Author

Bill Britt

Bill Britt is editor-in-chief at the Alabama Political Reporter and host of The Voice of Alabama Politics. You can email him at [email protected].

Lottery constitutional amendment, enabling legislation filed

A constitutional amendment filed Tuesday morning by State Sen. Jim McClendon, if approved by the Legislature, will allow for the people to vote on a statewide lottery by this time next year. Polling data from multiple reputable sources finds that an overwhelming majority of voters wants an opportunity to vote yes or no on the … Continued

Bill Britt

March 19, 2019

Opinion

Sir, here are your winnings: Let the people vote

When the Legislature returns to Montgomery on Tuesday to resume its regular session, State Sen. Dr. Jim McClendon, R-Springville, is expected to file a constitutional amendment to allow the people to vote on a lottery. Polling shows that a plurality of Alabamians want an opportunity to vote on a lottery. Further polling finds that an … Continued

Bill Britt

March 18, 2019

Opinion

Alabama Supreme Court to hear Hubbard’s appeal; there is cause for concern

Warning sirens sounded throughout the political and legal communities when, on Monday, the Alabama Supreme Court granted former Speaker of the House Mike Hubbard a hearing on his 11 counts of felony public corruption conviction. It may be just that in such a high profile case with great public interest that the court felt it … Continued

Bill Britt

March 13, 2019

Opinion

Ivey is winning for the people of Alabama and their future

When the votes were tallied on the Rebuild Alabama Act last Friday, Gov. Kay Ivey notched her first big victory. Many individuals deserved credit for the bill’s passage, but without Ivey’s determined and focused leadership, the effort would have failed. “Gov. Ivey accomplished more in one week than Gov. Bentley accomplished in seven years,” remarked … Continued

Bill Britt

March 11, 2019

Opinion

Yes, we can

“We have to quit saying ‘We can’t do this,'” is how one senior lawmaker summarized the fight over Gov. Kay Ivey’s infrastructure plan. “I’d rather make a wrong choice in moving the state forward than make no choice and hold the state back from achieving real success,” is how a second legislator addressed the infrastructure … Continued

Bill Britt

March 7, 2019

Opinion

Britt’s leadership will be tested with infrastructure legislation

If Gov. Kay Ivey’s Build Alabama Act passes, she can point to one of her top allies for its success. Business Council of Alabama President and CEO Katie Boyd Britt is standing with Ivey, working diligently in private meetings and public forums to ensure that lawmakers and stakeholders are aware of the benefits of passing … Continued

Bill Britt

March 5, 2019

Department of Education asks for $150K to defend former board member

Alabama State Department of Education is requesting $150,000 from education funding to defend a former board member, as first reported by education writer Larry Lee. Mary Scott Hunter is being sued personally for her role for allegedly throttling Dr. Craig Pouncey’s appointment as state school board superintendent in 2016. APR first reported news of a … Continued

Bill Britt

March 5, 2019

Opinion

A time for lions, not sheep

Every four years, Alabama lawmakers have an opportunity to do bold things that are usually politically impossible in other years of the legislative quadrennium. A few big ideas on the table for 2019 are passing a fuel tax to revamp and expand the state’s infrastructure and offering citizens an opportunity to vote on a gaming … Continued

Bill Britt

March 4, 2019

Ivey unveils infrastructure plan

On County Road 17 in rural Maplesville, Gov. Kay Ivey earlier today announced her bold new Rebuild Alabama Infrastructure Plan. “By increasing our investment in infrastructure, we are not only investing in our roads and bridges,” said Ivey. “We are making important investments in economic development, the safety of our family and friends, our local … Continued

Bill Britt

February 27, 2019

Lawmakers use exclusive enclave as launching pad for payday lending fight

Recently, two state lawmakers chose Jefferson County’s Mountain Brook neighborhood as a backdrop to introduce a payday lending reform bill. The legislation’s sponsor and co-sponsor are State Rep. Danny Garrett, R-Trussville, and State Rep. David Faulkner, R-Mountain Brook, respectively. According to a report of the event by al.com, “the lawmaker [Garrett] said he’d like to … Continued

Bill Britt

February 26, 2019