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Jim McClendon

News / National

McClendon says Trump’s Fourth of July celebration was great

President Donald Trump has been heavily criticized by his political opponents and by some media outlets for everything from his North Korea policy to his trade policy to the role that his daughter, Ivanka Trump Kushner, plays in the administration. The president’s many critics even criticized his decision to include a handful of tanks in … Continued
July 8, 2019

McClendon says Supreme Court ruling on gerrymandering resolves many questions

On Thursday, the U.S. Supreme Court issued a five to four ruling stating that the federal courts do not have a role in preventing state Legislatures from gerrymandering for partisan political purposes. State Sen. Jim McClendon, R-Springville, is the Senate chair of the Joint Committee on Redistricting, which will be charged with redistricting the state … Continued
June 28, 2019

The lottery is dead. Long live the lottery

The paper-only lottery bill appears to have mercifully died in the House. It should have failed in the Senate because it was never more than a diversion to ensure that no lottery bill would endanger the Poarch Band of Creek Indians’ monopoly over gaming in the state. The so-called “clean” paper-only lottery sponsored by Sen. … Continued
May 23, 2019

For the sake of the state, please sine die soon

Every year, there is hope that the Alabama Legislature will come to Montgomery with the goal of making our state a better, more prosperous place to work and live, and every year, they fail to deliver mostly. With just days left in the 2019 session, it is difficult to see any real long-term, positive accomplishments … Continued
May 20, 2019

Jesus instructed, let your words be true, but that doesn’t apply at State House

Many elected officials in Alabama profess profound allegiance to biblical teachings, but do they actually practice those principles? In two distinct instances during the Legislative Session, promises made to individuals and the people of the state have been broken. Jesus instructed his followers to let their words be true. In Matthew 5:33 (NIV), Jesus said, … Continued
May 15, 2019

Lottery bill to be considered in committee this week

The lottery bill is expected to be voted on in committee this week. AL.com has reported the vote would take place in committee Tuesday, but later reporting by the Alabama Daily News stated that the vote would be Wednesday afternoon in the House Tourism and Economic Development Committee. As of press time, the legislature is … Continued
May 14, 2019

Senate Committee passes tax exemptions for Barber’s Motorsports Park and Museum

The Alabama Senate Finance and Taxation Education committee passed a bill Wednesday giving tax exemptions to the Barber’s Race Track for its expansion. Senate Bill 296 is sponsored by State Sen. Bill Roberts, R-Mountain Brook. Roberts said the Barber’s Motorsports Park and Museum is the number one tourist attraction in the state and the largest … Continued
May 9, 2019

Measles not in Alabama yet

The Senate Health Committee was briefed Wednesday on the measles epidemic that is gripping the nation and Alabama’s measles status. “We are hearing more and more measles discussion in our state,” said Health Committee Chairman Jim McClendon, R-Springville. “We asked Dr. (Scott) Harris to update the committee on this.” Harris is the Alabama public health … Continued
May 2, 2019

Heated lottery debate revealed the secrets of the Alabama Legislature

In the debate Thursday in the Alabama Senate over a proposed lottery bill, there was one conversation that stood out. Yeah, there were plenty of arguments and creative amendments pushed. There were angry senators and accusations of nefarious intentions tossed around. But the back and forth between Sen. Bobby Singleton and Sen. Greg Albritton, the … Continued
April 26, 2019

Committee considers bill allowing optometrists to increase their scope of practice

Wednesday, the Alabama Senate Health Committee debated a bill that would allow optometrists to add minor surgical procedures to their scope of practice. Ophthalmologists, doctors with a medical degree who treat the eye as a specialty, oppose the legislation. Sen. Tom Whatley, R-Auburn, is the sponsor of Senate Bill 114. Whatley said that he has … Continued
April 25, 2019