While students and teachers across the state take a spring break, the legislature is doing the same, and so is Group Watch. There will be no issue next week. Both chambers will reconvene on March 31, and the next Group Watch will follow!
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This past week, bills to protect religious freedoms, allow charter schools and to make changes to incentives given to businesses were on the agenda. Tuesday (3rd Day of Regular Session): The House passed three bills to change the way Alabama gives incentives to businesses that create new jobs, hire veterans and
Currently, municipal employees are at risk of being held personally liable in lawsuits, even when their actions were clearly in line with the scope and duties of their job. In one of the more egregious cases, a city electrical inspector in Montgomery was facing a heavy judgement in a wrongful
by Allen Sanderson Legislation that passed in 2014 limits the amount of money all state and education employees are liable for if they are sued personally for actions taken during the performance of their job. Why are municipal employees not granted the same protections? It’s an important question that highlights
Here we go! The 2015 regular session of the Alabama Legislature has begun, and it’s sure to be an interesting one. State of the State: Governor Robert Bentley unveiled his plan for Alabama during the state of the state speech last Tuesday. The governor proposes adding 500 teaching units; level funding for
by Allen Sanderson Fifty years ago, the Civil Rights struggle in America came to a head with the first attempted Selma-to-Montgomery march. It ended in violence as peaceful marchers on the Edmund Pettus Bridge were beaten back by state troopers, earning the event the name “Bloody Sunday.” As thousands came to Selma this
The billionaire owners of Koch Industries, known for their support of conservative Republican initiatives, have joined several groups known for their liberal leaning to promote prison reform. Even the Koch’s harshest critics are willing to take their funding for prison reform efforts. Former Obama administration advisor Van Jones welcomed Koch Industries
The Governor’s proposed tax increase is supposed to raise just over $4 million, but many claim it will bring in much more. Here are a few of the proposed increases and changes and the amount they will raise: Cigarette and Tobacco Tax: $205 million. It would raise taxes on pack
Business is booming in Alabama, and the new Senate Majority Leader is reaching across the aisle. Exports Are Up: State exports were up 1.2 percent in 2014, led by shipments of Alabama-made automobiles to almost 100 countries, according to U.S. Commerce Department data. Rising overseas sales of industrial machinery, plastics and more
