republicans also have bills they won’t put to a vote.
    “You can’t have everything every time,” Burchett said. “Even though he’s in a district that Kamala Harris won, we can’t just give all the committees and all the bills to the more liberal members of the party.”
    Even if a discharge petition secured the votes to pass, which is far from certain, it would take time to reach the House floor. That effectively guarantees it’ll be pushed into next year, with Republicans hoping to adjourn after this week.
    Rep. Andy Harris, R-Md., who was just re-elected to serve as House Freedom Caucus chairman for another year, said he isn’t worried about his colleagues signing a discharge petition or even passing a bill to extend ACA funds through the House.
    “It’s their right as a member to sign a discharge petition. I’m not afraid of a vote on a discharge petition. These will pass in the House, and then they’ll be killed over in the Senate,” Harris said. “The Senate’s already taken a position on extending the Affordable Care Act to enhance subsidies, and they rejected it.”
    Harris added that “it’s possible that we put a package together in January or February” dealing with health care, but he said it must be broader than just addressing ACA enrollees in order to secure his vote.
    Asked if he’s worried that moderate Republicans may sign onto Democrats’ discharge petition, Johnson told NBC News, “I don’t worry about anything.”

  • Newswire : A nation in free fall while the powerful feast:Trump calls affordability a ‘Con Job’

    By Stacy M. Brown
Black Press USA Senior National Correspondent

     

    There are seasons in this country when the struggle of ordinary Americans is not merely a condition but a kind of weather that settles over everything. It enters the grocery aisle, the overdue bill, the rent notice, and the long nights spent calculating how to get through the next week. The latest numbers show that this season has not passed. It has deepened.
    Private employers cut 32,000 jobs in November, according to ADP. Because the nation has been hemorrhaging jobs since President Trump took office, the administration has halted publishing the traditional monthly report. The ADP report revealed that small businesses suffered the heaviest losses. Establishments with fewer than 50 workers shed 120,000 positions, including 74,000 from companies with 20 to 49 workers. Larger firms added 90,000 jobs, widening the split between those rising and those falling.

    Meanwhile, wealth continues to climb for the few who already possess most of it. Federal Reserve data shows the top 1 percent now holds $52 trillion. The top 10 percent added $5 trillion in the second quarter alone. The bottom half gained only 6 percent over the past year, a number so small it fades beside the towering fortunes above it.
    “Less educated and poorer people tend to make worse mistakes,” John Campbell said to CBS News, while noting that the complexity of the system leaves many families lost before they even begin. Campbell, a Harvard University economist and coauthor of a book examining the country’s broken personal finance structure, pointed to a system built to confuse and punish those who lack time, training, or access.
    “Creditors are just breathing down their necks,” Carol Fox told Bloomberg News, while noting that rising borrowing costs, shrinking consumer spending, and trade battles under the current administration have left owners desperate. Fox serves as a court-appointed Subchapter V trustee in Southern Florida and has watched the crisis unfold case by case.
    During a cabinet meeting on Tuesday, Trump told those present that affordability “doesn’t mean anything to anybody.” He added that Democrats created a “con job” to mislead the public.
    However, more than $30 million in taxpayer funds reportedly have supported his golf travel. Reports show Kristi Noem and FBI Director Kash Patel have also made extensive use of private jets through government and political networks. The administration approved a $40 billion bailout of Argentina. The president’s wealthy donors recently gathered for a dinner celebrating his planned $300 million White House ballroom.
    During an appearance on CNBC, Mark Zandi, an economist, warned that the country could face serious economic threats. “We have learned that people make many mistakes,” Campbell added. “And particularly, sadly, less educated and poorer people tend to make worse mistakes.”

  • GCCPC holds annual Read Greene Read community readings

    The Greene County Children’s Policy Council held its annual “Read Greene Read” event on Sunday, December 7, 2025, at the Eutaw Activity Center. The event highlights the Policy Council’s tradition of reaching out to the community while supporting the SPOT After School Tutorial Program. Since its inception in 2022, Greene County CPC Chairman, Judge Lillie Jones-Osborne has sought creative ways to magnify the urgent need of reading for children and adults in Greene County.

    Beautiful Christmas decorations adorned the center beginning in the foyer and throughout the building. SPOT students and community participants read their favorite Christmas stories. A delicious meal was served, toys were distributed, and family photos were taken with Santa. All families in Greene County are encouraged to continue to make reading a priority in their homes daily.

  • Cornelius Blanding, guest speaker at 50th Anniversary

    FOGCE Federal Credit Union holds 50th
    Anniversary Celebration

    Shown L to R: James ‘D’ Powell, Mollie Rowe, Cornelius Blanding, Carol P. Zippert, Carrie Fulghum, Mary Dunn, Jacqueline Allen, Rodney Pham and Darlene Robinson.

    Gathering at FOGCE 50th Anniversary Celebration.

    Dr. Carol Zippert accepts FOGCE celebratory plaque from Cornelius Blanding.

    Mrs. Joyce Pham presents symbol of appreciation to Dr. Carol P. Zippert for 50 years of service to FOGCE Federal Credit Union.

    The Greene County community, along with other friends and supporters, gathered Thursday, December 11, 2025 to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the Federation of Greene County Employees Federal Credit Union (FOGCE). In August 1975, FOGCE was chartered by the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) as a community based financial institution. Subsequently, FOGCE became certified in 2021 as a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI), with over 800 members and assets of $1.8 million. NCUA continues as its federal security and monitoring agency.
    FOGCE’s 50th Celebration, held at the New Generation Church Fellowship Hall, featured Mr. Cornelius Blanding, 11 years as CEO of the Federation of Southern Cooperatives /Land Assistance Fund, (FSC/LAF), which was instrumental in organizing FOGCE Federal Credit Union as well as credit unions in Pickens, Sumter, and Hale Counties.
    In his keynote address, Mr. Blanding praised the courage, perseverance and dedication of FOGCE membership. “ We are still here after 50 years because you continued to believe in community leadership building community worth, and you would not give up,” he stated.
    Mr. Blanding, as FSC/LAF Assistant Director at the time, was also instrumental in securing a $20,000 grant from the Self-Development of People in 2013 for the purchase of FOGCE’s current facility, located at 112 Prairie Ave., Eutaw, AL.
    Ms. Darlene Robinson, FOGCE Board Vice-President and Chairperson of the Supervisory Committee, served as Mistress of Order at the celebration. Ms. Mary Dunn, Credit Committee member gave a warm welcome. Mr. James Powell, Credit Committee member led the invocation. Dr. Carol P. Zippert, FOGCE Board President and a founder, shared a memorial tribute of the community’s efforts that organized, built and secured the credit union for 50 years.
    She noted that FOGCE began to thrive”… when we realized that our credit union was not a social service organization, but we were a community owned and operated financial institution.”
    Zippert gave special recognition to the late Mr. Willie Carpenter, who served as manager of
    FOGCE for over 30 years and was known as Mr. Credit Union. She also acknowledged two founders who were not able to attend the celebration, Mr. Spiver Gordon and Mr. Bill Edwards.
    Special tribute was lifted for the late Mr. Jonas Smothers who conducted a vigorous membership drive in the early years.
    Ms. Mollie Rowe, Board Secretary, lifted a Memorial Tribute for the foot soldiers of our movement who have passed on. Mrs. Joyce Pham, FOGCE Manager, and Mr. Rodney Pham, Credit Committee Chairperson, through Seniors Helping Hand, gifted 5 guests with $100 each toward a utility bill. Mrs. Robinson and Mrs. Pham announced that the first 10 individuals to join the credit union would each receive a sponsored membership.
    Ms. Jacqueline Allen, Board Member, recognized all FOGCE Board, Credit Committee and Supervisory Committee Members, elected officials, and special guests including Mrs. Bobbie Carpenter, wife of the late Willie Carpenter, Mrs. Carrie Fulghum, FSC Boardmember for Alabama, Ms. Felecia Lucky, CEO of the Heron Foundation, Rev. Christopher Spencer, CEO Black Belt Community Foundation and Alabama State Representative Mr. Curtis Travis.
    Mrs. Lena Watford Hill, Mrs. Mary Dunn and Mrs. Loydleetta Johnson Wabbington, in addition to the founders, were recognized for 50-year memberships in FOGCE.
    Music for the occasion was provided by Mr. Antonio Pearson. Mrs. Loretta Wilson’s artistic decorating skills provided an amazing celebratory atmosphere at the event.

  • School Board presented four finalists for superintendent’s position

    Shown above Dr. Jessica Constant, Mr. Demond Mullins,  Ms. Taurus Brown and Dr. Timothy Thurman

    At its December 15, 2025 regular meeting, the Greene County Board of Education received four applicant finalists for the position of Superintendent. Ms. Susan Salter, special consultant with the Alabama Association of School Boards (AASB), led the superintendent search for Greene County School System. She presented the following finalist detailing their experiences and education: Dr. Jessica Constant, currently Assistant Superintendent of Teaching and Learning, Phenix City Schools; Mr. Demond Mullins currently Director of Curriculum and Federal Programs, Lowndes County Schools; Ms. Taurus Brown Smith currently Education Administrator Alabama Department of Education, Office of School Improvement; Dr. Timothy Thurman currently Superintendent Linden City Schools.

    Ms. Salter noted that applications were received from 39 candidates with 28 completions. Applications were received from Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi, Illinois, Arizona and Missouri. AASB reviewed all applicants and a committee determined the top candidates. AASB vetted all candidates. Salter narrated to the board the credentials and work experiences of each finalist, in alphabetical order. through a public Power Point presentation. The board has scheduled interviews with each finalist for Thursday, December 18, beginning at 10: am in the Central Office. The interviews are open to the public, but only board members may participate in the interviews. Dr. Jessica Constant’s experiences include Coordinator of Student Services, Tuscaloosa City Schools; Experiences in Hale County Schools – Principal, Greensboro High School; Principal Akron Community School; Assistant Principal, Greensboro Middle School; Teacher, Greensboro East Elementary. Education – Doctorate in Education Management; Education Specialist; Master’s Education Administration and Supervision; Master’s Education Leadership; Bachelor’s Elementary Education.

    Mr. Demond Mullins’ experiences include Director of Curriculum and Federal Programs, Lowndes County Schools; Principal Johnson Elementary, Jeff Davis High School, Montgomery County Schools; Principal Hazelwood Elementary, Lawrence County Schools; Assistant Principal Bob Jones High School, Madison City Schools; Assistant Principal, Forest Avenue Magnet Elementary, Montgomery County Schools; Teacher, Seth Johnson Elementary, Montgomery County Schools; Teacher, Westwood Elementary, Tuscaloosa County schools.
    Education – Education Specialist, Master’s Education Leadership; Bachelor’s Elementary Education; currently Ph.D candidate.

    Ms. Taurus Brown Smith’s experiences include Principal Payne Elementary, Selma City Schools; Teacher, Selma City Schools. Education – National Board Certification, Early Childhood Generalist; Master’s Elementary Education; Master’s Education Administration; Bachelor’s Elementary Education.
    Dr. Timothy Thurman’s experiences include Assistant Superintendent Linden City Schools; Principal Linden High School; Teacher and Coach Perry County Schools; Director Perry County Alternative School. Education: Doctorate Educational Leadership; Master’s Education Administration; Bachelor’s Elementary Education.

  • Newswire : Haiti’s transitional government adopts key law to hold a general election for first time since 2016

    Haiti’s transitional presidential council has backed an electoral law in the latest step toward holding a general election for the first time in nearly a decade.
    The approval late Monday means that the government can finally publish an official and long-awaited electoral calendar, after fears that the council would try to push back the tentative dates to stay in power longer.
    Council President Laurent Saint-Cyr called the move a “major decision” for Haiti.
    “We must finally offer the Haitian people the opportunity to freely and responsibly choose those who will lead them,” he wrote on X. “By taking this decisive step, while remaining fully committed to restoring security, we reaffirm our dedication to putting Haiti back on the path to democratic legitimacy and stability.”
    The adoption of the electoral law came as some council members have pushed for the ouster of Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé, including Fritz Alphonse Jean, who was recently sanctioned by the U.S. government.
    Some believe that U.S. visa restrictions, like the one imposed on Jean, are being used as a threat to try and influence Haiti’s politics.
    Three of seven council members with voting powers weren’t present for Monday’s meeting, where the electoral law was approved, including Jean, according to Le Nouvelliste newspaper.
    Council member Frinel Joseph, who voted in favor of the law, said that it marked “a decisive turning point” in the transition of power and that it provided Haiti “with the necessary legal and political framework for holding elections.”
    Haiti’s Provisional Electoral Council has said it plans to hold the first round of voting in August and the final round in December next year, although ongoing gang violence could push back those dates.
    Meanwhile, the transitional presidential council is supposed to step down by Feb. 7 to give way to democratic rule.
    Haiti last held a general election in 2016 and hasn’t had a president since Jovenel Moïse was killed at his private residence in July 2021.
    The transitional presidential council was appointed after the killing, and the prime ministers that have served since the killing have been nominated by the council.