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Rodger Smitherman

Smitherman, Williams support Alabama public transportation trust fund legislation

By Brandon Moseley Alabama Political Reporter Tuesday, Alabama Arise Citizens’ Policy Project held a press conference in support of legislation to advance public transportation. The legislation, Senate Bill 85 and House Bill 10, is sponsored by Sen. Rodger Smitherman, D-Birmingham, and State Rep. Jack Williams, R-Vestavia. Alice Paris chairs Alabama Arise’s legislative committee. “Alabama is … Continued
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February 7, 2018

Senate OKs Republican redistricting plan against wishes of black lawmakers

By Chip Brownlee Alabama Political Reporter MONTGOMERY — Alabama Senate Republicans on Thursday passed a new legislative redistricting plan that will adjust more than 20 Senate districts. The plan passed against the wishes of black lawmakers who argued that it doesn’t fairly divide Jefferson County or fully alleviate racial gerrymandering concerns. The new legislative districts … Continued
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May 5, 2017

BP Settlement Bill Passes Legislature, Signed By Governor

By Susan Britt Alabama Political Reporter MONTGOMERY—On Wednesday, the bill proposing use of BP Settlement funds to pay back debt to the General Fund, free up money for Medicaid and appropriate money for Southern Alabama counties passed out of a joint conference committee, the House and the Senate, and was then signed by Governor Robert … Continued
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September 8, 2016

Clinton to Open Birmingham Headquarters on Saturday

By Brandon Moseley Alabama Political Reporter Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and US Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vermont) essentially tied in Iowa with Mrs. Clinton getting the technical victory from a series of fortuitous coin tosses.  Senator Sanders is expected to win Tuesday’s New Hampshire Primary because the small New England state borders Sanders’ Vermont. Sec. … Continued
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February 5, 2016

Senate Democrats Discuss Legislative Issues

By Bill Britt Alabama Political Reporter MONTGOMERY—Recently, State Senate Democrats met to discuss some of the many issues facing the legislature including, Medicaid expansion, charter schools and the Governor’s yet to be revealed tax proposal. Gov. Bentley says that the State is facing a budget shortfall of $700 million, the Democratic Senators say that one … Continued
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February 24, 2015

Don’t Bring a Chart to a Gun Fight: Vote Trading on Goat Hill

By Lee Hedgepeth Alabama Political Reporter News headlines flowing from Montgomery late this legislative session have focused on many controversial topics – something that some politicos had said was unlikely in an election year, but that is happening nonetheless. Chief among these has been a bill proposed by GOP lawmakers that would increase representation on … Continued
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March 17, 2014

Marsh Agrees to Amend Education Reform Bill

By Brandon Moseley Alabama Political Reporter On Wednesday, March 5, the Alabama Senate Taxation and Finance Education Committee heard a public hearing on a bill abolishing the Last In First out (LIFO) concept many school systems in the State use during a Reduction In Force (RIF). The bill, SB 353, is sponsored by Senator Pro … Continued
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March 7, 2014