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Heated lottery debate revealed the secrets of the Alabama Legislature

In the debate Thursday in the Alabama Senate over a proposed lottery bill, there was one conversation that stood out. Yeah, there were plenty of arguments and creative amendments pushed. There were angry senators and accusations of nefarious intentions tossed around. But the back and forth between Sen. Bobby Singleton and Sen. Greg Albritton, the … Continued
April 26, 2019

Ivey praises Bell plan to build Navy helicopter in Ozark

Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey welcomed the announcement by Bell to assemble the U.S. Navy’s next-generation training aircraft in Dale County should Bell win a competition for the helicopter. “Bell could not have selected a more ideal location to conduct final assembly of the Navy’s new advanced helicopter trainer than Ozark and Dale County,” Ivey said. … Continued
April 25, 2019

Lottery bill gets favorable report from Senate Committee

The Senate Tourism and Marketing Committee voted on Tuesday to give a favorable report to a bill that would create a constitutional amendment allowing voters to decide whether or not they wanted to have a state lottery. Senate Bill 220 is sponsored by Republican Sen. Greg Albritton, R-Atmore. SB220 specifies that a lottery would be … Continued
April 24, 2019

Out-of-state corporate interests fighting legislation to protect Alabama’s small businesses

Washington, D.C.-based International Franchise Association has come to Alabama to battle against legislation proposed by Rep. Connie Rowe, R-Jasper, that would protect the state’s small business interests. At the State House, IFA is portraying its efforts as advocacy for small franchises, when in fact, the group fronts for corporate giants; McDonald’s, PepsiCo, Coca Cola, CKE … Continued
April 24, 2019

Over 50 percent of Senate Republicans accepted money from Indian casino; now they want their vote

As a floor vote on a pro-Indian lottery bill nears, Republican Senate President Pro Tempore Del Marsh said he has the votes to pass the bill he is co-sponsoring along with Sen. Greg Albritton. Marsh and Albritton are pushing a constitutional amendment that would further solidify the Poarch Band of Creek Indians gaming monopoly in … Continued
April 23, 2019

Agriculture and Industries approves dozens of industrial hemp licenses

The Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries has licensed dozens of growers, processors and universities to grow, cultivate, process and research industrial hemp in 2019. Commissioner Rick Pate said Thursday that ADAI has licensed 152 growers, 59 processors and five universities to participate in the state’s Industrial Hemp Pilot Program. “We have had a significant … Continued
April 19, 2019

Promises give way to buzzards’ feast

Just east of I-65 on the way into Montgomery this week, buzzards circled overhead as Buffalo Springfield’s ’60s protest song, “For What It’s Worth,” played on satellite radio. Perhaps a fitting omen for a legislative session that has so far seen little in the way of actual proposals that benefit the people of Alabama. What … Continued
April 18, 2019