Group Watch will go back to its regular monthly publishing schedule now that the 2016 regular session is over, but we’ll send out weekly GW issues if a special session is called. Governor Bentley made it clear he was “disappointed” by the death of his prison bill and that he will not give
Last week was a busy one: the Education Budget for FY 2107 has been signed into law and marks the first time school systems in the state have been fully funded since 2008; the governor’s prison plan made more progress; and a temporary solution for Medicaid cuts made it through
The Alabama House of Representativesapproved a bill to split settlement money from BP under a plan that could stave off Medicaid cuts for 2017. Instead of $1 billion over 18 years, the state general fund would receive an estimated $639 million up from a bond issue. The state would use $450
In the April newsletter put out by Lt. Governor Kay Ivey, she outlined Alabama’s longstanding support of Israel and stressed its continuance. She also mentioned the April 7 visit to the Alabama Legislature from Deputy Speaker of the Israeli Knesset, Hilik Bar, noting that on the same day that the high-ranking
The largest Education Budget since the recent recession passed both chambers easily last week, with two unanimous votes. Plus, the governor’s prison plan made it out of committee, a RCO bill made progress, and lots of local business got done. On Tuesday, April 19 (23rd day of the session): The House
Alabama Medicaid Commissioner Stephanie Azar appeared before a standing-room only crowd and talked with legislators about the need for additional funds. Azar said the agency started the current fiscal year with a $37 million carryover and relied on another $36 million of one-time funds. She said the absence of the non-recurring funds
This week the Alabama House of Representatives approved a bill that would enroll new state employees in individual retirement accounts. The legislation would automatically enroll state employees hired after January 1, 2017, in an individual retirement account. The initial contribution rate would be set at 1.5 percent, though employees could
With the General Fund Budget done, attention was turned to the Education Budget. And a transportation bill, which passed almost unanimously in both the House and Senate, was one of the other important votes last week. On Tuesday, April 12 (21st day of the session): The Senate Finance and Taxation Education
The passed General Fund Budget underfunds Medicaid by $85 million for the upcoming fiscal year. Cuts to the program will likely result in lower physician payments and the elimination of optional programs including prescription drug coverage for adults. Dothan Pediatrics had opened a temporary facility in rural Ozark while a permanent facility
A bill regarding industrial hemp passed both the House and Senate last week and could open the door for the state to capitalize on the economic potential of the non-intoxicating type of cannabis plant. The bill passed both the House and the Senate almost unanimously and will allow for research into
