Perdue will begin his duties as the 14th chancellor on April 1, according to a press release from USG. Perdue claimed a combined $511,800 in income from Perdue Inc., a trucking company; Houston Fertilizer & Grain Co., which manages commercial real estate in Bonaire, Ga.; and StarPort Logistics LLC. But you know, we are hearing, you know, some of the newer members could be a lot more supportive of Sonny Perdue. 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: You know, he's never spoken publicly about it. Eric Stirgus: Yes. 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. Citing export losses from Trumps trade war with China, the USDA lavished mainly huge soybean, hog, and cotton farmers with $28 billion in 2018 and 2019more than double the price tag of President Barack Obamas 2009 auto bailout. But the threat is part of the latest controversy for the Board of Regents, which in October approved a new policy where universities can fire tenured professors with little to no faculty input. Now the nonprofit American Oversight is asking USDAs inspector general to review the new structure of Perdues assets and determine whether it violates the commitments he made as a nominee for the job in 2017. Senate Republicans aghast at Perdue's false election claims in - CNN Mitch Daniels of Indiana has led Purdue University since 2012. 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. In 2011, he founded Perdue Partners, which facilitated the export of U.S. goods and services. The new law saved Perdue $100,000 in state taxes. Perdue bids farewell: 'We put American agriculture first' - AgriNews What Is Sonny Perdue Doing Now? - Vim Buzz And so now he's no longer on the regents. 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. American Oversight is now calling on the inspector general to investigate whether Perdue improperly participated in any such decision, given his ethics pledge to stay out of any matters that might have a direct and predictable effect on the financial interests of the assets in his trusts. I'm going to read a paragraph towards the end of her letter. Georgia Today is a production of Georgia Public Broadcasting. 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. Atlanta Journal-Constitution Staff Writer Eric Stirgus: The chancellor is sort of the person who makes sure all the trains run on time, so to speak. Steve Fennessy: Well, there was also some changes that happened on the board itself, right? The design of the 2001 Georgian flag was widely unpopular, being derisively named the "Barnes flag". Jess Mador is the lead podcast producer at GPB News. USDA Increases Monthly SNAP Benefits by 40% | USDA That's next. A longtime Atlanta-based journalist, he is a former editor-in-chief of Atlanta magazine. Perdue, Trump's first and only agriculture secretary, is a notable exception. [55], In July 2019, Perdue ordered two USDA agenciesthe Economic Research Service (ERS) and the National Institute of Food and Agricultureto move from the USDA's headquarters in Washington, D.C. to the Kansas City metropolitan area. Steve Fennessy: It's interesting the the letter was addressed to Sachin Shailendra, who at the time was chair of the Board of Regents, but is one of those members who redistricting kind of pushed out so he's no longer on the Board of Regents. Founder and partner in an agricultural trading company,[4] Perdue served from 2012 to 2017 on the Governors' Council of the Bipartisan Policy Center in Washington, D.C.[3][5] He is the second secretary of agriculture from the Deep South; the first was Mike Espy of Mississippi, who served under President Bill Clinton from January 1993 to December 1994. When you go this long without having a permanent chancellor on board, what signal does that send or how does that affect the operations of our schools? Listen on Apple Podcasts. 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. [51], Perdue was the designated survivor on January 30, 2018, for President Trump's first State of the Union address. [46] The land was eventually sold to developers; however, the state was evaluating bidding on the property and keeping it as a reserve. 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. Your support makes this possible. In the podcasts final episode before the election, released Oct. 29, Perdue hosted another MAGA loyalist, the high-living former Wall Street man and TV personality Larry Kudlow, the non-economist who Trump improbably chose to lead the National Economic Council. Sign up to receive GPB Event announcements via Email. [News tape] WSB: As governor, Perdue's record on education is also being called into question. Sanders: one of the the most fun, engaging, charming, and charismatic people Ive ever been around. Perdue: he has an amazing instinctive ability to make decisions.. [3], In 2006, Perdue was re-elected to a second term in the 2006 Georgia gubernatorial election, winning nearly 58% of the vote. Sonny Perdue is cousins with David Perdue, who is now engaged in a bitter primary battle against Brian Kemp Brian Kemp, who, of course, is backing Sonny Perdue. He had even served as the 81st Governor of Georgia, and his tenure was from 2003 to 2011. The department did not provide further documentation that potential conflicts in 2017 were limited to AGrowStar and Pro Ag Products. His committee assignments included Ethics, Finance & Public Utilities, Health & Human Services, Reapportionment, and Economic Development, Tourism & Cultural Affairs. Employees turn their back on Agriculture secretary over being - CNN But should it go to a politician? David Perdue now a U.S. senator to . Ethics authorities have already issued warnings to a dozen Trump administration officials for violating the Hatch Act, but Perdues straightforward appeal to reelect Trump was seen as especially flagrant. Brian Kemp: Obviously, this is huge for our campaign. Georgia regents name Sonny Perdue finalist to lead University System Higher education is where I wanted to have a real impact as governor, only to be stymied by twin recessions, he said in the board-issued statement. Like Trump, he's a former Democratwho ascended to political power (in Perdue's case, Georgia. Perdue wrote that "liberals have lost all credibility when it comes to climate science because their arguments have become so ridiculous and so obviously disconnected from reality. The secretarys numerous and labyrinthine financial interests in agribusiness and land development makes it essential that his ethical commitments be rigorously enforced so as not to create a conflict of interest, Austin Evers, the groups executive director, wrote last week in a letter to the IGs office. Steve Fennessy: What form has that opposition taken on college campuses or in academic circles? Saeger, of Accountable.US, said the inspector general still needs to review that claim. An investigationby the Food and Environment Reporting Networks Leah Douglas found that at least 40 percent of chicken plants operating at the higher speeds experienced COVID outbreaks, versus 14 percent for the overall meat sector. [29] Perdue also created additional opportunities for charter schools and private schools. Raphael Warnock. Save big on a full year of investigations, ideas, and insights. At least he is out of the gate. Using the CCC to hand billions to big farmersmajor Trump supporters in 2016 is a signature move of Perdues USDA. The United States Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry overwhelmingly approved his nomination on March 30, with a 191 vote. "You have got to have stuff where there is a lot of traffic. Lance Cheung/USDA; Mother Jones Illustration. Born George Ervin Perdue III, Perdue has been known as Sonny since childhood, and prefers to be called by that name; he was sworn in and signs official documents as "Sonny Perdue". We'll be back next week. Georgia Runoff: Perdue-Ossoff Senate Race Heads To Runoff : NPR - NPR.org 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. [6] His nomination was approved by the Senate Agriculture Committee by a 19-1 voice vote on March 30. Eric Stirgus: Good question. [9], Perdue was born in Perry, Georgia, the son of Ophie Viola (Holt), a teacher, and George Ervin Perdue Jr., a farmer. Steve Fennessy: What did you think when you first heard about that? 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. The board cited Perdue's, quote, "vast understanding of the issues facing the university system," unquote. 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. How did we find out about that? After the sale, the huge boiler on the property was sold for approximately $500,000, easily covering the cost of the purchase even if the rest of the land had been valueless. Not that Perdue lacks national stature - he was the governor of Georgia, a heavily agricultural state, from 2003 to 2011. He was sworn in by Supreme Court associate justice and fellow Georgian Clarence Thomas. The watchdogs question whether the sale of AGrowStar and Pro Ag Products was enough to quash all potential conflicts. 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. 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." [46] Perdue failed to disclose his ownership of the property in required financial disclosure forms. 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"? Some farmers ended up destroying perfectly good food. [25] Perdue signed the legislation into law on April 12, 2005, three days before tax day. Yes. Sonny Perdue, of course, was a two-term governor of Georgia, as well as secretary of agriculture under former President Donald Trump. 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: Last March, we started hearing talk you know that Perdue was interested in the job or that some board members on the Board of Regents were interested in him becoming chancellor. [42] The floods resulted in Perdue declaring a state of emergency in 17 counties. The secretarys office contends he has complied with the agreement. Atlanta, GA 30318 Mr. Perdue served two terms as governor from 2003 to 2011, and later became Secretary of Agriculture under President Donald J. Trump. It's us but for your ears. [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. Then there were the full-on MAGA-bots like Sonny Perdue, the Georgia politician and agribusiness entrepreneur who became agriculture secretary. All Rights Reserved. Who hires the chancellor? Charles S. Bullock, III, The Georgia Political Almanac, The General Assembly 199394. It is no surprise that these made up accusations are coming out in the final weeks of October. The secretarys 2019 filing also shows nearly $140,000 in income from Soque River Conservation LLC, which holds land along the Soque River in northern Georgia and is held by a separate trust that Perdue first reported last year. White House Seeks To Lower Farmworker Pay To Help Agriculture - NPR The other election pits Republican Sen. Kelly Loeffler against the Rev. And you know, I think there have been a couple of state lawmakers who have publicly come out against the idea. He would not be the first governor to move into academia: Former Gov. [53] In August 2017, he announced a mentoring program for new farmers. The Board of Regents announced that the former Republican governor is its choice to become chancellor. "There is one thing we know for sure: Sen. David Perdue will be . I'm Steve Fennessy. "[45], The project overall has been scrutinized as a waste of taxpayer money due to mismanagement of bond money and extremely low visitors. Last month, the U.S. State Department said it will start processing more applicants seeking H-2A temporary. And so, you know, they point to things like that and they also point to issues, you know, point to things that, you know, hey, other states have hired elected officials and former politicians to lead colleges or universities. Eric Stirgus: Correct. And I'm curious about why it's elicited such a ferocious response on the side of those who are for the idea, but also those who are against it. 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. The reallocation entailed raising the companys holdings of highly valuable wetlands credits while lowering its portion of much cheaper stream credits. 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. [19] After his first year in office, Senator Perdue wrote then Lt. Republican Sen. David Perdue, a former Fortune 500 CEO, will face off against Democrat Jon Ossoff, a 33-year-old media executive, again in a runoff election Jan. 5. You know, he also backed Brian Kemp to fill the position of Secretary of State. The harangue, which ended with the ag secretary leading a chant of four more years, earned Perdue a knuckle-rap from the Office of Special Counsel for violating the Hatch Act, which forbids government employees from campaigning while on the job. [46] The land was adjacent to the 20,000 acres (81km2) Oaky Woods preserve being sold by Weyerhaeuser. 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. The Perdue USDAs largesse to large-scale farmers and agribusinesses went beyond cutting wages and protective measures for their workers. [News tape] FOX5: Critics have questioned Perdue's experience, pointing out his lack of experience in the higher education setting. Not satisfied with fighting to take food off the tables of poor families, Perdue also set his sights on farm workers. Is that right? Steve Fennessy: Sonny Perdue is a Republican, so when he uses an expression like Cultural Revolution, what is he referring to? The credits are meant to offset the environmental impact of land development and they can be bought and sold on the marketplace. [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. So, you know, we've been hearing that this from faculty members who have been upset about, you know, some of his credentials in that space. [63], In August 2020, Perdue supported the president's re-election while promoting the Farmers to Families Food Box Program; Perdue was fined for violating the Hatch Act. Both elections are set for Jan. 5, though early voting began on Monday. You know, there was a faction of regents members who were not supportive of him at all. Come on board with me. Eric Stirgus: Publicly, I don't think he's said one way or another right now. The COVID-19 crisis served as yet another opportunity to promote the political fortunes of his boss, without impeding his pursuit of a pro-agribusiness, anti-worker agenda. Kemp. Kemp can use that to the Republican base and say, "Hey, you know, I have one of the most loyal Trump guys you know, and, you know, if I appointed him to a very important position here in state government and we know we've had a long-standing relationship. 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. He also won reelection in 2000. Latest news, headlines, analysis, photos and videos on Sonny Perdue 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. "The most important activity in which any governing board will be involved in is the selection of the CEO. 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. OPINION: Incoming USG Chancellor Sonny Perdue is not an ally for Sonny Perdue may soon head up Georgias public university system. "[36], On November 13, 2007, while Georgia suffered from one of the worst droughts in several decades, Perdue led a group of several hundred people in prayer on the steps of the state Capitol. 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.. I'm joined by Eric Stirgus, who covers higher education for the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Eric Stirgus: You know, it's a pretty important job in the state of Georgia. This is Georgia Today. So we have Brian Kemp in this fierce battle against David Perdue primary battle for governor. Why Brian Kemp wants Sonny Perdue to lead Georgia's higher ed system The FALF Management Trust had no conflicting assets with his duties as Secretary of Agriculture, and therefore the Secretary could become a trustee of the trust. Steve Fennessy: How big is the university system? Kemp has used congressional redistricting to add more Sonny Perdue supporters to the Board of Regents. That decision and the selection of Mr. Perdue are both intrusions on academic freedom, Mr. Boedy, the University of North Georgia professor, said. What is that history? 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? "[37], According to a March 5, 2008, proclamation by Perdue, "Among those who served the Confederacy were many African-Americans, both free and slave, who saw action in the Confederate armed forces in many combat roles. The board cited Perdue's, quote, "vast understanding of the issues facing the university system," unquote. Eric Stirgus: Correct. So those are some of the things that have concerned a lot of state leaders or particularly on the Republican side. Sonny Perdue won the 2002 Georgia governor's race, defeating the incumbent, Democrat Roy Barnes, to become the state's first Republican governor since Reconstruction. Caught in the middle of a Republican overhaul of education, teachers feel under attack, Senate bill cracks down on local school boards' ability to eject disruptive parents from meetings. [7] Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue has long been President Donald Trumps most effective advocate among rural voters. 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. 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. The Georgia Department of Natural Resources figures showed 21,101 people visited the Perry facility in fiscal 2015, which ended June 30. . Opponents of the choice say Perdue's appointment would jeopardize academic freedom across the systems 26 campuses. [News tape] WSB: He called being named a finalist a quote wonderful capstone to a career in public service. He was the first Republican chosen by Georgians to occupy the governor's mansion since the Reconstruction-era election of Rufus Bullock in 1868. It's a little off the beaten path. 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. The Georgia Public Library Service and the Georgia Archives . Why is accreditation important for a university system like Georgia's? [News tape] 11Alive: He tweeted, "Brian Kemp is running for governor of the Great State of Georgia. So you've had recently, you know, the Board of Regents members serve seven-year terms. Kemp is sort of paying back a favor. [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. In July, as the general election heated up, the department tapped a Depression-era funding mechanism called the Commodity Credit Corporation to come up with $14 billionwithout having to consult Congressto hand to producers of commodities like corn, soybeans and wheat, ostensibly for losses due to the coronavirus. Sonny Perdue age, height, net worth 2023, wife, girlfriend, kids [47], Perdue was constitutionally ineligible to seek a third consecutive term as governor in the 2010 Georgia gubernatorial election. Steve Fennessy: As you said, Sonny Perdue persuaded Donald Trump when he was president to endorse Brian Kemp. Eric Stirgus: Yes, definitely. [61][62], In February 2020, Perdue endorsed putting a price on carbon dioxide, a climate change policy favored by many economists. Monsters of 2020: Sonny Perdue - Mother Jones Mr. Perdues appointment as chancellor would also limit his contributions to the campaign of David Perdue, his cousin and a former senator who is running against Gov. Brian Kemp: That's why I'm looking forward to working with the members of the General Assembly this legislative session to protect our students from the divisive ideologies like critical race theory. [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. But Perdue is struggling. Why are we still talking about this, then? He was confirmed by the Senate on April 24,[49] with Bernie Sanders and nine Democrats voting against him. The policy, according to the American Association of University Professors, is the only one of its kind in the country. 11/08/2018 02:42 PM EST. Purdue merged the voter-fraud myth with another racist fantasy, also fervently indulged by Trump, that undocumented immigrants burden taxpayers by siphoning welfare benefits. Revoking accreditation to schools including the University of Georgia, Fort Valley State and Georgia Southern would be a monumental step. [14][15], Perdue is not related to the family who owns and operates Perdue Farms (commonly associated with the brand "Perdue Chicken").[16][17]. Dr. Sonny Perdue bio. It's called critical race theory, but other parents and some students said that's not what's going on in the classrooms at all. 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. Brian Kemp is in a fierce battle with David Perdue. Georgia Public Radio GPTV, Oversight group isnt reviewing Georgia regents choice of Sonny Perdue. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue told the crowd at last week's event in North Carolina that he got a call from the White House. 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.