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Alabama Political Reporter

Big PAC Money Flows to One Candidate in Race to Replace Hubbard

By Bill Britt Alabama Political Reporter MONTGOMERY—Four candidates are vying for the seat once held by convicted felon, Mike Hubbard in the Republican primary on September 13. The voters of District 79 have yet to pick a candidate, but the well-heeled of Auburn and influential Montgomery PACs have already chosen theirs. Jay Conner, Joe Lovvorn, … Continued
September 9, 2016

Merrill Expedites Business Filing Process

By Susan Britt Alabama Political Reporter MONTGOMERY—Secretary of State John Merrill’s Office has developed a new solution to shorten the window between when a new business filing is received and when the business’ information first appears on the SOS website. “During my time working to earn the People of Alabama’s trust to serve as their … Continued
September 9, 2016

BP Settlement Bill Passes Legislature, Signed By Governor

By Susan Britt Alabama Political Reporter MONTGOMERY—On Wednesday, the bill proposing use of BP Settlement funds to pay back debt to the General Fund, free up money for Medicaid and appropriate money for Southern Alabama counties passed out of a joint conference committee, the House and the Senate, and was then signed by Governor Robert … Continued
September 8, 2016

Sine Die And Good Luck

By Bill Britt Alabama Political Reporter Medicaid is funded for 2017, with $105 million for 2018, which gives legislators an opportunity to do nothing controversial or terribly important in an election year. Strange, how these little things happen to workout, I guess. Governor Bentley received his Medicaid dollars so he can stop worrying about the … Continued
September 8, 2016

Bentley’s “Great Victory” Cause For Worry, Warning, Broken Promises

By Bill Britt Alabama Political Reporter MONTGOMERY—Shortly after passage of legislation to raid BP settlement funds to cover Medicaid funding, Governor Robert Bentley, who has largely been absent from the process, praised it as a bipartisan “victory.” Obviously, the Governor failed to hear the Democrat’s pleading for more Medicaid funding and to expand its availability … Continued
September 8, 2016

BP Bill Scheduled for Conference Today

By Susan Britt Alabama Political Reporter MONTGOMERY—Bill HB36 was sponsored by Representative Steve Clouse (R-Ozark) and carried in the Senate by Senator Bill Hightower (R-Mobile). Senator Arthur Orr (R-Madison) offered a substitute, that after hours of debate, passed the Senate on a vote of 21-9. Originally, the bill passed by the Alabama House of Representatives … Continued
September 7, 2016

Sentance Withdrew Name in June Then Rescinded

By Bill Britt Alabama Political Reporter MONTGOMERY—Many questions remain regarding the selection of Michael Sentance for State School Superintendent, a man with no experience as an educator. The Alabama Political Reporter recently acquired an email in which Sentance withdrew his name from consideration for the position. In an email time-stamped June 27, 2016, 2:19 PM, … Continued
September 7, 2016

ALFA Hits Jackpot For 20 Years Straight But Doesn’t Want You To

By Bill Britt Alabama Political Reporter MONTGOMERY—Will blame, incrimination and meddling be the legacy of the circular firing squad known as the 2016 Special Legislative Session? Unrelenting lobbying by various groups helped kill Governor Robert Bentley’s lottery bill SB3, which was carried by Sen. Jim McClendon (R-Springville), namely, the Poarch Band of Creek Indians, those … Continued
September 6, 2016

Senate To Continue Debate BP Bill

By Susan Britt Alabama Political Reporter MONTGOMERY—As the Senate gathers this week, using BP Settlement monies to pay back the State’s debts and assist in the Medicaid crisis will again be up for debate. HB36, sponsored by House Ways and Means General Fund Chairman Representative Steve Clouse (R-Ozark) has already been approved by the House … Continued
September 6, 2016

Zeigler Thinks Special Session Heading Toward Failure

By Bill Britt Alabama Political Reporter MONTGOMERY—State Auditor Jim Zeigler believes, if a proposed BP bill fails, the entire Legislative Session will be a waste. Zeigler favors the compromise bill to allocate $850 million in BP settlement split between State debt and Baldwin and Mobile counties. Under the agreement $448 million would repay State debts … Continued
September 6, 2016