Category Archives: School

School Board receives update on Superintendent Jones evaluation process

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The Greene County Board of Education met in regular session Monday, April 15, 2024 with all members present. The board heard an update on Superintendent Dr. Corey Jones evaluation process, conducted by Dr. Daniel Boyd, former Assistant Superintendent with the Alabama State Board of Education and former Superintendent of the Lowndes County School System. Dr. Boyd presented the board members with evaluation forms, to complete individually, using five performance standards. Dr. Boyd indicated that he will return on Wednesday to administer similar surveys to the administrative staff and principals. He asked the board members to have their surveys completed and returned to him by that date.
Dr. Boyd stated that he will compile the findings of all surveys and present a final report on Superintendent Jones evaluation by June, 2024.
Dr. Boyd noted that the superintendent’s annual evaluation process is significant in clarifying leadership roles; enhancing communications; creating a common understanding consisting of multiple sources of data and providing mechanisms of accountability.
In his monthly report to the board, Superintendent Jones presented positive news for each school.
Eutaw Primary: K-3 educators are currently participating in Reading Data meetings. Educators will analyze most recent progress, monitoring data and make instructional adjustments. All K-3 grade scholars will take the Aimsweb End-of-Year Assessment beginning April 29, 2024. The educators will participate in i-Ready/ACAP Practice Test Data meeting during week of April 22-24. They will review pertinent information prior to administering Diagnostic 3. ACAP testing has concluded at Eutaw Primary.
Robert Brown Middle: 8th grade course selection cards completed April 4. ACAP testing completed. School wide Basketball Tournament scheduled for April 19. P.A.W.S. (Parents Always Willing to Support) meeting scheduled for April 30.
Greene County High: Scholars attended Future Teachers Day at University of Alabama. Seniors attended WOW 2.0 held at Shelton State Community College, sponsored by Alabama Works. Mu Alpha Theta celebrated at OWA and Gulf Bowl Entertainment in Foley, Alabama.
Greene County Career Center: Students participated in Modern Manufacturing Lear Corporation Industry Tour, March 14. Jobs for Alabama Graduates Career Closet dedicated. Students participated in Modern Manufacturing Hanna Steel Industry tour, March 27.
Current Construction/Renovation Projects: Flooring at EPS is complete; roofing is 95% complete due to landscaping issue. Press box at RBMS scheduled to be completed by June 2. Company replacing HVAC system at RBM has begun receiving materials. GCH still has roofing issues which are under warranty.
The board acted on the following personnel items.
*Approved compensation for the following staff for any College Career Readiness related activities for the remainder of the fiscal year 2023-2024 – Teresa Atkins, Nicole Henley, Paula Calligan-Leftwich, Tomora Morris, Shamyra Jones, LaMonica Little, Tamika Thompson, Angela White, and Tweila Morris.
*Approved resignations of Nkenge Reynolds, 7th/8th grade Social Studies teacher at RBM and Ashley Moody, 7th/8th grade Language Arts teacher at RBM, both effective May 24, 2024.
The board acted on the following administrative items.
* Memorandum of Agreement for Special Education Services between Community Service Programs of West Alabama, Inc. Head Start/Early Head Start and Greene County Board of Education

* Job description for Gifted Education Specialist
* Quote in the amount of $36,229.00 from Alabama Door and Hardware, Inc. for doors at RBMS.
* Greene County Schools to participate in Winning Grant Training Program with MSB at The University of Alabama with a one-time fee of $3,500.00.
* Out-of-State travel for Shamyra Jones to attend the Jobs for Alabama Graduates (JAG) National Training Seminar in Las Vegas, NV, July 8-12, 2024. (Attending this conference is listed in the JAG Memorandum of Agreement.)
* Out-of-State travel for Tomora Morris to attend the SREB Conference in Nashville, TN, July 9 -12, 2024. (Pending available grant funding).
* Quote from Kelley S. Wassermann in the amount of $2,000 for two days of onsite assistance and training for Mosaic nutrient analysis and database collection for CNP Director and managers (Includes overnight hotel and travel expenses).
* Out-of-state travel for Rodney Wesley to attend 2024 Spring National Association of Basketball Coaches Clinic in Atlanta, GA on May 3-5, 2024.
* Payment of all bills, claims, and payroll
* Bank reconciliations as submitted by Mrs. Marquita Lennon, CSFO
* Permission for Career and Technical Student Organization (CTSO) members to travel to Georgia to Six Flags for their Educational Day on Friday, May 10, 2024.
CSFO Marquita Lennon presented the following Financial Snapshots as of March 31, 2024.
Operating Reserves: 5,73 (months) combined general fund reserve; 4,65 (months) cash reserve. All bank accounts have been reconciled. The General Fund Bank Balance totaled $5,728,137.95 (reconciles to the Summary Cash Report). Accounts Payable Check Register totaled $359,485.61. payroll Register totaled $947,547.82, (total gross pay, to include employer match items). Combined Ending Fund Balance totaled $7,049,670.75.
Local Revenue: Property Taxes – $42,146.87; Sales Taxes – $95,701.40; Other Taxes – $139,908.26.
Prior to the April meeting, the school board members participated in its annual Whole Board Training, Governing for Achievement, administered by Alabama Association of School Board staff. The first module of the five-part training focused on Committing to High Expectations, which has four expected outcomes: The board understands the high stakes of the Governing for Achievement programs work; The board feels a sense of urgency toward this work; The board understands the impact of quality teaching; The board understands the importance of building a culture of high expectations of all levels of the school system.

County Commission enters cooperative agreement with Eutaw City for road repair

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The Greene County Commission met in regular session, Monday, April 8, 2024 with all commissioners present.The commission approved the preparation of a cooperative agreement with the City of Eutaw to fix County Road 76 where the city has a water tower located. Eutaw Mayor Latosha Johnson stated the road is in dire repair and ADECA has provided resources to the city for personnel and material cost needed for the repair. The city is requesting the use of machinery needed for the repair.
At the commission’s work session, held Wednesday, April 3, the Engineer’s office recommended that the commission develop a policy and agreement for municipalities to borrow county equipment. The county’s attorney had not yet prepared the policy and agreement draft, thus the commission approved the short term cooperative arrangement with Eutaw City regarding use of county equipment for County Road 76.
Mayor Johnson and various commissioners voiced similar statements that we are one community and must come to the aid of each other whenever we can.
The commission also took the following actions:
* Approved appointment of Mrs. Loretta Webb Wilson to EMS Board, on a 4-1 vote.
* Approve hiring Ms. Shamira Means as Appraisal Clerk.
* Approved Tax Revenue Enhancement Agreement with Avenu for Tax Revenue Administration.
* Approved Diversifies Computer Service Agreement for Highway Department.
* Approved to mill up county Road 136 and make it a dirt road.
* Approved CDBG Form 5 for March.
* Approved proposal for courthouse roof repair.
* Approved option 2 proposal for courthouse foyer and bathroom renovation.
* Approved updating EOP Plan.
* Approved AAEM membership dues for EMA Director and Assist. Director at $50 each.
* Approved EMA Assist. Director attendance at Alabama Disaster Preparedness Conference.
Tabled rental prices for Eutaw Activity Center.
The commission went into a brief executive session with no actions following.
CFO, Macaroy Underwood presented the following financial reports for March, 2024.
Citizen Trust Bank unrestricted funds – $3,239,276.54; restricted funds – $4,572,897.07.
Merchants & Farmers Bank unrestricted funds – $6,205,138,58; restricted funds – $6,102,613.14; total bond investments -$895,755.12. Accounts payable totaled $517,295.10; payroll transfer totaled $329,107.34; fiduciary totaled $32,822.28; electronic claims totaled $52,678.19. In the General Fund Budget, recap 57% is left overall.

Madison Mills crowned as Ms. Debutante 2024

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L to R : Paris Henderson, Madison Mills and Katelyn Perry  and Debutantes : Kalyjah Allen, Paris Henderson, Shaniah Jones, Amber Lewis, Madison Mills, Tia Moore, Katelyn Perry, Ariel Richardson, Hannah Robinson. Escorts : Demarcus Allen, Darrack Davis, TJ Hatch, Jayden Lewis, Marcus Steele II, Tavis White , Camden Williams, John Foster

Greene County Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated held its 38th Debutante Ball on Saturday, April 6, 2024 at the Eutaw Activity Center in Eutaw, AL. Nine lovely young ladies made their debut to families and friends.

Debutante Madison Mills of Tuscaloosa, AL was crowned Miss Debutante 2024. First Runner up was Debutante Katelyn Perry of Moundville, AL and Second Runner up was Debutante Paris Henderson of Epes, AL.

The guests enjoyed an elegant evening that was An Extraordinary Affair. Dr. Florence Williams is the Chapter President and Mrs. Nancy Cole and Ms. Sharon White were Committee Co-Chairs.

Congresswoman Terri Sewell holds ‘Congress in Your Community’ meeting in Forkland

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Forkland Mayor Charlie McAlpine and Congresswoman Terri Sewell

On Thursday, April 4, 2024, at Noon, Congresswoman Terri Sewell held a ‘Congress in Your Community’ visit to the Forkland City Hall, a municipality in southern Greene County.
Congresswoman Sewell, who represents the Alabama 7th Congressional District which stretches from Birmingham to Tuscaloosa and the western Black Belt counties of Alabama, including Greene County, was introduced by Mayor Charlie McAlpine of Forkland.
Sewell made brief remarks about her work n Congress in passing the FY 2024 budget and working on the FY 2025 budget. Then she moved around informally talking to her constituents from table to table.
Sewell said this format gave her a chance to hear about the needs and problems of people in her district. “It was like holding office hours in the field,” she remarked.
More than a 100 people attended the meeting and received a lunch courtesy of the Town of Forkland.

RBMS holds Academic Pep Rally for ACAP testing

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RBMS band, directed by Mr. Kirin Green, leads Academic Pep Rally for ACAP Testing

-Staff and stakeholders support students at Academic Pep Rally.
-L to R: RBMS Principal Mrs. Tammy Anderson; Dr. Carol P. Zippert, Curriculum Coordinator, Mrs. Barbara Martin, School Board President Mr. Leo Branch, Superintendent Dr. Corey Jones and Greene County Sheriff Jonathan Benison.

-RBMS scholars perform line dance and chant

On the eve of the Alabama Comprehensive Assessment Program (ACAP) testing, scheduled for Tuesday April 2, 2024, Robert Brown Middle School held an Academic Pep Rally to excite and encourage scholars to “do their best on the tests.” The scholars were directly involved in the Pep Rally. Each grade level (4th through 8th) performed a cheer, a chant, or a line dance. The middle school band, under the direction of Mr. Kirin Green, accompanied the class presentations, astounding everyone with its outstanding performance.
The presentations were energetic and raised the excitement of the students. According to RBMS Principal, Mrs. Tammy Anderson, “The purpose of the student engaged pep rally was to build confidence in our scholars and assure them the teachers and entire administration are with them and want them to succeed.”
Principal Anderson opened the pep rally inviting RBMS Counselor Dr. A. McEwen to extend the welcome and share testing tips with the students. She noted that the staff has done its best to prepare the students, now the scholars must take the lead. “Be sure to get a good night’s rest, have a good breakfast, stay calm and believe you will do your best,” she stated.
Mrs. B. Martin, Curriculum Coordinator for the school system, provided a summary of the importance of the ACAP testing. The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) requires students to take the ACAP tests which were created in 2018 and 2019 to align Alabama’s course of study. Students in 3rd through 8th grades are tested in English language arts and math. Students in 4th, 6th and 8th grades are are also tested in science. The 11th graders take the ACT test.
Encouraging remarks were also presented by Superintendent Dr. Corey Jones, School Board President Mr. Leo Branch, Greene County Sheriff Jonathan Benison and and former school board member Dr. Carol P. Zippert.
Principal Anderson extended appreciation to the community stakeholders who took the time to share in the Academic Pep Rally supporting the scholars at RBMS.

School Board anticipates clean audit

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Superintendent Jones highlights students’ positive activities

The Greene County Board of Education held its monthly meeting, Monday, March 25, 2024 with all board members in attendance. Prior to the official meeting the board heard an unofficial audit report for the fiscal year 2022-2023, presented by the Alabama Department of Examiners of Public Accounts. The examiners noted that the report is unofficial until it is printed and forward to the board.
Superintendent Dr. Corey Jones presented ted the following updates of activities at the various schools.
Eutaw Primary: The ACAP Summative test will be administered March 26 through April 12, 2024. Scholars participated in living Wax Museum, researching the contributions of famous African Americans. Educators and scholars celebrated Read Across America February 26 through March 1. Reading and Math Progress Monitoring Data meetings have concluded and all 3rd grade educators have analyzed their middle of year data and made instructional adjustments.
Robert Brown Middle School: Spring Fling Dance was held March 1. Schoolwide Pawsitive Character Celebration awarded treats to students for their hard work. G.E.M.S Expo at UWA (4th & 5th grade scholars participated in STEM activities. Donuts with Dad scheduled for March 27.
Greene County High School: Scholars presented a show stopping celebration celebrating African American Heritage. GCHS Juniors attended Alabama Power Youth Leadership Conference at Shelton State Community College. Seniors participated in ACT Workkeys.
GCHS Debate Team competed at Fairhope on March 16, where two members earned awards, Tia Moore and Mekhi Braggs. On March 21-22, the Debate Team competed at Mississippi State University, where senior Tia Moore received a superlative award for her presentation.
GCHS Seniors attended Alabama State University Tour at Sumter Central High, with 12 students receiving scholarships. The Alabama A&M University Bus Tour awarded 15 students with scholarships.
Greene County Career Center: The HOSA Leadership Conference was held in Montgomery AL, February 29 – March 1. The Black College Fair was hosted February 29. Over 400 students and more than 25 colleges and businesses participated, Tenth grade students visited Talladega College, March 6. The Modern Manufacturing Industry Tour: Lear Corporation was held March 14.
The board approved the following personnel items. Recommended by the superintendent.
* Resignation of Ms. Kaleigha Jemison, Kindergarten teacher at Eutaw Primary School, effective March 25, 2024.
* Maternity/Catastrophic sick leave for Ms. Quenterica White, First grade teacher at Eutaw Primary School beginning April 25, 2024.
* Employment of Ms. Shameria Jordan as a long-term substitute – Kindergarten teacher at Eutaw Primary School.
The board approved the following administrative items recommended by the superintendent. *Application for registration as a charter authorizer.
Retroactively approve (as of 2/26/2024) base bid and alternates for HVAC installation at Robert Brown Middle School to be installed by Stateline Mechanical.
* Bid proposal from Integrity Event Security Providers, LLC for single entry/concealed weapon search (Based on 9-months).
* Travel to attend SREB Making Schools Work Conference – Nashville, TN – July 8 – 12, 2024, Rebecca Coleman and Tammy Anderson.
* McKee & Associates Architect Firm for the construction of the track and first phase of the football stadium at Greene County High School.
* Quote from Kendrick Lewis in the amount of $3,500 to build concrete ramp at Eutaw Primary School (CNP).
* Memorandum of Agreement between Greene County Board of Education and the University of Alabama to participate in UA’s College of Education Teach in Bama initiative designed to recruit, train, and retain talented individuals in the State of Alabama.
* 3 year contract with UKG Timeclock System in the amount of $70,297.60.
Quote from Hammilll Recreation (Play & Park Structures) for Phase II of playground equipment and installation at Robert Brown Middle School.
* Dual Enrollment Agreement with Wallace Community College Selma/Demopolis and Greene County High School for high school students to enroll in college-level courses through the College to dually earn credits for a high school diploma and a postsecondary educational credential.
* Payment of all bills, claims, and payroll.
Bank reconciliations as submitted by Mrs. Marquita Lennon, CSFO.
The CSFO, Marquita Lennon, presented the following Financial Snapshot for the period ending February 29, 2024. Operating Reserves total 5.93 months combined general fund reserve; 4.68 months cash reserve. All bank accounts have been reconciled. The General Fund Balance totaled $5,762,129.52 (reconciles to the Summary Cash report). Accounts Payable Check Register totaled $404,715.92. Payroll Register totaled $933,185.57. Combined Ending Fund Balance totaled $7,294,827.58.
Lennon reported local revenue as follows: Property Taxes – $77,139.62; Sales Taxes – $98,002.40; Other Taxes – $2,127.57. All totaling – $ 177,268.59.

BBCF Community & Arts Grants Spring 2024

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SELMA, AL – March 25, 2024: The Black Belt Community Foundation (BBCF) is offering community and arts grant opportunities open to community-based organizations operating within its 12-county service area comprising Bullock, Choctaw, Dallas, Greene, Hale, Lowndes, Macon, Marengo, Perry, Pickens, Sumter, and Wilcox Counties of Alabama.

The 2024 BBCF Arts and Community Grants Cycle will open on March 28th with the online grant application going live followed by a series of in-person and online Learn Grants-BBCF Style Workshops. There will be an in-person workshop in each of the 12 counties which will serve as an opportunity for the community to meet the new BBCF Arts Director, Aaron Head, and to answer any questions you may have about the grant process.

For a more in-depth learning experience, covering all aspects of the BBCF grant process and including tips for writing a successful application, please plan to attend one of the two Online Grant Summit workshops. Please note that any organization that has never submitted a grant application to BBCF MUST attend one in-person workshop session prior to applying. April 19th is the deadline for all applications, with final decisions being tendered by the end of May 2024.

Dates for the in-person and online workshops are forthcoming – be sure to follow BBCF on social media and check out our website, blackbeltfound.org, for up-to-date information about these sessions.

BBCF President Felecia Lucky states, “We are enthusiastic and assured of the work and guidance offered by the BBCF Community Associates and Local Grant Review Committees in facilitating the grant application process and in fostering connections with organizations dedicated to catalyzing positive change within their communities. This year marks the 19th anniversary of the Community Grant Cycle and the 18th anniversary of Arts granting, coinciding with the celebration of BBCF’s 20th anniversary.”

BBCF’s Community Grant Cycle will invest in organizations engaging Black Belt citizens by addressing the most pressing community needs through grants ranging in size from $500 to $7500. This type of work includes but is not limited to education, economic development, health, criminal justice reform and intervention, civic engagement/participation, recreational programs, etc.

BBCF’s Arts Grant Cycle will target in-school, after-school and community-based arts and arts education programs as well as professional development and capacity building. These grants have a range of $500 to $5000.

For both Community and Arts grants, applicants will be able to find specific examples of previous projects funded and other helpful details via the grant application web resource page at: https://blackbeltfound.org/2024grants/ .

Job Fair: Hiring Event Happening in Greene County

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West AlabamaWorks! to hold hiring event in Greene County tomorrow at the Robert H. Young Community Center.

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. March. 25, 2024 — West AlabamaWorks! is inviting job seekers in Greene

and the surrounding counties to attend a hiring event tomorrow, Tuesday, March 26 at the Robert H. Young Community Center, 720 Greensboro Ave, Eutaw, 35462.

“This is a wonderful opportunity for job seekers who are looking for employment in Greene

County,” said LaTasha Johnson, mayor of Eutaw. “West AlabamaWorks! has provided countless

individuals in our community with opportunities for a brighter future. To any prospective

employee seeking work, we encourage you to attend and participate in this free event.”

The hiring event, in partnership with West AlabamaWorks! and the Alabama Career Center

System, will host over 13 companies including Jolly Heating and Air Conditioning, Greene

County Health System, WestRock, Premier Service Company, Rural Health Medical Program,

DCH Health System, and West Alabama Mental Health Center. Job seekers will have the

opportunity to speak with company representatives and apply for open positions.

Anyone attending the free hiring event on March 26 is encouraged to pre-register at http://www.westalabamajobs.com/GC.

About West AlabamaWorks!

The Region 3 West AlabamaWorks! Council, in partnership with the Chamber of Commerce of

West Alabama, leads workforce development efforts throughout West Alabama. Together, we

facilitate and implement a comprehensive, coordinated, and seamless workforce development

system for the region and support workforce training activities. With a mission to promote

regional economic prosperity by providing support services to both employers and job seekers,

West AlabamaWorks! serves as the central hub for workforce development efforts and training.

Through West AlabamaWorks!, business and industry leaders have been able to create a

workforce development system that supports all levels of development and serves to benefit both employers and job seekers. Five industry clusters have been identified that address the needs of individual industry sectors. Those five clusters are: automotive, health care, construction, manufacturing, and professional and business services. Leaders of each sector work together to minimize duplication of services and maximize potential of each provider. This is done by communicating key workforce needs in the nine-county region through both urban and rural outreach programs. Measurable results are evident as programs—and those positively impacted by them — continue to grow and develop.
 

Celebrating Our Own, Dr. Dionne Edison, Author and Craftsperson

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Dr. Dionne Edison is an educator, author, crafter and artist. These activities are opportunities to learn by doing, telling stories through crafting/art and facilitating financial stability.

As an author, she has published two books. The MARCH OF THE C.O.W.S: Creatures of Wonderful Simplicity, is a whimsical book featuring cows. The pictures are scenes she photographed around Greene County, Alabama. THIS IS MY FATHERS’ WORD is a compilation of Rev. Milton Hurst’s sermon notes. She collaborated with daughter, Asenath Edison, to publish SUCCESS BEYOND ACADEMICS: How to Set Expectations for Life. Initially for high school students, this book is ideal for guidance in developing other transitioning plans in life.

She has also contributed to three anthologies. Pam Ryans was the lead on the collaborative effort for PEN IT! vol. 1, and PEN IT! vol. 2: The People’s Accounts, Emotions, and Thoughts of 2020 by Pam Ryan. They dealt with observations of life and COVID-19. Voices of Valor by Dr. Mary Gaskins gives voice to stories of African Americans that would otherwise be lost in time.

Arts and craft skills serve as therapy, opportunities for self-expression and financial resources. She is passionate about crochet, drawing and painting. These activities provide visual perspectives when words fail. She enjoys working with youth using arts and crafts to develop transferable skills in science, technology, engineering, math, marketing, business, and self-care. Dr. Edison says, Share your story. Each one, reach one, touch one, teach one. Everyone has a story to tell. Take time to share and listen. The message may not be for you but for someone you meet.”

Newswire : Britt backlash stokes GOP fears about losing women voters

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Alabama Senator Katie Britt

By: Julia Manchester, The Hill

Sen. Katie Britt’s (R-Ala.) State of the Union response is shining a light on the GOP’s struggle to appeal to women voters ahead of November’s elections.
The rebuttal was met with an avalanche of backlash for being out of touch, with many critics calling the choice to have Britt sitting at a kitchen table for the address sexist.
Political strategists and observers say Britt’s performance is largely emblematic of her party’s problem in appealing to women voters, particularly in the suburbs, who have recently turned their back on the party.
“Republicans have now two years in a row have picked a young woman — last year Sarah Huckabee Sanders, this year Katie Britt — to try to shift the image of the Republican Party away from older white men, which is really quite the reality of the party,” said Debbie Walsh, the executive director of the Center for American Women in Politics (CAWP) at Rutgers University.
And there is no question that Britt is in the minority within her party in the Capitol. She is one of nine Republican women serving in the U.S. Senate. “It is the image they are trying to strike in an attempt to reach women voters in some way,” Walsh said.
Republicans praised the choice of Britt to deliver the rebuttal, citing the contrast in age between her and President Biden, as well as her own record in the Senate. Last month, Britt played a leading role in helping Republicans navigate a ruling by her state’s Supreme Court that frozen embryos were considered children. She worked to gather support for in vitro fertilization (IVF) as Democrats were using the issue to attack the GOP.
The GOP has struggled to reach women in recent years, particularly those in the suburbs, since former President Trump took office in 2016. In the 2022 midterms, they helped deliver significant victories to Democrats in key swing states including Pennsylvania, Michigan and Georgia. According to the Pew Research Center, Biden won 54 percent of suburban voters in general. And back in 2018, 53 percent of suburban women voters said they voted for Democrats, up from 47 percent in 2014 and 51 percent in 2016, according to CBS News exit polling.
“Not only do they have a problem appealing to women, but it’s just to suburban voters at large,” said Gunner Ramer, political director the Republican Accountability Project, an anti-Trump right-leaning group.
Britt’s rebuttal featured her at her kitchen table, a location she and her family discuss issues impacting them, she said. Critics on the left and some on the right criticized the senator for using her kitchen backdrop, arguing that it fed into the outdated stereotypes about gender roles in the home. Britt defended the venue choice on “Fox News Sunday,” saying, “Republicans care about kitchen table issues.”
“We care about faith, family; we care about freedom. We are the ones talking about the economy and the real effects of that,” Britt said.
Meanwhile, Britt’s performance was excoriated during both a “Saturday Night Live” opening and comedian Jimmy Kimmel’s opening monologue at Sunday’s Academy Awards.
On top of all that, Britt has faced backlash over a story she told during the rebuttal of a woman facing sexual violence from two decades ago in Mexico. The senator defended the anecdote in the same “Fox News Sunday” interview, saying it was representative of Biden’s border policy, even if it significantly predated his administration.
However, the venue choice, coupled with what many have described as an awkward delivery from Britt, resulted in critics pouncing.
Ramer highlighted a focus group that the Republican Accountability Project conducted with voters from swing states the day after the State of the Union. They overwhelmingly said that “weird” was the word that summed up their reaction to the address.
“It misreads the voters they need to win back, because appealing to the traditional woman voter sort of thing — a lot of those voters are already going to support Trump,” Ramer said. “What they needed to do was go after the suburban vote, and Katie Britt’s response didn’t do that, and I think we saw that reflected in the focus group we did.”
And while Britt’s rebuttal may be in the headlines now, the speech itself likely won’t play a long-term role in the GOP’s appeal to women and suburban voters unless Britt is a leading contender to be Trump’s running mate.