Shadow seekers, billionaire tax, vaccines for cabbies: News from around our 50 states From USA TODAY Network and wire reports, USA TODAY
Alabama
Montgomery: The state on Monday launched an online portal for people to check their eligibility for COVID-19 vaccinations and make appointments. The Alabama Department of Public Health said the site at alcovidvaccine.gov will allow those eligible to make an appointment if shots are available in their county of choice. The portal also provides information about additional drive-thru and walk-in clinics being offered. Starting next Monday, Alabama will expand who is eligible for the vaccine to everyone 65 and older, educators, court officials, corrections officers, postal employees, grocery store workers, some manufacturing workers, public transit workers, agriculture employees, state legislators and constitutional officers. Currently, only people 75 and older, first responders, health care workers and long-term care reside
Credit KWCH
Meatpacking companies and public health officials are trying to overcome any reluctance workers may have about coronavirus vaccines before they become eligible to get them. Major companies such as Tyson Foods and JBS are encouraging workers to get the vaccine with campaigns to educate them about the benefits and safety of the shots. Also, JBS and Pilgrim’s Corp. are offering $100 bonuses to workers who get the vaccine. But union officials and worker advocates say some workers, who are largely immigrants, distrust the government and some question the safety of the shots because they were developed in less than a year.
Meatpacking firms encouraging workers to get virus vaccine Follow Us
Question of the Day By - Associated Press - Tuesday, February 2, 2021
OMAHA, Neb. (AP) - Meatpacking companies and public health officials are trying to overcome any reluctance workers may have about coronavirus vaccines before they become eligible to get them.
Major companies such as Tyson Foods and JBS are encouraging workers to get the vaccine with campaigns to educate them about the benefits and safety of the shots. Also, JBS and Pilgrim’s Corp. are offering $100 bonuses to workers who get the vaccine.
Last spring, the virus spread quickly through meatpacking plants, where workers stand shoulder-to-shoulder as they carve up meat on production lines.
CONFIRMATION UNDERWAY FOR SEC. OF AGRICULTURE NOMINEE TOM VILSACK
Former Iowa Governor Tom Vilsack facing questions today by the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry. Vilsack who served as U.S. Secretary of Agriculture during the Obama Administration is also the President Biden’s choice for the position.
This morning, U.S. Senator Joni Ernst asked Vilsack his position on biofuels in light of President Biden’s excelleration toward electric vehicles.
Vilsack says there is room for both.
U.S. SENATOR JONI ERNS, IA (R)
Credit U.S. Senate
Ernst says Vilsack will bring a unique perspective since he is from Iowa and she hopes continues to look out for the interest of farmers and ranchers in Iowa.