Alabama

News

Senate approves 3 percent pay raise for state employees

By Chip Brownlee Alabama Political Reporter Many state employees may soon receive a cost-of-living pay raise if a bill passed by the Senate Tuesday is approved by the House and signed by the Governor. The bill, which received a vote of 28-1 in the Alabama Senate this week, would provide all state employees working for … Continued

Chip Brownlee

February 28, 2018

Senate moves to make Alabama first to offer nitrogen executions to condemned inmates

By Chip Brownlee Alabama Political Reporter A bill passed Thursday in the Alabama Senate would mark a new evolution in the history of the death penalty in Alabama. The state may soon add a third, untested option for death-row inmates deciding how they want their lives taken from them: a gas mask or gas chamber … Continued

Chip Brownlee

February 23, 2018

Wayne Reynolds launches campaign for State Board of Education

By Brandon Moseley Alabama Political Reporter Wayne Reynolds, an Athens, Alabama, resident, officially launched his campaign for the Republican nomination for Alabama State Board of Education District 8. “I am excited to announce that I am running for the District 8 seat on the Alabama State Board of Education,” Reynolds said. “I have served nearly 30 … Continued

Brandon Moseley

February 21, 2018

Democratic candidate for governor Walt Maddox announces statewide lottery plan

By Chip Brownlee Alabama Political Reporter The calls for a vote on a statewide education lottery are growing as another candidate for governor is promising to push for a vote if elected to the state’s highest office. Gubernatorial candidate and Tuscaloosa Mayor Walt Maddox said Monday he would push for a referendum on a lottery … Continued

Chip Brownlee

February 20, 2018

Dueling Republicans place Pike County probate judge’s office at epicenter of new gay marriage debate

By Bill Britt Alabama Political Reporter A storm is brewing over Pike County as Republican primary candidates battle over same-sex marriage licenses. One Republican wants to make Pike County a welcoming center for same-sex couples; the other wants to stay out of the marriage business. Retiring Pike County Probate Judge Wes Allen in February of … Continued

Bill Britt

February 20, 2018

Statewide digital campaign launched by conservative group

By Bill Britt Alabama Political Reporter A new advocacy group aims to hold Republican politicians accountable when they stray from conservative principles. Conservatives for Better Leadership is “dedicated to fostering a more competitive and prosperous Alabama,” according to the recently formed 501(c)4 headed by advocate and publisher Apryl Marie Fogel. “We believe that conservative fiscal … Continued

Bill Britt

February 19, 2018

Pew Report: Alabama tax revenue close to pre-Great Recession levels, growing slowly

By Samuel Mattison Alabama Political Reporter A new report from the Pew Research Center found that Alabama’s tax revenue has slowly grown over the past two years, but has seen significant improvement since the late 2000s crash that almost derailed the global economy. The report, which accounts for inflation, showed that while Alabama has grown … Continued

Sam Mattison

February 19, 2018

After Parkland shooting, Alabama lawmaker wants to arm teachers in the classroom

An Alabama lawmaker wants to arm teachers in classrooms across the state. Guntersville Republican Rep. Will Ainsworth plans to drop a bill that would allow teachers to carry concealed guns at schools if they are trained to a state standard. The introduction of the bill would come after a mass shooting at a school in … Continued

Chip Brownlee

February 16, 2018

Proponents argue that juvenile justice reform will reduce youth crime

By Brandon Moseley Alabama Political Reporter Tuesday, Americans for Tax Reform hosted a presentation on Juvenile Justice Reform. ATR’s Jorge Marin argues that out-of-home placements for youth in the juvenile justice system cost taxpayers up to $162,000 per youth per year. Jorge Marin and ATR argue that these kinds of expenditures could be better applied … Continued

Brandon Moseley

February 15, 2018

Opinion

Analysis | Gov. Ivey’s campaign kick off solid, steady, shocking

By Bill Britt Alabama Political Reporter When Alabama’s Governor Kay Ivey took the stage at the Montgomery Renaissance Tuesday night to kick-off her campaign for governor, she was buoyant, charming and in command of the evening. Most attendees agreed that Gov. Ivey hit all the right notes in her 10-plus-minute speech. But it was her … Continued

Bill Britt

February 14, 2018