Seven State Senate seat races to watch
All 35 State Senate seats are up for grabs in the November 8 general election. Republicans hold a 27 to 8 margin over Democrats in the current makeup of the Alabama Senate. The Alabama Republican Party is running candidates in 29 seats. The GOP is defending all of the 27 seats they currently hold and are running candidates in two districts currently held by Democrats. Alabama Democrats are defending the eight seats they currently hold and are challenging the GOP in six districts currently held by Republicans. Libertarians currently hold no seats in the Alabama Senate but are running twelve candidates in State Senate races. There are a number of contested State Senate races on the November ballot. These are the seven races with the most chance of becoming interesting. Democrat Lisa Ward is challenging Republican incumbent State Sen. Gerald Allen in Senate District 21. Both of these candidates are well known in the Tuscaloosa area. Allen has represented the district for three terms and served in the Alabama House of Representatives before that. Ward is a former city councilwoman who is very active in the community. According to filings with the Alabama Secretary of State’s office, Allen has a $204,872.68 campaign account balance entering September, which includes August contributions of $8,250. Ward, the challenger, meanwhile raised $23,149.76 in August and has a cash balance of $31,968.94 entering September. Neither faced a primary opponent. Democrat Kim Lewis versus Republican incumbent State Sen. Tom Butler in Senate District 2. Butler has represented Madison County in the legislature for parts of five decades, but this is one of the fastest growing areas in the state, and there are thousands of new people that bring different politics with them to the area. Lewis is hoping that an increasingly purple Madison County will result in a win. Butler was pushed hard in the Republican primary by former State Sen. Bill Holtzclaw. Butler raised $44,500 in the month of August and enters September with $38,166.63. Lewis raised $7,830 in August and comes into September with $27,859.70. In Senate District 33, incumbent Democratic Sen. Vivian Figures faces Republican challenger Pete Riehm. This has been a very safe Democratic district consisting of the poorest parts of Mobile as well as Mobile County suburbs like Prichard, but redistricting meant that the new district now goes deep into Baldwin County and picked up the very prosperous and heavily Republican community of Spanish Fort. This district went from very blue to purple thanks to the legislature’s redistricting and efforts to “unpack” Black voters from majority-minority districts. Is it purple enough for a Republican to take it away from the Democrats? That is for the voters to decide on November 8. Sen. Figures raised $31,500 in the month of August to enter September with $110,497.02. Riehm had contributions of $19,577.54 in August and enters September with $60,911.31. Democrat Sherri Lewis versus Republican Jay Hovey in Senate District 27. Hovey, an Auburn City Councilman, just narrowly defeated incumbent Tom Whatley (R-Auburn) in a heavily contested GOP primary. Hovey, who has the challenge of unifying Republicans, raised $85,500 in contributions in August to enter September with a cash balance of $70,074.17. Reese meanwhile raised $1,806.20 in August to bring a total of $2,703.33 into the month of September. Senate District 23 – here, there are three candidates vying for the open seat formerly held by State Sen. Malika Sanders-Fortier, who vacated the seat in an unsuccessful bid for governor. Democrat Robert Lee Stewart narrowly defeated former State Sen. Hank Sanders in a hard-fought Democratic primary runoff in June. Stewart faces both a Republican in Michael Nimmer and a Libertarian in Portia Stephens. Stewart raised $16,987 in August to bring $17,872.84 into September. The Libertarian, Stephens, reported raising $2,060 in August to finish the month with $6,285 in cash on hand. The Republican, Nimmer, has not filed a campaign finance report. Alabama does not have general election runoffs, so when there are multiple candidates, the candidate with the most votes wins even if they got less than half of the votes. There is another three-way contest in Senate District 29. There, incumbent Republican Sen. Donnie Chesteen (R-Dothan) faces both Democrat Nathan “Nate” Mathis and Libertarian Floyd “Pete” McBroom. Matthis reported raising no money in August, but he has $5,719.36 in cash on hand. McBroom has not filed a campaign finance report with the Secretary of State’s office yet. The incumbent, Chesteen, raised $25,500 in August to enter September with $327,660.86. In Senate District 12, Republican Keith Kelley is battling Democrat David McCullars for the open seat currently held by Sen. Del Marsh. Kelley raised $29,658.24 in August and has $65,102.13 in cash on hand. McCullars only raised $265 in the month of August and entered the month of September with $4,377.15 in cash on hand. Kelley had a hard-fought Republican primary. This is a district that has given Marsh a close call in the 2014 general election. In other contested Alabama Senate races · SD3 incumbent Arthur Orr (R-Decatur) faces Libertarian Rick Chandler · SD4 incumbent Garlan Gudger (R-Cullman) faces Libertarian Jacob Marlow · SD6 incumbent Larry Stutts (R-Sheffield) faces Libertarian Kyle Richard-Garrison · SD7 incumbent Sam Givhan (R-Huntsville) faces Democrat Korey Wilson · SD15 incumbent Dan Roberts (R-Mountain Brook) faces Libertarian Michael Crump · SD17 incumbent Shay Shelnutt (R-Trussville) faces Libertarian John Fortenberry · SD24 incumbent Bobby Singleton (D-Greensboro) faces Libertarian Richard Benderson · SD25 incumbent Will Barfoot (R-Montgomery) versus Libertarian Louie Woolbright · SD28 incumbent Billy Beasley (D-Clayton) faces Libertarian David Boatwright · SD35 incumbent David Sessions (R-Grand Bay) faces Libertarian Clifton Hudson Republican incumbents Tim Melson, Greg Reed, Steve Livingston, Clay Scofield, Andrew Jones, Randy Price, April Weaver, Jabo Waggoner, Greg Albritton, Clyde Chambliss, Chris Elliott, and Jack Williams are all running unopposed. Republican newcomers Lance Bell in SD11 and Josh Carnley in SD31 are also unopposed in the general election. Democratic incumbents Rodger Smitherman, Linda Coleman-Madison, and Kirk Hatcher are all also unopposed in the general election. State Rep. Merika Coleman is unopposed in SD19, which is being vacated by the retirement of Priscilla Dunn (D-Bessemer). In 2022 Republican candidates in Alabama have received $44,321,108.97 in contributions. Political Action Committees have received $17,846,761.05. Democratic candidates have received $6,629,199.43, and all other candidates have received just $111,950.87. The general
Steve Flowers: Incumbency reigns supreme in State Senate
Being an incumbent state senator in Alabama is like owning that seat. The level of re-electability odds is probably better than that of an incumbent congressman, which is about the same as being elected to a seat in the Russian Communist Politburo. Being a freshman state senator in Alabama is a more powerful position than being a freshman U.S. congressman, especially if you want to affect public policy. Many times, a 50-year old, successful person who is interested in seeking a representative role will approach me and seek my advice about running for either a state senate seat or an open congressional seat. I will quickly advise them that as a state senator, you are one of 35, and you immediately have an impact on your first year as a state senator. However, if you win a congressional seat, you are one of 435. Because of the seniority system, it will be 15 years before they know your name in Washington and 25 years before you are chairman of a committee, and then it is time to retire. In the 35-member Alabama Senate, there are 27 Republicans and 8 Democrats – a pretty supermajority for the GOP. Twenty-four of the twenty-seven senate Republicans are running for reelection. Republicans Jimmy Holley, Del Marsh, and Jim McClendon are retiring. These seats will be filled by another Republican. Therefore, when the Senate organizes next January, the 27 to 8 supermajority will remain the same. The lines are drawn to protect incumbents on both sides of the aisle. The Constitution provides the power of the pencil for legislators to draw their own legislative districts. Seventeen of the 24 Republican incumbents have no opposition in the Republican Primary. Of the seven Republican senators who drew a Republican opponent, they only got an opponent the last day of qualifying, and their opposition is token at best. All 24 Republican incumbents will be reelected. If my prognostication is correct, that is a 100% re-electability rate. There are only two GOP incumbents that were first thought to have viable opponents. Tom Whatley, at first blush, was rumored to have a race. However, polling and fundraising reveal he will win easily. The only interesting race may be in the Huntsville area, where incumbent Tom Butler is being challenged by Bill Holtzclaw, who previously served in that senate seat. The rule of incumbency also prevails on the Democratic side of the aisle. There is only one Democratic seat open. Priscilla Dunn holds the post in name only. She has never attended a senate day in Montgomery for this entire quadrennium. The Senate has, in essence, been operating with 34 senators. In actuality, the Democrats have only seven senate seats. There are 150,000 residents of Jefferson County who have had no voice or vote in the Alabama Senate for four years. There are two Democratic House members vying to fill this seat, Merrika Coleman and Louise Alexander. Ms. Coleman is favored to win this open Senate seat. The cadre of leadership on the Democratic side will return, including powers Bobby Singleton, Rodger Smitherman, and Vivian Figures. Hank Sanders will return to represent Selma and the Black Belt after a four-year sabbatical. His daughter was in the seat this last quadrennium. The entire leadership of the Republican-led Senate will return unopposed, including Greg Reed, Jabo Waggoner, Clay Scofield, Arthur Orr, Greg Albritton, Steve Livingston, Gerald Allen, and especially Clyde Chambliss. They will be joined by a superstar freshman class, who will become even more powerful. This class of leaders includes Will Barfoot, Garlan Gudger, April Weaver, Sam Givhan, Donnie Chesteen, and a trio contingency of Baldwin/Mobile senators Chris Elliott, Jack Williams, and David Sessions. Another member of this sterling class, Dan Roberts of Jefferson, has an opponent but will be reelected. The three open Republican seats and one Democratic open seat will give us some interesting senate races to follow. One of, if not the most important ingredients which creates the power of incumbency is the almighty campaign dollar. Money is the mother’s milk of politics. Most of this campaign money comes from Special Interest Political Action Committees. Ninety percent of those special interest dollars go to incumbents. Thus, over 90% of Alabama state senators are reelected. 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: Outstanding class of freshman state senators
Outstanding Class of Freshman State Senators The 2021 Regular Legislative Session begins next week. Over the years, I have observed some outstanding classes of freshman legislators. Some stand out more than others, and occasionally you have a very stellar class. My observation is that this freshman class of state senators is a class to remember and watch. There are two Democrats and 10 Republicans in the freshman class of state senators, who were elected and sworn into office in November of 2018. The ten-member class of Republican state senators is a sterling group and includes Sam Givhan of Huntsville, Will Barfoot of Pike Road/Montgomery, Dan Roberts of Mountain Brook/Jefferson/Shelby, Andrew Jones of Cherokee/Etowah, Garlan Gudger of Cullman, Chris Elliott of Baldwin, David Sessions and Jack Williams both of Mobile, and Randy Price of Opelika, along with veteran state senator Tom Butler who has returned as a freshman after a decade hiatus from politics. This group may stay together in the Alabama State Senate for years to come. They are wise enough to realize that being one of 35 members of the state senate is more powerful and has more effect over public policy than aspiring to Congress or a secondary statewide office – especially if you are one of the 10 Republican senators mentioned above. You are one of 25 who literally can control the mechanizations and budget of the Alabama government. The only post more powerful is governor. One of the leaders of this 10-member Republican freshman state senate class is Sam Givhan. He is witty and has dubbed the class in football recruiting terminology. According to Givan, there are seven true freshmen, Barfoot, Roberts, Gudger, Jones, Elliott, Price, and he. Two junior college transfers, Jack Williams and David Sessions, who moved from the House to the Senate, and one Red Shirt, Tom Butler. Senator Givhan is a lawyer by profession and served as chairman of the Madison County Republican Party prior to being elected to the senate. He could be considered a state senate legacy. His grandfather, the late Walter Givhan, Sr., was a legendary state senator from the Black Belt in the 1950s and 1960s. Senator Will Barfoot won his seat convincingly in 2018. He worked his Montgomery/Elmore/Crenshaw district the old-fashioned way with diligent one-on-one politicking. It paid off. He carried every box in his state senate district. He can stay in that district until the cows come home. He was actually born and raised in Pike Road before it ever dreamed of being the fastest growing town in Alabama. Will is a lawyer by profession and a dedicated family man. He and his wife, Kathy, have five children. Senator Dan Roberts of Mountain Brook is personable and honest. He has had a successful career in business and is serving in the state senate for the right reasons. Senator Andrew Jones is one of the youngest members of this class. He has tremendous potential and is doing an excellent job. Similar to Barfoot, Andrew really worked his district and knows his constituents well. Garlan Gudger is also young. He represents Cullman and a large part of northwest Alabama. He knows his folks in Cullman well. He has the potential to be a powerful senator. Cullman has produced some influential senators over the years, especially the St. John family. Senator Chris Elliott may have the most promise and ability of this group. The Baldwin County area he represents is very different from the one he grew up in. He knows the needs and problems inherent in representing the fastest growing county in the state. He was a very effective County Commissioner in Baldwin County prior to ascending to the senate. Senator David Sessions of Grand Bay in Mobile County was one of the most popular members of the House before moving to the Senate. He and his brother operate a successful farming business. He knows his area of Mobile County and represents it well. Senator Jack Williams of Mobile is quietly effective. He is unassuming and maybe the most successful businesswise of this illustrious group of freshmen. Senator Randy Price of Opelika/Lee County represents a sprawling East Alabama district. He is a former Lee County Commissioner. His wife, Oline, is the Revenue Commissioner of Lee County. Senator Tom Butler from Huntsville is the red shirt member of this class. Tom served for decades in the legislature during the 1980s and 1990s. We served together in the legislature during that era. I have never served with a more diligent and respected member. Tom is a pharmacist by profession and has not aged much over the years. He looks the same as when we were freshmen together in 1982. This group of senators is not only outstanding, they are also affable and congenial. 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.
Randy Davis indicted on bribery, conspiracy charges
Outgoing Daphne-Republican State Rep. Randy Davis was indicted by a feral grand jury on Wednesday on charges of bribery and conspiracy. According to federal court documents, Davis has been accused of pressuring Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama to “cover infusion treatments at Trina Health clinics even though the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services said there was no evidence the outpatient insulin therapy treatment improved outcomes,” the Associated Press reported. Allegedly, Davis worked with former Alabama House Majority Leader and Decatur-Republican Micky Hammon to recruit investors to the Trina Health clinics, after which he would receive a finders’ fee. He has also been accused of working with Hammon to push a bill through the Alabama State Legislature’s 2016 session aimed at forcing insurance coverage of the treatments at the clinics. “After Trina Health encountered difficulties with the health insurance companies, Davis attempted to lobby the insurance company to change its position,” reads a Department of Justice press release. “When that failed, Davis took steps to advance the bill. For example, Davis helped to recruit a sponsor, arranged for the public hearing to be video recorded, and then spoke in favor of the bill at a public hearing.” Vestavia Hills-Republican, longtime State Rep. Jack Williams, former Alabama Republican Party Chairman Martin Connors, along with a California-based health care executive G. Ford Gilbert were arrested in April for the alleged plan. “Based on these events, the superseding indictment charges Davis, Gilbert, and Connors with conspiracy to commit bribery related to federal programs. Additionally, the superseding indictment alleges that Gilbert committed various acts of bribery related to federal programs. Gilbert and Davis are also charged with interstate travel and communications in aid of racketeering. The last count in the superseding indictment charges Connors with making a false statement to a federal agent,” the press release continues. The defendants face a maximum of 10 years imprisonment. Hammon was sentenced to three months in prison in February on charges relating to mail fraud while Williams, Connors and Gilbert await their trial on September 4.
Conspiracy case: State Rep. Jack Williams, ex-GOP chair Marty Connors plead ‘not guilty’
Both Vestavia Hills-Republican, longtime State Rep. Jack Williams and former Alabama GOP chairman Marty Connors pleaded not guilty in federal court on Wednesday in Montgomery, Ala. The two, along with a California-based health care executive G. Ford Gilbert were arrested on federal bribery and conspiracy charges earlier this month. According to the Department of Justice, Gilbert is the owner of a California company that operates diabetes treatment centers throughout the world—Trina Health, LLC (Trina Health). In 2014 and 2015, Trina Health opened three clinics in Alabama. Soon thereafter, the state’s largest health insurer, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama (a.k.a. Blue Cross), informed Trina Health that it would not cover the treatments provided by them. Gilbert then schemed to force Blue Cross to change its position. He came up with a plan to push a bill through the Alabama Legislature’s 2016 session that would require Blue Cross to cover the treatments. Gilbert then made payments to State of Alabama House Majority Leader Micky Hammonin exchange for his efforts on behalf of the bill. Gilbert also hired Defendant Connors to act as a lobbyist on behalf of the bill. Connors knew of Gilbert’s payments to Majority Leader Hammon. Hammon and Connors then recruited Defendant Williams, the chairman of the Commerce and Small Business Committee of the Alabama House of Representatives, to hold a public hearing on the bill. Williams also knew of the payments to Hammon and acted in part to help Hammon, who, as everyone in the scheme knew, was experiencing grave financial problems. The indictment does not include charges against Hammon since he has already been convicted in federal court of other offenses related to mail fraud and misusing campaign funds. Following the arraignment, Connors released a statement claiming his innocence. “I am innocent of the charges that have been made against me. I have worked hard to conduct myself in the most honorable way possible, in a way that my family, friends and colleagues can be proud of,” Connors said in the statement. “I built not only a life here, but a reputation. The charges against me are totally unfounded, and will be vigorously defended.” A trial has been set for Sept. 4.
State Rep. Jack Williams, ex-GOP chair Marty Connors to appear in federal court
Vestavia Hills-Republican, longtime State Rep. Jack Williams along with former Alabama GOP chairman Marty Connors are scheduled to be arraigned in federal court in Montgomery, Ala. Wednesday afternoon on conspiracy charges, according to the Associated Press. The two were arrested earlier this month on federal bribery charges. They “were arrested on charges stemming from their involvement in a public corruption scheme,” said United States Attorney Louis V. Franklin, Sr. in a press release at the time of the arrest. Williams has since denied any wrongdoing. “I have done nothing wrong, and once the facts are presented, I expect to be found innocent by a jury of all the allegations outlined in Monday’s indictment,” he said in the statement. If convicted, the men face up to 20 years in prison.
State Rep. Jack Williams denies wrongdoing amid federal bribery charges
Longtime lawmaker, Vestavia Hills-Republican State Rep. Jack Williams, who was arrested Monday on federal bribery charges, released a statement Tuesday afternoon denying any wrongdoing and claiming his innocence. “I have done nothing wrong, and once the facts are presented, I expect to be found innocent by a jury of all the allegations outlined in Monday’s indictment,” Williams said in the statement. Williams was arrested Monday along with former Alabama Republican Party Chairman Martin “Marty” Connors, along with a California-based health care executive G. Ford Gilbert. If convicted, the men face up to 20 years in prison. Huntsville, Ala. attorney Jake Watson announced he is representing Williams in the trial. Watson also released a statement saying Williams will continue his campaign for the Jefferson County Commission, District 5, despite the charges against him. “Mr. Williams absolutely denies any wrong doing of any sort and has full faith in the judicial process and looks forward to presenting his side of the story in the courtroom, rather than the media,” Watson said. “The courtroom is the proper place to present evidence and testimony supporting his innocence.” Read Williams’ full statement below: I have done nothing wrong, and once the facts are presented, I expect to be found innocent by a jury of all the allegations outlined in Monday’s indictment. I trust our judicial system and our electoral system; they have both protected individual rights for hundreds of years. I have served honorably in the legislature for over a decade and will continue to do so until my term expires. I also will push forth with my campaign for Jefferson County Commission. This statement is all I will say about the topic until I have my constitutionally-guaranteed day in court. Read William’s attorney’s statement in full: I am representing Jack D. Williams against allegations made in the federal indictment from the Middle District of Alabama. Mr. Williams absolutely denies any wrong doing of any sort and has full faith in the judicial process and looks forward to presenting his side of the story in the court, rather than the media. The courtroom is the proper place to present evidence and testimony supporting his evidence. Mr. Williams will continue to represent his district in the State House and will continue to campaign for Jefferson County Commission, District 5.
Alabama legislator Jack Williams, ex-GOP chair Marty Connors arrested on federal bribery charges
Vestavia Hills-Republican, longtime State Rep. Jack Williams, former Alabama Republican Party Chairman Martin “Marty” Connors, along with a California-based health care executive G. Ford Gilbert were arrested Monday on federal bribery charges. “Three individuals — two of whom reside in Alabama and one who resides in California — were arrested on charges stemming from their involvement in a public corruption scheme,” said United States Attorney Louis V. Franklin, Sr. in a press release. According to the indictment, Defendant Gilbert is the owner of a California company that operates diabetes treatment centers throughout the world—Trina Health, LLC (Trina Health). In 2014 and 2015, Trina Health opened three clinics in Alabama. Soon thereafter, the state’s largest health insurer, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama (a.k.a. Blue Cross), informed Trina Health that it would not cover the treatments provided by them. Gilbert then schemed to force Blue Cross to change its position. He came up with a plan to push a bill through the Alabama Legislature’s 2016 session that would require Blue Cross to cover the treatments. Gilbert then made payments to State of Alabama House Majority Leader Micky Hammon in exchange for his efforts on behalf of the bill. Gilbert also hired Defendant Connors to act as a lobbyist on behalf of the bill. Connors knew of Gilbert’s payments to Majority Leader Hammon. Hammon and Connors then recruited Defendant Williams, the chairman of the Commerce and Small Business Committee of the Alabama House of Representatives, to hold a public hearing on the bill. Williams also knew of the payments to Hammon and acted in part to help Hammon, who, as everyone in the scheme knew, was experiencing grave financial problems. “Based on these events, the indictment charges all three defendants with conspiracy to commit bribery related to federal programs, conspiracy to commit honest services wire fraud, and honest services wire fraud,” wrote Franklin. “Additionally, the indictment alleges that Gilbert and Connors committed the substantive offense of bribery related to federal programs. Gilbert alone is charged with wire fraud, health care fraud, and interstate travel in aid of racketeering.” The indictment does not include charges against Hammon since he has already been convicted in federal court of other offenses related to mail fraud and misusing campaign funds. If convicted, the men face up to 20 years in prison. Gov. Kay Ivey weighed in on the indictment Monday afternoon following a speech in Huntsville, Ala. “There’s just no place for corruption in our great state. And so the Justice Department, the FBI, they’ve just got to go ahead and ferret out what needs to be explored because we cannot tolerate corruption,” Ivey told AL.com. “I just pointed out (during her speech in Huntsville) that the people of Alabama, the morale was very low because they had been misled by their leader and lost faith in the government. So I’ve tried my best to restore faith and trust in the government and operate an open, transparent administration.” The United States Postal Inspection Service investigated the case with the assistance of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorneys Jonathan S. Ross and Joshua Wendell are prosecuting the case. This is a developing story and will continue to be added to.
Legislative committee delays prison medical, mental health care contract
A legislative committee Thursday morning delayed a contract for prison medical and mental health services for the Alabama Department of Corrections (ADOC) after new objections were raised this week that the vendor is involved in a bribery case in neighboring Mississippi. The Legislative Contract Review Committee delayed the proposed $360 million contract with Wexford Health Sources, who has been named in a suit brought forth by the Mississippi Attorney General Jim Hood to recoup funds and damages related to bribery charges that sent the former Mississippi Corrections Commissioner, Chris Epps, to jail for 20 years. “There are just some questions floating around out there,” Vestavia Hills-Republican state Rep. Jack Williams, chairman of the Joint Legislative Contract Review Permanent Joint Legislative Oversight Committee, told the AP. “I held it up in order to give the governor’s office time to evaluate these others concerns that have been raised primarily from the state of Mississippi.” The contract review committee is unable to permanently stop the contract, but they are able to delay it for 45 days, at which time they’re able to send it to Gov. Kay Ivey for further consideration.
Public transportation bill moves through state legislature
Alabama is one of only five states with no state funding for public transportation. A bipartisan pair of state legislators is hoping to soon change that. Birmingham-Democrat state Sen. Rodger Smitherman and Vestavia-Republican state Rep. Jack Williams have each sponsored legislation, SB85 and HB10 accordingly, that would create the Alabama Public Transportation Trust Fund to fund activities that increase public transportation options across the state. According to the proposed legislation, the fund would be maintained and administered by the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA). ADECA would make its decisions based off of recommendations made by a 13-member advisory committee. Alabama Arise — a statewide nonprofit, nonpartisan coalition of congregations, organizations and individuals promoting public policies to improve the lives of low-income Alabamians — is one of the voices who has come out support of the legislation. The organization held a press conference at the State House on Tuesday, as part of their 2018 Legislative Day, advocating on the legislation’s behalf. “Alabama Arise has been working on this since the 1990s, when people were transitioning from welfare to work. That transportation aspect has been the hardest part,” said Kimble Forester, executive director of Alabama Arise. “This is one area where we have gone backwards. Public transportation is in the future.” The trust fund would be supported by state funds and would also allow the state to apply for federal public transportation grants. “The state loses out on millions of dollars of transportation dollars every day. We are supporting legislation this year by Senator Rodger Smitherman and Rep. Jack Williams,” added Alice Paris, chair of Alabama Arise’s legislative committee. The Senate voted 26-0 for Smitherman’s bill in late January. Meanwhile, Williams’ bill won overwhelming House committee approval earlier in the month and is now awaiting a full House vote.
Lawmakers to vote on bill to decriminalize midwifery, allow more home births
Having a home birth in Alabama may soon be a lot easier if lawmakers give the green-light to a bill in the state House next week. HB315, which was introduced by Moulton-Republican state Rep. Ken Johnson in February, would decriminalize Certified Professional midwives and has been scheduled on Tuesday’s special order agenda. Currently, state law says it’s a misdemeanor offense to practice midwifery without a license issued by the state Board of Nursing and the Board of Medical Examiners. Meanwhile, midwifery is legal and regulated in 31 states, including neighboring states Florida and Tennessee. For women hoping to have a natural, home birth or for those without easy access to hospital with obstetric care, this reverse is policy welcome news. “To see is to believe! Yes! It’s true! For the first time EVER a midwifery bill will get a vote on the floor of the House!” wrote the Alabama Birth Coalition on their Facebook page. “Don’t delay, call your representative today! Call every state representative you can before Tuesday and ask for their commitment to vote YES on HB315!” Opponents of the bill, claim passing it and having births outside of the hospital is a safety issue. But Kaycee Cavender, President of the Alabama Birth Coalition says supporting families during pregnancy and childbirth, disagrees. She says legalizing midwifery makes home births safer for both the mother and child. “It’s important the bill passes because Alabama families are giving birth outside the hospital already. Whether it’s by personal choice or by accident,” Cavender told Alabama Today. “It’s our duty to make sure these families have safe access to the care they need to make these births safe.” According to the Alabama Birth Coalition, only 29 out of the 67 counties have a hospital with obstetric care. Of those 29 counties, only 17 are rural. “It’s not society’s place to decide what’s right for each family. In order to make home births as safe as possible, we must legalize certified professional midwives — they’re specialists and experts in out of hospital delivery and care,” Cavender added. While Haley Pilgrim, a doula and mother of five from Leeds, has not had a home birth herself she believes having the option to have a safe home birth is all about personal freedom. “I have not had a homebirth, though I have long desired one, due to the laws in our state criminalizing midwives,” Pilgrim told Alabama Today. “I have precipitous labors and would never be able to make it across state lines to give birth like many other women do to have the birth they desire. My husband was deployed to Afghanistan at the time so I had to wait on childcare and transportation to arrive. The irony was not lost on me that my husband was serving and fighting for our freedoms while I was back at home without the freedom to choose who could attend my birth. I am not against hospital deliveries for those that choose that.” “Obviously this is about having a choice. All Alabama mothers deserve one, and I can guarantee you that we do not take it lightly! For low risk pregnancies like mine that don’t want or require intervention, it is more of a hassle to have to make that very painful and sometimes long ride to a hospital.” While Pilgrim doesn’t plan on having any more children herself, HB315 is still personal — she wants to see the Legislature approve it not only women across the state, but also her own daughters. “I don’t plan on having any more children, but I want this bill to pass for future Alabama mothers- for my doula clients and my two young daughters who may one day give birth here,” Pilgrim added. At least one state lawmaker is already listening to voices like Cavender and Pilgrim’s and has taken to social media ahead of Tuesday’s vote to voice his support. Vestavia Hills-Republican state Rep Jack Williams said he’ll be voting yes on Tuesday Friday afternoon. #HB315 common sense decriminalization of midwifery is on the special order calendar Tuesday in the Alabama House . I’m voting yes. — Jack Williams (@repjack) April 21, 2017
Alabama State Rep. Jack Williams announces he will not seek re-election
Vestavia Hills-Republican, State Rep Jack Williams announced he will not not seek re-election at the end of his term Monday morning. Williams, 59, has been a member of the Alabama House of Representatives since 2004, representing House District 47, which is composed of much of the City of Vestavia Hills and the City of Hoover. “I’ve been in Montgomery for the last 12 years and have two more years to go at the end of my term and there are some other things that I have an interest in doing that doesn’t include anything in Montgomery,” Williams told Alabama Today. “I will refocus my attention then.” The former Chairman of the Greater Birmingham Young Republicans, Williams has also served as President of the National Republican County Officials. He currently serves as the Chairman on the Alabama House Commerce and Small Business Committee. Williams made the formal announcement of his decision Monday morning in the foyer of his church in Vestavia Hills — an apt location following all of the prayers that went into his decision. “I’m grateful for the voters in District 47 and for the confidence they’ve shown in me the last three to four elections,” he told Alabama Today after the announcement. “I wanted to make announcement now, in time to give folks a chance to consider running. There are a lot of folks capable in the District.” Williams said he had privately made the decision years ago, but wanted to be sure of his choice before he formally announced it. “I probably decided a couple of years ago I wasn’t going to run again for the legislature, but didn’t want to make a decision in the heat of an election season,” Williams explained. ” But as the months have gone by, I’ve prayed about and thought about it and I’m even more confident this is the right thing for both myself and the District.”
