Author

Steve Flowers

Steve Flowers is Alabama’s leading political columnist. His weekly column appears in over 60 Alabama newspapers. He served 16 years in the state legislature. Steve may be reached at www.steveflowers.us.

Past prominent state legislators

The 2019 Legislative Session is now in the books. As each session is observed, it is apparent that primary, powerful, state senators control the flow and outcome of any and all legislative sessions. Current Alabama State Senators Del Marsh, Jabo Waggoner, Greg Reed, and Arthur Orr wield immense influence. This has been true throughout history. … Continued

Steve Flowers

June 12, 2019

Opinion

Legends of Girls State

For almost 100 years one of, if not the best annual event for young Alabama High School leaders in Alabama has been the Alabama Boys State and the Alabama Girls State programs. These events are sponsored by the American Legion and the American Legion Auxiliary. Boys State and Girls State are sponsored nationwide by the … Continued

Steve Flowers

June 5, 2019

Opinion

An act of Congress

A good many people wonder why simple, straightforward, no-nonsense, good-government legislation fails to pass even though it appears to have universal and overwhelming support and appeal for many voters and legislators. You will recall old sayings that you heard from your elders when you were young. Old bits of wisdom spouted from the lips of … Continued

Steve Flowers

May 29, 2019

Opinion

Road rage and deer hunting bills take center stage in Legislature

Over 20 years ago when I was a legislator, the state trooper assigned to my county asked if he could come visit with me. “Of course,” I said. When he came, he had a somber look on his face. I thought maybe he had a serious personal problem or had lost a loved one. He … Continued

Steve Flowers

May 22, 2019

Opinion

Infrastructure passage will be hallmark for Gov. Kay Ivey and the Legislature

The five day Special Legislative Session that addressed the increase in the gas tax to fund an Infrastructure Rebuilding Program for the state was a remarkable success. I still marvel at the adroitness, efficiency and expediency in which the governor accomplished this monumental initiative. She called for a Special Session on the night of her … Continued

Steve Flowers

May 15, 2019

Opinion

Sen. Richard Shelby turns 85 this week. He is a treasure.

Our Senior U.S. Senator, Richard Shelby, turns 85 this week. In March he reached another milestone – he surpassed Senator John Sparkman as the longest serving U.S. Senator in Alabama history. Shelby has been our senator for 32 plus years. Alabama has a treasure in Richard Shelby. He is not only the longest serving U.S. … Continued

Steve Flowers

May 8, 2019

Opinion

Prison issues — front and center

Folks, taking care of prisoners is not a popular political issue. However, every so often Alabama politicians pragmatically have to acquiesce to the mandates of federal judges and grant our transgressing citizens their rights as determined by the courts. Federal Courts have determined that our felons deserve the rights to adequate imprisonment. You just cannot … Continued

Steve Flowers

May 1, 2019

Opinion

Who will take Doug Jones out next year?

It is a foregone conclusion that a Republican will take out our anomaly liberal Democratic senator, Doug Jones, next year. The question is which Republican will be the nominee and capture the seat. The early favorite is U.S. Congressman Bradley Byrne. There is an old adage that often holds true, the early bird gets the … Continued

Steve Flowers

April 24, 2019

Opinion

Hosts of young and female lobbyists have taken over the State House

As I observe the Legislature, it occurs to me that I am getting older. A lot of the legislators and lobbyists I have known over the years have moved on. Montgomery is no longer an “Old Boys Club.” A cursory look at a typical day at the Alabama Statehouse would surprise you. An increasing number … Continued

Steve Flowers

April 17, 2019

Opinion

Legislative issues other than infrastructure, gas tax

There is no question that Gov. Kay Ivey’s Infrastructure/Gas Tax Program was the cornerstone issue of this legislative session. This monumental legislation will be a tremendous enhancement for Alabama’s economic development for decades to come. Ivey and the legislative leadership deserve accolades for addressing this important project. They were indeed thinking of the next generation … Continued

Steve Flowers

April 10, 2019