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Hearing Wednesday in Zeigler’s challenge to Bentley’s $47 million STAARS software

By Brandon Moseley Alabama Political Reporter Wednesday, September 21, a hearing will be held in a lawsuit challenging Gov. Robert Bentley’s (R) controversial $47 million no-bid contract for the purchase of the ,much maligned STAARS software. State Auditor Jim Zeigler (R) filed suit alleging that the massive no-bid contract violates Alabama’s bid laws and the … Continued
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September 21, 2016

Budget Task Force Leaders Committed to Reform, But Can It Be Achieved?

By Bill Britt Alabama Political Reporter MONTGOMERY—Tackling budget reform is priority one, according to Speaker of the House Mac McCutcheon (R-Monrovia). Senate President Pro Tem Del Marsh (R-Anniston) called for reforms and voiced his commitment during the recent Special Legislative Session. During this Session, McCutcheon sponsored and passed JHR62, which establishes a task force with … Continued
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September 16, 2016

CARES: A Massive Technology Failure Costing Taxpayers Tens of Millions

By Bill Britt Alabama Political Reporter MONTGOMERY—Under the banner of “streamlining government,” Governor Robert Bentley issued Executive Order 44 on June 30, 2014. EO44 combined various agencies into one software system to administer and enroll individuals, in state and federal benefit programs such as, Medicaid, children’s services, public health and senior programs. After two years, … Continued
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September 12, 2016
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Gov. Bentley Truthin’ ‘Cause a Truther Gotta Truth

By Bill Britt Alabama Political Reporter Gov. Robert Bentley, this Wednesday, informed the press that reports of a compact with the Poarch Band of Creek Indians was “blatantly false.” Bentley is a “truther.” He loves the truth. He values the truth. His reverence for the truth is so utterly consuming that he always uses it … Continued
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August 25, 2016

STAARS WAARS: May the Source Be With You

By Susan Britt Alabama Political Reporter MONTGOMERY—Registering for STAARS takes more technical skills than navigating the Millennium Falcon through an asteroid field. Having some business before the State that requires we register with STAARS, gives us an opportunity to experience, first hand, the workings of this software. Even though we are quite sure that our … Continued
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August 9, 2016
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Usually Quiet August Will Be Big Month For Alabama government

By State Auditor Jim Zeigler Montgomery, Ala. — Normally, the month of August is hot, slow and quiet in Montgomery. Dog Days. This August will be the opposite – extremely active and vital for Alabama’s people and our future. August 2 the House Republican caucus meets to try to elect a new Speaker of the … Continued
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August 1, 2016

Lawsuit Filed Over STAARS

By Bill Britt Alabama Political Reporter MONTGOMERY—A lawsuit was filed late Thursday night in Montgomery Circuit Court, over the $47 million dollar black hole known as STAARS. At the heart of the complaint is the no-bid contract entered into by Governor Robert Bentley and the State Department of Finance. The suit brought by State Auditor … Continued
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July 22, 2016

Is eSTART the New STAARS?

By Bill Britt Alabama Political Reporter MONTGOMERY—Even though the shoddily implemented STAARS accounting software is still causing major headaches for agencies and vendors, the Department of Finances is doubling down on a troubled new time and attendance system named eSTART. All agencies, major and minor, are reporting unanimously: eSTART doesn’t lives up to the hype. … Continued
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July 19, 2016

State May Face Sanctions, Penalties Over STAARS Failure

By Bill Britt Alabama Political Reporter The Chief Examiner of the State’s Department of Public Examiner has warned Gov. Robert Bentley and Acting Finance Director Bill Newton that the failures of the STARRS accounting program will likely cause the State to be delinquent on its federally-required Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR). In a letter dated … Continued
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May 11, 2016

STAARS Still Failing Alabama

By Bill Britt Alabama Political Reporter MONTGOMERY—The $47 million no-bid software package known as STAARS, a statewide government accounting system, is now going to require more full-time staff at the Department of Finance, according to a presentation made to agency heads last week. SEE HANDOUT The multi-million dollar system, touted as a cost-saving measure, will … Continued
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April 20, 2016