Coronavirus-riddled slaughterhouses, in turn, emerged as primary vectors for spreading the pathogen to surrounding communities. You know, looking at that and he can say that Gov. 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. Eric Stirgus: Well, he didn't go into specifics that day. Presumably, some political appointees who served in the Trump administration did so with earnest intentions, hoping to bring dignity and professionalism to the task of advancing the Republican agenda of deregulation, austerity (for non-cronies), and upward wealth redistribution. Saeger, of Accountable.US, said the inspector general still needs to review that claim. He won the 2002 Georgia gubernatorial election, defeating Democratic incumbent Roy Barnes 51% to 46%, with Libertarian candidate Garrett Michael Hayes taking 2% of the vote. [News tape] FOX5: The choice of Perdue has already drawn criticism from student groups and university professors who describe Perdue as a career politician with no experience in higher education. The Georgia Board of Regents on Tuesday named former governor and U.S. Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue as the sole finalist to lead the state's University System. But ethics questions have piled up in recent months about the secretarys mixing of USDA duties and his political promotion of the president. Can you pitch in a few bucks to help fund Mother Jones' investigative journalism? Trump announced just days before his own inauguration, on Jan. 20, 2017, that. Eric Stirgus: There was some support on the regents, but not enough support to get him across the finish line to be named as chancellor. Eric Stirgus: Now, you know, conversely, his supporters say he was a governor of Georgia for eight years. Please consider making a gift today to support this vital public service. [19] After his first year in office, Senator Perdue wrote then Lt. According to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, it was a plum post for the political novice, which he used as a springboard that helped propel him to a US Senate seat in 2014. [50], In September 2017, Politico reported that, according to 42 reviewed resumes, the department hired 22 former Trump campaign workers, many of which had no significant agricultural knowledge or experience with federal policies. He served two terms,. He was there at the end. The sole vote against him came from Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY). [70], Perdue is an avid sportsman. On January 18, 2017, President-elect Donald Trump announced that he would nominate Perdue to be Secretary of Agriculture. Eric Stirgus: You know, it's a pretty important job in the state of Georgia. We've been hearing that Gov. As a subscriber, you have 10 gift articles to give each month. That's next. All Rights Reserved. Libertarian Garrett Michael Hayes was also on the ballot. The U.S. Senate confirmed Secretary Perdue by a vote of 87-to-11 on Monday evening. 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." Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue has long been President Donald Trumps most effective advocate among rural voters. A longtime Atlanta-based journalist, he is a former editor-in-chief of Atlanta magazine. Sonny Perdue served two terms as the governor of Georgia, from 2003 to 2011. I'm Steve Fennessy. Later, FALF Management Trust was created. What Is Sonny Perdue Doing Now? If you value what you get from Mother Jones, please join us with a tax-deductible donation today so we can keep on doing the type of journalism 2023 demands. And you know, in saying, you know, this is why we, you know, we are concerned about Sonny Perdue becoming chancellor. In December 2001, Perdue resigned as state senator and devoted himself entirely to running for the office of Governor of Georgia. Georgia Public Radio GPTV, Oversight group isnt reviewing Georgia regents choice of Sonny Perdue. Eric Stirgus: For now, we have not heard any discussion about, you know, where Sonny Perdue will ultimately fall on the governor's race. Steve Fennessy: Well, there was also some changes that happened on the board itself, right? Eric Stirgus: Yes, I think the governor could certainly use this on the campaign trail and, you know, to, you know, David Perdue supporters and say, "Hey, look, you know, I've made Sonny Perdue, chancellor of the university system. Unquote. [46], In December 2004, Perdue bought $2 million worth of land near Disney World from a developer who he had previously appointed to the state's economic development board. From the year 2017 to 2021, George has served as the 31st United States Secretary Of Agriculture. At the beginning of 2020, Perdue yearned publicly for a way to cut federally mandated wages for migrant farm workers on guest visas. Then there were the full-on MAGA-bots like Sonny Perdue, the Georgia politician and agribusiness entrepreneur who became agriculture secretary. (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. She said that this is coming from a place of strength and not weakness. publicly condemned how the university system selected Mr. Perdue, will be the first woman to head the institution, a large-scale, low-cost online Master of Science degree program. The other election pits Republican Sen. Kelly Loeffler against the Rev. [23] Prior to Perdue's becoming governor, no state agency had compiled an inventory of what assets were owned by the state. You know, I guess at the time, they sort of came to an impasse and there was a search firm that was hired to help with the process, but pulled out of the process. Eric Stirgus: I think you would have many people who would say that it is a political decision or that the board members themselves have, you know, some say depending on their own personal politics. Although it returned to last place in 2005,[26] Georgia rose to 49th place in 2006 in the combined math and reading mean score, including the writing portion added to the test that year. You can keep up with Georgia today by subscribing to the show at GPB.org. [14] He defeated Republican candidate Ned Sanders in 1990 and succeeded Democratic incumbent Ed Barker as the senator representing the 18th district. Steve Fennessy: There's something else going on here. Is Sonny Perdue staking out any does he have a dog in this fight, at least publicly? [News tape] parent at recent school board meeting, 11Alive: "I don't know how or why this would be debated.". His committee assignments included Ethics, Finance & Public Utilities, Health & Human Services, Reapportionment, and Economic Development, Tourism & Cultural Affairs. He enjoys flying and, in a 2003 incident, was accused of flying a state helicopter without a license. You know, he's a strong conservative, you know, and he's David Perdue's cousin. You know, he provided the money for the budget for the university system, and he understands how the system, you know, to a certain degree, you know, how the system works. One is looking at his record, as you know, the governor of Georgia. You know, it's kind of a fascinating situation that, you know, your cousin is running for governor and at the same time his political opponent could be putting you in charge of one of the most important positions in state government. Perdue announced the final relocation site in a letter that was distributed to employees Thursday morning. He left in June. 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. The department did not provide further documentation that potential conflicts in 2017 were limited to AGrowStar and Pro Ag Products. [56] The attrition rate was particularly high in the Resource and Rural Economics Division (90%) and in the Food Economics Division (up to 89%). So Sonny Perdue is very much in the good graces of Donald Trump. Senator David Perdue by their grandfather George Ervin Perdue I. Steve Fennessy: Eric, you've covered higher education in Georgia for a lot of years. Save big on a full year of investigations, ideas, and insights. Eric Stirgus: Correct. These emergency benefits represent a 40% increase in . As governor from 2003 until 2011, he celebrated the states legacy of chattel slaverysigning 2009 legislation making April Confederate History and Heritage Month, honoring the more than 90,000 brave men and women who served the Confederate States of America. He was an early adopter of race-motivated voter suppression, signing into law one of the nations first strict ID laws. 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. Steve Fennessy: As you said, Sonny Perdue persuaded Donald Trump when he was president to endorse Brian Kemp. 260 14th St. NW So we have Brian Kemp in this fierce battle against David Perdue primary battle for governor. Or are they sometimes coming from outside it? [News tape] 11Alive: Critical race theory about whites, blacks and U.S. history, parents saying that CRT is now indoctrinating students disguised in the school system's initiatives on diversity, equity and inclusion. Eric Stirgus: You know, and then there have been other instances where, you know, Sonny has supported now-Gov. He was sworn in by Supreme Court associate justice and fellow Georgian Clarence Thomas. [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. [67], Perdue's assets during his time as Secretary were placed in blind trusts, as is common to prevent financial conflicts of interest. There may be that short list that some of these members of the Board of Regents have, but they're not allowed to discuss it publicly. Charles S. Bullock, III, The Georgia Political Almanac, The General Assembly 199394. Sonny Perdue has long mixed personal and political business to benefit his friends and business associates and he's on track to do it again. (Washington, D.C., April 22, 2020) - Today, the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue announced emergency benefit increases have reached $2.0 billion per month for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) households across all 50 states and 3 territories to increase food security during the coronavirus national emergency. We'll be back next week. Across the state, teachers have found themselves caught in a conservative battle to ban divisive topics from classrooms, which Republican lawmakers define as a various list of ideas regarding race. Kemp is sort of paying back a favor. Faster kill lines boost packer profits even as they put already pandemic-stressed workers under greater strain, while also making proper social distancing even more difficult. [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. Sonny Perdue was its sole finalist to become chancellor, a choice that has outraged some professors and led a regional agency to threaten the accreditation of the 26-school system. But Perdue is struggling. [6] His nomination was approved by the Senate Agriculture Committee by a 19-1 voice vote on March 30. So, you know, it'll be interesting to see. [46] Perdue failed to disclose his ownership of the property in required financial disclosure forms. [53] In August 2017, he announced a mentoring program for new farmers. How is that number arrived at? The board cited Perdue's, quote, "vast understanding of the issues facing the university system," unquote. He spent his 2020 like he spent the other years of his Washington stint: flattering his boss at every opportunity, and lavishing largesse on political allies while undercutting poor people and food-system workers. Eric Stirgus: Yes. Terms of Service apply. Perdue is a kind of an easy-going Southern version of the president he served so zealously. Last month, the U.S. State Department said it will start processing more applicants seeking H-2A temporary. 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. As expected, the board named former governor and U.S. Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue as its sole finalist to head the University System of Georgia. All Rights Reserved. [42] The floods resulted in Perdue declaring a state of emergency in 17 counties. In 2018, while Perdue was secretary, Soque River Conservation asked the Army Corps to modify the credits held by the company in a way that could boost its value by nearly $3 million, the groups estimate. 11/08/2018 02:42 PM EST. But should it go to a politician? Sonny Perdue issues state of emergency for 17 Georgia counties", "Perdue fails to disclose '04 purchase of land", "Trump to announce Sonny Perdue for Agriculture", "Sonny Perdue Sworn in as 31st U.S. Secretary of Agriculture", "Trump hires campaign workers instead of farmworkers at USDA", "Sonny Perdue is Trump's 'designated survivor' for State of the Union 2018", "Perdue tells second Iowa Ag Summit he wants to support new farmers", "Trump administration to return refined grains to school lunches", Many USDA workers to quit as research agencies move to Kansas City: 'The brain drain we all feared', ERS union predicts mass exodus ahead of relocation, 'Cut, Relocate, Eviscerate': Moving a USDA Research Agency Will Have Lasting Consequences, Employees Say, Economists flee Agriculture Dept. [47], Perdue was constitutionally ineligible to seek a third consecutive term as governor in the 2010 Georgia gubernatorial election. 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. Steve Fennessy: Well, let's unpack a little bit more this rather awkward political relationship going on. [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. This is Georgia Today. This is Georgia Today. In April, before the Board of Regents selected Mr. Perdue, the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges sent it a warning letter stating that the appointment of a former governor could place the accreditation of the institution(s) they govern in jeopardy.. 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. Steve Fennessy: So how do you get a job to be chancellor? 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. [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. Steve Fennessy: But in the state of Georgia, I would think that, at least of jobs that are sort of in the employ of the state of Georgia, there are few that are more prominent or important than chancellor. Secretary Perdue was just chastised for his abuse of tax dollars for political purposes by ethics authorities, so we cannot take these claims at face value, he said. Economists in the USDA's research branch were told to include disclaimers in their peer-reviewed publications stating that the findings were "preliminary" and "should not be construed to represent any agency determination or policy". The Perdue USDA also insisted that federally funded grocery boxes distributed by food banks contain a letter signed by Trump, touting the administrations coronavirus response. Sonny Perdue was its sole finalist to become chancellor, a choice that has outraged some professors and led a. Sonny Perdue and Brian Kemp have a longstanding relationship politically, and then you have Sonny Perdue's cousin who is running against the governor now in the GOP primary. Perdue, a former US senator, has so far raised a fraction of what Kemp has in his campaign war chest. Why is Sonny Perdue is such a polarizing figure? Trump said Friday that he has directed Perdue to provide at least $16 billion in relief. Sign up for the free Mother Jones Daily newsletter and follow the news that matters. [3], In 2004, Perdue sued the Environmental Protection Agency to block environmental regulations on reformulated gasoline. The board cited Perdue's, quote, "vast understanding of the issues facing the university system," unquote. That relationship famously has gone has gone south. Sonny Perdue Is Sole Finalist to Lead Georgias Public Universities, https://www.nytimes.com/2022/02/15/us/sonny-perdue-georgia-chancellor.html. I understand that the Board of Regents, at least in its previous iteration, was not necessarily too keen on the idea of Sonny Perdue as the next chancellor, is that correct? Steve Fennessy: Yeah. It generated $102,077 in revenue or about 11 cents for every dollar it cost to run the center in years past. He served as his party's leader in the Senate from 1994 to 1997 and as president pro tempore. 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. Gov. In his 2002 election campaign, Perdue promised that he would let the state's citizens vote to determine the state flag. Eric Stirgus: He has some interest in the job because, you know, he realizes the importance of higher education to the state's economy. Steve Fennessy: So that's not something you can just push aside because you don't like what one of their family members is doing. One is there was a group of students who created a group called Students against Sonny. 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. 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. [40], In 2008, Perdue worked with the Georgia Emergency Management Agency to implement Ready Georgia, a campaign to increase disaster preparedness throughout the state. Why is there 19? Help Mother Jones' reporters dig deep with a tax-deductible donation. Eric Stirgus: Publicly, I don't think he's said one way or another right now. David Perdue is running against Democrat Jon Ossoff in one of two runoff elections in the state that will determine control of the U.S. Senate in the next Congress. There is no conflict of interest in becoming a trustee of a trust that contains no conflicting interests.. The business holdings were a source of concern during his confirmation process, as well as during his time as Georgia governor from 2003-11, when he faced more than a dozen ethics complaints and was found to have funneled illegal amounts of money from his businesses to his campaign in 2002. Looking at the pandemic, they've also had to take on some additional responsibilities, such as, you know, managing coronavirus relief funds. This week on Georgia Today, we look at some issues Bottoms faced during her tenure as mayor with CNN national correspondentRyan Young. [24] During his governorship, Perdue collected at least $25,000 in gifts, including sporting event tickets and airplane flights. after feeling punished under Trump, "Economists flee Agriculture Dept. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and 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"? Steve Fennessy: Politics makes strange bedfellows. We're a nonprofit (so it's tax-deductible), and reader support makes up about two-thirds of our budget. The administration began acquiring bond money for the Go Fish Education Center near his home in Perry, GA. The complex arrangements were criticized as breaking the spirit of the rule, however, and that Perdue and his family's ties to his corporation were not distanced as much as the law intended. Today, reader support makes up about two-thirds of our budget, allows us to dig deep on stories that matter, and lets us keep our reporting free for everyone. [25] Perdue then used the new law on his 2004 tax return to defer $100,000 in taxable gains from the sale of land. Steve Fennessy: What did you think when you first heard about that? How did we find out about that? There's been some social media push against him. Why are we still talking about this, then? Purdue merged the voter-fraud myth with another racist fantasy, also fervently indulged by Trump, that undocumented immigrants burden taxpayers by siphoning welfare benefits. Perdue and the department have argued that the move will lower living costs, save . You know, he also backed Brian Kemp to fill the position of Secretary of State. Sonny Perdue's . And so now he's no longer on the regents. Personal: Perdue. Mr. Perdue served two terms as governor from 2003 to 2011, and later became Secretary of Agriculture under President Donald J. Trump. "[35], In 2006, Perdue signed a law that gave Georgia "some of the nation's toughest measures against illegal immigrants. Some farmers ended up destroying perfectly good food. Eric Stirgus: There have been some faculty members who have, you know, written letters to the University System of Georgia, you know, stating their opposition. While Perdue puffed up the generosity of his boss, the USDA was busy botching the food-relief effort, awarding fat contracts to distributors ill-equipped to handle them, with the result that some parts of the country got a lot of food, while others got very little, NPR reported. [2] He previously served as the 81st governor of Georgia from 2003 to 2011; Perdue was the first Republican to hold the office since the Reconstruction era.[3]. Conley.