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future

Access to the internet essential for Alabama’s future

We all have had our lives disrupted during this period of health and economic crisis. Students, faculty and staff at Alabama’s colleges and universities are no exception. The Chronicle of Higher Education recently reported that three-fourths of higher education faculty had not taught an online course prior to the coronavirus pandemic and two-thirds of college … Continued
May 8, 2020

Montgomery runoff elections are today

Voters in Montgomery go to the polls today to elect a new major in today’s runoff mayoral election between Montgomery County Probate Judge Steven Reed and businessman David Woods. There are also city council runoffs in three seats. The polls will open at 7:00 a.m. and close at 7:00 p.m. “There already is great interest … Continued
October 8, 2019

Cities are only as strong as their local schools

In the military we have a saying: A platoon is only as strong as its weakest soldier. That concept applies to a lot of things in life, and especially to how we as a society treat our public schools. Public schools are the backbone of any city or town. They train our future workers. They … Continued
September 13, 2019

Finally, something that might work

Expanding workforce development and rural broadband could very well be the most significant accomplishments of the 2019 Legislative Session. Both actions have the potential to change Alabama’s future by fostering middle-skill jobs and connecting rural communities to the global economy. The education budget passed in the Senate includes a $6 million increase for workforce development … Continued
May 29, 2019

Other states use lotteries to give kids a brighter future. Alabama wants to use lottery to build prisons

We have a vision problem in Alabama. We’ve always had a vision problem in this state. We are perpetually satisfied with how things are, with keeping things how they are, with resisting any change whatsoever. “Nah, we’re good,” should be our state motto. Even when making a change would benefit us, we resist. Even when … Continued
May 1, 2019

Space and Alabama go hand-in-hand

I am so pleased that Vice President Mike Pence has chosen Huntsville to host the National Space Council on Tuesday. The purpose of this gathering – in the shadow of the Saturn V rocket, which was developed right here in Alabama – is to discuss the future of American human spaceflight that is so appropriate … Continued
March 25, 2019

House approves Ivey’s gas tax. It now moves on to the Senate

Friday, the Alabama House of Representatives passed three bills dealing with infrastructure including legislation to raise the state’s fuel taxes from 18 cents per gallon to 28 cents per gallon, HB2. The bills were sponsored by state Representative Bill Poole, R-Tuscaloosa. The Legislature overwhelmingly approved the tax increase measure, HB2, on a bipartisan basis 84 … Continued
March 8, 2019

Ivey unveils infrastructure plan

On County Road 17 in rural Maplesville, Gov. Kay Ivey earlier today announced her bold new Rebuild Alabama Infrastructure Plan. “By increasing our investment in infrastructure, we are not only investing in our roads and bridges,” said Ivey. “We are making important investments in economic development, the safety of our family and friends, our local … Continued
February 27, 2019

Gas tax increase should be “Even Steven” — raise one tax, lower another

Can Alabamians support raising our gas tax for better roads while remaining true to our belief in limited government and protecting a beneficial, low-tax environment for our businesses, our families, and our future? Yes … if taxes are lowered elsewhere so that the overall amount of money taken from the people doesn’t increase. The concept … Continued
February 22, 2019

The high price of protecting the public

Barely three weeks into the New Year – a time that is supposed to be full of optimism for the future – Alabama has already reached a somber milestone. Our state is tied with Texas for the highest number of law enforcement line-of-duty deaths in the country for 2019. Two Sundays in a row, major … Continued
January 24, 2019