Steve Flowers: Annual Legislative Session underway
The 2022 annual regular session of the legislature has begun. It began January 11, and constitutionally can last three and one-half months, which would have it ending at the end of April. This is the last year of the quadrennium and an election year. Therefore, the legislature will not address any controversial or substantive issues. This has always been the case in Alabama politics. This rule will ring true this year as it has in past years. They will come into session, pass the budgets, then go home to campaign. They may even adjourn early this year, probably the first part of April. It will be an easy year, budget-wise. The General Fund and Special Education Trust Fund will again have growth in revenue. The economy is still percolating from the COVID recovery, especially because of the influx of federal dollars. Alabama will have received over four billion dollars from the Federal American Rescue Plan (ARP) COVID relief money. Almost half has been earmarked and given to schools, counties, and cities and will not be allocated by the legislature. The state received over $500 million in 2021. Most of that, over $400 million, went to build new prisons, which was the most significant achievement last year. There will be approximately $560 million of ARP money coming into Alabama for this year. The legislature will be able to play Santa Claus in an election year. The General Fund Chairmen, Steve Clouse (R-Ozark) in the House and Greg Albritton (R-Escambia) in the Senate, are being lobbied heavily as might be expected. They will be looking at several ways to disburse these federal dollars. The feds like the states to focus on rural broadband expansion, water and sewage projects, and hospitals and nursing homes. It will be a short and successful and non-controversial session. Governor Ivey will miss her right arm, Jo Bonner. He has served as a quasi-governor for the past three years. Kay Ivey and Jo Bonner have a lifetime bond. They are both from Wilcox County, and like family. This remote rural black belt, southwest Alabama county has spawned Jeff Sessions, Kay Ivey, Judy Bonner, and Jo Bonner. Jeff, Kay, and Judy are all about the same age. Jo is about 15 years younger and like Kay’s little brother. Kay has never not known Jo Bonner. He has been the most influential Chief of Staff to a governor in state history. In November 2021, it was announced that Jo Bonner will become President of the University of South Alabama. He will be the fourth president of the University of South Alabama, which is the third largest university in the state. Jo Bonner is perfect for this position. His decade as a congressman from Mobile and his prowess as an economic developer and civic leader coupled with his winning personality will propel the university in Mobile to a regional educational and medical center for Alabama, Mississippi, and Northwest Florida. He is revered in Washington. His political connections and persona will make the University of South Alabama a politically powerful institution. The governor made a wise and prudent move to fill the void left by Jo Bonner’s departure from the governor’s office. She made her loyal, dedicated, and extremely qualified ally, Liz Filmore, Chief of Staff. Liz had already been functioning as a quasi-Chief of Staff to Ivey and Bonner. A few months ago, Ivey adroitly convinced State Representative Bill Poole of Tuscaloosa to become her finance director. Poole is immensely and uniquely qualified for finance director. He served over a decade in the House of Representatives. Eight of those years he chaired the Education Budget Committee and wrote the State Education budget. He was and still is one of the most universally well-liked and respected legislators in the state. Bill will remain finance director and Liz will be Chief of Staff. They will be part of what Governor Ivey will rely on as her leadership team. The other two members of the four-person team will be Brooks McClendon and Nathan Lindsey, who will be elevated to Deputy Chief of Staff. Governor Ivey along with Jo Bonner has run an exemplary Ship of State administratively. See you next week. Steve Flowers is Alabama’s leading political columnist. His weekly column appears in over 60 Alabama newspapers. He served 16 years in the state legislature. Steve may be reached at: www.steveflowers.us.
Todd Stacy’s inaugural Capitol Journal show to air January 7
Alabama Public Television’s public affairs series CAPITOL JOURNAL will begin the new year with its new host, Todd Stacy. Stacy, a Montgomery resident and publisher of Alabama Daily News, is taking over the reins on January 7 after previous host Don Dailey retired in December after 10 years in the anchor’s chair. Stacy will join veteran reporters Karen Goldsmith and Randy Scott as the Alabama Legislature begins its 2022 regular session. “I’m grateful to the Alabama Public Television leadership for their confidence in me to host such a meaningful news space in Alabama politics,” Stacy said. “I grew up watching APT and have enjoyed working with their team professionally over the years. It’s more than a little intimidating to fill the shoes of Don Dailey, who is a mainstay at the State House and universally well respected, but I’m honored by the opportunity and eager to get started.” Stacy is a veteran of both Washington, D.C. and Montgomery politics. He previously worked for former Gov. Bob Riley and former U.S. Rep. Martha Roby. He launched Alabama Daily News in January 2018 and will continue as publisher. Phil Hutcheson, interim executive director and CFO of Alabama Public Television stated, “We are excited to welcome Todd Stacy to the team. Viewers can rely on CAPITOL JOURNAL for straight-forward and balanced coverage of news from Montgomery and around the state and the most in-depth television coverage of the Legislature available.” Guests for this Friday’s show include Senate President Pro Tem Greg Reed, House Minority Leader Anthony Daniels, Finance Director Bill Poole, and State Health Officer Dr. Scott Harris.
Kay Ivey and Condoleezza Rice release Alabama Innovation Commission recommendations to boost innovation, entrepreneurship
Governor Kay Ivey and Condoleezza Rice, 66th U.S. secretary of state and director of the Hoover Institution, joined state leaders on Tuesday to share the Alabama Innovation Commission’s policy recommendations and announce the Alabama Innovation Corporation board of directors. Governor Ivey established the commission and its advisory council in July 2020. “The Alabama Innovation Commission has done incredible work, and I’m excited to see how we as a state can implement smart policies that will foster innovation and develop a talented workforce for the future,” stated Governor Ivey. “I’m inspired by the promising growth for Alabama’s economy, and I look forward to working with the Alabama Legislature and the Alabama Innovation Corporation to help Alabama reach new heights.” Alabama Innovation Commission (Innovate Alabama) is the state’s first commission focused on entrepreneurship, technology, and innovation. The commission brings together private-sector experts and policymakers to develop forward-thinking policies that work to create a strong economy to help Alabama remain competitive in the 21st century. Ivey commented on Twitter, “Alabama. Where you can dream big, play hard, and live comfortably. We’re building a better state – a place where equitable opportunity exists. Now, we have a playbook to take us there.” The commission, led by Alabama Finance Director Bill Poole and state Sen. Greg Reed, includes a six-member advisory council of innovation leaders in Alabama and those outside the state who have strong ties to Alabama. The advisory council, led by Alabama Power Executive Vice President Zeke Smith, included innovation leaders from across the nation, and a partnership with Hoover Institution research scholars led by Director Rice, to support the commission’s work. “I’m proud to be a daughter of Alabama and believe that Alabama’s education, job training, and workforce development can be second to none. This state is poised for an even greater future here, and we are excited to be a part of that,” said Dr. Rice. “The Hoover Institution will continue to partner with the state and the Alabama Innovation Corporation to support this initiative as Alabama continues to push for strengthening its economy so life can be good for all Alabamians.” State Finance Director and Innovation Commission Chair Bill Poole added, “I’m proud of the commission’s work and know that its efforts will have a tremendous impact on our state. The ideas, recommendations, and strategies in this report give us a path forward for how Alabama can be a leader in the fields of innovation, technology, and research. I look forward to seeing partners from private, and public sectors continue working together through the Innovation Corporation to grow our economy.” Members of the Innovation Corporation board of directors are: Governor Kay Ivey (ex-officio) Alabama Speaker of the House Mac McCutcheon (ex-officio) Senate President Pro Tempore Greg Reed (ex-officio) House Minority Leader Anthony Daniels (ex-officio) Senator Minority Leader Bobby Singleton (ex-officio) Rich Bielen – President and CEO, Protective Life Corporation (at-large director) Dr. Michael Chambers – Assistant Vice President for Research Innovation, University of South Alabama (at-large director) Abe Harper – President, Harper Technologies (at-large director) David King – President, Dynetics (at-large director) Bill Poole – Director, Alabama Department of Finance (chairman) Britney Summerville – Founder, Birmingham Bound (at-large director) The policy recommendations and findings detailed five areas that address current challenges. Entrepreneurship and Access to Capital: Identifying and supporting opportunities to fuel entrepreneurial development at every stage of business growth. Talent Attraction and Retention: Recruiting and retaining a workforce with the skills, knowledge and credentials necessary to create innovation ecosystems throughout the state. Increasing Commercialization: Fostering an environment that increases commercialization activities, research and development efforts and supports the state’s economy as a whole. Bridging Digital and Economic Divides: Leveraging initiatives and resources that support growth throughout Alabama. Knowledge Economy: Developing a skilled workforce ready to meet the demands of the future. “These policy recommendations are a culmination of 18 months of hard work, time, and effort from a variety of different highly qualified individuals and organizations working together to chart a strong path forward for our state’s economy, and I couldn’t be any happier with the product that the commission was able to produce,” said Sen. Reed. “This report outlines a road map to spurring entrepreneurship, startup businesses, and innovation in our state, and I look forward to seeing the impact it will have on the future of Alabama.”
Steve Flowers: Incumbency prevails in 2022 State House races
Folks, believe it or not, we are closing in on six months before next year’s election year. The primary election is set for May 24, 2022. In Alabama, all our major constitutional officers are on the ballot next year. The governor’s office is the premier race in the state, and that coveted and powerful post is set for its four-year quadrennial run. Therefore, this big political year is referred to as the gubernatorial year. Those of us who follow Alabama politics have been salivating with anticipation for a cavalcade of great races. However, the power of incumbency has devasted the big year into a yawn. All the major state offices are held by popular incumbents, who are either running unopposed or have minimal opposition. The consolation prize was that there would be the legislative races. After all, this is where the real power in the state rests. You can simply look at where the special interest and PAC money is spent to verify that fact. However, the omnipotent power of incumbency has also encroached on those races. The Alabama House of Representatives has 105 members. There are 77 Republicans and 28 Democrats. The large majority of incumbents are running for reelection – both Republicans and Democrats. The overwhelming majority of these incumbents will have no opposition. However, in the House, there will be some major changes in leadership because of retirement or moving on to new posts. Speaker of the House Mac McCutcheon is not running for reelection. This has created an interesting and spirited race within the Republican Caucus ranks for Speaker. In addition, Victor Gaston of Mobile, who is Speaker Pro Tem, is also retiring. Bill Poole of Tuscaloosa, who chaired the powerful House Ways and Means Education Budget Committee, has left the House to be the State Finance Director. House Rules Committee Chairman Mike Jones of Andalusia is running for the open Senate seat of retiring Senator Jimmy Holley. Two of the freshman House members are running for statewide office. Wes Allen of Troy is running for Secretary of State, and Andrew Sorrell of Tuscumbia is running for State Auditor. In addition, Connie Rowe of Jasper is leaving the House to become an administrative assistant to Lt. Gov. Will Ainsworth. Some of the veteran House members who are choosing to hang up their legislative cleats include Howard Sanderford of Huntsville, Mike Ball of Huntsville, K.L. Brown of Jacksonville, Kerry Rich of Marshall, Allen Farley of Jefferson, Harry Shiver of Baldwin, Mike Holmes of Elmore, and Becky Nordgren of Etowah. The most noteworthy retiree may be Representative Steve McMillan of Baldwin County, who is retiring after serving close to 43 years in the House. Steve has been a quiet yet very effective voice for the people of Baldwin County. They all will be missed. Some of the high profile and powerful members of the House, who will return for another four years with no or token opposition, are Steve Clouse of Ozark, Nathaniel Ledbetter of Dekalb County, and Danny Garrett, Jim Carns, David Wheeler, and David Faulkner of Jefferson. Danny Garrett has ascended to Chairman of the House Ways and Means Education. Other leaders returning are Chris Pringle, Reed Ingram, Randall Shedd, Tracy Estes, Chris Sells, David Standridge, Ginny Shaver, Jim Hill, Alan Baker, Joe Lovvorn, Chris Blackshear, Kyle South, Paul Lee, Jeff Sorrells, Rhett Marques, Steve Hurst, Joe Faust, and Margie Wilcox. The Democratic leadership will remain intact. There is an illustrious array of House Democratic leaders, including Anthony Daniels, Chris England, Laura Hall, Peb Warren, Barbara Boyd, A.J. McCampbell, Berry Forte, Dexter Grimsley, Thomas Jackson, Kevin Lawrence, Mary Moore, Juandalynn Givan, and veteran John Rogers. Two of the Democratic House veterans from Jefferson County, Louise Alexander and Merika Coleman, are both running for an open Jefferson County Senate Seat, leaving both their House seats up for grabs. There may be an increase in the number of females in the House of Representatives. It has already begun with the election of Cynthia Almond of Tuscaloosa, who was elected without opposition to replace Bill Poole. In addition, Patrice Penni McClammy won the Montgomery District 76 seat of her late father, Thad McClammy. She won with no opposition. See you next week. Steve Flowers is Alabama’s leading political columnist. His weekly column appears in over 60 Alabama papers. He served 16 years in the state legislature. Steve may be reached at www.steveflowers.us.
Steve Flowers: 20th anniversary of 9/11 terrorist attacks
This week marks the 20th Anniversary of the infamous 9/11 terrorist attacks on our nation. It was a day in your life where you remember where you were and what you were doing when you first heard of the attacks on the New York World Trade Center and Pentagon. It changed our world. Like most people, I thought the first plane that flew into the towering Trade Center, was an accident. However, when the second plane hit you knew it was not pilot error. It was traumatic and terrifying. I asked several of our state leaders their memories of that fateful day. Allow me to share some of their experiences. Today, only two members of our current congressional delegation were in Congress at the time: Senator Richard Shelby and Congressman Robert Aderholt. Our senior senator, Richard Shelby, was actually chairman of the U.S. Senate Intelligence Committee. He was immediately briefed by the CIA, however, amazingly, he was not placed in a protective bunker. He quietly sat in his office with his staff and watched the day unfold on television. Congressman Robert Aderholt, who was a brand new 33-year old congressman recalls he and his wife, Caroline, were taking their daughter to her first day of school while all the 9/11 events were unfolding. That daughter, Mary Elliott, is now a senior at Auburn. PSC President Twinkle Cavanaugh had just left Washington and was back home in Alabama getting ready for a conference call. The call was canceled, and she sat in shock all day. Gov. Kay Ivey shared her memory. She said it was a typical September morning. She was attending a conference and learned of the first plane flying into the tower while getting coffee. At first, the news did not seem too alarming. However, a few minutes later, when news of the second plane hit and videos appeared showing the large plane crashing into the World Trade Center, an awful feeling started to sink in for everyone as they realized our world was changing in front of their eyes. The Governor’s Chief of Staff, Jo Bonner, at that time was Chief of Staff to Congressman Sonny Callahan and later took that seat in Congress. Bonner was also at a legislative meeting in Montgomery. He was having breakfast at the Embassy Suites, and he watched the planes fly into the tower. Gov. Ivey’s new State Finance Director Bill Poole had recently moved back from D.C. a few weeks prior to enrolling in the University of Alabama Law School. He was in class and was concerned about young friends he had left behind in D.C. Ozark State Representative, Steve Clouse, was a young legislator and was in Montgomery eating breakfast at the Madison Hotel. State Senator Clay Scofield was a junior at Auburn University. He watched on television and recalls feeling sad, angry, and extremely patriotic. Lt. Governor, Will Ainsworth, was also a student at Auburn. He was in his apartment getting ready to go to class. Pardons and Parole Director and former State Senator, Cam Ward, was on a plane headed to Washington, D.C. while the events were unfolding. They were diverted to West Virginia to land and then informed of what had happened. State Senator Greg Reed was in his home office preparing for a business trip to Baltimore, Maryland. His wife, Mitzi, ran into his office a little after 9:00 and told him to come watch what was unfolding in New York. Needless to say, his trip was canceled. State Senator Clyde Chambliss was in an Autauga County Leadership meeting. Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle was eating breakfast at a local restaurant in the Rocket City. State Treasurer John McMillan was head of the Alabama Forestry Association. They were at their annual meeting at the Perdido Beach Resort. Troy University Chancellor Jack Hawkins, a decorated Veteran of Vietnam, had just departed campus en route to Luverne on a communities tour. By the time they reached Montgomery, he said, “It was clear that America had been attacked. What began as a day of celebration concluded in Prattville as a day of mourning and patriotism.” Attorney General Steve Marshall had been serving as the district attorney for Marshall County for just over a month. He watched the events unfold on televisions in underground offices. It was his daughter’s 11th birthday, but his family did little celebrating on that day. Former Congressman Bradley Byrne was practicing law in Mobile. His law offices were in the same building as the FBI. They got their fully automatic rifles out and were guarding the building all day. See you next week. Steve Flowers is Alabama’s leading political columnist. His weekly column appears in over 60 Alabama newspapers. He served 16 years in the state legislature. Steve may be reached at www.steveflowers.us.
Steve Flowers: Summer political happenings
This long, hot, and wet summer is coming to a close, and Labor Day is on the horizon. Labor Day weekend will not only mark the beginning of college football season but also the traditional start of the 2022 political season. Most of the horses are in the chute for the May 24, 2022, primary election. So let the fun begin. Let me share some political happenings that transpired over the summer. Jim Ziegler, our colorful State Auditor, is edging closer to challenging Kay Ivey in the governor’s race. Ole Ziegler is an astute politician and campaigner, although not a very prolific fundraiser. He will be a viable candidate, but it is unlikely he can beat a healthy Kay Ivey. Tim James, who has run two worthy races for governor, may give it a third try. He, too, can make a good race but probably cannot beat Ivey. However, if both James and Ziegler get into the race, they could and probably would force Ivey into a runoff which would be very stressful for her. Both James and Ziegler are viable candidates, and it will make the race interesting – especially if Ziegler gets in. He is fun to watch. However, Kay Ivey is preparing for another term by securing a treasured asset in State Representative Bill Poole as her state finance director. She now has a dynamic duo by her side to rely and depend on with Poole as her Finance Director and Jo Bonner as her Chief of Staff. She also has a bevy of young lieutenants led by the wife and husband team of Liz and Bill Filmore. Bill Poole is considered the most popular and promising young politico on the Alabama political scene. He will be a tremendous asset for Governor Ivey as the manager of the state finances. Bill Poole was elected as a state representative from Tuscaloosa in 2010. In his 11 years in the House, he made a meteoric rise into the leadership within the state House of Representatives. In all my years watching the Alabama Legislature and Alabama politics, I have never seen anyone as universally respected and liked as Poole. He became Chairman of the Ways and Means Education Budget Committee in 2013 after only two years in the House. He has essentially written the State Education Budget for the last eight years. The Education Budget amounts to over three-fourths of all state dollars. He has become a guru and expert on the state’s revenues and budgeting. Kay Ivey could not have scripted anyone better than Poole to administer the state finances. In addition, his relationship with the legislature will expedite the passage of Ivey’s budget recommendations within the legislature. The race for the open Senate Seat of our Senior U.S. Senator Richard Shelby has been percolating all summer, and it is beginning to look like it will be a two-person race between Congressman Mo Brooks and Business Council of Alabama Chairman Katie Britt. It will be a classic battle of the two wings of the Republican Party. Brooks represents the right-wing, reactionary, firebrand, bombastic, Trump wing of the party. In fact, former President Donald Trump has enthusiastically endorsed Brooks and will probably rousingly promote Brooks at a rally in Cullman County this Saturday. Katie Boyd Britt will carry the banner of the moderate, pro-business, conservative, yet more sophisticated wing of the party. She would be a senator for Alabama who would protect our immensely valuable military defense meccas in the state, like the Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, Maxwell-Gunter Air Base in Montgomery, and Ft. Rucker in her native Wiregrass. During the summer, Britt has raised a record-breaking amount of campaign money that will be essential as she and Brooks head towards a May 24, 2022, runoff duel. However, Britt also has been beating the bushes in rural Alabama. She has made almost every Farmer’s Federation County meeting in the state. You have to earn the Farmer’s Federation endorsement by the grassroots approach. The Alfa endorsement does not come from an ivory tower in Montgomery. Their endorsement is garnered by votes from each county federation. Therefore, you have to work for it and believe you me, that endorsement is important in a statewide Republican race in Alabama. The Farmer’s Federation will not endorse Mo Brooks. He is the only Republican Congressman from Alabama who has consistently voted against Alabama farmers. Look for Katie Britt to get the coveted Alfa endorsement. See you next week. Steve Flowers is Alabama’s leading political columnist. His weekly column appears in over 60 Alabama newspapers. He served 16 years in the state legislature. Steve may be reached at www.steveflowers.us.
Bill Poole appointed to serve as state finance director
Gov. Kay Ivey announced that she has appointed Rep. Bill Poole to serve as Alabama’s finance director, effective August 1. Current director Kelly Butler is retiring. He announced his retirement in June, stating it was due to complications of Lou Gehrig’s disease. Ivey stated, “Bill Poole is one of the most gifted public servants Alabama has seen in many years, and his exceptional leadership qualities, and the respect he commands on both sides of the aisle in the Alabama Legislature, makes him uniquely qualified to serve as Alabama’s next finance director. His detailed focus on education funding demonstrates a depth of knowledge in our state’s budget process that few can match and his passion for advancing good public policy gives him an added platform to help me and my administration continue to seek out new solutions to solving many of Alabama’s long-neglected challenges. I’m more than pleased he agreed, once again, to serve our state in this new role, and I know he will do a bang-up job.” Poole is a member of the Alabama House of Representatives and has served as the House Ways and Means education chairman. He also serves as chairman of Innovate Alabama, a statewide commission charged with developing a long-term strategy to expand Alabama’s economy. Poole was first elected to House District 63 in 2010. He graduated from the University of Alabama and the University of Alabama School of Law. He has worked in private practice since 2004. “I am deeply thankful to Governor Kay Ivey for offering to me the opportunity to serve as finance director for the state of Alabama,” Rep. Poole commented. “My service in the Alabama House of Representatives has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. I extend my sincere thanks to the citizens of House District 63 and the entire Tuscaloosa community for electing and trusting me, and I have always worked hard to honor that trust and fulfill my responsibilities at the highest standard. I also extend my sincere thanks to my colleagues in the Alabama House of Representatives, and particularly my colleagues on the House Ways and Means Education Committee.” “I am excited to accept this new role and embrace this new challenge, and I will continue to do my very best on behalf of the state of Alabama,” Poole continued. “As the governor and others have said, Kelly Butler set a high bar for dedicated service, integrity, and transparency during his 30-plus years of public service. “I am grateful to have Kelly’s full support going forward, which will help ensure a smooth transition.” Poole helped to pass Rebuild Alabama, which in two years, has appropriated $295 million to the Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) projects on the state highway system. He was also the Alabama Incentives Modernization Act sponsor, a law that aimed to make the state more attractive to tech-based companies and entrepreneurs. He currently serves as chair of the Tuscaloosa County Legislation Committee. Speaker of the House Mac McCutcheon released a statement, “Rep. Bill Poole’s tremendous success as the House education budget chairman is evidenced in successive years of record classroom spending, expanded programs on both the K-12 and higher ed levels, and improved academic measures. Universally respected and trusted by his colleagues on both sides of the aisle, Chairman Poole has proven to be a responsible and pragmatic steward of taxpayer dollars. “The same skills and talents that allowed him to enjoy great success as a committee chairman and lawmaker will also serve him well as state finance director,” he continued. “Though the House will miss his leadership, Gov. Ivey was right to recognize that Bill Poole is the right man for the right job at the right time, and Alabama will benefit greatly from his service.”
Steve Flowers: Session ends, gambling left on the table
The 2021 Legislative Session is in the books. I would rate it a success. When you pass budgets that are balanced, any session is a success. In fact, the only constitutional mandate given to the legislature is that they pass the two budgets. The amazing revelation that is almost difficult to comprehend is the fact that both the General Fund and the Educational Fund budgets were not only status quo but were flush with growth coming out of a year of the COVID pandemic. State employees and teachers both received raises in the budgets. Alabama is one of the few states in America that has not been devastated financially by the pandemic. A lot of credit for this good fiscal stability goes to the Chairmen of the Budget Committees in both the House and Senate. They have worked and strived diligently to pass conservative budgets with reserve accounts that have allowed the state to avoid rainy days. The state owes a debt of gratitude and a tip of the hat to House Budget Chairmen Bill Poole (R-Tuscaloosa) and Steve Clouse (R-Ozark) and Senate Finance Chairmen Arthur Orr (R-Decatur) and Greg Albritton (R-Escambia). The Legislature dealt with a lot of high-profile issues. Not the least of which was the perennial issue of allowing doctors to prescribe medicinal marijuana for pain for their patients. This prescription has been allowed for years in many states. Now, Alabama doctors will be able to prescribe this medication to their patients. The gambling issue dominated the entire session. The state Senate passed the gambling proposal to send to the people for a vote. However, it failed in the House of Representatives. It is a Constitutional Amendment and therefore needs 21 votes in the 35-member State Senate and 63 votes in the State House of 105 member representatives. It does not even go to the governor for a signature but goes straight to the ballot. The governor is very much for this initiative. However, it probably needs to be dealt with in a special session for it to pass. Governor Kay Ivey needs to really promote the issue in a special session where it is the only issue dealt with and focused on. She has plenty of time. The Amendment, if approved by legislators, is not set to be voted on until the November 2022 General Election. This proposed constitutional amendment is a very all-encompassing gambling plan. It institutes a lottery, authorizes sports betting, and legalizes casinos around the state. It is a constitutional amendment that will also be exact and detailed and with authoritative gambling policy enforcement procedures. This regulation of gambling has been needed for years because we already have gambling in Alabama. The new state gambling regulatory commission would oversee the lottery, as well as the five existing casinos in Macon, Mobile, Greene, and Jefferson counties, and one yet to be determined in Northeast Alabama. This new location would be in the pristine Northeast Alabama mountains and would be given to the Poarch Band of Creek Indians. It would have the potential to be a destination tourist attraction. The Poarch Creek casinos would continue to be regulated by federal statutes, but the state would be enabled to enter into a compact with the tribe for Class III table games. All lottery revenue would be directed to education, including scholarships for higher education and trade schools and a loan forgiveness program for graduates who locate back in Alabama. The annual revenue from casinos and sports betting would be divided for several uses. Almost 50% would be up to the legislature to appropriate toward capital or other non-recurring expenses. Forty percent would be earmarked for “enhanced health care services,” and 10% would be divided among counties and cities for “Capital or other non-recurring expenses.” Under the legislation, for all gambling revenue, up to 5% would be set aside for initiatives to help problem gamblers. This legislation pretty much tracks the recommendations of Governor Kay Ivey’s proposal and actually does not even require her signature. She was very prominently lobbying for its passage and will endorse its ratification by Alabama voters. It will reap a significant amount of revenue for the State of Alabama. You may very well see it come up again this year in a special session. See you next week. Steve Flowers is Alabama’s leading political columnist. His weekly column appears in over 60 Alabama newspapers. He served 16 years in the state legislature. Steve may be reached at www.steveflowers.us.
Kay Ivey signs bill enacting pay raises for teachers and state employees
Kay Ivey on Tuesday signed two important pieces of legislation: Senate Bill 188 and House Bill 320. These two bills raise teacher and state employee pay. Governor Ivey proposed a two percent pay increase for the state’s K-12 and higher education officials, as well as state employees during her state of the state address this year. Ivey stated, “If this pandemic has taught us anything, it reinforced what we already knew – teachers are vital to our student’s learning, and our state employees keep government services operational for the people of Alabama. I am proud to sign this well-deserved pay increase to our educators and state workers. I commend Education Trust Fund chairmen Sen. Arthur Orr and Rep. Bill Poole, General Fund chairmen Sen. Greg Albritton and Rep. Steve Clouse, along with the entire Alabama Legislature for their hard work and for approving this raise. It is both fiscally wise and simply the right thing to do after a hard year. “As we head into the summer months, and the pandemic continues to ease, we need to do everything we can to support our teachers and educational support staff to ensure that we can fully return to classrooms in the fall. Alabama schools have shown the rest of the nation that it is possible to be safely back in the classroom, while carrying on the important work of providing Alabama’s children a chance for a promising future. I look forward to continually offering my support to ensure that Alabama students remain on track and moving ahead.” She posted on Twitter, “I just signed Senate Bill 188 & House Bill 320 into law, making teacher & state employee 2% pay raises official!” I just signed Senate Bill 188 & House Bill 320 into law, making teacher & state employee 2% pay raises official! Read my full statement here: https://t.co/g8cpiR5zzA #alpolitics #TeacherAppreciationDay #PublicServiceRecognitionWeek — Governor Kay Ivey (@GovernorKayIvey) May 4, 2021
Steve Flowers: Legislative session begins
As the 2021 Regular Legislative Session begins, you will see new leadership in the state Senate. Republicans dominate both chambers, overwhelmingly. They have a supermajority and dominate all issues and the budgeting process. They acknowledge the handful of Democrats, but really never give them any say in decision making. Therefore, the leadership is determined within the Republican caucus. President Pro Tem, Del Marsh, decided in late November to step down from the all-powerful position of President Pro Tem of the Senate. Marsh had announced a few months earlier that he would not run for reelection to his Anniston based Senate Seat in the 2022 Elections. Many Montgomery insiders had foreseen this change in leadership for a while. The succession of state Senator Greg Reed of Jasper to the Pro Tem leadership of the Senate post was expected, as was the ascension of Senator Clay Scofield of Marshall County to the Majority Leader position. Greg Reed’s anointment to the omnipotent President Pro Tem position is a natural transition for the Alabama Senate. He is a real leader and well respected by his colleagues. This progression has been in the works for a while. Reed is a perfect choice to lead the Alabama State Senate. He is very organized and meticulous with excellent planning and organizational skills. Senator Clay Scofield is one of the most likeable people in the Senate. He is very jovial and friendly but deceptively effective. He is a young, prominent farmer from Sand Mountain and he will be a great Majority Leader. First-term State Senator Donnie Chesteen of Geneva/ Houston is doing a yeoman’s job working to expand rural broadband in the state. He served eight years in the House before moving to the Senate in 2018. The Democrats may have a superstar emerging in the Senate with Kirk Hatcher of Montgomery. Hatcher is in his first term in the Alabama House. When Senator David Burkette left the Montgomery Democratic Senate Seat last year, an open race to fill the seat began. Hatcher entered and led a six-person field with an impressive 48%. Second place finisher, veteran former Representative, John Knight, could barely muster 20%. Hatcher finished Knight off in a December runoff. Kirk Hatcher joins his fellow Morehouse graduates, Mayor Steven Reed and Probate Judge J.C. Love, as the new, young leadership of Montgomery. This triumvirate cadre of leaders all grew up together in Montgomery. All three went off to Morehouse and came home to lead their city. They are an impressive threesome. Democrats in the House and Senate would like to see early voting and absentee voting made easier in Alabama. However, their efforts to allow early voting or no-excuse absentee voting faces a dismal outlook in the GOP controlled legislature. The state saw an amazing record-breaking 318,000 absentee ballots cast in the November election. The previous record was 89,000. The rules were loosened by Secretary of State John Merrill due to the COVID-19 pandemic. More than a dozen counties opened courthouses on Saturday for people to cast in-person absentee ballots. State Representative Chris England, who also chairs the Alabama Democratic Party, has opined that the long lines and extensive absentee ballot voting shows that people want opportunities to vote early. England and House Democratic Leader Anthony Daniels of Huntsville will push for change in the state voting laws that give Alabamians the opportunity to vote early, permanently. Daniels and England are young superstars to watch. Chris England gets his leadership abilities honestly. His father is legendary Tuscaloosa Circuit Judge and former State Supreme Court Justice and University of Alabama Trustee, John England. The apple does not fall far from the tree. Chris is also a prominent Tuscaloosa lawyer in his own right. The House leadership will remain intact and continue their well-organized operating procedures. Speaker Mac McCutcheon is mild mannered, gentlemanly, and well-liked. He and the popular Republican Majority Leader Nathaniel Ledbetter from DeKalb County work well together in organizing the super Republican Majority House of Representatives. Veteran Mobile Legislator Victor Gaston is steady as Pro Tem. The glue that holds the House together and makes it successful are the two Budget Chairmen Steve Clouse of Ozark and Bill Poole of Tuscaloosa. Clouse and Poole have chaired the House Ways and Means Committees for almost a decade. They do an excellent job. Both budgets originate in the House. Steve Flowers is Alabama’s leading political columnist. His weekly column appears in over 60 Alabama newspapers. He served 16 years in the state legislature. Steve may be reached at www.steveflowers.us.
Alabama economic group announces partnership with Stanford
An Alabama economic development group is partnering with an institution at Stanford University in California. The aim is to promote economic growth and business innovation in Alabama. The Alabama Innovation Commission recently announced the partnership with the Hoover Institution at Stanford, The Tuscaloosa News reported. The two groups intend to incorporate intellectual resources into recommendations for practical and timely applications. A key goal of the partnership between the Alabama group, also known as Innovate Alabama, and the Hoover Institution will be recruitment and retention of companies and jobs, the newspaper reported. Another goal: Developing innovation hubs and marketing of startup companies. The Alabama group is chaired by state Rep. Bill Poole. “I am confident that the work that the Alabama Innovation Commission and the Hoover Institution will produce through this partnership will have a profound impact on the future economic trajectory of our state,” said Poole, a Republican who also chairs the Ways and Means Education Budget Committee in the Alabama House of Representatives. “We must all work together on initiatives like this to create smart solutions that will continue to make Alabama an attractive state for business investment and job creation,” he added. Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey established the 15-member Alabama Innovation Commission in July 2020 as the state’s first statewide commission focused on entrepreneurship, technology and innovation. The Hoover Institution seeks to improve humanity by advancing ideas that promote economic opportunity and prosperity while securing and safeguarding peace for America and the world, according to its website. “This partnership with the Hoover Institution will help accelerate our state’s focus on entrepreneurship and innovation,” said Zeke Smith, executive vice president of external affairs for Alabama Power and president of the Alabama Innovation Commission’s Advisory Council. “Developing strategic partnerships and leveraging outside investments has proven to be a successful approach in building a policy portfolio and determining best practices. Republished with the permission of the Associated Press.
Inside the Statehouse: Alabama’s budget year begins this week. COVID-19 has played havoc.
Steve Flowers outlines Alabama’s budgetary situation as the new fiscal year gets started.
