The Legislative Offseason – What’s a Legislator to Do?
I am often asked what I do when the State Legislature is not in session. Well, when the Legislature is out-of-session, there are still many ongoing state government issues. For instance, in just the first two weeks of July, I was contacted by dozens of constituents with issues, problems, or concerns regarding the following: […]
By Clyde Chambliss
Gov. Ivey Signs Holley’s Bill Permitting Therapy Dogs in Courtroom
MONTGOMERY, Ala. – On Tuesday at the Alabama State Capitol, Governor Kay Ivey signed legislation by Senator Jimmy Holley (R-Elba) to allow the use of therapy dogs in courtrooms. The presence of therapy dogs can help victims of crime stay calm when recounting stressful stories in the presence of the criminal. Therapy dogs, which the […]
By Jimmy Holley
Despite Headwinds, a Successful Legislative Session
The possible impeachment and eventual resignation of a governor create a gale wind that can quickly transform into a hurricane. Such a tempest was the setting for the 2017 session of the Alabama Legislature. The outcome – resignation, and now, a fresh start at the Capitol under Governor Kay Ivey – has been extensively […]
By Clyde Chambliss
The Legislature Kept Its Focus in the 2017 Session
This has been a tumultuous year in Alabama state politics. The embarrassing scandal involving our former governor catapulted our state into the headlines of the New York Times and the Washington Post. In conversations with friends and neighbors, I could hear the frustration in their voices: is positive, character-driven leadership too much to ask […]
By Steve Livingston
Direct Primary Care Contracts Empower Patients and Lower Health Care Costs
A recently-released report on insurance costs nationwide shows average premiums for health insurance exchange plans sold in Alabama have increased 223 percent since 2013, more than twice the national average and the highest increase of any state in the nation. With such dramatic increases, more and more Alabama working families are being forced to forego […]
By Arthur Orr
Governor Signs Holtzclaw’s Bill to Protect Breweries & Consumers
MONTGOMERY, Ala. – On May 26, a bill protecting Alabama breweries and their customers from needless government intrusion was signed into law by Governor Kay Ivey. Senate Bill 234, sponsored by Senator Bill Holtzclaw (R-Madison), clarifies that the Alabama Alcoholic Beverage Control Board (ABC) may not require breweries to maintain a record of the names, […]
By Bill Holtzclaw
Senate Republicans Successfully Move “Strengthen Alabama” Agenda
In February, Alabama State Senate Republicans began the 2017 regular session of the Alabama Legislature committed to an agenda that would strengthen Alabama’s economy, schools, and families. The “Strengthen Alabama” agenda included six specific legislative items, ranging from tax cuts to religious liberty protections. During the legislative session that ended on May 19, Senate Republicans […]
By Del Marsh By Greg Reed
Alabama Legislature Approves Trip Pittman’s Bill to Establish Crime of Vehicular Homicide
MONTGOMERY, Ala. – In February of 2015, Marshall James Walton of Mobile was working in a construction zone along U.S. Highway 45 near Citronelle. A F-150 pickup truck, driven recklessly through the area, struck and killed Mr. Walton. This past week, Senator Trip Pittman (R-Montrose) sponsored the Marshall James Walton Highway Safety Act, which establishes […]
By Trip Pittman
Legislature Approves Memorial Preservation Act
MONTGOMERY, Ala. – On Friday morning, the Alabama Legislature gave final approval to Senator Gerald Allen’s (R-Tuscaloosa) Memorial Preservation Act, which will protect historic monuments and memorials from thoughtless destruction. “Unfortunately, in cities like New Orleans we are seeing a wave of political correctness wipe out monuments to historically significant, if often flawed, people,” Allen […]
By Gerald Allen
Smart Budget Reforms Necessary for Economic Growth
Rep. Danny Garrett and Sen. Clyde Chambliss meet with Governor Kay Ivey on May 10 to discuss the work of the Joint Task Force on Budget Reform. The 2017 session of the Alabama Legislature is coming to a close, and as I reflect on the challenges we faced over the past year, I […]