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Steve Flowers

Steve Flowers

Steve Flowers served 16 years in the state legislature. His weekly column appears in over 60 Alabama newspapers. Steve may be reached at [email protected].

AEA dead or not? The NEA needs to go home — the in-laws have overstayed their welcome

The Alabama Education Association was the most powerful and influential political organization in Alabama for close to three decades. The late Paul Hubbert was the builder and king of this powerful organization. He became known as the king of goat hill. He reigned omnipotently over the Legislature. All dynasties have to end. The AEA reign … Continued
February 13, 2019

Organizational session, legislative leadership with potential new stars

The Legislature has met for their organizational session and elected their leadership for the next four years. Both the House and Senate leadership remain essentially the same as the last quadrennium. Sen. Del Marsh, R-Anniston, was elected Senate President Pro Tem. Sen. Greg Reed, R-Jasper, remains majority leader. Sen. Jabo Waggoner, R-Vestavia, continues as rules … Continued
February 6, 2019

Infrastructure program should be priority one

As the new quadrennium crests in Alabama government, everybody looks toward a new beginning. There is a new fresh four years ahead for the newly elected leaders. They are overwhelmingly Republican. The governor is Republican, and all of the accompanying constitutional officeholders are members of the GOP. More importantly, the State Legislature, both the House … Continued
January 30, 2019

New federal judges in Alabama — Future legacy

Regardless of what happens in Donald Trump’s administration over the next two years, he will have a proven record of success as President especially if you are a conservative American. One of, if not the most important accomplishment of any president is the opportunity to appoint a United States Supreme Court Justice. Folks, Trump has … Continued
January 23, 2019

What will our Congressional districts look like after the 2020 Census

Preparations are being made to take the 2020 Census. This process is not just a fun game to spell out demographic changes and interesting tidbits about us as Americans. It is a very important mandate dictated by the Constitution. The number of people counted determines how many seats each state has in Congress. Thus, it … Continued
January 16, 2019

A new quadrennium: Alabama potpourri and trivia

As we begin this New Year of 2019, Alabama begins a new quadrennium in state government. All of our Constitutional state officeholders begin their new four-year terms this month. Governor Kay Ivey will be sworn in for a four-year term on January 14. Also, being sworn in on Inauguration Day will be Will Ainsworth as … Continued
January 2, 2019

We lost some great leaders in 2018

As is my custom at the close of the year, I like to memorialize great Alabamians who have appeared and lived legendary lives upon the stage of political history in the Heart of Dixie. This year we have had some real legends. I have expanded the geographical limits to outside of Alabama to include two … Continued
December 26, 2018

Inside the Statehouse: very few white Democrats left in Legislature

The Republican tidal wave that swept Alabama’s statewide officeholders to landslide victories filtered down to legislative races. Even though our legislature really didn’t need to become any more conservative or Republican, it did anyway. We had a super majority Republican State House and Senate. We now have a super, super GOP majority. Republicans picked up … Continued
December 18, 2018

Inside the Statehouse: Last of famous probate judges: Hardy McCollum

In Alabama political history, the office of Probate Judge was the most powerful and prestigious position. In the old days, in every county in Alabama, the probate judge was not only judge, he also appointed all county positions, hired all county employees and was Chairman of the County Commission. He was essentially the “King of … Continued
December 13, 2018