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No surprise at all: Lawmakers are already trying to get their hands on gas tax money

Two months. That’s how long it took for Alabama politicians to break all of those oh-so-sincere promises to you about the gas tax. Two months ago, when the Legislature was debating this 10-cent gas tax increase — the one that can be increased another penny for years to come — there was one often-repeated promise … Continued
May 14, 2019

Rural roads need fixing

Last week we talked about the importance that roads are to the economic development of our state.  We spoke about urban growth and expansion, especially the needs for highways in Huntsville and the improvement of the Port in Mobile. Well, I overlooked the needs and importance of our rural roads.  Make no doubt about it, … Continued
March 20, 2019

Senate committee approves gas tax increase

The Senate Transportation and Energy Committee gave a favorable recommendation Monday to a controversial plan to raise fuel taxes by ten cents per gallon to pay for road and bridge construction and for improvements to the Port of Mobile. The legislation, HB1, is sponsored by state Representative Bill Poole, R-Tuscaloosa. Senator Gerald Allen, R-Tuscaloosa, is … Continued
March 12, 2019

Gas tax opponents denounce special session as “government malpractice”

Stop the Alabama Gas Tax PAC said that Alabamians should view Tuesday night’s special session announcement from Gov. Kay Ivey and the Legislature’s cooperation as “governmental malpractice.” “Montgomery politicians are coming for your wallet and they’re coming fast,” Ralph Long, chairman of the Stop the Alabama Gas Tax PAC said Wednesday. “This special session, held … Continued
March 8, 2019

Transportation Committee to vote today infrastructure legislation

The Alabama House of Representatives began its special session Wednesday to consider raising the fuel taxes that motorists pay by 10 cents over three years. The plan is being spearheaded by Alabama’s Republican Gov. Kay Ivey. “Due to the dire need to act now, I am the Alabama Legislature into a special session, focused solely … Continued
March 7, 2019

The state of this state is, as usual, weird

It feels wrong to call it a “special” session. Maybe “other” session. Or “equally idiotic” session. But whatever you call it, there will be a special session inside a regular session in Alabama this year to hash out the dire situation with Alabama’s … um, roads. Yes, you read that correctly. The roads and bridges … Continued
March 6, 2019

Special Session begins Wednesday

The 2019 regular legislative session began on Tuesday, but following the adjournment of her state of the state address Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey called a special session to address Alabama’s infrastructure issues. The regular session has been recessed until March 19. Only one of the regular sessions’ 30 legislative days has been used. The special … Continued
March 6, 2019

Why we should avoid an immediate special session for the gas tax?

Many Alabamians, including the conservative-leaning Alabama Policy Institute, agree our state needs to increase funding for roads and bridges. And Gov. Kay Ivey hasn’t yet ruled out calling the state Legislature into a special session to raise the gas tax when lawmakers convene Tuesday in Montgomery. But, is fast-tracking a $300 million tax increase a … Continued
March 5, 2019

Gas tax opponents hold rally in Montgomery

Saturday, the Conservative Coalition held a rally in front of the State House in Montgomery to express their opposition to Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey’s plan to raise gas taxes on Alabama motorists by ten cents a gallon. Dr. Lou Campomenosi with the Coalition for Common Sense emceed the event. He said that the Alabama Business … Continued
March 4, 2019

Gov. Ivey has earned our support

Gov. Kay Ivey has earned an A+ on her Rebuild Alabama’s Infrastructure Plan. She has outstandingly accomplished her homework and her research. I want to respectfully ask all Alabamians to support the plan. I voted for Ivey so that she would have the opportunity to tackle the state’s toughest issues. Shortly after Ivey made history, … Continued
March 4, 2019