gas tax increase Archives • Alabama Political Reporter

APR’s top five stories of 2019

The year was busy for journalists across the state, and it was no different at APR, where reporters dug into the biggest stories of 2019 to give readers a glimpse at what was happening behind closed doors. From a broken prison system to an unpopular toll bridge project that ran out of pavement, here’s a … Continued

December 30, 2019

Ivey announces 28 road and bridge projects paid for through gas tax increase

Governor Kay Ivey and the Alabama Department of Transportation last week announced which local municipalities would get a portion of more than $30 million from the increased state fuel tax. About half of the cities and counties that applied and were approved for one or more of the 28 road and bridge projects put up … Continued

October 15, 2019

Gas tax takes effect Sept. 1.

Sherwood Sparks sure would like to see some of Alabama’s new gas tax increase, set to hit the pumps on Sept. 1, go toward improving safety on the roads leading to his hometown of Piedmont. “Paying the tax doesn’t bother me,” Sparks said. “As long as I can see some results from my taxes for … Continued

August 15, 2019

Senate approves ALDOT oversight bill

The Alabama Senate has approved a bill that would provide additional oversight for the Alabama Department of Transportation as part of a set of bills accompanying the governor’s gas tax increase legislation. The bill — approved by a 30 to 0 vote on Friday — would require ALDOT to use objective criteria to prioritize road … Continued

March 11, 2019

Democratic leaders say caucuses divided on gas tax

Democratic leaders in the Alabama House and Senate said Tuesday there is no consensus among their caucuses about whether to support Gov. Kay Ivey’s proposed gas tax increase. They say the debate will be a defining moment for their caucus nonetheless and will give them an opportunity to have some leverage as GOP leaders may … Continued

March 6, 2019

Ivey uses inaugural address to call for infrastructure, corrections funding

During her inaugural address Monday, Gov. Kay Ivey, who is beginning her first full term as Alabama’s 54th governor, called on the Legislature to improve the state’s infrastructure and replace aging prisons. The governor was sworn into office Monday morning on the steps of the State Capitol. Ivey used the legacy of Gov. Lurleen Wallace, … Continued

January 14, 2019

The 2019 gas tax, gambling fight is under way

The fight over a gas tax increase has begun. Just out of public view, lawmakers and lobbyists and business interests are working together and against each other to draw up bills that will increase Alabama’s gas tax as much as 18 cents initially, depending on the type of fuel being purchased. But there is broad … Continued

December 5, 2018

Infrastructure bill makes brief appearance in the Senate

By Chip Brownlee Alabama Political Reporter A bill that would authorize a new state infrastructure building project made a brief appearance on the Senate floor Tuesday. The legislation, sponsored by State Sen. Gerald Dial, R-Lineville, would establish the Alabama Road and Bridge Rehabilitation and Improvement Authority to finance improvement projects if the Legislature ever passes a … Continued

February 7, 2018

Trump Can’t Win Over This Woman

By Elizabeth BeShears Much to do has been made over the last several days in the wake of Donald Trump’s evident coronation as the GOP’s 2016 nominee about how he has a lot of ground to make up with certain groups. Hispanics, Latinos, and African Americans are deemed unreachable due to his previous statements on … Continued

May 10, 2016