January 17, 2022 Group Watch: Repeal of NIL Law Being Discussed

A 2021 law that allows college athletes to make money off their name, image and likeness (NIL) is likely to be repealed in the coming weeks. A bill was approved by a House committee last week to do just that. The move is not intended to take things back to the days when college athletes were prohibited from earning money with their NIL. It is on the chopping block simply because it is actually more restrictive than the NCAA rules on NIL and therefore, could put Alabama universities at a disadvantage when recruiting athletes. Repealing the law has the support of both Auburn University and The University of Alabama. Read more here.

January 17, 2022 Group Watch: Wes Kitchens In as Alabama House Republican Caucus House Chair

Members of the Alabama House Republican Caucus elected State Rep. Wes    Kitchens of Arab to serve as the majority party’s vice chair. His election as vice chair makes him one of few freshman legislators in state history to hold the prominent leadership position. This leadership position was formerly held by Connie Rowe who has been tapped to serve as senior advisor to Lt. Governor Will Ainsworth. In his new role Kitchens would lead the lower chamber’s majority party in the event that House Majority Leaser Nathaniel Ledbetter is absent.

January 17, 2022 Group Watch: Alabama Space Guard Coming?

During an address to the Alabama Association of County Commissioners, Lt. Governor Will Ainsworth mentioned that creating an Alabama Space Guard was among priorities to be taken up during the 2022 legislative session. Ainsworth said a Space Guard unit within the Alabama National Guard would provide much-needed support for the U.S. Space Command and create additional jobs and investment. A year ago, Huntsville was chosen as the preferred location for U.S. Space Command headquarters, a decision that will infuse more personnel, military infrastructure and federal dollars.

January 17, 2022 Group Watch: Greg Canfield Honored by Manufacture Alabama

Alabama Department of Commerce Secretary Greg Canfield was the recipient of Manufacture Alabama’s “Friend of the Industry” award at the association’s annual Legislative Reception and Dinner in Montgomery. Manufacture Alabama is the state’s only trade association solely focused on representing the interests of the industry. The award recognizes public officials, community leaders and industry representatives for their contributions to the manufacturing industry. Manufacture Alabama president George Clark praised Canfield for his work as the state’s commerce chief, noting how his actions have benefitted manufacturers. Canfield was appointed Commerce Secretary in 2011 and has attracted economic development projects totaling more than $50 billion that have created more than 160,000 jobs.

January 17, 2022 Group Watch: Gov Awards Grants to Combat Drug Crime

Governor Ivey awarded $1.6 million in public safety grants aimed at fighting illegal drugs and drug-related crimes across the state. The Grants in the amount of $202,557 each went to the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency and the state’s seven regional drug task forces, and the funds will be used to combat drug sellers, manufacturers and users.  Ivey reaffirmed her administration’s support of law enforcement in their efforts to combat crime stemming from illegal drugs, pointing to recent successes. Alabama task force agents made nearly 800 arrests in 2021. They also seized 2.3 million grams of marijuana, more than 508,483 grams of methamphetamine and 66,664 grams of cocaine. These efforts also removed numerous firearms and drug related currency from our streets.

January 17, 2022 Group Watch: State Rep Steve McMillan Being Treated for Brain Tumors

State Rep. Steve McMillan, 80, who is retiring at the end of this term, is undergoing an aggressive treatment plan for three small brain tumors but vows to be a participant in this year’s legislative session. According to reports, he will receive treatment during the month of January, and he hopes to return to Montgomery during the spring. Our prayers are extended to Rep. McMillan, Alabama’s longest-serving member of the state House of Representatives, who is an effective legislator and a heck of a nice guy!

December 2021 Group Watch: News & Views from the State House

Personnel changes, more economic development scores and a preview of the issues — medical marijuana, gambling and more —  likely to show up and spur debate in the 2022 session of The Alabama Legislature, which convenes January 11, are among the news to know this December.

Also, the state is making plans to spend funds from the recently passed federal infrastructure bill, and a few new candidates have thrown their hat into the ring of the governor’s race.

And, there are a few holidays this month too. Read on for more details on it all, as well as our seasonal wishes and a nod to The Bloom Group’s founder, Hal Bloom, as a beloved Christmas tradition he helped establish celebrates 50 fabulous years.

December 2021 Group Watch: Tweet of the Month

@ALFTBL
Dec 11
Thank You Bama Nation!
@_bryce_young

December 2021 Group Watch: Medical Marijuana Expected to Be Discussed During the 2022 Session

The commission created to write the rules and regulate the use of medical marijuana in Alabama has a lot on its plate and may require additional legislation to get its work done. It’s now possible that medical marijuana won’t be available for patients, who’ll require a prescription, until 2023.

December 2021 Group Watch: New Candidates Enter Governor’s Race

Lindy Blanchard, a nonprofit director, former ambassador and major financial supporter of former President Donald Trump, has entered Alabama’s governor’s race. Blanchard, who had been a candidate for the U.S. Senate, says she is opposed to federal COVID vaccination plans and accuses Republicans in charge of state government of being out of touch with Alabamians. Tim James also announced he will seek the Republican nomination for governor. James said his campaign will focus on education, resisting the federal vaccine plan and “continuing to fight the cultural war,” including pushing to ban same-sex marriage and repealing Alabama’s medical marijuana law.