State Senate passes largest tax cut for Alabamians since 2006
The Alabama Senate approved an income tax cut on Thursday that will save families an average of $21 each year. Senators voted 28-0 for the bill to allow more taxpayers to take the maximum standard deduction. The bill is part of the Alabama Senate Republican Caucus “Fighting for Alabama” agenda, which was unveiled at a press conference earlier this month. “This is not a tax break for the rich,” said Anniston-Republican and Senate President Pro Tem Del Marsh at the press conference. “It’s a tax break for working class Alabamians.” According to the Associated Press, SB76 “would increase the adjusted gross income level where jointly filing married taxpayers qualify for the full $7,500 standard deduction from $20,000 to $23,000. The deduction would be lowered as incomes rise. There would be similar changes for single people.” If signed into law, would be the largest tax cut for Alabamians since 2006. “It is a testament to the Republican Legislature that through smart, conservative management we have been able to guide the state through tough financial times and are now in a place where we can bring tax cuts to the hard-working people of Alabama” said Marsh. “Before the 2017 session started, I began looking at responsible ways to give people a tax cut and I am pleased that we found a way to provide this much deserved break for the people. I will fight for this reasonable tax cut until it is passed by both chambers and is signed by the Governor.” The bill now moves to the state House of Representatives for consideration.
Bill to remove marriage licenses passes Alabama Senate
The Alabama Senate approved a bill on Wednesday to remove marriage licenses and begin a new process under which probate judges would accept affidavits from couples as an official record of marriage. Alabama Senators voted 19-1 for the bill, which will now move to the House of Representatives. Under the legislation, the requirement of a ceremony to honor the marriage would be erased. The cost would be the same as the current cost of marriage licenses in the state. The bill’s sponsor, Atmore-Republican Sen. Greg Albritton said the passing of this bill would remove the state from any role in marriage ceremonies, which he believes will properly separate churches and the state. Similar bills have been proposed in the Alabama legislature since the U.S. Supreme Court legalized gay marriage in 2015. Since then, a number of Alabama probate judges have refused to issue marriage licenses to anyone due to their personal religious objections to gay marriage. Alabama probate judges are not required by the current law to issue marriage license and many judges have used the language in the current law to opt themselves out of issuing the licenses. The bill would take away any judgement by probate judges, making the only requirement for a marriage to be official being to submit the correct documents to the probate judge. The documents required would include an affidavit stating that the spouses are 18 years of age or older, or are at least 16 with parental consent, that they are not currently married, and not related by blood or adoption. Albritton’s bill states that the shift would not alter any other aspects of marriage in Alabama, including: divorce, child custody and child support. Sen. Phil Williams, who was the sole ‘no’ vote, stated he voted in that manner because he “feared the change would water down the meaning of marriage”.
POLL: Alabama Senate race tied following bombshell allegations against Roy Moore
A new Friday poll shows the U.S. Senate race in Alabama is now too close to call, following a bombshell report on Thursday that accuses Republican nominee Roy Moore pursued a sexual encounter with a 14-year-old girl in 1979. Moore has denied the allegations. The Decision Desk HQ–Opinion Savvy poll found 46.4 percent of likely Alabama voters surveyed said they support Moore, while 46 percent said they support the Democratic nominee Doug Jones. In the previous survey, Moore lead Jones by 5.7 percent. Jones now holds a sixteen point lead over Moore among women, down 10 percent from the September poll. While Moore enjoys a twenty point lead among men, which has gone up 1 percent. When asked whether or not they have heard about the allegations against Moore, most respondents had. 82 percent said they had heard the news. And when asked whether Moore should withdraw from the race, 34.9 percent of respondents said yes, while 54 percent replied no. The poll was conducted on November 9th of 515 likely voters via landline and mobile. The poll has a margin of error of 4.3 percentage points. Moore and Jones face-off in the Alabama Senate special election on Dec. 12. The entire poll is viewable here.
Del Marsh to seek re-election
Anniston-Republican and Senate President Pro Tem Del Del Marsh announced Wednesday he will seek re-election to the state Senate next year, ending speculation as to whether or not he’d jump in the 2018 governor’s race. The nearly 20-year state senator will seek another four-year term representing Senate District 12. “Since Republicans took over the Legislature, we have been able to pass many key pieces of legislation,” Marsh said in his announcement. “However, the work is not done and if I am fortunate enough to be sent back to Montgomery by the people of Senate District 12, I look forward to continuing conservative policies that make government more efficient and accountable to the taxpayers.” Marsh said education and infrastructure will be among his top priorities the next four year. “Education and Infrastructure are going to be two key issues which face the Legislature in upcoming years,” explained Marsh. “I am currently working with the education community to work on a comprehensive education plan that is educator-driven and will give us direction on how to move the state forward and improve public education in Alabama. I hope to do the same thing with infrastructure to make sure our roads and bridges are among the best in America.” “Both of these issues are key in making sure Alabama is competitive in recruiting industry and improving the lives of all Alabamians and I look forward to working with my colleagues in the Senate on these issues.” Marsh said he looks forward to working with Governor Kay Ivey should she seek a full term. “Governor Ivey and I have had a great working relationship through her time as Lieutenant Governor and since she took over the office earlier this year. If she decides to run, I hope to continue this work as we move forward to accomplishing our conservative agenda.”
Commissioner Ronda Walker announces run for Ala. Senate District 25
Vice Chairman of the Montgomery County Commission Ronda Walker announced her candidacy for Alabama State Senate District 25 on Tuesday. The district, which encompasses nearly 158,000 Alabamians in parts of Montgomery, Elmore, and Crenshaw counties, is currently represented by Pike Road-Republican Sen. Dick Brewbaker who has held the seat since 2010. Walker, also a Republican, says the state “is stuck in neutral because elected officials are more concerned about political expediency and keeping lobbyists happy than the good of the state.” “Voter trust has been shattered and confidence in state government is at an all-time low,” said Walker in her announcement. “The great state of Alabama is stuck in neutral because elected officials are more concerned about political expediency and keeping lobbyists happy than the good of the state. I am running for the Alabama Senate, because I believe Alabama can and must do better.” Walker grew up in Montgomery and graduated from Robert E. Lee High School in 1990. After high school, she attended Troy University earning a B.A. degree in History and Political Science. She later earned her Master’s degree from the University of Hawaii in Honolulu in 2002. While this may be her first state Legislature run, Walker’s no stranger to politics. Between receiving her B.S. and Masters degrees, Ronda spent several years in Washington, D.C. working on the legislative staff of Alabama’s senior senator, Richard Shelby. She went on to serve on the Congressional staff of Alabama 2nd District U.S. Rep. Martha Roby as a Field Representative. In that role, she traveled throughout the District meeting with Mayors, County Commissioners, business and community leaders assisting them with various projects and needs. In 2014, she was elected to the Montgomery County Commission helping to usher in expanded opportunities for businesses and residents as well as bringing jobs to the area; all while being a fiscally responsible steward of the money the commission oversees. Citing her achievements there, Walker said, “In 2016, Montgomery saw more job growth than any other area of the state. This happened because the City, County, and Chamber of Commerce leaders, myself included, worked very hard to create an environment that encouraged companies to locate and expand their businesses in our area. We all came together to do what was best for the River Region. I believe true leaders will reach across the aisle, build relationships, and make decisions that ensure the best outcome for all citizens.” Walker continued, “The people of District 25 deserve a leader who can look them in the eye and tell the truth. A person of integrity. A person committed to service above self. A person with a new and unique perspective, like that of a wife, mother of four, and cancer survivor. I’m a proven fighter – for my children, for my community, and against cancer, for my life. I know what it takes to overcome adversity and rise above your circumstances with confidence and persistence. That is why I’m running for State Senate.” Walker is also heavily involved in the community. She’s the President of the Troy University Alumni Chapter in Montgomery, and a member of several other community organizations including the Montgomery Rotary Club, Montgomery YMCA, Capital City Republican Women, and Alpha Gamma Delta Alumni Association. Ronda and her husband Jason have four children, Margaret (5), Eli (7), Grant (14), and Hugh (15).
Ala. Senate approves Ten Commandments display bill
A bill that would amend the state constitution to allow the Ten Commandments to be displayed on public property was approved by the Alabama Senate on Thursday. Sponsored by Lineville-Republican Sen. Gerald Dial, SB139 was approved 23-7, with only Democrats voting against it. In order to stand up to constitutional muster, Dial’s bill requires the Ten Commandments to “be displayed in a manner that complies with constitutional requirements, including, but not limited to, being intermingled with historical or educational items, or both, in a larger display.” This marks the 13th time Dial has introduced the Ten Commandments legislation. In the past, part of the reason it has failed was due to questions regarding the cost of defending the bill in court, in necessary. Dial addressed those issues within the 2017 legislation, barring public funds for paying for court costs. Instead, he believe lawyers would volunteer to defend the constitutionality of the bill. It now moves to the Alabama House of Representatives where there are only four days left in the Legislative Session to approve the proposal. If measure passes the House, it would then go before voters for referendum.
Alabama legislative preview: May 9 – May 10, 2017
With only six days weeks left in the Alabama Legislature’s 2017 Regular Session, Yellowhammer State senators and representatives are scrambling to push their priorities through the often laborious legislative process before time runs out. Here is a preview of what our representatives in Montgomery will be tackling this week: House: Convenes Tuesday at 1 p.m. HB574 caps incentives made by the Alabama Jobs Acts at $850 million and provides that the incentives are not available to qualifying projects for which project agreements have not been executed on or before December 31, 2019. It also extends eligibility for incentives under the act to projects for which project agreements have been executed on or before December 31, 2023, and exempts mega-projects. Sponsored by Brewton-Republican Rep. Alan Baker HB571 redraws districts for members of the Alabama House of Representatives following an order from a federal court decision, which declared certain districts unconstitutional. Sponsored by Daphne-Republican Rep. Randy Davis Senate: Convenes Tuesday at 2 p.m. To be updated when Senate posts Special Order Calendar. Unfinished Business There are still several issues left unfinished at this point in the session, including a prison construction plan, state budgets, autism legislation, as well as child care regulations.
Autism insurance bill stalls in Alabama Senate
Families of autistic children faced a set-back Monday when a bill that would require health insurance providers cover an expensive autism therapy stalled in the Alabama Senate. The bill, which passed the state House unanimously two weeks ago, is held up in the Senate Budget Committee where Chairman, Daphne-Republican Sen. Trip Pittman says there are concerns over the costs to the state. Alabama is one of only five states with no requirement that insurance companies cover the costly therapy, called Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). According to the bill’s language, children with autism who are 9 years old and younger would be insured for up to $40,000 in treatment per year. That coverage would decrease to $10,000 per year by age 19. The bill faces heavy opposition from the insurance industry, including Blue Cross Blue Shield, as well as the Business Council of Alabama. Nevertheless, the bill’s sponsor Auburn-Republican Sen. Tom Whatley took to social media on Saturday where he posted a video discussing the importance of the bill calling it “much-needed” and “the solution our state needs” for families with children along the autism spectrum. Pittman says it will be at least another week before SB406 has a public hearing. Watch Whatley’s Facebook video about the bill below:
State Senate to vote on nixing concealed carry permits
The Alabama Senate will vote on a legislation Tuesday that would allow people to lawfully carry a concealed handgun without needing to get a permit first. Senate Bill 24, sponsored by Tuscaloosa-Republican state Rep. Gerald Allen, would remove restrictions on Second Amendment rights and would codify constitutional carry as the law of the land. The bill however, has been heavily criticized by some of the state’s law enforcement officials, including the Alabama Sheriff’s Association and the Alabama County Commissioners Association, who say concealed carry permits are necessary for public safety. “It’s a bad piece of legislation. It’s probably one of the worst we’ve seen,” Butler County Sheriff Kenny Harden told AlabamaNews.net. Concealed carry permits are typically only granted should an individual pass a background check. SB24 would in essence allow anyone who has previously failed a background check and denied a carry permit to carry a gun. But Rep. Allen says the bill is all about the Second Amendment and U.S. Constitution, which he says protects “the right of the people to keep and bear arms” for the “security of a free state.” He doesn’t think Alabamians should be required to pay their hard-earned dollars to exercise those rights. “Alabama should be leading the way on constitutional gun rights. More than ten states across the country already allow their citizens to carry guns without a permit. It’s time we give our citizens the right to bear arms without first seeking the government’s permission,” Allen said. “We already allow open carry without a permit, and there is no logical reason for continuing to require a permit for concealed carry.” The National Rifle Association (NRA) also supports the bill. “The law-abiding citizens of Alabama have a fundamental, constitutional right to keep and bear arms,” said the NRA. “The NRA supports legislation that would provide law-abiding citizens greater freedom to protect themselves in the manner that best suits their needs, while still keeping guns out of the hands of violent criminals.” Senate President Pro Tem Del Marsh said he expects the Republican-controlled Senate to pass the measure Tuesday. According to the Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence, 11 states —Alaska, Arizona, Idaho, Kansas, Maine, Mississippi, Missouri, New Hampshire, Vermont, West Virginia and Wyoming — allow people to carry concealed weapons in public without a permit.
Pre-abortion sonogram bill delayed in Alabama Senate
A controversial piece of legislation was delayed in the Alabama Senate Health Committee on Wednesday SB 272, the Ultrasound Access Act, was scheduled for a public hearing, and has yet to be rescheduled. The measure would require a woman seeking an abortion to get a sonogram two days before the scheduled procedure and listen to a detailed, verbal description of the development of the fetus including an “audible heartbeat if present.” Additionally, a woman could receive a free sonogram image upon request. Sponsored by Tuscaloosa-Republican Rep. Gerald Allen, the bill also requires doctors to say how much they are paid for the abortion procedure. Calling it a “Conflict of Interest Disclaimer” the legislation endeavors to let the mother knows how much money the doctor will lose if the she chooses to opt out of the abortion. A federal appeals court blocked a similar law in North Carolina in 2014, and just law week a similar bill in Indiana was blocked by a federal judge on the grounds that it creates a “clearly undue” burden on women.
Alabama lawmakers to vote on death penalty bill
No capital murder sentencing procedure in the United States has been more criticized than that of Alabama’s. As the only state in the country that permits elected trial judges to override jury verdicts to give criminals the death penalty instead of a life sentence, Alabama’s judicial sentencing procedures are once again the topic of debate. On April 4, when lawmakers from the Alabama House of Representatives return from a two-week spring break, they will debate this controversial 1976 policy that has resulted in judicial overrides 107 times in the past four decades. Last month, the Alabama Senate approved a similar bill doing doing away with judicial override on a 30-1 bipartisan vote. Pike Road- Republican stateSen. Dick Brewbaker, the bill’s sponsor, clarified the bill only affects future cases and not any inmates currently on death row. He says judicial override in death penalty cases is contrary to the tradition of American justice that a jury from the community should determine both the verdict and sentence. In a recent study by the Alabama-based Equal Justice Initiative, one of the groups opposed the state’s death penalty system, found that in nearly all of those cases judges imposed death sentences. The study also revealed twenty-one percent of 199 people currently on the state’s death row were sentenced through such judicial overrides. [Photo Credit: Yolanda Martinez | The Marshall Project]
Alabama Senate approves plan to build up to three new prisons
The Alabama Senate on Thursday approved a state prison construction plan, taking significant steps to solve the long-standing crisis in Alabama’s prisons. After nearly three hours of debate, Senators voted 23-11 for Senate Bill 302, which authorizes a $350 million state bond issue to build one new prison and renovate others. Gov. Robert Bentley, a strong advocate for prison reform, calls the vote a “step in the right direction” even though it differs from his original proposal of $800 million. “Today Alabama took a step in the right direction to solve a decades old problem facing the Alabama Department of Corrections,” said Bentley in a news release. “I commend the Alabama Senate for their work on the passage of the Prison Transformation Initiative.” He continued, “I understand this bill is a work in progress and my ultimate goal remains the same, and that is to have safe and modern facilities that solve the persistent overcrowding of our prisons that will protect our law enforcement officers and inmates, as well prepare the inmates to successfully transition back into our communities. If we are to truly transform the person, we must first transform the system. As this legislation moves to the House, I look forward to working with House members to pass the Alabama Prison Transformation Initiative.” Currently, Alabama’s prisons house far more inmates than originally intended, with the prisons at over 170% of capacity. The proposal passed Thursday, sponsored by Alabaster-Republican state Senator Cam Ward authorizes the Department of Corrections to enter lease agreements with counties to finance and construct the facilities, and establishes clear criteria for how Corrections will award the lease agreements. As the second-largest expenditure in the state’s General Fund, the budget for all non-education state spending, the prison system is a significant and persistent fiscal strain on the state. For the current fiscal year, Corrections alone costs the state $496 million and consumes 22% of the General Fund budget. “The state prison system is close to exploding the state budget,” said Ward. “We have numerous prisons that were built before the Vietnam War and some pre-date World War Two. The upkeep alone for these facilities is a bleeding hole in our budgets.” “This plan will dramatically increase safety for our inmates and our correctional officers,” Ward added. “There have been too many instances over the past year of officers being assaulted and, in some cases, killed. The dormitory-style of housing at some of our prisons is particularly dangerous. Modern, cell-block facilities with high-tech cameras and better lines-of-sight will save lives.” Senate Bill 302 now moves to the Alabama House of Representatives for consideration.
