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Alabama Political Reporter

Senate Cloture Vote Kills Lottery Bill SB11

By Susan Britt Alabama Political Reporter MONTGOMERY—On Thursday, the lottery bill SB11 (including video lottery terminals) sponsored by Jim McClendon (R-Springville), was carried over after a cloture vote in the Senate. “It is not usual for someone to cloture themselves,” said McClendon. After explaining his bill and answering questions for two days, the Senate responded … Continued
August 19, 2016

McClendon, Dial Ask: Give The People The Right To Vote On Lottery

By Susan Britt Alabama Political Reporter MONTGOMERY—The lottery bill, SB11, was carried over at the call of the chair late Wednesday, with few Republican senators present. It could resurface Thursday morning, should more lawmakers come onboard. Jim McClendon (R-Springville) brought SB11 to the Senate Floor on Wednesday. It passed out of Tourism and Marketing Committee … Continued
August 18, 2016

Senators Call For Investigative Body On Ethics Complaints

By Bill Britt Alabama Political Reporter MONTGOMERY—Senators Gerald Dial (R-Lineville) and Quinton Ross (D-Montgomery) filed a joint resolution calling for joint a legislative committee, to investigate confidentiality issues related to complaints lodged with the State Ethics Commission. SEE SJR6 The measure is, in part, a response to the recent imbroglio surrounding an anonymous complaint against … Continued
August 18, 2016

At Best, Lottery is a Big Gamble for Alabama

By Joey Kennedy Alabama Political Reporter The state doesn’t need a lottery to save Medicaid. Expanding the program under the Affordable Care Act would go a long way in doing that. Sure, expanding Medicaid in itself won’t save Medicaid. That expansion will cover hundreds of thousands of the state’s working poor who don’t qualify for … Continued
August 18, 2016

Indians Oppose Bill to Help Alabama’s Children

By Susan Britt Alabama Political Reporter MONTGOMERY—Yesterday, in a Senate Tourism and Marketing Committee’s public hearing on the lottery, Robbie McGee spoke in support of one bill, while being in strict opposition of another. McGee, vice chairman for the Poarch Band of Creek Indians (PCI), first spoke against Senator Jim McClendon’s (R-Springville) lottery bill, and … Continued
August 17, 2016

Indians, Attorney General Take Aim At “McLottery”

By Bill Britt Alabama Political Reporter MONTGOMERY—A lottery bill sponsored by Sen. Jim McClendon (R-Springville) is drawing fire from the Poarch Band of Creek Indians (PCI) and in a surprise press release from Attorney General Luther Strange. Lobbyists for PCI and Tribal Vice Chair Robbie McGee are confidently predicting the demise of any lottery bill … Continued
August 17, 2016

Speaker McCutcheon: We Are Moving into a New Era

By Susan Britt Alabama Political Reporter MONTGOMERY—In a press conference held immediately after the new Speaker of the House Mac McCutcheon (R-Madison) left the Chamber Floor, he promised that the House would be entering a new era, returning the body to the people of Alabama. McCutcheon said, his leadership style will be more to listen … Continued
August 16, 2016

New Speaker: “The days of the Imperial Speakership are Over!”

By Bill Britt Alabama Political Reporter MONTGOMERY—A promise of a new day and a better tomorrow for all Alabamians, was the message Speaker Mac McCutcheon voiced after his election. “To put it bluntly, the days of the Imperial Speakership are over,” he said to sustained applause. Immediately setting himself in contrast to convicted felon, and … Continued
August 16, 2016

Rep. Morrow Rips Governor’s Request For Bi-Partisanship

By Bill Britt Alabama Political Reporter MONTGOMERY—Just days before the 2016 Special Legislative Session, Republican Governor Robert Bentley sent a letter to all members of the Legislature, asking they put aside polls and political parties and “consider only the people we serve.” In reply, Representative Johnny Mack Morrow (D-Red Bay) wrote Bentley saying, “That request … Continued
August 16, 2016

“McLottery” Details Expected Today

By Bill Britt and Susan Britt Alabama Political Reporter MONTGOMERY—Legislation from Sen. Jim McClendon proposing a vote of the people on a constitutional amendment to approve or reject a statewide lottery is expected later today. A draft of the legislation obtained by the Alabama Political Reporter over the weekend provides some insight as to what … Continued
August 15, 2016