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State budgets: Priority number one

After their successful special five-day Special Session, the Legislature has been in their Regular Session for a few weeks now. The session will end in June so it is about one-fourth over. Almost one-third of the members are new — freshmen if you will. Even though they are, for the most part, a bright and … Continued
April 3, 2019

Understanding an important section in the lottery CA — one some don’t want you to understand

A proposed constitutional amendment offered by State Senator Jim McClendon, R-Springville, gives the people of Alabama the right to vote on a lottery. McClendon’s legislation is a clean bill because it only covers one subject: a lottery. Opponents of the bill, and even some supporters, have mischaracterized portions of the constitutional amendment or failed to … Continued
April 1, 2019

One voice can create a ripple

Think about being 18 and having to fight in a war you had no say in because you were too young to vote. Think about not being able to have a say in government because of your skin color or sex. Voting is a fundamental right, but it has not always been that way. People … Continued
March 28, 2019

Marsh threatens lottery legislation: Why?

A bill sponsored by State Sen. Jim McClendon giving Alabama citizens an opportunity to vote on a constitutional amendment to allow a lottery is being questioned by one of its co-sponsors. The bi-partisan legislation is co-sponsored by Sens. Jimmy Holley, Steve Livingston, Bobby Singleton, Roger Smitherman, Billy Beasley and Del Marsh. Last week, Marsh, who … Continued
March 25, 2019

Lottery constitutional amendment, enabling legislation filed

A constitutional amendment filed Tuesday morning by State Sen. Jim McClendon, if approved by the Legislature, will allow for the people to vote on a statewide lottery by this time next year. Polling data from multiple reputable sources finds that an overwhelming majority of voters wants an opportunity to vote yes or no on the … Continued
March 19, 2019

Sir, here are your winnings: Let the people vote

When the Legislature returns to Montgomery on Tuesday to resume its regular session, State Sen. Dr. Jim McClendon, R-Springville, is expected to file a constitutional amendment to allow the people to vote on a lottery. Polling shows that a plurality of Alabamians want an opportunity to vote on a lottery. Further polling finds that an … Continued
March 18, 2019

Taxation without representation: Clearing up the confusion between cities, counties caused by exterritorial jurisdictions

Just before the Revolutionary War and largely in response to the Stamp Act imposed by the British on the American colonies, the Massachusetts lawyer James Otis famously proclaimed, “Taxation without Representation is Tyranny.” Today, Alabama is one of only three states that permits municipalities to impose police, planning, and other exterritorial jurisdictions in areas well … Continued
February 13, 2019

Inside the Statehouse: Further analysis of general election – winners and losers

Now that the dust has settled on this year’s elections, let’s look back at who are the big winners and losers of the year. The obvious winner in the Heart of Dixie is the Republican Party. The GOP retained the reins of the state’s highest office and every other statewide Constitutional position. Kay Ivey was … Continued
December 5, 2018

A final vote on Britt at BCA set for December

A vote by the entire board of the Business Council of Alabama on Dec. 7 is expected to confirm Katie Britt as President and CEO of the influential business organization. BCA’s executive committee in October voted unanimously to recommend Britt as the next chief of the organization, and those close to the process believe her … Continued
November 29, 2018