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.

Gov. Bentley’s Roots in Shelby County

INSIDE THE STATEHOUSE By Steve Flowers Shelby County, Alabama sits in the geographic center of the state and is the birthplace and childhood home of Gov. Robert Bentley. It is also renowned for being the fastest growing county in Alabama for the past four decades. Shelby County has become a mecca for suburbanites in the … Continued

Steve Flowers

September 9, 2015

Opinion

Alabama Profits from Federal Dollars

INSIDE THE STATEHOUSE By Steve Flowers It is common knowledge that the Indian casinos in Alabama and throughout the country are granted federal sovereignty and are not subject to state intervention and authority. Several years ago state attorney general Luther Strange filed a hail Mary frivolous lawsuit against PCI Gaming Authority for political posturing purposes. … Continued

Steve Flowers

September 2, 2015

Opinion

Proceed with Wisdom

INSIDE THE STATEHOUSE By Steve Flowers Many would argue, and indeed numerous surveys indicate, that Alabama is one of, if not the most, conservative states in America. I would argue that if that is true then our Alabama legislature is reflective of their constituents. A good many of the online and remaining large city daily … Continued

Steve Flowers

August 26, 2015

Opinion

Alabama Business Success Stories

INSIDE THE STATEHOUSE By Steve Flowers Last week we discussed the legendary story of Aflac. Three more remarkable business success stories are just as magnificent. Again, all three of these companies are Alabama born and raised fairytale ventures. Alfa is Alabama’s largest property and casualty insurance company. Today, Alfa employs more than 2300 people and … Continued

Steve Flowers

August 19, 2015

Opinion

Coffee County Has Something to Quack About

INSIDE THE STATEHOUSE By Steve Flowers There is a very iconic company founded in Alabama that has made state, southern, national and international history. It is an insurance corporation known as Aflac. Aflac is one of the greatest success stories in American business lore. Although it is headquartered on Alabama’s border in Columbus, Georgia, we … Continued

Steve Flowers

August 12, 2015

Opinion

Alabama Fire College a Success Story

INSIDE THE STATEHOUSE By Steve Flowers The junior college corruption scandal, which occurred around 2006, was one of the worst white collar crimes in Alabama’s history. This highly publicized federal probe of the state’s two-year college system sent a lot of people to jail. Roy Johnson, the then director, orchestrated one of the most sensational, … Continued

Steve Flowers

August 6, 2015

Opinion

General Fund Budget Front and Center

INSIDE THE STATEHOUSE By Steve Flowers During the press conference three weeks ago announcing the historic BP settlement and windfall for the state, Gov. Bentley repeatedly said, “The $55 million a year to the General Fund is fantastic but it will not solve the state’s long term financial woes. It only accomplishes about 12 percent … Continued

Steve Flowers

July 29, 2015

Opinion

More Than Fireworks in July

INSIDE THE STATEHOUSE By Steve Flowers The week leading up to the Fourth of July had a lot of fireworks. In fact, my guess is that when we look back at the year 2015, we will look to that week as the most momentous of the year. It was like bang, bang, bang. The declaration … Continued

Steve Flowers

July 22, 2015

Opinion

A History of Legendary Battles for the Education Trust Fund

INSIDE THE STATEHOUSE By Steve Flowers A good many of you let me know that you agreed with my column last week when I suggested that stealing from the Special Education Trust Fund budget to resolve the dilemma in the General Fund is not the solution needed during the looming extraordinary special session. This potential … Continued

Steve Flowers

July 15, 2015

Opinion

Three Trains Running Down Same Track

INSIDE THE STATEHOUSE By Steve Flowers As the legislative session was winding down, it was obvious no solution was going to be found for the beleaguered General Fund Budget. The Governor’s $541 million tax increase proposal had been ignored. Although he still kept preaching that this was the prescription for the ailing General Fund, the … Continued

Steve Flowers

July 8, 2015