By David Sher
I’ve been publishing ComebackTown for 13 years and I’ve never asked you to do anything.
But this time is different.
It’s time for all of us to take action.
UAB saved my wife’s life from a very aggressive breast cancer.
I’ve been diagnosed by UAB doctors with a leaking heart valve that will eventually need replacement.
I have two close family members who work at UAB.
And my company does business with UAB.
UAB means life, death, and financial security to me, my family, and many of you.
But UAB is facing a monumental challenge.
The new federal administration announced NIH (National Institute of Health) funding cuts that could severely impact UAB…and ultimately all of us in Birmingham and in Alabama.
UAB ranks in the top 1% of NIH-funded institutions in America.
In the past six years, UAB has received over $3 billion in NIH Funding.
In the 1930’s Birmingham was a one industry town. Alabamians suffered through the Depression, posting higher unemployment rates than any other southern state and boasting the dubious distinction of Birmingham’s being arguably the hardest-hit city in America.
Even in the 1950’s, when I was a child, if there was a work stoppage or strike at TCI (Tennessee Coal, Iron, and Railroad Company), the Birmingham economy would literally shut down.
Birmingham might be a bit more diversified now, but UAB is, by far, our biggest economic engine.
Birmingham wouldn’t be much without UAB. To stress that point, I published a column a few years back “What would Birmingham look like without UAB—Anniston?”
My first thought was to throw a bunch of UAB numbers at you, but that’s probably not necessary.
Let’s just stick with these four:
And it’s not just UAB that will be impacted. There are NIH funding cuts proposed for Auburn , Hudson Alpha in Huntsville, Southern Research in Birmingham, The University of Alabama, and the University of South Alabama in Mobile.
At the time of this writing, a federal judge temporarily blocked the new policy and everything is on hold.
But we must take action.
Senator Richard Shelby was responsible for bringing $100’s of millions to UAB, Birmingham, and Alabama.
I’m sure Senators Britt and Tuberville don’t want to be responsible for our State losing $100’s of millions.
Take action now: Your life and financial health may depend on it.
Call, e-mail, or request a meeting with Senator Britt by clicking here.
Call, e-mail, or request a meeting with Senator Tuberville by clicking here.
Senators Britt and Tuberville, please stand up for UAB and Alabama.
David Sher is the founder and publisher of ComebackTown. He’s past Chairman of the Birmingham Regional Chamber of Commerce (BBA), Operation New Birmingham (REV Birmingham), and the City Action Partnership (CAP).
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Invite David to speak for free to your group about how we can have a more prosperous metro Birmingham. [email protected]
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