Bill in Alabama Legislature would prohibit mask mandates
Alander Rocha, Alabama Reflector An Alabama representative filed a bill last week that would prevent the Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) and certain state government entities from enacting mask mandates. The bill, HB 9, sponsored by Rep. Brock Colvin, R-Albertville, would “prohibit governmental entities and the State Health Officer from imposing a face mask mandate to prevent the spread of COVID-19 or any other communicable disease.” “I don’t believe [the government] should have that authority,” Colvin said. “I think that people are smart enough to make those decisions for themselves. I just have that philosophical view that the government should have a very, very limited authority.” State, counties, municipalities, or any instrument of those entities, as well as public K-12 schools or public charter schools, would be prohibited from enacting mask mandates. The bill would provide exceptions to any medical facility licensed by the ADPH and state and local detention centers. There are no sanctions or punishments for failure to comply in the pre-filed bill. Several states, mostly Republican-leaning, have passed anti-masking regulations since the COVID-19 pandemic, including Arizona, Florida, and Texas. Arkansas imposed a similar restriction that was overturned by a state judge in December 2021. Other states, such as Tennessee and Georgia have laws giving parents the right to opt their children out of masking. The COVID-19 virus has killed over 22,500 people in the state since the first Alabama case was confirmed on March 13, 2020. At its peak in the state in the fall of 2021, up to 3,000 people were hospitalized each day for COVID. In an email statement, State Health Officer Dr. Scott Harris said during COVID-19, the federal government provided ADPH guidance in implementing certain mandates to protect public health, in response to the “once-in-a-lifetime circumstances.” But Harris said that the bill should stick with COVID-19 and not include all existing or potential communicable diseases. “There could be existing or evolving respiratory diseases where preventative health measures could effectively mitigate widespread outbreaks,” Harris said in the statement. Colvin’s bill goes further than a bill introduced in the 2023 legislative session that would allow parents to opt out of masking in K-12 public schools. The bill passed the House Health Committee but did not advance to the House floor. Rep. Chip Brown, R-Hollinger’s Island, at the time said the bill was not an “anti-school bill” or an “anti-masking bill,” but a “parental rights bill.” Colvin said that this bill is about personal freedom, and that he’s not trying to address the science behind masking in the bill. “I’m not even arguing the science on whether they work or not,” he said. “I’m just saying I don’t think the government has the authority to tell individuals what to do in terms of this.” Harris stated that it’s not ADPH’s goal to restrict personal freedoms and rights, but that it’s imperative to keep Alabamians safe at all costs. “ADPH has an obligation and a duty to the citizens of Alabama to promote, protect, and improve Alabama’s health,” the statement read. Colvin, a first-term representative and financial planner, is running for Alabama Senate District 9, which includes Blount, Madison, and Marshall counties. The seat was previously held by Clay Scofield, R-Arab, who stepped down to take a job with the Business Council of Alabama. Alabama Reflector is part of States Newsroom, a network of news bureaus supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Alabama Reflector maintains editorial independence. Follow Alabama Reflector on Facebook and Twitter.
Republican qualifying in Special Election State Senate District 9 opens Monday
On Sunday, the Alabama Republican Party announced candidate qualifying for the Alabama Republican Party Special Election Primary in Alabama Senate District 9 will open on Monday, November 6, 2023, at 8:30 a.m. CST. The qualifying window will close on Tuesday, November 7, 2023, at 5:00 p.m. CST. All Republican candidates interested in running for this seat must file with the Party before this date. The bizarrely short qualifying period was set by Alabama Governor Kay Ivey (R) on Friday. Candidates have just two days to qualify for the Senate seat vacated last Monday by Sen. Clay Scofield (R-Guntersville), who left to pursue a role with the Business Council of Alabama (BCA). Anyone wishing to qualify for the Republican ballot can do so online or in person at Republican Party headquarters during the qualifying period. Senate District 9 covers portions of Blount, Marshall, and Madison counties. Candidates wishing to qualify as Democrats should visit the Democratic Party website for more information or visit Democratic Party Headquarters at 501 Adams Ave, Montgomery, AL 36104, during business hours. The Special Election Primary for the seat will be held on Tuesday, January 9, 2024. If a run-off election is needed, it will be held on Tuesday, February 6, 2024. The General Election will take place on Tuesday, April 23, 2024. Independent or minor party candidates have until January 9 to turn in their forms, fees, and ballot access signatures with the Secretary of State website. Major party qualifying for offices in the regular 2024 election ends on Friday, November 10. More information can be found on the major party websites. To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Gov. Kay Ivey announces special election dates for Senate District 9
On Wednesday, Governor Kay Ivey signed a proclamation setting special election dates for Alabama Senate District 9. This seat was previously held for the last 13 years by Sen Clay Scofield (R-Guntersville), who resigned Monday to take a position as the Vice President of the powerful Business Council of Alabama (BCA). Governor Ivey set the special primary election for Tuesday, January 9, 2024, and the special primary runoff, if necessary, for Tuesday, February 6, 2024. The special general election is set for Tuesday, April 23, 2024. “Majority Leader Scofield has been a strong voice for the people of Senate District 9 for more than 13 years, and I have no doubt that he will continue to serve our state well in his next chapter,” said Gov. Ivey. “Clay and I have worked together both while I served as lieutenant governor and now as governor. Certainly, I can attest for all he has done for the people in North Alabama and Alabamians all across our state. I encourage everyone in this district to get out and vote during this special election and send another strong voice to Montgomery.” Gov. Ivey set a very short qualifying period of just seven days for this special election. The deadline for qualifying with major political parties will be Tuesday, November 7, 2023, at 5:00 p.m. The deadline for all independent candidates and minor parties to submit their paperwork, including ballot access petitions, is Tuesday, January 9, 2024, at 5:00 p.m. Senate District 9 represents portions of Blount, Madison, and Marshall Counties. State Representative Brock Colvin (R-Guntersville) has already announced his intention to run for this position, as has State Representative Wes Kitchens (R-Boaz). At least three other candidates are reportedly strongly considering running for this open state Senate seat. On Monday, the GOP state senators elected Steve Livingston (R-Scottsboro) to replace Scofield as Senate Majority Leader. The Alabama Senate pays $53,913 a year and is a part-time position. To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Brock Colvin announces campaign for State Senate, District 9
Republican Representative Brock Colvin announced today that he is seeking election to represent District 9 in the Alabama Senate. District 9 Senator Clay Scofield resigned from the Senate on Monday to accept a role with the Business Council of Alabama (BCA). Covin wrote on X, “Friends, after much prayer and overwhelming encouragement and support from our community, I am announcing my candidacy for Senate District 9 in the upcoming special election.” The 5th generation Marshall Countian is a graduate of Albertville High School, attended Snead Community College in Boaz where he played baseball, and is a graduate of the University of Alabama with a double major in Finance and Economics. He has worked in the insurance industry and is currently working for Ameriprise Financial as a financial planner. “Senator Clay Scofield has been an excellent public servant for District 9 and specifically Marshall County,” Colvin said. “I believe I am qualified to continue building upon the conservative groundwork he has laid and will always work hard for the people of Northeast Alabama.” “I have proudly stood with our farmers to protect property rights and our small businesses to ensure Alabama is a great place to work and raise a family,” Colvin added. “I have supported the expansion of rural broadband, and I have stood up against needless taxes and unnecessary government expansion. I am a pro-life, pro-second amendment conservative, and I am grateful to the people of House District 26 for entrusting me to represent them in Montgomery.” Colvin was first elected to the Alabama House of Representatives in 2022 and has quickly been recognized as one of its most conservative and independent members. “I will always protect the rights of the voters,” Colvin stated. “I believe parents should have a say in what is being taught in our schools. I will always stand up to the woke liberal left as they try to force biological born males into female bathrooms. This is Alabama. We will never stand for that type of ideology.” Colvin is a member of the Rotary Club of Albertville and a member of the Albertville and Boaz Chambers of Commerce. Senate District 9 currently includes Marshall County and portions of Blount and Madison Counties.
Steve Livingston elected new Senate Majority Leader, replacing Clay Scofield
On Monday, Senate President Pro Tempore Greg Reed (R-Jasper) announced that State Senator Steve Livingston (R-Scottsboro) had been elected the new Senate Majority Leader, replacing Sen. Clay Scofield (R-Guntersville), in a meeting of the Republican state senators. “The process of electing Senator Livingston was efficient and effective,” Reed said. “The Republican Caucus emerged with a united decision, and we look forward to continuing to lead Alabama toward guaranteeing the state is a better place to live, work, and raise a family. I am excited about the transformative work we are doing and the goals we will achieve throughout our third quadrennium of leadership.” Speaker of the House Nathaniel Ledbetter (R-Rainsville) congratulated Livingston on his election. “In addition to being one of my closest friends for many years, Steve Livingston has been a mentor of mine since the first moment I joined the House and a strong leader whose example I respect deeply,” said Ledbetter. “Sen. Livingston is a man of strong convictions and conservative beliefs, and he will lead his colleagues with the fairness, strength, and common sense that are his trademarks.” As was reported by Alabama Today, Sen. Scofield resigned from the Senate on Monday. “I have resigned from the Senate to become the Executive Vice President of the Business Council of Alabama,” Scofield wrote in a letter. This decision was one of the hardest that I have ever had to make, and with any decision of this magnitude, I involved a lot of prayer and talked it over with family and friends. If I didn’t love serving you, the decision would have been easy. It’s a dream job with an organization whose mission I strongly believe in. I have always supported policies that make Alabama more business-friendly because if we have healthy businesses, they can create more high-paying jobs. As President Ronald Reagan said: “I believe the best social program is a job.” This new job will allow me to continue my mission to make Alabama the most business/job-friendly state in the nation. “I also want to thank Senator Scofield for his unwavering dedication to the state of Alabama during his term as Majority Leader and tenure in the Alabama Senate,” Reed said. “After entering the Senate together nearly 14 years ago, Senator Scofield has proven himself to be an enduring friend, an exceptional leader, and a true champion for the people of Alabama. We wish Senator Scofield well in his future endeavors.” The Majority Leader is the second most powerful member of the Senate, behind the President Pro Tem. Next would be the Senate Rules Committee Chairman – Sen. Jabo Waggoner (R-Vestavia). Livingston represents Jackson, Dekalb, and Madison counties in the Alabama Senate, To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Open letter from Clay Scofield
To the Citizens of Senate District 9, Thank you. Thank you for taking a chance on a 30-year-old farm boy from Arab, AL, when you first elected me. Serving you as your State Senator for the past thirteen years has truly been the greatest honor of my life, and I hope that I have made you proud. Every day, I have gotten up and worked hard to make our District and our State the best it can be. I have chosen to focus on areas that give you and your children a better tomorrow. Areas such as a better business climate, education, infrastructure, and things that improve your quality of life. We have made great strides in improving Alabama’s beautiful state parks, and we are well on our way to connecting all our citizens to high-speed internet. I have also focused on working with my colleagues to put our state in better fiscal shape than when we found it. When first elected in 2010, Alabama was in terrible financial shape. Our state was not only broke, it was broken. With my colleagues and I focusing on common sense reforms such as the Rolling Reserve Act and exercising fiscal restraint, Alabama’s budgets are in much better shape. We have a lot less debt, and we have more money in savings so that we can better weather the next storm. I am proud of the work that we have accomplished, and I have had the distinct honor of serving with some of the finest people in our state…on both sides of the aisle. You may have heard that I have resigned from the Senate to become the Executive Vice President of the Business Council of Alabama. This decision was one of the hardest that I have ever had to make, and with any decision of this magnitude, I involved a lot of prayer and talked it over with family and friends. If I didn’t love serving you, the decision would have been easy. It’s a dream job with an organization whose mission I strongly believe in. I have always supported policies that make Alabama more business-friendly because if we have healthy businesses, they can create more high-paying jobs. As President Ronald Reagan said: “I believe the best social program is a job.” This new job will allow me to continue my mission to make Alabama the most business/job-friendly state in the nation. It will allow me to continue to work for you and support you in different ways. It will also let me get more business-friendly candidates elected to office and to protect and support the elected officials who are working to make Alabama better. In closing, I will still be around, and I will still be working hard for you every day. I will work more in Montgomery, but District 9 will still be my home. I will stay involved in our community and support the many organizations that make our home special. As you all know, we are lucky to live in this special place. Not only is it one of the most beautiful parts of the country, but what truly makes it special is the people. You are a hard-working, God-fearing, family-loving, and generous people, and you are what has made me want to serve you all these years. Again, and I cannot say it enough: thank you for letting me be your servant leader, and next time you see me out in the district, please say hello. With Gratitude,Clay
Clay Scofield reported to be leaving Alabama Senate
Senate Majority Leader Clay Scofield (R-Guntersville) is expected to resign his position in the Alabama Senate this week – perhaps as early as Monday – sources say. Scofield is expected to leave the State Senate to accept a role with the Business Council of Alabama (BCA). Sources claim that the Alabama Ethics Commission has reportedly approved Scofield’s acceptance of the powerful position most typically associated with the BCA’s lobbying efforts, with the understanding that he will not personally lobby the State Senate until the two-year revolving door period has passed. Scofield, 43, is a poultry farmer with a degree in agricultural economics from Auburn University. The BCA, which represents both small and large businesses, is one of the most influential lobbying forces in Montgomery. Their most recent success, however, comes not from a lobbying win but from the election of their past president, Katie Britt, to the U.S. Senate. After years of supporting failed candidates for the U.S. Senate, Britt’s campaign found its footing running not as the BCA choice but by distancing her from the powerful organization she ran beginning in 2018 and emphasizing her ability to show independence from their moderate agenda. Britt bucked the BCA publically against the COVID Vaccination Mandates. BCA, while often at odds with the pulse and tone of voters, has remained one of the strongest campaign and lobbying powerhouses of the state. Other entities wielding comparable influence include the Alabama Farmers Federation (ALFA), the Alabama Education Association (AEA), and the Alabama Forestry Association. Should Scofield deflect from the legislature to the BCA, leaving an open position in the State Senate, a special election would have to be called by Alabama Governor Kay Ivey. Sources report to Alabama Today that both Rep. Brock Colvin (R-Guntersville) and Rep. Wes Kitchens (R-Boaz) are expected to seek the position. The part-time position in the Alabama Senate pays $53,913 per year. The regular legislative session is a maximum of thirty legislative days. Republicans presently control 28 of the 35 seats in the Alabama Senate. The 27 remaining Republican state Senators will have to select a new Majority Leader. The Majority Leader is second in power in the Senate to only the President Pro Tem. – currently Sen. Greg Reed (R-Jasper). Scofield was elected in the Republican wave election of 2010 – which saw the GOP gain control of both Houses of the Alabama Legislature for the first time in 135 years. Scofield was unopposed in 2018 and 2022. Scofield has denied reports by 1819 News that he intends to leave the Senate to become a lobbyist. However, it is still possible that this is true. To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Gov. Kay Ivey announces new statewide brand for high-speed internet expansion
Governor Kay Ivey on Tuesday announced how more than $400 million in federal funding and over $1.4 billion from the U.S. Department of Commerce Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment Program (BEAD) will be allocated to expand access to high-speed internet across Alabama. At Tuesday’s event in Dothan, Governor Ivey also unveiled Be Linked Alabama as the name and hub representing the state’s continued efforts to expand access to high-speed internet. “Providing broadband connectivity to every Alabamian, whether it be in our largest metros or most rural areas, has been a top priority of the Ivey Administration since day one,” said Gov. Ivey. “As we launch Be Linked Alabama today, we are furthering our commitment to fully connecting our state. Offering the ability to connect to high-speed internet in all 67 counties is a journey, not a short trip, but Alabama is certainly well positioned to finish this race in the near future.” The new brand comes alongside massive investments by the federal government into broadband expansion in Alabama. The American Rescue Plan Act funds were allocated by the Alabama Legislature in 2022 and 2023 special sessions to support expansion of high-speed internet to unserved areas of the state. Gov. Ivey announced the upcoming opening of grant applications for the $182 million from the Capital Projects Fund to support “last-mile” projects that provide the actual connections to homes, businesses, and community anchor institutions. The application period is expected to open on August 14 and close in October. The state’s new Anchor Institution/Middle Mile (AIMM) program will be funded with the second round of American Rescue Plan Act funds allocated earlier this year. More than $200 million will support this effort, which will potentially serve 500 anchor facilities – including institutions such as colleges and universities, rural hospitals, and government facilities that are inadequately served, along with “middle-mile” deployment that will provide the infrastructure to help facilitate last-mile deployment by internet service providers. The application dates for AIMM program will be announced at a workshop on Friday, August 11. Be Linked Alabama represents the state’s united effort to expand access to affordable, reliable high-speed internet to all Alabamians. The statewide initiative is coordinated by the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA) and brings together partners from across the state, including but not limited to Governor Ivey, the Alabama Legislature, internet service providers, research institutions, utility companies, community leaders and the public as Alabama works toward achieving the goal of high-speed internet access for all. The Governor introduced that Be Linked Alabama website, a hub of internet expansion information and news. It includes the Alabama Broadband Map, county profiles and dashboards, and statewide broadband news. Kenneth Boswell is the Director of ADECA. “We have a great team in Alabama that includes public officials such as our governor and members of the Legislature, private sector companies, citizens, local leaders, and communities all joining together with a common goal – to give every Alabamian the ability to be connected,” said Director Boswell. “Our state has already made tremendous progress on our journey to expand high-speed internet availability by providers, but we still have a long way to go. Be Linked Alabama represents the progress that we have made and the continued progress still to come.” “The funding announced today will have a lasting impact on Alabama’s future, and I am proud to have the opportunity to administer the deployment of these funds in a manner that will give our state the maximum benefit,” said Boswell. “Every dollar counts, and we are going to deploy these dollars efficiently to help make Governor Ivey’s goal of giving all Alabamians access to high-speed internet a reality.” Along with the massive influx of federal funds, since 2018, the state of Alabama has invested $88.6 million in state dollars through grant awards supporting 109 projects through the Alabama Broadband Accessibility Fund. Once all the projects awarded to date have been completed, internet service will be available to more than 82,000 Alabama households, businesses, and community institutions that do not have access to high-speed internet. In September 2022, Governor Ivey announced a grant to support broadband “middle-mile” network infrastructure to improve access for last-mile projects. In June, Governor Ivey announced that Alabama would receive an additional $1.4 billion from the federal BEAD Program to boost ongoing efforts to expand access to unserved areas. ADECA will complete and submit Alabama’s required plan for using those funds to the National Telecommunications and Information Administration. Tuesday’s announcement included a demonstration from students trained at the Wallace Community College campus on how to deploy the fiber optic cables needed for high-speed internet delivery. This training was developed through the Alabama Community College System’s Innovation Center. The Innovation Center brings together the state’s community colleges, industries, and community partners to deliver training offered at no cost to participants thanks to funding provided by Ivey and the Alabama Legislature. Ivey has made broadband expansion a priority of her administration. State Senator Clay Scofield (R-Guntersville) and State Representative Randall Shedd (R) have carried her rural broadband package of bills in the Alabama Legislature. To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Redistricting plan goes to a conference committee
On Friday, the Alabama House of Representatives passed a Republican congressional redistricting plan that it hopes will comply with the Voting Rights Act of 1965. The Alabama Senate voted 30 to 0 to non-concur with the House plan. The redistricting plan has been referred to a conference committee to produce a compromise version that is acceptable to both Houses of the Legislature. For redistricting to pass out of the Legislature, the six-member conference committee has to reach a compromise. Then both Houses of the Legislature must vote to concur with the findings of the conference committee. Senate Bill 5 is sponsored by State Senator Steve Livingston (R-Scottsboro). The bill was carried in the House of Representatives by State Representative Chris Pringle (R-Mobile). Both Livingston and Pringle have introduced competing versions of the redistricting bill. The version of the bill that passed in the House is the Pringle version, the community of interest plan. Pringle’s plan would redraw Alabama’s Second Congressional District, currently represented by Congressman Barry Moore (R-AL02), to increase the Black voting age population in CD2 from 30% of the population to over 42%. Senate Democrats have introduced multiple plans that would produce two majority-minority districts. Livingston’s competing plan passed out of the Senate on Wednesday. Pringle says that his plan’s CD2 would meet the Supreme Court’s ruling that the state provides an opportunity for Blacks to pick a candidate of their choice. Democrats disagree. “You are giving me an opportunity to lose,” said Senate Minority Leader Bobby Singleton (D-Greensboro). “There ain’t no opportunity there for Blacks or Democrats in that district,” said Sen. Rodger Smitherman (D-Birmingham). Democrats maintain that it is necessary for there to be two majority-minority congressional districts for Black voters to have an opportunity to choose their own representation. They also maintain that that is what the court intended. Sen. Merika Coleman (D-Birmingham) said, “I contend that for African Americans to choose the candidate of their choice that we have to have a majority of African-Americans.” “It is irresponsible for the legislature to do what it is doing,” Coleman said. “The court ordered two districts that have 50% African Americans.” “The three-judge panel said that a proper remedy could consist of two majority-minority districts or quite close to it,” said Rep. Artis “A.J.” McCampbell (D-Livingston). The House of Representatives passed SB5 76 to 26. The Senate, in their own debate on redistricting, then voted 30 to 0 to concur with the House version of SB5 and go to a conference committee. Senate President Pro Tempore Greg Reed (R-Jasper) appointed Sens. Livingston, Smitherman, and Clay Scofield (R-Guntersville) to the conference committee. Speaker of the House Nathaniel Ledbetter (R-Rainsville) appointed Pringle, Chris England (D-Tuscaloosa), and Chris Sells (R-Greenville) to the conference committee. Both Houses of the Legislature will return on Friday afternoon, presumably to vote on the conference committee report. To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Greg Reed & Clay Scofield: Protecting our conservative values
The 2023 legislative session proved to be another successful and productive one for the Alabama Senate Republicans. We effectively utilized all thirty legislative working days with 340 bills filed in the Senate. We welcomed four newly elected Republican senators at the start of the year and passed key legislation that will continue to make Alabama the best state in the country to live and do business. On behalf of the Alabama Senate Republican Caucus, we are proud to report the following legislative efforts that will continue to protect our conservative values and support the hardworking people of Alabama: REPAYING DEBT TO ALABAMA TRUST FUND: The Alabama Senate approved roughly $59.9 million in a final payment to the Alabama Trust Fund to satisfy money taken from the fund during the previous decade. This payment to the Alabama Trust Fund makes us ‘debt-free’ and fulfills our obligation to the citizens we represent as effective and honest stewards of state funds. SPARKING ECONOMIC GROWTH: The Alabama Legislature passed a four-bill package led by Governor Kay Ivey and coined “The Game Plan” to secure Alabama’s economic future. Governor Kay Ivey’s Game Plan is strategic, innovative, and clearly outlined to help Alabama continue building on our success and providing more, higher-paying jobs to the citizens of our state. The Game Plan extends and enhances economic incentives for recruiting businesses to Alabama, increases funding for site development, supports innovative industries in our state, and ensures transparency surrounding the incentive process. This is a win for jobs, businesses, and every Alabamian. FIGHTING ESG: The Alabama Senate passed SB261, a bill that would prohibit state contracts with businesses that boycott certain sectors of the economy based on environmental, social, and governance. This bill is among the strongest anti-ESG legislation in the nation to protect investors and funds in Alabama and fight against the woke liberal influence across America. PROTECTING SMALL BUSINESSES: Alabama Senate Republicans championed new initiatives to support and protect small businesses in our state. Key legislation included a dram shop bill to protect providers of alcohol if the recipient injures a third party, retail theft legislation to create harsher punishments for people convicted of stealing from retailers and a road builder liability bill to provide relief and protection to that industry. CRACKING DOWN ON DRUG DEALERS: Top of mind for the Alabama Senate Republicans, each session is protecting our families and children. This session, we buckled down on the fentanyl crisis to crack down on drug dealers and establish mandatory minimum prison sentences for convicted fentanyl dealers. Additionally, legislation was passed to prevent gang violence, combat illegal narcotics and activities, and keep violent felons behind bars where they belong. STANDING WITH OUR TROOPS: A key mission of the Alabama Senate Republicans is to provide ample support for our state’s extended defense, aerospace, and intelligence communities. The legislature passed and Governor Ivey signed a series of bills to ensure Alabama remains the nation’s most attractive and friendliest state for active-duty military, their families, and veterans. Specific bills include extending tuition benefits for the National Guard, expanding education benefits to spouses whose partners were killed on active duty, defining “dignified and humane” disposal of unclaimed veteran remains, and allowing out-of-state military personnel to purchase insurance in the state where they are stationed for their Alabama vehicles. CUTTING TAXES: The Senate passed several pieces of legislation to keep money in the pockets of hardworking taxpayers and small businesses. The Grocery Tax Cut reduces the state’s sales tax on grocery items from 4% to 3% on September 1, with the potential to decline to 2% in 2024 based on the state’s revenue growth. Other tax-reducing measures passed by the legislature include a one-time tax rebate, eliminating the payroll tax on overtime pay, and a provision that reduces the administrative burden and costs for small business owners by increasing the sales tax reporting threshold. EXPANDING SCHOOL CHOICE: Creating and expanding educational opportunities for our state’s children has been and will continue to be a top priority for the Alabama Senate Republicans. The expansion of the Alabama Accountability Act through SB263 opens the doors for more students to participate in this already successful tax credit program. Together, we’re supporting the future generations of Alabamians! SUPPORTING AGRICULTURE: Agriculture is one of Alabama’s top-producing industries, accounting for more than 20 percent of jobs in the state. The Alabama Senate Republicans continue to support farmers and agriculture across Alabama through legislative efforts. Two specific accomplishments include cutting “red tape” for farmers in reporting referendums on an asset and establishing the Logging Efficiency Grant Fund to support rural economic development. Greg Reed is the Alabama Senate President Pro Tem and represents District 5. Clay Scofield is the Alabama Senate Majority Leader and represents District 9.
Steve Flowers: Jabo Waggoner – An Alabama political icon
As I stroll down the halls of the Alabama Senate during this current Regular Session of the Alabama Legislature, I will stop and visit in the offices of my favorite legislative buddies. My favorite and first stop is with my longtime friend Jabo Waggoner. Jabo, being the Dean of the legislature, has the first prime corner office. He also chairs the agenda-setting Rules Committee. Therefore, there is a throng of high-priced lobbyists camped outside the door trying to get Jabo to put their bills on the Special Order Calendar. Jabo and I will swap stories of bygone years and reminisce about past experiences. Jabo is a big sports fan and was a great college basketball player. In fact, Jabo was one of the founders and remains on the Board of the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame, which is located in downtown Birmingham. Jabo, Gene Hallman, and Edgar Welden were the pillars and founders of this prestigious Institution. One of Jabo’s and my favorite remembrances is going together to the Olympic Soccer Games held at Legion Field in Birmingham. Recently while visiting Jabo, I thought, “I am with an Alabama political icon.” Jabo Waggoner has been in the Alabama Legislature for 50 years this year. Folks, that is an Alabama record. Jabo Waggoner is the longest-serving legislator in Alabama history. He served 17 years in the Alabama House of Representatives and is in his 33rd year in the Alabama Senate. Jabo was first elected to the Alabama Senate in 1990. The heart of his district has always been the entire city of Vestavia. He also represents parts of Homewood and Hoover. This is a very Republican area, and therefore, Jabo is an arch Republican. Jabo is revered in Jefferson County, but his popularity extends beyond Jefferson and Shelby counties. When Kay Ivey was running for Governor for the first time in 2018, she asked Jabo to be her titular campaign manager. He introduced her as she announced her candidacy. Jabo is adored by his Senate colleagues, especially the younger state senators. They throng to him for tutoring and mentoring. The Senate leaders, Greg Reed of Jasper and Clay Scofield of Arab, seek his guidance on tricky senate maneuverings. Jabo was the Republican Minority Leader of the State Senate from 1999 until the Republicans gained a legislative majority in 2010. He was the first Republican Majority Leader, then relinquished that role to be the Rules Chairman, where he currently serves. Jabo is married to his high school sweetheart Marilyn. They have been married for over 60 years. I have never met a more beautiful or sweeter lady than Marilyn Waggoner. They had four children, three sons, and a daughter. One of their sons, Scott, died at an early age in an automobile accident. Jabo and Marilyn are ardent members of the Homewood Church of Christ. They attend almost every Sunday and sit with Jabo’s best friend, Dr. Swaid and his wife, Christy. Jabo’s and Marilyn’s children attend the same church. Jabo Waggoner has done a lot for Jefferson County for over 50 years. It would take a book to chronicle his legislative accomplishments and good deeds. In the 1970s, Waggoner sponsored legislation that spearheaded the purchase of 45 blocks in downtown Birmingham for UAB’s expansion. UAB purchased this property, which was valued at $8.5 million at that time. There is no telling what that land is worth today – probably well over $200 million to $300 million. Jabo was first elected to the legislature in 1966. It is no coincidence that UAB has grown into one of the premier medical and research institutions in America and the Crown Jewel of Alabama during that same period. Although Jabo is an arch conservative Republican, he has forged a close working relationship with his fellow Democratic Senate leader Roger Smitherman to work across the aisle for the good of Jefferson County. In closing, in all my years of following Alabama politics, I have never seen a more modest or amicable leader than Jabo Waggoner, Jr. I have never seen or heard of anyone who has ever met Jabo that did not like him. Jabo Waggoner is an icon of Alabama political history. 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: Alabama has a host of outstanding political leaders under 45
It may appear to you and most casual observers of Alabama politics that our Alabama elected officials are old. That observation is accurate when you observe our current leaders in the highest offices. The governor’s office has been held by mature folks in recent years. Our current Governor, Kay Ivey, is 78 and has been the object of national media humor for appearing to be a pistol-toting great-grandmother. Dr. Robert Bentley, her predecessor, was in his 70’s, but he may have been sprier than he appeared. Bob Riley was no spring chicken while governor at age 65, although he looked younger. Our iconic senator, Richard Shelby, retired in January at 88 after a record-breaking 36 years in the U.S. Senate. Our new Senior Senator, Tommy Tuberville, is 68. This was not always the case in the Heart of Dixie. In the period from 1930 through 1970, we elected the youngest political leaders in the nation, beginning with our legendary tandem of United States Senators Lister Hill and John Sparkman, who served together close to 30 years. Lister Hill was elected to Congress from Montgomery in 1923 at age 29 and was elected to the U.S. Senate at age 44. John Sparkman was elected to the U.S. Senate in 1946 at 46 after serving as the Congressman for the Tennessee Valley. If you think Hill and Sparkman were young when they went to Washington, you have not seen anything like the governors we elected from 1946 -1966. James E. “Big Jim” Folsom was 38 when he was elected in 1946. John Patterson was 37 when he was elected in 1958. Patterson was referred to as the “Boy Governor.” When George Wallace was elected to his first term in 1962, he was only 43. When his wife Lurleen Wallace was elected in 1966, she was 40. She died in office of cancer less than two years later at 41. Lurleen Wallace was succeeded by Lt. Governor Albert Brewer, who had been Speaker of the Alabama House at 34, Lt. Governor at 38, and was 39 when he became governor. Bill Baxley was the youngest Attorney General in America when he was elected Attorney General of Alabama at 29 years old in 1970. He had been a 25-year-old District Attorney in Houston and Henry Counties. Baxley still practices law in Birmingham at 81. Well, folks, a cursory look at our current top elected officials may appear old. However, we have a generation of young political leaders arriving on the scene in Alabama. We already have superstars on the horizon and already on the scene who are under 45. Our new United States Senator, Katie Britt, is only 40 years old. She has the ability and youthfulness to be one of Alabama’s greatest senators. She has gotten to the Senate at a younger age than Hill, Sparkman, or Shelby. Marshall County has become the hotbed and breeding ground for the next generations of Alabama political leaders. This beautiful pristine lake area of North Alabama lays claim to Lt. Governor Will Ainsworth, age 41, State Senate Majority leader Clay Scofield, age 42, and State Representative Wes Kitchens, who is 35 and is Vice Chairman of the House Republican Caucus. Andrew Sorrell, the newly elected State Auditor, is only 37. He has a bright future. The brightest star in the Democratic ranks is Huntsville State Representative Anthony Daniels. At age 40, Daniels is a superstar. He is in his third term in the House from Huntsville. He is the Minority Leader in the House. This gentleman is also a successful high-tech businessman in Rocket City. There are several other stars under 45 in the Alabama House of Representatives besides Daniels and Kitchens, including Kyle South of Fayette, Matt Simpson of Daphne, Joe Lovvorn of Auburn, Ben Robbins of Sylacauga, Scott Stadthagen of Madison, Corey Harbison of Cullman, and very young newcomers James Lomax of Huntsville and Brock Colvin of Albertville. Joining the affable and accomplished 42-year-old Senate Majority Leader, Clay Scofield in the powerful State Senate in the under 45 superstar group are Senator Chris Elliott, 42, of Baldwin, Senator Andrew Jones, 38, of Cherokee, and newly elected Senator Josh Carnley from Coffee County who is 44. Alabama has a host of under 45 political leaders. See you next week. Steve Flowers is Alabama’s leading political columnist. His weekly column is seen in over 60 Alabama newspapers. Steve served 16 years in the legislature. He may be reached at: www.steveflowers.us.
