Alabama Legislature

Those who bake the pie get to eat it

Gov. Kay Ivey’s first legislative session of the quadrennium was very successful. Her prowess at getting things accomplished with this Legislature has been remarkable. She knows what she is doing. It should not be surprising given her background and experience. Kay Ivey has been around state government for most of her adult life. She has … Continued

Steve Flowers

July 31, 2019

Alabama approaches 97th anniversary of the first woman elected into the State Legislature

On Aug. 8, 1922, well-known suffragist Hattie Hooker Wilkins beat the incumbent candidate for a seat in the Alabama House of Representatives, making her the first woman elected into the Alabama Legislature. She ran alongside two other women for state Legislature seats that year, but she was the only one to win her election. In … Continued

Gabby Dance

July 24, 2019

Opinion

Did the Legislature paint themselves into a corner?

There were hosannas and smiles all over Goat Hill when the Legislature recently passed a bill calling for a vote on a constitutional amendment next March as to whether Alabama should have an elected state school board or one appointed by the governor and confirmed by the state senate. The fact it passed the senate … Continued

Larry Lee

July 22, 2019

Poll: Ivey’s popularity takes a hit after signing near-total abortion ban

Previously one of the nation’s highest-ranked governors, Gov. Kay Ivey suffered a blow to her approval rating in the second quarter of 2019, according to a new poll. The largest drop in her approval hit after the State Legislature passed a near-total abortion ban, which she subsequently signed. Ivey’s net approval rating — the difference … Continued

Evan Mealins

July 19, 2019

Opinion

It’s time for criminal justice reform

Evangelist Scott Dawson recently expressed a profound thought in an opinion column in Alabama Political Reporter. “Protecting life is a universal moral imperative. At every stage of human development, we, as good Christians and good people, should value life and who God has put on this earth,” wrote Dawson. The role of the church in … Continued

Bill Britt

July 17, 2019

Ivey awards grants to provide high-speed internet to several communities

Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey on Monday announced that she has awarded more than $1.14 million in grants to provide access to high-speed internet in several Alabama communities. The six grants are the second round of awards presented by Ivey under the Alabama Broadband Accessibility Fund. In the latest round, some providers were awarded more than … Continued

Brandon Moseley

July 16, 2019

Opinion

Alabackwards is open for business

Over the last several months, Alabama has received an abundance of national attention; unfortunately, it has made the state look backwards, punitive and even cruel. Republican state lawmakers don’t seem to mind being the butt of the joke, but business leaders do care and are frustrated with the state always being a national punchline. Almost … Continued

Bill Britt

July 2, 2019

Opinion

One vote can make a difference

Some of us who were former legislators, who served our counties in the Legislature a long time, were considered by many to always be their legislator. A good many of my former constituents still call me with questions or problems. Some ask me how to get in touch with their congressman or senator about a … Continued

Steve Flowers

June 19, 2019

Figures drops out of ADP chair race; two will challenge Worley

State Sen. Vivian Figures won’t be the next chairperson of the Alabama Democratic Party. Figures announced on Friday that she was dropping out of the race to potentially replace Nancy Worley, who has been the party chair since 2013. “It is critical to have a chairman of the State Democratic Party who can serve in … Continued

Josh Moon

June 17, 2019

Opinion

Recent bills to bring rural broadband, business growth to Alabama

For more than 40 years, I have dedicated my life to advancing the economic interests of Alabama. I’ve spent time in the state Legislature as a representative of my hometown district and was honored to be selected speaker of the House for Alabama. I served the governor as the director of what is now the … Continued

Seth Hammett

June 14, 2019