Ten issues that will face Alabama in 2021
Here are the top 10 issues — some old and some new — that are likely to face the state of Alabama in 2021.
Greg Reed
Canadian company invests in Jasper Lumber leading to expansion and jobs
The investment will triple capacity at Jasper Lumber’s existing sawmill and create additional activity for its other subsidiary companies.
Governor makes numerous appointments to state, local roles
On Tuesday, the governor’s office announced several new appointments.
Legislature passes largest education budget in state history despite COVID-19 economic crisis
Saturday the Alabama State Senate approves the largest education budget in the history of the state. The budget was passed that morning with a bipartisan 31 to 0 vote just two days after the Alabama House of Representatives passed the budget. The Senate did make minor changes to the House budget, but the House voted … Continued
Ivey expected to announce reopening plan Tuesday
Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey, on a conference call Monday, told legislators that she will announce her plan to reopen the economy. Ivey was joined by her chief of staff, former Congressman Joe Bonner; State Health Officer Dr. Scott Harris; State Finance Officer Kelly Butler; Labor Secretary Fitzgerald Washington; and Legislative Liaison William Filmore. Ivey told … Continued
Ivey reports that the state has started conversation on post pandemic economy
Monday, Alabama Governor Kay Ivey (R) hosted a conference call with state Health Officer Dr. Scott Harris, Labor Secretary Fitzgerald Washington, and EMA Director Brian Hastings. “We are one week in to our Stay at Home order. While it seems to be working, we have to remain vigilant and continue to follow the orders,” said … Continued
Alabama is setting up the ability to contact doctors with telehealth
The Alabama Senate earlier this month approved a $5 million supplemental appropriation to the budget to combat the spread of COVID-19, a condition caused by a novel strain of coronavirus. Much of that funding was to set up coronavirus testing, but the state is also working on setting up the ability to contact doctors with … Continued
Senate delays vote on bill that would reallocate judges
The Alabama Senate delayed a vote on a bill Tuesday that would reallocate judges from areas in decline to areas of the state that are experiencing growth. Senate Bill 255 is sponsored by Sen. Greg Albritton, R-Atmore. “Why is this needed? Some counties in South Alabama and North Alabama have grown rapidly,” and need judges, … Continued
Alabama has 300 years of coal reserves
Monday, a new academic study showed that coal has a tremendous positive impact on Alabama’s economy. M. Keivan Deravi, Ph. D., of Economic Research Services, Inc., performed the study for the Alabama Coal Association. “Currently, the coal industry in Alabama directly employs more than 3,000 people and generates $370 million in annual payroll, for an … Continued
John Rogers leaving the majority leader’s office to join Jeff Sessions’ Senate campaign
Tuesday, Alabama State Senate Majority Leader Greg Reed, R-Jasper, announced that John Rogers, the office’s long-time Communications Director and Policy Advisor, will be leaving the Majority Leader’s Office at the end of the week to join former U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions’ (R) campaign for the U.S. Senate seat currently held by Doug Jones (D). … Continued