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Optometrists push back against survey

A recent statewide survey of 500 likely voters published by Alabama Political Reporter found that an overwhelming majority of those polled oppose a proposed change in state law that would allow individuals who are not medical doctors to perform eye surgery. Nearly 80 percent of Alabamians oppose such a move, according to the survey. Alabamians … Continued
April 23, 2019

Bill would require legislative approval of some agency rule changes

A pre-filed bill would require agencies to seek legislative approval from Alabama lawmakers before enacting any new rule or rule change that would have an economic impact of more than $1 million. Rep. Wes Allen, a Republican, said he is proposing the legislation because new regulations make it hard for small businesses and farmers to … Continued
March 1, 2019

Ivey proposes smart on crime solutions to state prison problems

Alabama’s aging and dangerous prisons have been a topic of legislative discussion for 30 years with little accomplishment. If Gov. Kay Ivey succeeds in building three new men’s facilities, it will amount to a generational change in how the state addresses inmate detention. By focusing primarily on the initiative’s price tag, many critics and temperate … Continued
February 20, 2019

We don’t matter, because we don’t want to

I generally don’t make New Year’s resolutions. I have a few times, but not too often. The last New Year’s resolution I made was in 2012, about this time of the year, just before the world became 2013. I had just seen Les Miserables, the big-budget movie musical, and I loved it. I’ve seen the … Continued
December 28, 2018

Inside the Statehouse: Last of famous probate judges: Hardy McCollum

In Alabama political history, the office of Probate Judge was the most powerful and prestigious position. In the old days, in every county in Alabama, the probate judge was not only judge, he also appointed all county positions, hired all county employees and was Chairman of the County Commission. He was essentially the “King of … Continued
December 13, 2018

A real outsider

Donald Trump got a lot of votes in Alabama. Even today, after two years of implementing policies that have undeniably hurt this state, he still enjoys healthy support in Alabama. While it would be easy to tie that support to Alabama’s history of racism and Trump’s tendency to say racist things and support racist people … Continued
December 6, 2018

The words of a president matter

The words a president uses matter. They affect people. They change opinions. They mold malleable minds. Even the words of a serious presidential candidate have that weight. People listen. Large chunks of the country are moved to action. They can be calmed or angered. They can be inspired or devastated. We know this to be … Continued
October 26, 2018

Inside the Statehouse: Primary political potpourri

Now that the dust has settled on the primaries, allow me to share with you some thoughts on the Alabama political stage. There is an old saying that says the more things change, the more they stay the same. This old adage is true in Alabama politics. First of all, “All politics is local.” In the … Continued
August 9, 2018