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.
Jim McClendon
How COVID-19 has impacted Alabama government
COVID-19 has heavily affected the Alabama political world.
12,254 coronavirus cases diagnosed this week alone
Friday’s report capped off a grim week in which the state set a number of record highs. In total, 12,254 Alabamians have tested positive in the last seven days — and 163 have died.
Legislature told budgets are in good shape despite pandemic and economic downturn
Members of the Alabama Senate were in Montgomery Thursday for hearings on the budget, where Senators were told that both of the budgets are in good shape looking forward to 2021. The meeting was chaired by Senate Finance & Taxation Committee Chairman Greg Albritton. Kirk Fulford is the Deputy Director for the Fiscal Division of … Continued
State senators briefed on prison construction plans
Alabama Department of Corrections Commissioner Jeff Dunn told members of the Senate budget committees Thursday that the department is moving forward with the process of seeking bids on three new state prisons. Among other topics addressed was the status of the Alabama Prison Program. Dunn said that because of the long neglected maintenance of the … Continued
State Sen. Jim McClendon accuses Tuberville of hiding from a debate
State Sen. Jim McClendon, R-Springville, on Monday accused coach Tommy Tuberville of avoiding his GOP Senate primary opponent, former Sen. Jeff Sessions. “Coach TUBBERVILLE is hiding from a face to face debate,” McClendon said on social media. McClendon compared Tuberville’s strategy to that of Democratic presidential nominee former Vice President Joe Biden. “Joe BIDEN is … Continued
Senate bill would strip some emergency powers from governor, state health officer
Republican state senators are becoming increasingly anxious that Gov. Kay Ivey is being too cautious in her approach to reopening the Alabama economy and getting the people of Alabama back to work. This week State Sen. Tom Whatley, R-Auburn, filed a bill “to improve the system of checks and balances” in setting, extending and lifting … Continued
State will not need to prorate the 2020 budgets
Two Senate committees met Monday on the 2020 budgets and moved the 2021 budgets. Despite the massive economic shutdown that has crippled the state economy and thousands of businesses, reporters were assured that there will not be any need to prorate either the general fund or the education trust fund budgets in 2020. Senate President … Continued
Senate committee rejects bill that would have banned smoking in cars with children
Wednesday, the Alabama Senate Health Committee rejected a House bill that would have banned smoking and vaping in motor vehicles if there is a child under 14 years of age present. House Bill 46 was sponsored by State Representatives Rolanda Hollis, D-Birmingham. HB46 as introduced by Hollis would have banned smoking with children in automobiles. … Continued
Senate Health Committee updated on coronavirus crisis
Wednesday, Alabama Public Health Officer Scott Harris told the Alabama Senate Health Committee, “We have no cases in Alabama,” referring to the new strain of the coronavirus – COVID-19. The Chairman of the Senate Health Committee is Senator Jim McClendon (R-Springville). McClendon asked Dr. Harris to update the Committee on the threat from the coronavirus. … Continued