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Alabama Legislature

The case for state control of alcoholic beverages

It’s that time of year again. The Alabama Legislature is only days from its opening session, and lawmakers across the state are drafting bills they say will make Alabama better. As in years past, some special interest groups – big-box retailers and liquor distributors – are pushing again to privatize liquor sales in Alabama. By … Continued
February 27, 2019

Lawmaker files bill to re-up Legislature’s Joint Transportation Committee

An Alabama lawmaker filed a bill Monday to reorganize the Legislature’s Joint Transportation Committee. The committee reviews the long-term plans and budget for the Alabama Department of Transportation. Sen. Clyde Chambliss, R-Prattville, Monday filed a bill to authorize the reorganization of the committee. “There has been much discussion about the upcoming session and, specifically, funding … Continued
February 26, 2019

State Republican Executive Committee says no to gas tax increase

The Alabama Republican Party sent a strong message that the party does not support plans to raise fuel taxes to finance more road projects, putting the party leadership’s legislative plans in question. The Alabama Republican Executive Committee voted Saturday for a resolution urging the legislature not to pass a fuel tax increase. Alabama Gov. Kay … Continued
February 25, 2019

SMH and calling BS

You may not believe this, but there was a time in Alabama where we had commonsense, level-headed Republicans serving in office. There weren’t many of them because there weren’t that many Republicans. But they were real Republicans – fiscally conservative, rarely invoking their God as a running-mate, and they supported and sponsored good legislation, regardless … Continued
February 21, 2019

Everyone is going to pretend that Steve Marshall didn’t break the law

Steve Marshall is going to get away with it. In a response to questions from APR, Gov. Kay Ivey’s office said this week that it won’t be moving forward with an investigation into Attorney General Marshall’s questionable campaign contributions that appeared to violate Alabama’s ban on political action committee transfers. Instead, Ivey said she “welcomes … Continued
February 18, 2019

The secret to avoiding lobbying laws in Alabama

Attention, lobbyists: Stop registering as lobbyists. Look, I know you guys don’t need more money — and Lord knows you don’t need any additional breaks from the people who are supposed to be policing you — but I’m here with a little piece of advice that could provide you with more of both, money and … Continued
February 14, 2019

Ivey to build prisons come hell or legislative high water

Gov. Kay Ivey is going to build three new high-level security prisons to house the state’s most violent offenders and those inmates who are plagued by infirmities and mental illness. Ivey will build these three new correctional facilities come hell or legislative high water because it is right, not because it’s popular. It’s about time … Continued
February 13, 2019

Coastal Alabama Partnership holds Legislative Sendoff

The Coastal Alabama Partnership hosted the fifth Annual Meeting and Legislative Send-Off Friday, Feb. 1 at the Daphne Civic Center in Baldwin County. Attendees included State Sen. Chris Elliot, State Rep. Chip Brown, State Rep. Matt Simpson, State Rep. Alan Baker, Daphne Mayor Dane Haygood, Economic Developer Nicole Jones, Donna Baker of Baldwin EMC, representatives … Continued
February 13, 2019

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