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 […]
By Clyde Chambliss
Alabama Senate’s $1.8B General Fund Budget Protects Taxpayers
MONTGOMERY, Ala. – Late Thursday night, the Alabama Senate fulfilled its constitutional duty and passed a responsible General Fund budget for Fiscal Year 2018 by a 24-4 vote. The $1.8 billion budget level-funds most agencies, with a targeted $3.3 million increase for the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA). It contains no tax increases on the […]
By Trip Pittman
Senate Passes Fair Redistricting Plan for 2018 State Senate Elections
MONTGOMERY, AL – In response to a recent federal court ruling, the Alabama State Senate passed Senate Bill 403, which adjusts the lines for twenty-one state senate districts – with significant changes to five – ahead of the 2018 elections. Although the court ruled unconstitutional only three state senate districts, more were redrawn in […]
By Gerald Dial
Cities, Counties, and Taxpayers Win with Passage of Sen. Ward’s Bill
MONTGOMERY, Ala – On Tuesday, the Alabama Senate gave final approval to a proposal by Senator Cam Ward (R-Alabaster) and Representative Chris England (D-Tuscaloosa) to lift a significant financial burden off local governments. Currently, when a person who is on Medicaid – a federally-mandated health insurance program for low-income and disabled persons – is […]