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Finally, something that might work

Expanding workforce development and rural broadband could very well be the most significant accomplishments of the 2019 Legislative Session. Both actions have the potential to change Alabama’s future by fostering middle-skill jobs and connecting rural communities to the global economy. The education budget passed in the Senate includes a $6 million increase for workforce development … Continued
May 29, 2019

Legislature approves fantasy sports contests

On Tuesday, the Senate passed a bill that would allow fantasy sports contests to be played legally in Alabama. House Bill 361 is sponsored by State Rep. Kyle South, R-Fayette. During the House debate, South said fantasy sports contest are games of skill and are not games of chance. Gambling is forbidden by the Alabama … Continued
May 29, 2019

Counteroffer: A gaming plan the dog track owners would likely accept

Last week, the Poarch Band of Creek Indians laid out its starting point for any negotiations concerning a lottery and gambling legislation. Arthur Mothershed, who’s in charge of the tribe’s business development for gaming operations, spelled out PCI’s base plan, which included hefty licensing fees for other casino locations, new casinos in Birmingham and northeast … Continued
May 28, 2019

The bad bills aren’t dead yet

The end is near for the legislative session, but it’s not over yet, which means there is still time for a few more bad bills to slip through. In fact, if you’re going to slip a bad bill through, now is the time. Attention is waning. The kids are out of school and families are … Continued
May 24, 2019

Ivey announces YKTA will create 650 jobs at Huntsville plant

Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey (R) was in Huntsville Wednesday for a ceremony where it was announced that Y-tec Keylex Toyotestsu Alabama will create a new auto parts manufacturing plant that will create 650 new jobs. “YKT Alabama is a significant addition to the growing automotive cluster centered around the Mazda Toyota Manufacturing U.S.A. auto assembly … Continued
May 23, 2019

Japanese automakers disappointed with Trump’s finding on auto tariffs

Japanese automakers announced Tuesday that they were disappointed that President Donald Trump concurred with a Commerce Department finding that auto imports are a national security threat. JAMA Chairman Akio Toyoda expressed his “profound disappointment” in Trump’s proclamation, which concurred with the conclusion of the Commerce Department’s Section 232 report classifying auto and auto parts imports … Continued
May 22, 2019

Ivey announces record tourism growth in Alabama

On Monday, Gov. Kay Ivey announced record-breaking tourism statistics for 2018. The tourism industry attracted 27.7 million visitors in 2018, a million more than ever before. “We are excited our tourism industry grew by 8.5 percent in 2018, and we are proud to welcome millions of visitors to every region of our state, from the … Continued
May 21, 2019

Americans for Tax Reform opposes the Protect Alabama Small Business Act

Americans for Tax Reform is opposing the Protect Alabama Small Business Act. Senate Bill 129 would regulate the relationships between franchisors and their Alabama franchisees. ATR sent a letter to members of the Alabama House of Representatives urging legislators to oppose Senate Bill 129 and its House companion bill HB352. ATR argues in the letter … Continued
May 21, 2019

A list of Poarch Creek’s donations ahead of lottery vote

A paper-only lottery bill will be debated on the floor of the House on Tuesday. The Poarch Band of Creek Indians have opposed legislation that would allow others to compete with their gaming operation in the state. The measure before the House is Senate Bill 220 sponsored by State Sen. Greg Albritton, R-Atmore. The bill … Continued
May 20, 2019

Houses passes bill intended to improve use of economic incentives

The Alabama House of Representatives passed the Alabama Incentives Modernization Act on Thursday to improve the way that the state uses economic incentives. More specifically, this bill would add new tools for the attraction and expansion of businesses in rural Alabama as well as in federally designated Opportunity Zones. It also targets attracting technology companies. … Continued
May 20, 2019