Hundreds of people rallied at the State House in support of mental health services. The rally took place on Wednesday, after the House leadership pulled all the budget bills that will generate revenue from being voted on. The governor is predicting that more than 24,000 people will lose some or all
This past week, the Alabama Legislature passed bills to protect children from labor law abuse and proposed measures to address the state’s revenue woes and the state’s prisons problems. Tuesday (19th Day of Regular Session): The House passed bills to revise the formula for calculating the weekly benefit for individuals receiving unemployment; to revise
The House Republican Caucus in the Alabama House of Representatives proposed raising taxes on cigarettes, car titles and car rentals as part of a plan to fix the state budget. The overall plan calls for $200 million in revenue increases and cost reductions. Senate President Pro Tem Del Marsh has proposed a lottery and
This past week, the Alabama Legislature passed bills to continue a number of state boards and commissions, to assist local government in functioning efficiently. Also, plans for possible expansion and regulation of gaming in the state were discussed. Tuesday (17th Day of Regular Session): The House gave final approval to Senate-passed bills for electric
Last week, it was revealed that the Poarch Creek tribal leaders approached state officials regarding a state bail-out to address the budget shortfall in exchange for a compact that would give the tribe exclusive gaming rights. The proposed compact would also require the tribe to pay the state a percentage
This past week in the Alabama Legislature, the Senate was deep in debate about Medicaid, the House passed bills related to voting and a bill allowing the medical use of marijuana made it through a Senate committee. Tuesday (15th Day of Regular Session): The Senate became mired in debate after passing a resolution asking
Last week, in a nine-page executive summary to legislative leaders and members, Governor Robert Bentley outlined the impact to statutorily mandated services if revenue measures he proposed are not enacted by the them. See the full memo below. govmemo on cuts-1
by Allen Sanderson Senate Bill 89 has been proposed to “fix” issues concerning the Birmingham Water Board. But what’s wrong with the current board and its operations? Nothing, if you review these key factors: The board’s management team has a combined 100+ years of professional management, accounting and engineering experience,
This past week, the Alabama Legislature passed bills to provide education funding, to promote the employment of veterans and to empower municipal planning commissions. Tuesday (13th Day of Regular Session): The House passed bills to allow physicians providing pain management services to do so at multiple locations without additional registration fees; to hold liable
Alabama now has a new source for comprehensive political and business news. The recently launched Alabama Today, led by veteran political activist Apryl Marie Fogel, offers a distinct editorial voice as it covers politics, public policy and business news. In addition, it will feature expansive coverage of women’s growing influence in politics,
