what is sonny perdue doing now

The state's Board of Regents on Wednesday named a veteran finance official as the acting chancellor of Georgia's public university system, stalling former Gov. Why are we still talking about this, then? There, he managed a workforce of 110,000 employees in the U.S. Department of Agriculture with the stated objective of being the most efficient, effective and customer-friendly agency in the . Employees turn their back on Agriculture secretary over being - CNN Here's Why", "USGS Release: Atlanta Flooding Sets New Records", "Gov. What does it mean to be a chancellor? [24] During his governorship, Perdue collected at least $25,000 in gifts, including sporting event tickets and airplane flights. [19] After his first year in office, Senator Perdue wrote then Lt. Steve Fennessy: You mentioned that there's a long political history between Sonny Perdue and Brian Kemp. Perdue and the department have argued that the move will lower living costs, save . He served as his party's leader in the Senate from 1994 to 1997 and as president pro tempore. Sonny Perdue Is Sole Finalist to Lead Georgia's Public Universities There's been a lot of different issues that colleges are facing regarding social issues and political issues. Perdue, Trump's first and only agriculture secretary, is a notable exception. Florida Republican Sen. Marco Rubio, who like Grassley is up for reelection in 2022, said he hasn't "paid a lot of attention" to Georgia's governor race, saying "we got our hands full . It is simply unacceptable for people to sneak into this country illegally on Thursday, obtain a government-issued ID on Friday, head for the welfare office on Monday, and cast a vote on Tuesday, he declared, backing up his rancid lies with a crackdown on undocumented people. But should it go to a politician? It generated $102,077 in revenue or about 11 cents for every dollar it cost to run the center in years past. The crux of the watchdog complaint comes down to a handful of Perdues businesses the secretary reported as sources of income, at least a half-million dollars, on his 2019 filing. However, Perdue was faced with a Democratic House that would not allow the 1956 flag to be included in the referendum, due to its Confederate origins, and he needed support for a tobacco tax he wanted to pass to raise revenue. Subsequently, the trust sold off AGrowStar LLC and Pro Ag Products LLC (none of the other assets posed any conflict of interest with his duties as Secretary of Agriculture). Eric Stirgus: Well, he didn't go into specifics that day. [43], Beginning in 2007, Governor Perdue began to pursue the goal of making Georgia the "bass-fishing tourism mecca". The watchdogs question whether the sale of AGrowStar and Pro Ag Products was enough to quash all potential conflicts. Yes. [11], Perdue played quarterback at Warner Robins High School and was a walk-on at the University of Georgia,[12] where he was also a member of the Beta-Lambda chapter of Kappa Sigma fraternity. Sonny Perdue's . Coronavirus-riddled slaughterhouses, in turn, emerged as primary vectors for spreading the pathogen to surrounding communities. He was confirmed by the Senate on April 24,[49] with Bernie Sanders and nine Democrats voting against him. [44], Upon the end of Perdue's term as governor, many in the Georgia General Assembly condemned the project and Perdue after an advisory council (appointed by Perdue) began to funnel additional bond money to the project located in his home county. But last year, he disclosed he had become trustee of a newly formed fund that includes many of the same assets as his original family trust. You know, there were some complaints that, you know, he was involved in some changes that, you know, made it a little bit more difficult for students to get the HOPE scholarship. But you know, obviously, you know, there's been a lot of talk recently about issues like critical race theory. Eric Stirgus: No, not officially, you know, because they are personnel decisions that the board makes. "[45], The project overall has been scrutinized as a waste of taxpayer money due to mismanagement of bond money and extremely low visitors. Sonny Perdue Sworn in as 31st U.S. Secretary of Agriculture earned Perdue a knuckle-rap from the Office of Special Counsel, publicly for a way to cut federally mandated wages, lavished mainly huge soybean, hog, and cotton farmers, more than double the price tag of President Barack Obamas 2009 auto bailout, join us with a tax-deductible donation today. (Washington, D.C., April 28, 2020) - U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue released the following statement after President Donald J. Trump signed an Executive Order to keep meat and poultry processing facilities open during the COVID-19 national emergency. That's next. Meanwhile, in 2020, the pandemic ravaged meatpacking workers and put millions out of work, causing a surge in the need for food assistanceboth very much areas of concern for the agriculture department. Report: ADM sold plant to Sonny Perdue weeks after being named Trump ag Therefore the new trust Perdue listed on his 2019 financial disclosure, identifying himself as a co-trustee, poses no conflict of interest or violation of his ethics commitments, the spokesperson said. The staff of Mother Jones is highlighting the years heroes and monsters. Thanks for listening. Each of those firms is owned by Perdue Business Holdings Inc., and Secretary Perdues newly created FALF Management Trust of which the secretary is a co-trustee owns 100 percent of the voting stock in Perdue Business Holdings, according to his 2019 disclosure. Sonny Perdue on Confirmation to Lead Dept. Steve Fennessy: So I'm guessing that maybe he wants to stay out of this altogether, or do we know if he is going to make any kind of public statement endorsing one way or the other? "There is one thing we know for sure: Sen. David Perdue will be . Governor Pierre Howard asking for more responsibilities, and Howard obliged. Perdue is a kind of an easy-going Southern version of the president he served so zealously. Listen on Apple Podcasts. Kemp continues to be grateful for that support, and he feels some, you know, some loyalty, from what we've been hearing from our sources towards Sonny Perdue. Steve Fennessy: Matthew Boedy, a University of North Georgia professor and president of the Georgia conference of the American Association of University Professors, told the New York Times that, quote, "a chancellor's job is to defend the system against such bills. It is no surprise that these made up accusations are coming out in the final weeks of October. According to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, "As the vigil ended, the sun shone through what had been a cloudy morning. Watchdog organizations are now calling for the Agriculture Departments inspector general to investigate whether Perdue has run afoul of the ethics agreement he signed as a nominee for the job early in the Trump administration. His committee assignments included Ethics, Finance & Public Utilities, Health & Human Services, Reapportionment, and Economic Development, Tourism & Cultural Affairs. Then there were the full-on MAGA-bots like Sonny Perdue, the Georgia politician and agribusiness entrepreneur who became agriculture secretary. Subscribe today and get a full year of Mother Jones for just $14.95. Eric Stirgus: Correct. Former US Secretary of Agriculture and former Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue were named chancellor of the University System of Georgia by the Board of Regents today (USG). What is it about this job that appeals to him? Who hires the chancellor? Is that right? Eric Stirgus: Most of them are designated by congressional district. Has he said, "I'm supporting the guy who's pushing my candidacy for chancellor" or "I'm supporting my cousin who's running against him"? [News tape] WSB: He called being named a finalist a quote wonderful capstone to a career in public service. Save big on a full year of investigations, ideas, and insights. USDAs unprecedented farm subsidies have also fueled criticism that taxpayer dollars are being used to keep farmers and ranchers in Trumps corner ahead of the election especially as the president repeatedly touts the money at campaign rallies as his own personal gift to agriculture. [22], Perdue advocated reforms designed to cut waste in government, most notably the sale of surplus vehicles and real estate. Eric Stirgus: You know, it's a pretty important job in the state of Georgia. [News tape] 11Alive: This is where angry parents are accusing the school board of trying to indoctrinate students with controversial curriculum on race and American history. Perdues response? This is diversity and inclusion. Secretary Perdue complied with his ethics agreement and followed the advice of ethics officers at USDA when he restructured the Perdue Family Revocable Management Trust into a new family management trust, in which the secretary and his wife had no ownership interest and were not trustees, the spokesperson said in a statement. David Perdue is running for governor in Georgia. Here's what to know "[35], In 2006, Perdue signed a law that gave Georgia "some of the nation's toughest measures against illegal immigrants. Sonny Perdue Named Chancellor of the University System of Georgia - USG Why is there 19? Looking at the pandemic, they've also had to take on some additional responsibilities, such as, you know, managing coronavirus relief funds. The credits are meant to offset the environmental impact of land development and they can be bought and sold on the marketplace. The watchdog groups are now seeking information about whether Perdue was involved in a decision by the Army Corps of Engineers which works with USDA on some wetlands restoration efforts to reallocate Soque River Conservations credits in a way that significantly increased their value. He would not be the first governor to move into academia: Former Gov. All Rights Reserved. Why Brian Kemp wants Sonny Perdue to lead Georgia's higher ed system Eric Stirgus: Yes, Sonny Perdue backed Kemp's state Senate bid in 2002. AGrowStar (including the assets acquired as part of the Estill deal) was sold by Perdue's trusts in 2018 for 12 million dollars, but due to the secretive nature of the trusts, this was not widely disclosed. Jess Mador is our producer. [30], In 2001, Democratic governor Roy Barnes replaced the 1956 state flag, which incorporated the battle flag of the Confederacy, and which had been adopted by Georgia largely as a protest against desegregation. And so, you know, I think he was one of those, you know, members who, you know, was part of that faction were against it. He enjoys flying and, in a 2003 incident, was accused of flying a state helicopter without a license. Eric Stirgus: I think it's been a mix of both. I'm Steve Fennessy. [News tape] FOX5: The Board of Regents has made its choice for the state's next chancellor. A USDA spokesperson denied Perdue was involved and said holding such land doesnt conflict with his duties as secretary. after feeling punished under Trump", 'It feels like something out of a bad sci-fi movie', The Trump administration is suppressing climate science, "US agriculture secretary breaks ranks to endorse carbon pricing", "USDA chief violated Hatch Act by advocating for Trump re-election, gov't watchdog says", "USDA's Perdue fined for violating Hatch Act while promoting food boxes", "Perdue rebuked for violating ethics law by boosting Trump's reelection", "The land was worth millions. Similarly, while the pandemic savaged meatpacking workers, killing at least 563 as of mid-December, the ag department kept on with a trend it had started in 2019: allowing giant poultry companies to speed up their slaughterhouse kill lines. In research shared with POLITICO, Accountable.US alleges that farm policies backed by the secretary could potentially have benefited his own or his familys interests beyond the two agribusinesses that were sold. Eric Stirgus: And then there's been issues that a lot of Republican lawmakers have been bringing up to in the Georgia Legislature in recent years about campus speech issues that they feel that, you know, students and groups cannot speak freely on college campuses, particularly conservatives. Steve Fennessy: So how do you get a job to be chancellor? Steve Fennessy: So the faction that was opposed or is opposed to the idea of Sonny Perdue as chancellor seems to be getting smaller. Steve Fennessy: Well, let's unpack a little bit more this rather awkward political relationship going on. Steve Fennessy: When did we first hear that Sonny Perdue who was the outgoing Secretary of Agriculture in the Trump administration, of course a two-term former governor of Georgia was interested in the job of chancellor? Eric Stirgus: Yes, definitely. Brian Kemp thinks so, and it looks like he's getting his way. [18], Perdue was elected as a Democrat in 1991, 1994, and 1996. after feeling punished under Trump, "Economists flee Agriculture Dept. He referenced the pandemic and the phrase "Cultural Revolution." [13], In 1971, Perdue earned his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) from the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine, and worked as a veterinarian before becoming a small business owner, eventually starting three small businesses. Personal: Perdue. He's also a fierce advocate for Sonny Perdue to land the chancellor job, saying his experience . Yes, there is a acting chancellor. White House Seeks To Lower Farmworker Pay To Help Agriculture - NPR He served two terms,. Trump announced just days before his own inauguration, on Jan. 20, 2017, that. Since joining the Trump administration, Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue's complicated network of ties to Georgia-based entities including his family's company, Perdue Partners raised questions about potential conflicts of interest as well as his working relationship with his cousin, Georgia Sen. David Perdue. Conley. However, most served in the early years of the war and were either forced at gunpoint or feared reprisals for disloyalty. Terms of Service apply. USDA To Implement President Trump's Executive Order On Meat and Poultry Steve Fennessy: This has been percolating for a while now, Eric: this this idea of Sonny Perdue as the next chancellor of the University of Georgia system. I think Steve really was making maybe about a half million dollars when he retired, so that's way more than the governor of Georgia was making. While it is often especially difficult for members of a governing board who are appointed by the governor or legislative body to remain independent in their work, it is imperative that they do or they place the accreditation of the institution they govern in jeopardy." Perdue restructured his original family trust into a new fund that he did not oversee, and the fund then sold off two of his businesses directly involved in agriculture the only assets that posed potential conflicts, according to a USDA spokesperson. And you know, in saying, you know, this is why we, you know, we are concerned about Sonny Perdue becoming chancellor. The latest scrutiny stems from the agriculture secretary's wealth of current and former interests in agriculture, trucking and land development. Once again, left-leaning organizations like American Oversight will do anything they can to stop this administration from helping the American people, the spokesperson said. Other issues addressed by Perdue include assisting rural communities, helping farmers operate with less regulation, increasing exports, passing the 2018 farm bill, and addressing crop damage caused by dicamba. Steve Fennessy: How unusual is it for a letter like that to be written? So that's a little strange, isn't it? Eric Stirgus: I think, you know, there's just some uncertainty among many faculty members about, you know, who will eventually serve in the position and you know what role they may take on, you know, on this, you know, systems operations. [46] After the state dropped out of the bidding and the land was sold to developers, the value of Perdue's property more than doubled. David Perdue is saying, "I'm the big Trump guy here." Brian Kemp is not. Steve Fennessy: So there's a school of thought that Gov. The Georgia Public Library Service and the Georgia Archives . Eric Stirgus: The chancellor is hired by the Board of Regents as a 19-member body, and all of those folks are appointed by the governor and so they serve seven-year terms. [67], Perdue's assets during his time as Secretary were placed in blind trusts, as is common to prevent financial conflicts of interest. His selection has angered professors concerned about academic freedom. According to the Georgia government's website on Confederate History Month, they also participated in the manufacture of products for the war effort, built naval ships, and provided military assistance and relief efforts"[38] The proclamation was criticized by historians for its historical inaccuracies,[39] although there were, in fact, African-Americans who served the Confederacy. [32] Perdue disappointed some Georgians by not making the 1956 flag one of the choices on the ballot, despite a campaign promise to do so. Eric Stirgus: During his time as agriculture secretary there was, you know, there's been some criticism about his record, you know, concerning issues such as climate change. Sonny Perdue, aka George Ervin "Sonny" Perdue III, is known to be a veterinarian, businessman, and politician of the United States of America. Eric Stirgus: I think, you know, his critics have a couple of reasons that they're concerned. He later served as U.S. Secretary of Agriculture and was named chancellor of the University System of Georgia in 2022.. Background and Education "The. At least he is out of the gate. [71], In 2006, while still governor, Perdue made a cameo appearance as the coach of the East Carolina Pirates football team in the movie We Are Marshall, large portions of which were filmed in Georgia. [67], Regardless of whether the deal was intended to influence Perdue's actions, and if it was if it actually had any impact, the Perdue years were good ones for ADM. Eric Stirgus: Sonny Perdue, you know, encouraged then-President Trump to endorse Brian Kemp in the Republican primary back in 2018. Sign up to receive GPB Event announcements via Email. [58][59], Under Perdue, the Department of Agriculture (USDA) was accused of suppressing scientific publications for political reasons. You can keep up with Georgia today by subscribing to the show at GPB.org. Earlier this week, Georgia's Board of Regents announced that Sonny Perdue was the sole finalist for the job. Trump said Friday that he has directed Perdue to provide at least $16 billion in relief. We'll be back next week. [3], In 2004, Perdue sued the Environmental Protection Agency to block environmental regulations on reformulated gasoline. Atlanta, GA 30318 260 14th St. NW That decision and the selection of Mr. Perdue are both intrusions on academic freedom, Mr. Boedy, the University of North Georgia professor, said. Perdue will not improve the state of education as chancellor - he will only ruin it.. Mitch Daniels of Indiana has led Purdue University since 2012. [24] The State Ethics Commission ruled against Perdue twice, finding that he had taken improper campaign contributions from donors including SunTrust Banks and that he had improperly used one of his family business's airplanes on the campaign, for which the commission fined the sitting governor. Steve Fennessy: So he left in June. He also has largely avoided the sort of major scandals that have dogged many others in Trumps Cabinet. So those are some of the things that have concerned a lot of state leaders or particularly on the Republican side. He had even served as the 81st Governor of Georgia, and his tenure was from 2003 to 2011. Eric Stirgus: Now, you know, conversely, his supporters say he was a governor of Georgia for eight years. Now to me, Eric, that sounds like a kind of an implied threat that appointing Sonny Perdue as chancellor could mean that we'd lose accreditation. Through it all, Perdue maintained his extraordinary podcast, The Sonnyside of the Farm, a monthly testament to the genius of his boss and the glory of big agribusiness.

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