Check-off Bill Heads to the Governor

The most controversial bill in the governor's call for a special session on ethics reform is finally on its way to his desk for his signature.

The bill stops the payroll deductions for the thousands of public employees and teachers in the state to pay dues and make political contributions to organizations like the Alabama Education Association and the Alabama State Employee Association. It was fought until the bitter end by Democrats in the House and Senate, arguing that the bill was not about ethics reform but retaliation against AEA for its role in defeating Bradley Byrne's campaign for governor.

House members debated the bill from 10 a.m. Tuesday to 3 a.m. today because of a filibuster organized by the Democratic minority. Before the House received the bill Senate members had debated the bill for hours because of a dogged filibuster by Senate Democrats. In the end it boiled down to votes. The Republicans had the votes to get the bill passed, and they did.


Senate members took another hour to finally concur on amendments made by the House.

-- posted by Markeshia Ricks