South Union Street

tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32874105070457999882012-01-27T00:38:57.344-06:00South Union StreetThe Montgomery Advertiser newspaper's blog on all things related to Alabama politics and state government, featuring the writings of Sebastian Kitchen and Markeshia RicksSouth Union Streethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08570125913707370041noreply@blogger.comBlogger6981100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3287410507045799988.post-88328047792965411482011-03-17T16:51:00.004-05:002011-03-17T17:26:09.786-05:00We're Moving

We wanted to let readers know we are moving our blog and making it easier to find.You can now find us at: http://madvertiserblogs.com/southunionstreet/or go to www.montgomeryadvertiser.com and there is a direct link to the blog at the top of the page as one of our "Featured" sites.We also have a South Union Street page on Facebook, where we post links to the latest updates we've placed on the

South Union Streethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08570125913707370041noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3287410507045799988.post-42925919031791200262011-03-17T13:38:00.005-05:002011-03-17T13:56:02.167-05:00Ag commissioner announces layoffs

The commissioner of the state’s agriculture department has started notifying about 60 workers they will be laid off to make cuts necessary to balance the budget.Commissioner John McMillan said the department informed 17 people this week that they were being laid off and expects to announce more layoffs next week. Those employees who are laid off will remain on the payroll through April.He said he

South Union Streethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08570125913707370041noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3287410507045799988.post-11703288743073787552011-03-17T11:02:00.004-05:002011-03-17T11:22:38.412-05:00Armistead selects new executive director for state GOP

Timothy James "TJ" Maloney will become executive director of the Alabama Republican Party on Monday, the party announced Thursday.New Party Chairman Bill Armistead, a former state senator, said he made his choice after a thorough search for the person with the necessary experience and skills to direct the daily operations of the party.“We have a strong team shaping up, and TJ has the experience

South Union Streethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08570125913707370041noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3287410507045799988.post-90136803729237540382011-03-15T16:44:00.004-05:002011-03-15T17:05:50.391-05:00Bentley: Lawmakers should sacrifice if they expect the same from teachers

Gov. Robert Bentley said he is leaving it up to lawmakers about how to handle the much-publicized and much-criticized pay raise, but he does have some advice."If they're wise, they should consider a cut like every other agency is taking a cut," the governor said.Bentley said that lawmakers should be willing to sacrifice if they are going to ask teachers to sacrifice.He also believes that

South Union Streethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08570125913707370041noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3287410507045799988.post-73757172414481628862011-03-14T17:49:00.005-05:002011-03-14T18:42:48.565-05:00Bentleys cutting back at mansion

Gov. Robert Bentley, talking Monday at the Montgomery Advertiser about the budgets, said he and his wife are trying to save the state money at the mansion.He said he and his wife, Dianne, had the six phone lines coming into the mansion cut to one. And they decided they only needed one cable box instead of four.The governor said his wife is frugal and they are cutting services and saving money

South Union Streethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08570125913707370041noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3287410507045799988.post-17239436414607376812011-03-11T16:10:00.004-06:002011-03-11T17:18:48.541-06:00Bentley signs bill overhauling education funding

Gov. Robert Bentley signed his first bill into law on Friday, a day after the Republican-led Legislature passed the bill overhauling how lawmakers budget money for Alabama schools.Republicans, including Bentley, pushed the so-called rolling reserve bill to keep lawmakers from spending all of the available money in good economic years and from keeping Bentley and future governors from having to

South Union Streethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08570125913707370041noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3287410507045799988.post-49875290915790685582011-03-10T17:32:00.002-06:002011-03-10T17:40:34.870-06:00Governor Won't Get to Sign DROP Bill

It looks like Gov. Robert Bentley will only get to sign one of the two major pieces of legislation that he needed lawmakers to pass to make his budget proposals for fiscal 2012 work.Though the House passed legislation that would eliminate the state's Deferred Retirement Option Plan, or DROP program, the Senate adjourned without concurring on an amendment that was put on in the House. The

South Union Streethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08570125913707370041noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3287410507045799988.post-75537743565391100752011-03-10T15:38:00.010-06:002011-03-10T16:29:01.191-06:00DROP Bill is Amended to Create a Study Committee on Teacher Retention

A bill that would eliminate the state's Deferred Retirement Option Plan, or DROP program, was amended from the floor Thursday to create a study committee that would look for ways to help the state retain its "best and brightest" classroom teachers and public employees.The amendment was offered by state Rep. Mac McCutcheon, R-Huntsville The committee would have to report its findings by the fifth

South Union Streethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08570125913707370041noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3287410507045799988.post-4185476196816702202011-03-10T15:16:00.006-06:002011-03-10T15:50:13.744-06:00Legislature passes rolling reserve bill

State lawmakers passed a bill on Thursday that could keep funding for education at or below 2007 levels for another five years.The House passed the measure on Tuesday and the Senate passed the legislation on Thursday 23-10 along partisan lines with Republicans voting for it.Democrats in the House and Senate expressed concerns that the "rolling reserve" bill could hurt the progress Alabama has

South Union Streethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08570125913707370041noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3287410507045799988.post-58102195085060727972011-03-10T14:15:00.006-06:002011-03-10T16:42:03.301-06:00"STOP JUAN CROW": Opponents of bill targeting illegal immigrants rally at State House

People opposing an Arizona-style bill that they believe will lead to racial profiling and cost the state heavily to defend it in court rallied in front of the State House on Thursday.They carried handmade signs that read: "Stop Juan Crow," "Don't spend my taxdollars on your hate," and "This country was built by immigrants."A House committee already passed the bill and it now goes to the full

South Union Streethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08570125913707370041noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3287410507045799988.post-43705483682351165912011-03-09T18:23:00.008-06:002011-03-09T18:43:03.497-06:00Democrats announce legislative agenda

Democrats in the Alabama Legislature rolled out their agenda on Wednesday, saying their platform is a handshake with working people and not with big corporations.They were taking a dig at Republicans, who are pushing through bills from their Handshake with Alabama, a list of campaign promises from the 2010 election.This is the first regular session in which Democrats will be trying to pass their

South Union Streethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08570125913707370041noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3287410507045799988.post-39480023035849055272011-03-09T16:11:00.002-06:002011-03-09T16:31:53.667-06:00House Goes to Special Order on Fifth Legislative Day

The Alabama House of Representatives will start working from a special order calendar Thursday that could allow several bills important to the Republican majority to come up for debate before lawmakers head off to spring break.House Rules Chairman Blaine Galliher, R-Gadsden, told members that they would begin working from the special order on the fifth legislative day, which is Thursday.A special

South Union Streethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08570125913707370041noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3287410507045799988.post-39603170104871816562011-03-09T14:45:00.026-06:002011-03-09T19:45:26.019-06:00Major players in Alabama have large sums in DROP program

The following is a list of the people with the top 50 balances in the DROP program or Deferred Retirement Option Program. The Alabama Senate voted on Tuesday to kill the program and the House could vote on its version as early as Thursday. The name of the officials are followed by their balance in the program.REED, JOE LOUIS; $1,475,952.21; Associate Executive Secretary, Alabama Education

South Union Streethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08570125913707370041noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3287410507045799988.post-90880291499200714502011-03-08T17:11:00.003-06:002011-03-08T17:30:40.437-06:00Senate Republicans vote to kill DROP program

Democrats in the Alabama Senate attempted to delay a vote on the bill that would kill a retirement program the state started to keep quality longtime employees, especially teachers, from retiring or leaving for other states, but Republicans quickly shut down debate.On Tuesday, Republicans approved the bill repealing the DROP program or Deferred Retirement Option Program on a 23-12 vote.The DROP

South Union Streethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08570125913707370041noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3287410507045799988.post-27879769288275756292011-03-08T16:17:00.004-06:002011-03-08T16:37:40.445-06:00Senate Democrats attack repeal of DROP

Democrats in the Alabama Senate are calling the attempt by Republicans to stop the DROP retirement program a punitive attack on teachers and state employees hidden behind the guise of saving money.Senate Minority Leader Roger Bedford, D-Russellville, said that Republicans in the regular session, like they did in the special session on ethics, are bringing up a bill that would hurt teachers and

South Union Streethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08570125913707370041noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3287410507045799988.post-42948466504896808132011-03-08T12:32:00.008-06:002011-03-08T13:42:02.043-06:00Lawmakers move forward with term limits, stronger veto power and removing racist language

A committee of Alabama senators approved legislation on Tuesday that would allow voters to decide if they want to remove racist language from the state constitution, limit how many terms a state lawmaker can serve, and give the governor stronger veto power."These represent monumental reforms," said Bryan Taylor, chairman of the Senate Committee on Constitution, Campaign Finance, Ethics and

South Union Streethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08570125913707370041noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3287410507045799988.post-78910831105593797572011-03-07T16:09:00.002-06:002011-03-07T16:17:54.690-06:00Senate panel to consider term limits, military voting and removing racist language

Term limits, military voting on the web, and removing racist language from the state constitution are at the top of the agenda for the Senate Committee on Constitution, Campaign Finance, Ethics and Elections, according to the chairman.Sen. Bryan Taylor, R-Prattville, said those are among the bills that will be considered during a meeting at 11 a.m. Tuesday in room 609A of the State House.Sen.

South Union Streethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08570125913707370041noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3287410507045799988.post-24835324385483467702011-03-07T15:30:00.004-06:002011-03-07T15:39:39.068-06:00Senate puts repealing DROP at top of agenda

The president pro tem of the Alabama Senate is pushing for the repeal of what he deemed a "luxury benefit plan," known as the Deferred Retirement Option Program or DROP.Sen. Del Marsh, R-Anniston, said when lawmakers return to Montgomery on Tuesday that repealing DROP will be at the top of the Senate's agenda. He said people need to understand the difference between luxuries and necessities in

South Union Streethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08570125913707370041noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3287410507045799988.post-60852469430112337032011-03-03T16:17:00.003-06:002011-03-03T16:35:53.896-06:00Ivey Makes Appointments to Reapportionment Committee

Lt. Gov. Kay Ivey announced Thursday the appointment of eleven state senators to a committee that will redraw lines for congressional, state and local political boundaries. Ivey appointed the following senators to the reapportionment committee: Congressional District 1– Sen. Trip Pittman, R.-Daphne Congressional District 2– Sen. Jimmy Holley, R-Elba; Congressional District 3 - Sen. Gerald Dial,

South Union Streethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08570125913707370041noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3287410507045799988.post-32729276352728407552011-03-03T09:57:00.005-06:002011-03-03T10:36:34.235-06:00Democrats Continue Fight for Constitutional Reform

Democratic members of the Alabama Legislature announced Thursday that they would introduce a resolution that would allow the state's voters to decide whether to call a constitutional convention to reform the state's constitution.State Rep. Demetrius Newton, D-Birmingham, said that he hopes his Republican colleagues who now control both chambers of the Legislature will join him in support of

South Union Streethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08570125913707370041noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3287410507045799988.post-56959418324353885702011-03-02T18:48:00.004-06:002011-03-02T18:54:28.021-06:00Bill to Shut Down Drop Program Advances

Members of the House Ways and Means General Fund Committee voted 10 to 4 along party lines to advance a bill that would end enrollment in the DROP program and change how much interest the remaining accounts receive starting June 1. Ending the program was one of the cost saving measures that Gov. Robert Bentley outlined in his state of the state address Tuesday. State Rep. Barry Mask, R-Wetumpka,

South Union Streethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08570125913707370041noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3287410507045799988.post-42329550688424076852011-03-02T12:58:00.004-06:002011-03-02T18:56:05.440-06:00Secret Ballot Bill Headed to the Full House

For the first time in the three years, a constitutional amendment that would guarantee the right to a secret ballot including in votes of employee representation is on its way to full debate in the Alabama House of Representatives.Business interests in the state have backed such a bill for several years, but were always unsuccessful getting it out of Democrat controlled committees because of

South Union Streethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08570125913707370041noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3287410507045799988.post-75066492702456523692011-03-02T11:25:00.006-06:002011-03-02T18:57:03.493-06:00From Nearly 30 to 3: Voter I.D Bill Makes it out of House Committee

In a 7 to 2 vote, the House Constitution, Campaigns and Election Committee gave a favorable report to a bill that would allow voters to show only government issued, photo identification at the polls. If the bill becomes law, it would reduce the kind of identifying material that a person could possibly use to prove they are a voter from nearly 30 to 3. And all three kinds of identification would

South Union Streethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08570125913707370041noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3287410507045799988.post-7278926857617582642011-03-02T11:21:00.003-06:002011-03-02T11:31:42.113-06:00Fight over illegal immigration begins in Alabama

The two sides in the fight over illegal immigration in Alabama discussed a proposal modeled after the controversial law in Arizona during a public hearing on Wednesday.In the second day of the legislative session, a committee in the Alabama House of Representatives heard from both sides on the bill intended to push out illegal immigrants that are here and deter others from coming to the state.The

South Union Streethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08570125913707370041noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3287410507045799988.post-65004101195970793852011-03-02T11:02:00.005-06:002011-03-02T18:58:24.459-06:00Presidential Preference Primary Could Go Back to June

The House Constitution, Campaigns and Elections Committee gave the green light to a bill that would return Alabama's presidential preference primary to June and likely save the state nearly $4 million in fiscal 2012 and every four years after.Alabama lawmakers voted in 2006 to move the state's presidential preference primary from the first Tuesday in June to the first Tuesday in February in hopes

South Union Streethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08570125913707370041noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3287410507045799988.post-50151978911677322512011-03-01T13:21:00.007-06:002011-03-01T14:28:27.844-06:00Senators propose pay cut if budgets goes into proration

A bipartisan group of state senators said Tuesday they support a resolution that, beginning with the next state budgets, would cut the pay of state legislators equal to the level of budget cuts declared by the governor.Some Republicans who slammed a 2007 pay raise that lawmakers voted for themselves do not believe the resolution goes far enough.Senators who support the resolution said the measure

South Union Streethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08570125913707370041noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3287410507045799988.post-35061500558735076582011-02-28T17:23:00.005-06:002011-02-28T21:19:44.615-06:00Bentley declares proration

The day before his first State of the State address, Gov. Robert Bentley declared proration in the state's education budget effective immediately and announced plans to declare double-digit proration in the General Fund budget.Bentley, on Monday afternoon, declared 3 percent proration in the education budget for the current fiscal year, which lasts until Sept. 30.The governor announced plans to

South Union Streethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08570125913707370041noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3287410507045799988.post-52995005246572032532011-02-25T11:17:00.004-06:002011-02-25T11:21:11.175-06:00Bentley to Deliver First State of the State Tuesday

Gov. Robert Bentley will deliver his first State of the State Address to the Alabama Legislature on Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. The Alabama Legislature begins its 2011 regular session on the same day.-- Markeshia Ricks

South Union Streethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08570125913707370041noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3287410507045799988.post-7823657269125688582011-02-24T10:54:00.003-06:002011-02-24T11:10:07.860-06:00Orr to Sponsor Amendment to Remove Racist Language from State Constitution

Racist language in the 1901 Alabama Constitution might be a thing of the past. But the constitution would likely keep its status as one of the most amended constitutions in the world.State Sen. Arthur Orr, R-Decatur, announced Thursday that he will sponsor a bill in the upcoming 2011 regular legislative session to remove racist and offensive language from the 1901 Alabama Constitution,

South Union Streethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08570125913707370041noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3287410507045799988.post-77024983678745402432011-02-23T17:05:00.002-06:002011-02-23T17:13:16.469-06:00Bryne is Back

Former two-year college chancellor and Republican candidate for governor, Bradley Byrne, is making a return to the hill Thursday.Byrne will announce the launch of a new non-profit venture called Reform Alabama from the steps of the State House at 10 a.m.According to a press release, Reform Alabama will be a "grassroots-driven organization dedicated to furthering positive government reforms."

South Union Streethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08570125913707370041noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3287410507045799988.post-72124793606384770922011-02-23T08:34:00.005-06:002011-02-23T09:10:40.803-06:00Party Switching Continues

The Great Party Switch of 2010 is continuing as more local Democrats across the state leave the party to pick up the standard of the Alabama Republican Party. This time it's in Calhoun County.Apparently four former Calhoun County Democratic officials are switching parties much to the disappointment and anger of the Alabama Democratic Party. Those officials are: Calhoun County Probate Judge Alice

South Union Streethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08570125913707370041noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3287410507045799988.post-32635638296048032832011-02-22T15:41:00.004-06:002011-02-22T15:46:46.056-06:00Dial Files Bill to Allow Small Town Officers to Enforce Speed Limits

State Sen. Gerald Dial, R-Lineville, wants to make right a mistake he said he made when he supported a piece of legislation in 1996. The legislation stripped the ability of small town police officers – from municipalities of 19,000 or less – to enforce the state's speeding laws on interstates and in police jurisdictions of any city. Dial has pre-filed a bill that would repeal sections of the

South Union Streethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08570125913707370041noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3287410507045799988.post-35774519589222442682011-02-15T14:38:00.007-06:002011-02-15T16:21:46.510-06:00Leaders oppose privatizing Alabama liquor

The men who oversee the sale of millions of bottles of liquor in the state of Alabama told the more than 100 agents in Montgomery on Tuesday that they oppose turning the work of the Alabama Alcoholic Beverage Control Board over to private business.The new administrator for the ABC Board, Mac Gipson, said he supported privatization of the liquor business in Alabama before taking the helm, but says

South Union Streethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08570125913707370041noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3287410507045799988.post-42738441360297677742011-02-15T11:14:00.006-06:002011-02-15T11:31:55.456-06:00Dems slam latest party switcher

Alabama Democrats are criticizing a Limestone County official who announced Monday he was switching parties.Limestone County Circuit Court Judge Robert Baker announced Monday, less than four months after being elected as a Democrat without opposition, that he was switching parties to become a Republican."Judge Baker ran unopposed in last year's election and more than 14,000 Limestone County

South Union Streethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08570125913707370041noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3287410507045799988.post-22032154775219520542011-02-14T16:58:00.002-06:002011-02-14T17:02:16.892-06:00Another Democrat switches parties

Another county official said Monday that he is leaving the Democratic Party to become a Republican. Limestone County Circuit Judge Robert Baker declared he was switching parties.He becomes the 11th elected official in recent weeks to leave the Democratic Party and cross the aisle.Alabama House Speaker Mike Hubbard, who is in his last week as chairman of the Alabama Republican Party, said he was

South Union Streethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08570125913707370041noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3287410507045799988.post-22413032611818451662011-02-10T18:06:00.005-06:002011-02-10T18:24:21.199-06:00Republican Hispanic group slams Beason

A national Hispanic group is asking for an apology from Alabama state Sen. Scott Beason for using violent metaphors when referring to exhausting all possibilities to stop illegal immigration.Somos Republicans, which has been fighting what it believes are incendiary comments and actions in Arizona, slammed Beason for his comments and said other comments show he does not support the birthright

South Union Streethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08570125913707370041noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3287410507045799988.post-85821861700673110682011-02-10T17:29:00.005-06:002011-02-10T17:37:45.522-06:00Bentley pushes for fast resolution on healthcare lawsuits

Gov. Robert Bentley joined 27 other Republican governors in sending a letter to President Obama asking him to direct the U.S. Department of Justice to push for an expedited appeals process for the pending lawsuits challenging the healthcare program passed by Congress. They want the decision to reach the U.S. Supreme Court as soon as possible.As Bentley points out, federal judges in Virginia and

South Union Streethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08570125913707370041noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3287410507045799988.post-79982303479223724342011-02-10T17:07:00.005-06:002011-02-10T17:20:55.290-06:00Legislator asks state to review city's finances

State Rep. Paul Beckman said Thursday that he will ask the Alabama Department of Examiners of Public Accounts to audit the city of Prattville's finances.Beckman, R-Prattville, said in a statement that he received a letter from new Prattville Mayor Bill Gillespie requesting the audit.Gillespie became mayor when Jim Byard resigned to become an appointee of Gov. Robert Bentley. Byard is the director

South Union Streethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08570125913707370041noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3287410507045799988.post-19221043741200242592011-02-10T16:25:00.004-06:002011-02-10T16:57:33.364-06:00Bentley appoints members to key boards

Not long after asking two key state panels to stop making policy for his administration to review them, Gov. Robert Bentley appointed members to two key health care committees.Bentley appointed members to the Certificate of Need Review Board or CON Board and the State Health Coordinating Council or SHCC.Bentley signed an executive order rescinding an order he signed on Jan. 18 that called for a

South Union Streethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08570125913707370041noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3287410507045799988.post-76279561424064699082011-02-09T18:21:00.006-06:002011-02-09T18:27:43.349-06:00Local Delegation Selects Holmes, Wren for Leadership

Montgomery County’s legislative delegation in the House of Representatives elected its leadership for the next four years Wednesday.State Rep. Alvin Holmes, a Democrat, will serve as the delegation’s chairman and state Rep. Greg Wren, a Republican, will serve as vice chairman. In the last quadrennium, Holmes served as chairman for the first two years and Wren served as chairman for the last

South Union Streethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08570125913707370041noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3287410507045799988.post-24486163248175862592011-02-09T15:45:00.003-06:002011-02-09T15:53:23.351-06:00Prison chief requests $464 million for 2012

The head of the state prison system is asking state lawmakers for $464 million to operate the overcrowded system in 2012.Kim Thomas, the commissioner of the Alabama Department of Corrections, outlined the obstacles for the system, including aging facilities that are well over capacity with inmates that are guaranteed health care.Thomas said the department, which is operating with a budget of $436

South Union Streethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08570125913707370041noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3287410507045799988.post-76937751393021295042011-02-09T12:18:00.003-06:002011-02-09T12:24:54.486-06:00Ala. Medicaid Ask for $700M

The loss of federal stimulus dollars and the continuing increase of the number of people in Alabama who are eligible for Medicaid has doubled what the state needs just to level fund existing services.Dr. R. Bob Mullins, new commissioner for Alabama Medicaid, told lawmakers Wednesday that his agency needs an estimated $700 million to continue offering the bare minimum of what the state’s

South Union Streethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08570125913707370041noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3287410507045799988.post-3692598363528450902011-02-09T11:20:00.004-06:002011-02-09T18:31:44.186-06:00New commissioner jokes about Bentley's pay pledge

The new commissioner of Medicaid in Alabama told legislators on Wednesday a key reason they need to get unemployment down to 5 percent."If we get below 5 percent, I don't have to buy the governor's lunch any more," said Dr. Bob Mullins.Gov. Robert Bentley, who appointed Mullins commissioner, vowed during his campaign not to take a salary until Alabama reached full unemployment, which he said most

South Union Streethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08570125913707370041noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3287410507045799988.post-17122288278233911162011-02-08T15:40:00.002-06:002011-02-08T15:46:32.652-06:00Budget officials expect cuts, layoffs

Alabama's budgets that fund education, Medicaid, prisons, public safety, and other key functions face cuts this year, but state lawmakers also will have to figure out a way to absorb significant shortfalls in fiscal 2012.And state finance officials say that means that everything including employees and programs has to be on the table when lawmakers look for areas to cut.Joyce Bigbee, director of

South Union Streethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08570125913707370041noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3287410507045799988.post-59883946836004905382011-02-08T15:06:00.003-06:002011-02-08T15:13:41.915-06:00Senator comes under fire for immigration comments

Alabama Democrats are among those criticizing a powerful state senator for referencing firearms when talking about taking care of illegal immigration.In a speech to the Cullman County Republican Party, Sen. Scott Beason finished remarks about finding solutions to illegal immigration by saying "empty the clip, and do what has to be done."Beason, a Gardendale Republican who is the chairman of the

South Union Streethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08570125913707370041noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3287410507045799988.post-51665299843851327352011-02-08T14:58:00.005-06:002011-02-08T15:17:48.088-06:00Lawmakers Learn Bentley Administration Budget Principles

David Perry, Gov. Robert Bentley's new finance director, outlined Tuesday during a budget hearing the governor's principles for budgeting in what is could be multiple years of difficult budget decisions.Here's what Perry had to say about the Bentley administration budget principles:1) Conservative budgeting. "We must take a more conservative and responsible approach to the process of the budget,"

South Union Streethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08570125913707370041noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3287410507045799988.post-32703554301268523932011-02-08T12:11:00.002-06:002011-02-08T12:31:42.220-06:00State finance chief: expect cuts, layoffs

The new state finance director said he does not see a way to avoid laying off state employees in the 2012 fiscal year, which begins Oct. 1."I haven't found any options that would avoid layoffs entirely," finance director David Perry said to legislators.Lawmakers are hearing from state budget officials and agency heads this week as they begin to look at shaping budgets for the 2012 fiscal year.

South Union Streethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08570125913707370041noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3287410507045799988.post-52167236205283393202011-02-04T14:31:00.011-06:002011-02-04T14:46:47.354-06:00Bentley appoints Ivey to head new commission

Gov. Bentley has tapped Lt. Gov. Kay Ivey to serve as the head of his newly-created Alabama Commission on Improving State Government.Bentley apparently made the announcement during the Public Affairs Research Council of Alabama's annual meeting Friday. The commission was established by Executive Order No. 4, which Bentley signed on Jan. 25.The goal of the commission is to make government more

South Union Streethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08570125913707370041noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3287410507045799988.post-2834524183616941612011-02-03T13:24:00.003-06:002011-02-03T13:35:58.260-06:00Spearman to resign as ADP director

After six years at the helm of day-to-day operations of the Alabama Democratic Party, Jim Spearman will resign Friday, according to a press release.Spearman was appointed executive director in 2005 by then Alabama Democratic Party Chairman Redding Pitt and continued serving throughout the tenure of Chairman Joe Turnham. Spearman is now assisting with the transition of the newly elected Chairman

South Union Streethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08570125913707370041noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3287410507045799988.post-51501327713250428552011-02-02T11:22:00.004-06:002011-02-02T11:40:31.879-06:00Democrats blast Republicans for restricting access to legislators

The Alabama Democratic Party is taking the new Republican legislative leadership to task for its proposal to restrict public access to legislative hallways and offices in the upcoming regular session.Speaker of the House Mike Hubbard and Senate President Pro-Tem Del Marsh announced plans Monday to restrict access in the wake of the shootings in Tuscon, Ariz. The plan calls for stopping the public

South Union Streethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08570125913707370041noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3287410507045799988.post-3740974013162900922011-02-02T11:12:00.008-06:002011-02-02T12:42:23.939-06:00Marsh makes big cuts to President Pro Tem Office

There’s a new sheriff in town and that means there will be new rules in the Alabama Senate, especially when it comes to spending.New Senate President Pro Tem Del Marsh is making some changes to long-standing practices of the Senate and he’s starting with the office he now heads. Marsh announced Wednesday that he has significantly reduced the staff of the Office of the President Pro Tem – from

South Union Streethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08570125913707370041noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3287410507045799988.post-81984749898885255092011-02-01T17:40:00.003-06:002011-02-01T18:13:40.063-06:00Christian Coalition criticizes new State House security policy

The head of the Christian Coalition of Alabama, Randy Brinson, said Tuesday that a new policy launched by the new Republican leadership in the Legislature "will likely have a chilling effect on the ability of the people to contact their representatives."Speaker of the House Mike Hubbard and Senate President Pro Tem Del Marsh said Monday that people would no longer be able to freely roam the halls

South Union Streethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08570125913707370041noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3287410507045799988.post-19883386469789557382011-02-01T10:29:00.003-06:002011-02-01T10:32:47.447-06:00Milton McGregor withdraws motion to remove monitor

VictoryLand owner Milton McGregor withdrew his motion to remove an ankle monitor with his lead attorney saying they had more important motions before the court.McGregor is one of 10 defendants in an ongoing federal investigation into alleged vote buying and selling aimed at passing electronic bingo legislation.In a very brief court hearing after the two sides discussed the issue in the judge's

South Union Streethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08570125913707370041noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3287410507045799988.post-9846954648068583732011-01-31T19:07:00.004-06:002011-01-31T19:18:03.240-06:00Ten local Democratic officials switch to GOP

The exodus out of the Democratic Party is continuing.Alabama Republicans are boasting about local officials leaving the Democratic Party in Covington and Tuscaloosa counties after sweeping GOP wins in November. While Republicans had gained increasing influence in the state in recent years, Democrats had held onto the Legislature and onto county elected positions.In November, Republicans took

South Union Streethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08570125913707370041noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3287410507045799988.post-39971361973165946342011-01-31T16:11:00.003-06:002011-01-31T16:34:08.364-06:00New Restrictions Coming to State House

Speaker of the House Mike Hubbard and Senate President Pro Tem Del Marsh said the culture of corruption isn’t the only thing that’s changing in the Alabama Legislature. A culture of chaos in the Alabama State House is also about to change starting with the new legislative session. In a joint press conference Monday, Hubbard and Marsh said that they are working on ways to streamline access on the

South Union Streethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08570125913707370041noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3287410507045799988.post-5691143411375325532011-01-31T13:09:00.005-06:002011-01-31T16:33:24.759-06:00State Rep. Joe Hubbard: Young Face of the Demcoratic Party

Watch a video of out-going Alabama Democratic Party Chairman Joe Turnham and newly elected state Rep. Joe Hubbard of Montgomery talking about the future of the party.Hubbard was one the few Democrats in the country to unseat an incumbent Republican during the 2010 election cycle.

South Union Streethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08570125913707370041noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3287410507045799988.post-30997448975618899402011-01-27T14:08:00.003-06:002011-01-27T14:17:26.757-06:00Shelby to speak to the Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce

U. S. Senator Richard Shelby, R-Tuscalosoa, will stop by Montgomery Monday to speak to the Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce as part of his annual visit to every county in Alabama.Shelby will appear at the RSA Activity Center at 7:30 a.m. Monday to talk about the legislative agenda for the first session of the 112th Congress and other important issues facing the state and nation. Shelby also

South Union Streethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08570125913707370041noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3287410507045799988.post-40782079724098913172011-01-26T12:26:00.003-06:002011-01-26T12:40:20.707-06:00AG to head up oil spill litigation

Attorney General Luther Strange said Wednesday that his office has dismissed private attorneys brought in by his predecessor to handle a lawsuit related to the oil spill in the gulf of Mexico and that he will personally head up litigation related to the environmental and economic disaster.Strange, in his second week in office, said he will be in New Orleans on Friday for a status hearing on the

South Union Streethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08570125913707370041noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3287410507045799988.post-74813545707783461542011-01-26T12:12:00.005-06:002011-01-26T12:43:35.427-06:00Strange says no to casino raids

Early morning casino raids appear to be a thing of the past.In one of his first acts as governor, Robert Bentley, abolished former Gov. Bob Riley’s task force on illegal gambling and reassigned gaming cases to the attorney general’s office.Riley was able to use the task force and the threat of raids to shutdown and keep closed non-Indian electronic bingo operators in the state. He established the

South Union Streethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08570125913707370041noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3287410507045799988.post-28457311459048649722011-01-26T12:04:00.004-06:002011-01-26T12:35:21.458-06:00Bentley appoints Sparks to head rural development office

Gov. Robert Bentley appointed his former opponent and former agriculture Commissioner Ron Sparks to head the newly created Alabama Rural Development Office.Bentley announced the appointment on Wednesday, when he also signed an executive order creating the office. Bentley's order also rescinds previous executive orders that created the Black Belt Action Commission and the Alabama Rural Action

South Union Streethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08570125913707370041noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3287410507045799988.post-32570335800567598062011-01-25T17:31:00.003-06:002011-01-25T17:39:05.646-06:00Rogers to serve on Border and Maritime Security Subcommittee

Congressman Mike Rogers, R-Saks, was selected to serve as a member of the Border and Maritime Security Subcommittee of the House Homeland Security Committee in addition to chairing the Transportation Security Subcommittee.Rogers, who has represented Congressional District 3 since 2003, has served in a leadership position with the Homeland Security Committee since 2005. He is also a senior member

South Union Streethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08570125913707370041noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3287410507045799988.post-5625829003595742142011-01-25T17:15:00.004-06:002011-01-25T17:22:31.233-06:00Excerpts from the State of the Union address

The White House released the following excerpts ahead of President Barack Obama's State of the Union address tonight:"With their votes, the American people determined that governing will now be a shared responsibility between parties. New laws will only pass with support from Democrats and Republicans. We will move forward together, or not at all -- for the challenges we face are bigger than

South Union Streethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08570125913707370041noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3287410507045799988.post-23935818458983633862011-01-25T16:19:00.002-06:002011-01-25T16:23:58.330-06:00Roby discusses health care bill

Freshman U.S. Rep. Martha Roby, R-Montgomery, talks about why she voted to repeal the health care law passed by Democrats during the last Congress. While the Republicans in the U.S. House voted to repeal the health care act, there is not enough support in the Senate, where Democrats remain in the majority, and President Obama would veto that repeal even if it made it there.

South Union Streethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08570125913707370041noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3287410507045799988.post-72589954587139832352011-01-25T15:12:00.004-06:002011-01-25T15:29:38.815-06:00Bentley signs order creating commission intended to improve government

Gov. Robert Bentley, in his second week in office, signed an executive order creating the Alabama Commission on Improving State Government, which is tasked with analyzing and exploring new ways to reduce government spending with little or no effect on services.In the order, agencies, departments and commissions are expected to evaluate the effectiveness and need for their current spending levels.

South Union Streethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08570125913707370041noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3287410507045799988.post-62831736013090421062011-01-24T19:36:00.005-06:002011-01-24T19:43:03.680-06:00Roby criticizes Obama ahead of State of the Union

President Barack Obama might not give his State of the Union address until Tuesday, but an Alabama congresswoman released some critical statements of his administration on Monday.U.S. Rep. Martha Roby, R-Montgomery, released the following comments Monday in advance of the president's State of the Union address:"Our nation is in the midst of a severe budget crisis. Unfortunately, rather than

South Union Streethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08570125913707370041noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3287410507045799988.post-39221517191711864922011-01-24T19:24:00.004-06:002011-01-24T19:30:08.305-06:00Who will be sitting with the First Lady at the State of the Union?

The White House released Monday night the list of people who will be sitting in the first lady's box with Michelle Obama at the State of the Union address on Tuesday.The list includes some of those involved with the tragic shooting in Tucson, Ariz., including the parents of 9-year-old Christina Taylor and Daniel Hernandez, the intern who tried to help U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords at the scene

South Union Streethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08570125913707370041noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3287410507045799988.post-4089700080283784652011-01-19T15:56:00.002-06:002011-01-19T17:20:36.718-06:00Bentley apologizes if comments were offensive to other religions

Gov. Robert Bentley apologized Wednesday to anyone he might have offended with comments following his inauguration that some considered intolerant to other religions.During a speech at historic Dexter Avenue King Memorial Baptist Church, where the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. once preached, Bentley told those in attendance for an event honoring the birthday of the late civil rights leader that he

South Union Streethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08570125913707370041noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3287410507045799988.post-17572323755582188432011-01-19T14:06:00.003-06:002011-01-19T14:14:20.831-06:00Bentley meets with Jewish organization

After a firestorm of criticism from both inside and outside of Alabama, new Gov. Robert Bentley is meeting with The Birmingham Jewish Federation this afternoon and will talk to the media following his meeting.During a speech at historic Dexter Avenue King Memorial Baptist Church, where the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. once preached, Bentley told those in attendance for an event honoring the

South Union Streethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08570125913707370041noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3287410507045799988.post-5655573613320955242011-01-18T14:07:00.003-06:002011-01-18T14:21:04.660-06:00Hubbard adds five Riley veterans to his staff

House Speaker Mike Hubbard, R-Auburn, has announced all of his six-member staff, which includes five former staffers of Gov. Bob Riley.He previously announced five of those hires, but former Riley press secretary Todd Stacy has also joined his staff as communications director.Previously announced hires include: Chief of Staff Josh Blades, who served as deputy chief of staff to Riley; legislative

South Union Streethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08570125913707370041noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3287410507045799988.post-688676718481128022011-01-18T13:40:00.004-06:002011-01-18T13:54:03.455-06:00Bentley expects to declare proration

Gov. Robert Bentley said Tuesday he expects to declare proration, which are across the board cuts to balance the budget, soon in at least one of the state's two budgets."I think the decision will come very early," Bentley said.The governor said he would like to wait to see if the economy begins to improve."The general fund is not in as good of shape as the Education Trust Fund," Bentley

South Union Streethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08570125913707370041noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3287410507045799988.post-13351946229384371852011-01-18T11:37:00.010-06:002011-01-18T15:17:04.894-06:00Bentley riles interfaith community

Newly inaugurated Gov. Robert Bentley has started out on the wrong foot, at least in the eyes of those who believe in religious freedom and individual rights.Bentley apparently stepped on some toes with remarks he made at Dexter King Memorial Baptist Church Monday. Bentley, a devout Christian and Baptist church deacon, told an audience gathered at the church in observance of slain civil rights

South Union Streethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08570125913707370041noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3287410507045799988.post-41817639434127772312011-01-18T10:55:00.004-06:002011-01-18T14:39:17.876-06:00Bentleys decide where they will reside in Montgomery

Gov. Robert Bentley said Tuesday that he and his wife will live in the historic governor's mansion on Perry Street.Bentley said his wife, Dianne, will be looking at the mansion today. He said the executive mansion would likely need some fresh paint and some touch-ups, but that he expected them to move in late this week or early next week.There had been some discussion early on about whether the

South Union Streethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08570125913707370041noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3287410507045799988.post-44228771401596877312011-01-18T10:35:00.006-06:002011-01-18T11:37:17.046-06:00Bentley disbands gambling task force

In his first order as governor, Robert Bentley on Tuesday disbanded the Task Force on Illegal Gambling created by his predecessor.Bentley, the Republican governor in his first full day in office, signed two executive orders including one dismantling the task force. He promised during the campaign to do away with the task force.Bentley has handed over legal issues and cases related to gaming in

South Union Streethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08570125913707370041noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3287410507045799988.post-83574707024325629182011-01-14T13:01:00.003-06:002011-01-14T13:12:52.042-06:00Gipson selects former Democratic legislator for ABC post

Former state Rep. Mac Gipson, who was selected by Gov.-elect Robert Bentley to be the administrator for the Alabama Alcoholic Beverage Control Board, said Friday that former state Rep. William Thigpen would serve as assistant administrator.The ABC Board appointed Gipson, a Prattville Republican who lost in the primary, as administrator at its Thursday meeting. His appointment, and that of Thigpen

South Union Streethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08570125913707370041noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3287410507045799988.post-49097783917222296312011-01-12T17:16:00.008-06:002011-01-12T17:45:59.331-06:00Prattville Mayor Byard to lead ADECA

Prattville Mayor Jim Byard Jr. will be the next director of the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs.Rebekah Caldwell Mason, newly appointed communications director for Gov.-elect Robert Bentley, confirmed Wednesday that Byard would be resigning his position as mayor to join Bentley's cabinet.Byard, a former Prattville City Councilman, has been mayor since 1999.He will step down

South Union Streethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08570125913707370041noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3287410507045799988.post-78084273712704572692011-01-12T15:29:00.003-06:002011-01-12T16:18:29.080-06:00Republicans elect House majority leader

Republicans in the Alabama House of Representatives elected state Rep. Micky Hammon of Decatur as House Majority Leader on Wednesday.In his position, Hammon will help to control the flow of legislation onto the House floor."I am touched and honored by the responsibility my colleagues have given me, and I look forward to serving the citizens of Alabama in this role," Hammon said. "Republicans are

South Union Streethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08570125913707370041noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3287410507045799988.post-41740873876287995132011-01-12T12:19:00.006-06:002011-01-12T12:46:43.362-06:00Bentley appoints more advisers

Gov.-elect Robert Bentley appointed several more key posts to his administration on Wednesday including policy director, legal advisor, communications director, and legislative director.He appointed Michael Ciamarra of Trussville as policy director; Tuscaloosa attorney R. Cooper Shattuck as legal advisor; Bentley campaign press secretary Rebekah Caldwell Mason of Tuscaloosa as director of

South Union Streethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08570125913707370041noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3287410507045799988.post-38328738239968172902011-01-12T11:15:00.005-06:002011-01-12T12:48:55.332-06:00House members take key posts

State Reps. Jay Love, Jim Barton and Blaine Galliher were appointed to be chairmen of the three key committees in the Alabama House of Representatives on Wednesday.House members found out on Wednesday which committees they would serve on.Galliher, R-Gadsden, will be chairman of the Rules Committee, which decides which bills comes to the House floor for debate.Love, R-Montgomery, will be chairman

South Union Streethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08570125913707370041noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3287410507045799988.post-23987563662336745502011-01-11T13:48:00.008-06:002011-01-11T17:36:28.739-06:00Senators appoint members to key posts

The Alabama public, political observers and Alabama state senators found out Tuesday who will chair key committees in that body.Sen. Scott Beason, R-Gardendale, who is considered one of the most conservative members of the Senate, was selected as chairman of the powerful Rules Committee that determines which bills come to the Senate floor for debate. He succeeds powerful Sen. Lowell Barron, a

South Union Streethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08570125913707370041noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3287410507045799988.post-43980464976118336972011-01-11T13:20:00.003-06:002011-01-11T13:43:47.033-06:00Senators reelect Marsh president pro tem

Alabama state senators reelected Del Marsh as president pro tem of the Senate on Tuesday.By law, legislators must meet in January following the November election to elect leaders including Senate president pro tem and House speaker.But, Gov. Bob Riley called a special session in December and lawmakers had to vote for their leadership then.Lawmakers reelected Rep. Mike Hubbard, R- Auburn, as House

South Union Streethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08570125913707370041noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3287410507045799988.post-75689199917499278312011-01-11T12:09:00.004-06:002011-01-11T12:34:27.021-06:00Hubbard Elected Speaker of the House

After losing his ride home when Gov. Bob Riley cancelled his trip to the BCS Championship and flying most of the night to get back, state Rep. Mike Hubbard of Auburn was once again elected speaker of the House."This is a tremendous honor for me," he said. "But I won’t give a long speech considering less than 12 hours ago I was on a football field in Glendale, Ariz."There were 68 members who made

South Union Streethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08570125913707370041noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3287410507045799988.post-71856212188010782902011-01-07T15:20:00.012-06:002011-01-07T15:50:24.484-06:00Gov.-Elect Bentley Appoints Faulkner, former Rep. Gipson and Keeps DHR's Buckner

Gov.-elect Robert Bentley is closer to filling in all the slots in his cabinet after making the following appointments Friday:Art Faulkner, who is currently serving as director of the Alabama Department of Homeland Security, will head up the state Emergency Management Agency. Faulkner has over 22 years experience in local and state government. He served as police chief of Coosada for three years

South Union Streethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08570125913707370041noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3287410507045799988.post-6071943244546784742011-01-06T18:36:00.004-06:002011-01-06T18:42:25.784-06:00Turnham steps down, state Dems to elect new chairman

Alabama Democrats will elect a new chairman later this month after Joe Turnham informed executive committee members he will resign effective Jan. 29.Turnham said he sent his letter resigning as chairman of the Alabama Democratic Party to state committee members on Wednesday. He said they would meet on Jan. 29 in downtown Montgomery to elect his successor.He said the only candidate who has

South Union Streethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08570125913707370041noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3287410507045799988.post-51853380563730165822011-01-04T18:40:00.005-06:002011-01-04T19:15:16.349-06:00ALGOP spokesman goes to work for top senator

Philip Bryan, communications director for the Alabama Republican Party, started Monday as the chief of staff for Alabama Senate President Pro Tem Del Marsh. Marsh, R-Anniston, said Bryan has the personality to work with people on both sides of the aisle, which is important in the pro tem's office.But, he also said Bryan had been a "faithful Republican to say the least" helping the party with its

South Union Streethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08570125913707370041noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3287410507045799988.post-37690632502821386612011-01-04T18:35:00.003-06:002011-01-04T18:40:44.893-06:00Riley deputy will be top staffer for new speaker

Josh Blades, deputy chief of staff for Gov. Bob Riley, will finish his term with the governor before moving Jan. 18 to work as chief of staff for new House Speaker Mike Hubbard, R-Auburn.Hubbard said Blades has "already been working and helping and preparing and that sort of thing.""He's going to be great," Hubbard said. "He's a sharp young man."Jeff Woodard, who was the chief of staff for former

South Union Streethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08570125913707370041noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3287410507045799988.post-38824685632163966172011-01-03T14:55:00.002-06:002011-01-03T14:58:38.105-06:00Bentley Taps Hammett to Head ADO

Gov.-elect Robert J. Bentley has named former Speaker of the Alabama House of Representatives Seth Hammett as Director of the Alabama Development Office (ADO). Hammett is currently vice president of business development for PowerSouth Energy Cooperative headquartered in Andalusia, Alabama. Hammett, a Democrat from Andalusia, served 32 years in the Alabama House of Representatives, the last 12

South Union Streethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08570125913707370041noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3287410507045799988.post-58059565169766943862010-12-29T15:22:00.002-06:002010-12-29T15:26:03.003-06:00Bentley to assign gambling task force to new AG

Gov.-elect Robert Bentley announced in a statement sent out Wednesday by incoming Attorney General Luther Strange that he would assign the work of the Governor's Task Force on Illegal Gambling to Strange when they both take office on Jan. 17."By assigning all pending cases and investigative authority to the Attorney General's office, I have transferred the primary responsibility for ensuring that

South Union Streethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08570125913707370041noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3287410507045799988.post-41647589659073151982010-12-28T15:57:00.002-06:002010-12-28T16:01:29.236-06:00Sanderson joins Bloom Group

Alabama governmental affairs firm The Bloom Group announced this month the addition of a new partner, former Alabama House Minority Whip Allen Sanderson.Sanderson served in the House for 12 years including eight on the Rules Committee that decides which bills come to the floor for debate and eight years on the health committee, four of those as vice chairman. He also worked for more than 20 years

South Union Streethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08570125913707370041noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3287410507045799988.post-72020174913802407912010-12-16T14:59:00.001-06:002010-12-16T15:00:40.322-06:00Roby appointed to key committees for district

Incoming U.S. Rep. Martha Roby, R-Montgomery, has been assigned to the agriculture and armed services committees, the same posts held by her predecessor.Roby defeated U.S. Rep. Bobby Bright, D-Montgomery, in the November election.She was selected for the posts by Republican leadership in the House."I am pleased to have been appointed to serve on two prestigious committees, the Agriculture

South Union Streethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08570125913707370041noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3287410507045799988.post-40816881721236062722010-12-16T04:17:00.003-06:002010-12-16T04:24:26.700-06:00Riley applauds historic ethics overhaul

Gov. Bob Riley said Alabama now has the strictest ethics laws in the nation after the passage of seven bills he pushed during a special session he called to revamp laws here."Passing any one of these reforms would have meant a tremendous, positive change for the way the people's business is conducted in Montgomery. Passing all seven of these reforms represents a sea change of historic proportions

South Union Streethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08570125913707370041noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3287410507045799988.post-3755163570369867922010-12-16T02:46:00.007-06:002010-12-16T03:59:43.619-06:00Sweeping Ethics Bill Goes to the Governor

At just before 3 a.m. Thursday, the Alabama Legislature passed sweeping changes to the Alabama ethics law that would limit spending by lobbyists, but also open the door for spending by other people and at other events.House and Senate members concurred on changes to a bill sponsored by state Sen. Bryan Taylor, R-Prattville, that is much changed from the original version that he introduced at the

South Union Streethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08570125913707370041noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3287410507045799988.post-83056133128720338982010-12-16T00:28:00.004-06:002010-12-16T01:27:53.880-06:00Lawmakers send double-dipping ban to governor

A body which once had dozens of members who worked for state government voted just before 1:30 a.m. Thursday to prohibit state lawmakers from holding another job in state government.The Legislature voted to stop lawmakers from serving in the House or Senate while also holding a job at a state agency, in the two-year college system, a four-year university, or in a K-12 school. The State Board of

South Union Streethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08570125913707370041noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3287410507045799988.post-87658827509264352462010-12-15T22:44:00.000-06:002010-12-15T22:45:39.981-06:00Lawmakers give ethics commission subpoena power

The Legislature granted a long-standing request to the Alabama Ethics Commission late Wednesday, giving the panel subpoena power for the first time in its history.The subpoena power is expected to be a strong tool in helping the commission staff investigate ethics complaints against public officials and public employees.The bill now goes to Gov. Bob Riley for his signature.The bill would require

South Union Streethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08570125913707370041noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3287410507045799988.post-45917858787538812802010-12-15T17:55:00.000-06:002010-12-15T17:56:15.829-06:00Legislature votes to ban PAC to PAC transfers

The Legislature passed a bill on Wednesday that would stop the longtime practice of transferring campaign contributions between political action committees, which essentially hides the original source of the contribution.Both chambers unanimously passed a version on Wednesday after members met to work out differences. The bill now goes to Gov. Bob Riley for his signature. Political observers have

South Union Streethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08570125913707370041noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3287410507045799988.post-1518410289238732812010-12-15T17:24:00.003-06:002010-12-15T17:35:19.193-06:00House Passes Amended Ethics Overhaul Bill

After more than five hours of debate and nearly 20 amendments, the House of Representatives passed a bill that would overhaul the state's ethics law.In a 102 to 0 vote, House members passed a twice substituted bill sponsored by Sen. Bryan Taylor, R-Prattville. The bill would keep lobbyists from spending anything to influence public officials, but would allow those that hire lobbyists to spend up

South Union Streethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08570125913707370041noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3287410507045799988.post-31273875857510034052010-12-15T12:26:00.001-06:002010-12-15T12:28:11.513-06:00Legislature passes bill that could hurt AEA, ASEA

The Alabama Senate, unlike the House of Representatives, quickly passed a bill that could hurt organizations that represent educators and state employees on Wednesday.The bill, which would stop the state from taking dues out of checks for organizations like the Alabama Education Association and the Alabama State Employees Association, now goes to Gov. Bob Riley for his signature.Senate

South Union Streethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08570125913707370041noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3287410507045799988.post-51308948793175263432010-12-15T11:54:00.002-06:002010-12-15T12:03:26.136-06:00Check-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

South Union Streethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08570125913707370041noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3287410507045799988.post-48356891171635477902010-12-15T03:52:00.004-06:002010-12-15T03:56:39.952-06:00Hubbard very disappointed in new Republicans

Newly elected House Speaker Mike Hubbard, who is also chairman of the Alabama Republican Party, said he was very frustrated with how three Republicans who recently switched parties voted on Tuesday and Wednesday.Those Republicans joined with Democrats who opposed a bill that would ban politically active groups such as the Alabama Education Association from being able to have their members deduct

South Union Streethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08570125913707370041noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3287410507045799988.post-62882856377733844642010-12-15T02:55:00.006-06:002010-12-15T03:55:53.990-06:00House narrowly passes bill that could hurt AEA

The Alabama House of Representatives narrowly passed a bill that could devastate unions representing state teachers and employees early Wednesday morning after about 15 hours of debate that spanned two days. Democrats diligently delayed a vote on the bill, but they ran out of options and Republicans approved the bill 52-49 at almost 3 a.m.The bill would stop the state from deducting dues from

South Union Streethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08570125913707370041noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3287410507045799988.post-16836077041262358592010-12-15T01:21:00.005-06:002010-12-15T02:54:54.947-06:00Senate fights over Riley appointments

The state Senate started fighting late Tuesday over appointments recommended by Gov. Bob Riley to serve on boards, commissions and other state panels.The Senate shut down and eventually adjourned after getting bogged down late Tuesday over the appointments.Senate Minority Leader Roger Bedford, D-Russellville, said Riley has had eight years to make appointments and that he is trying to push

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