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Richardson takes control: changes coming to ALSDE, Montgomery intervention

By Josh Moon Alabama Political Reporter There are changes coming to the Alabama Department of Education – starting with the Montgomery intervention. Interim state superintendent Ed Richardson said during an Alabama Board of Education meeting on Wednesday that he is in the process of examining the takeover of the state’s third largest school system and … Continued

September 28, 2017

Analysis: Montgomery intervention failing despite local support

By Josh Moon Alabama Political Reporter There is a misconception with the state takeover of Montgomery Public Schools. Everyone seems to think that MPS officials don’t want it. That’s untrue. Board members made it clear this week that even those who are currently actively engaged in an ongoing AEA lawsuit against the intervention are open … Continued

September 17, 2017

Executive Order prohibits taxpayer funded lobbyists

By Bill Britt Alabama Political Reporter After Governor Ivey signed Executive Order 706 on July 13, preventing all officials of the executive branch from appointing a registered lobbyist to any related agency, The Alabama Political Reporter asked the Ivey Administration about Governor Fob James’ Executive Order forbidding any State entity from hiring lobbyists. Governor James, … Continued

August 28, 2017

Remember the failed Daycare Regulation bill? Now a child has died

By Josh Moon Alabama Political Reporter If Kamden Johnson lived in a better state, one governed by better people, he’d be alive today. Unfortunately, in his five short years on earth, Kamden found himself in Alabama, where people like Senators Larry Stutts and Shay Shelnutt and Representatives Jim Carns and Randall Shedd hold some power. … Continued

August 25, 2017

UPDATE: Sources say Gov. Kay Ivey to seek full-term next year

By Bill Britt Alabama Political Reporter Several high ranking lawmakers have confirmed to the Alabama Political Reporter that Gov. Kay Ivey will run for Governor in 2018. Ivey, who ascended to the Governor’s office after Robert Bentley fled the position under a cloud of scandal, is now poised to win the job in her own right. … Continued

August 15, 2017

“Buy America” policies are good for Alabama

By U.S. Congressman Bradley Byrne (AL-1) President Trump recently devoted a week to celebrating the importance of “Made in America” products with special events at the White House. I was pleased to see the President shining a spotlight on the many first-class items produced here in the United States. I often meet with manufacturing leaders … Continued

July 24, 2017

Birmingham Realtors PAC held FCPA reports for four years

By Bill Britt Alabama Political Reporter In his ongoing effort to ensure adherence to the Fair Campaign Practice Act (FCPA), Secretary of State John Merrill continues to crackdown on those who fail to report according to State law’s required guidelines. One such group, put on notice by the Secretary of State’s Office, is the Birmingham … Continued

July 11, 2017

Former Acting Finance Director wants an exception

By Bill Britt Alabama Political Reporter Former Acting Finance Director Bill Newton intends to open a consulting business. So, he asked the Alabama Ethics Commission to grant him permission to use his years in government service as leverage to provide professional services/advice, request information from public officials/employees, to aid his potential clients, all the while … Continued

June 8, 2017

The Governor is devising a plan to combat Alabama’s opioid epidemic

By Chip Brownlee Alabama Political Reporter MONTGOMERY—Seventy-eight people die in the US every day from opioid painkiller overdose, and the Yellowhammer State has the highest rate of painkiller prescribing in the country and one of the highest rates of opioid abuse in the country. Gov. Robert Bentley wants a better plan to attack the epidemic. … Continued

December 16, 2016

Ethics Commission withdraws McCalla opinion after charities line-up

By Bill Britt Alabama Political Reporter In a unanimous vote on September 1, 2016, the Alabama Ethics Commission issued advisory opinion 2016-24, which it believed clarified the question regarding public officials soliciting lobbyists and principals for contributions to a charitable organization, operating as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. The issue was raised by the nonprofit group, Friends … Continued

December 8, 2016