GOP committee leaders named in Alabama Statehouse
Ahead of the upcoming legislative session, Monrovia-Republican and Alabama Speaker of the House Mac McCutcheon on Monday announced the lawmakers who will serve as chairs and vice-chairs of the body’s 25 standing committees during the 2018-2022 quadrennium. “Each of these members possess specific talents, experiences, knowledge, and leadership skills, and we worked hard to match those factors with the committees they fit best,” McCutcheon said. “The men and women we name today have my full faith and confidence, and I know they will use their chairman positions to help make our already great state even better.” The members who will lead the House standing committees are: Rules: Chairman Mike Jones (R – Andalusia) and Vice Chair Paul Lee (R – Dothan) Consent Calendar Subcommittee: Chairwoman Pebblin Warren (D – Tuskegee) Ways and Means Education: Chairman Bill Poole (R – Tuscaloosa) and Vice Chair Danny Garrett (R – Trussville) Ways and Means General Fund: Chairman Steve Clouse (R – Ozark) and Vice Chair Kyle South (R – Fayette) Agriculture and Forestry: Chairman Danny Crawford (R – Athens) and Vice Chair Steve Hurst (R – Munford) Boards, Agencies, and Commissions: Chairman Howard Sanderford (R – Huntsville) and Vice Chair Mike Holmes (R – Wetumpka) Children and Senior Advocacy: Chairman K.L. Brown (R – Jacksonville) and Vice Chair Randall Shedd (R – Cullman) Commerce and Small Business: Chairman Jim Carns (R – Vestavia) and Vice Chair Dimitri Polizos (R – Montgomery) Constitution, Campaigns, and Elections: Chairman Matt Fridy (R – Montevallo) and Vice Chair Bob Fincher (R – Woodland) County and Municipal Government: Chairman Reed Ingram (R – Montgomery) and Vice Chair Margie Wilcox (R – Mobile) Economic Development and Tourism: Chairwoman Becky Nordgren (R – Gadsden) and Vice Chair Ron Johnson (R – Sylacauga) Education Policy: Chairwoman Terri Collins (R – Decatur) and Vice Chair Danny Garrett (R – Trussville) Ethics and Campaign Finance: Chairman Mike Ball (R – Madison) and Vice Chair Rich Wingo (R – Tuscaloosa) Financial Services: Chairman Chris Blackshear (R – Phenix City) and Vice Chair Jimmy Martin (R – Clanton) Fiscal Responsibility: Chairman Chris Sells (R – Greenville) and Vice Chair Mike Holmes (R – Wetumpka) Health: Chairwoman April Weaver (R – Brierfield) and Vice Chair Ron Johnson (R – Sylacauga) Insurance: Chairman Kerry Rich (R – Albertville) and Vice Chair Corley Ellis (R – Columbiana) Internal Affairs: Chairman Randy Wood (R – Anniston) and Vice Chair Nathaniel Ledbetter (R – Rainsville) Judiciary: Chairman Jim Hill (R – Odenville) and Vice Chair Tim Wadsworth (R – Arley) Local Legislation: Chairman Alan Baker (R – Brewton) and Vice Chair Ritchie Whorton (R – Valley) Military and Veterans Affairs: Chairman Dickie Drake (R – Leeds) and Vice Chair Connie Rowe (R – Jasper) Public Safety and Homeland Security: Chairman Allen Treadaway (R – Morris) and Vice Chair Allen Farley (R – McCalla) State Government: Chairman Chris Pringle (R – Mobile) and Vice Chair Chris Sells (R – Greenville) Technology and Research: Chairman Joe Lovvorn (R – Auburn) and Vice Chair Corey Harbison (R – Good Hope) Transportation, Utilities, and Infrastructure: Chairman Lynn Greer (R – Rogersville) and Vice Chair Joe Faust (R – Fairhope) Urban and Rural Development: Chairman Randall Shedd (R – Cullman) and Vice Chair David Standridge (R – Hayden) Full committee rosters will be announced during the 2019 organizational session, which is scheduled to convene on January 8.
State House Speaker Mac McCutcheon hospitalized with heart issue
Monrovia-Republican, Alabama Speaker of the House Mac McCutcheon was hospitalized after suffering mild chest pains and shortness of breath on his way home from legislative orientation in Montgomery Thursday night. McCutcheon announced his hospitalization on Friday, saying he expects to be released following treatment over the weekend. “Deb and I appreciate the prayers of healing that so many have made on my behalf, and I am well on the road to recovery,” McCutcheon said. “Tests indicated that I had a blocked blood vessel in my heart, which resulted in the fatigue and shortness of breath that I felt, and the issue will be treated with simple medication.” McCutcheon said he first assumed he was suffering from a case of bronchitis, but an EKG indicated a heart issue, which blood tests later confirmed. His physician recommended a heart catheterization, and those results showed a blood vessel had closed but did not require a stent and could be treated with medication. During his recovery, the speaker said he will continue working on House committee assignments and other legislative issues in preparation for the upcoming organizational and regular sessions of the Alabama Legislature. During the 2014 legislative session, McCutcheon underwent heart bypass surgery and returned to work before the session’s end.
GOP unanimously nominates Mac McCutcheon for another term as Alabama House Speaker
The 77 members of the Alabama House Republican Caucus on Tuesday unanimously nominated Monrovia-Republican, State Rep. Mac McCutcheon to serve as Speaker of the House when lawmakers convene for the Legislature’s organizational session in January. Since Republicans hold a supermajority in the Alabama House, 77 of 105 seats, McCutcheon’s nomination all but ensures he will be elected by the full body for another term as House Speaker when the official vote is taken in January. “Serving as Speaker of the Alabama House has been the greatest professional honor of my life, and I’m humbled that my fellow Republicans have chosen me to continue serving in that role,” McCutcheon said. “If elected during the organizational session in January, I will continue presiding in a manner that gives all members of both parties a voice in the legislative process. Our state faces many challenges, and finding needed solutions will require all of us to work together.” McCutcheon was first elected as House Speaker during an August 2016 special session. He succeeded former House speaker Mike Hubbard, who was automatically removed from office after he was convicted on multiple counts of using his office for personal gain. He was later sentenced to four years in prison. Speaker Pro Tem House Republicans also nominated Mobile-Republican, State Rep. Victor Gaston to serve as Speaker Pro Tem for another term. “My thanks go out to both the new and returning members of the House Republican Caucus for re-nominating me as the body’s second-in-command,” Gaston said. “I am excited for the opportunities that Alabama’s future holds and will continue working to make our state an even better place for all of its citizens.”
Personnel note: House Speaker Mac McCutcheon hires Mark Tuggle as Chief of Staff
Monrovia-Republican, Alabama Speaker of the House Mac McCutcheon on Wednesday announced former State Rep. Mark Tuggle of Alexander City will serve as his office’s chief of staff effective immediately. “As a member of the Alabama House, Mark set himself apart as a leader and proved a valuable source of wise counsel, so I’m pleased to continue utilizing his talents as my chief of staff,” McCutcheon said in a statement. “Alabama faces many challenges that the Legislature must resolve, and Mark will play a large role in developing and passing needed solutions to those important issues.” Tuggle said he appreciated the confidence that McCutcheon placed in his abilities and looks forward to continue working with the members of the Alabama House. “When I decided against seeking another term in the House, I assumed my work in state government had ended, but Speaker McCutcheon convinced me to continue serving the citizens of Alabama in this new role,” Tuggle added. “As a former member, I’ll be able to advise the new House members with the perspective of someone who has once held the same responsibilities, and I will work with the returning members as someone they already know and trust.” Out of an overabundance of caution, McCutcheon secured approval from the Alabama Ethics Commission regarding Tuggle’s appointment to his new post. Tuggle replaces McCutcheon’s outgoing chief of staff Jimmy Entrekin, who became general counsel for the Legislative Services Agency earlier this year. About Tuggle Tuggle, who was twice elected to the House District 81 seat, served as chairman of the House State Government Committee and also held a seat on the House Internal Affairs Committee. For the past eight years, he served on the prestigious House Ways and Means Education Committee, which allocates more than $6 billion in education funding to Alabama’s K-12 public schools, community colleges, and public colleges and universities. A professional forester for more than two decades, Tuggle retired from the Alabama Power Company prior to his House service and later worked as a freelance consultant on forestry and timber matters. He and his wife, Michelle, have one daughter, Dee.
2019 could be the year Alabama lawmakers approve a state lottery
Despite being surrounded by lottery-playing states, Alabama continues to be one of only five states holding out on implementing a state lottery. But all of that could change in the 2019 legislative session. News broke this weekend that Alabama House Speaker Mac McCutcheon said a lottery will be on the 2019 legislative agenda. “I can say for sure that you’ll see a lottery bill in the first session coming up,” McCutcheon told WHNT News 19. “Now, I can’t determine what the vote’s going to be because I’ve got to see the bill.” But Monday, McCutcheon clarified those comments, saying they were out of context. “A reporter from station WHNT in Huntsville asked me last week to comment about the efforts that surrounding states are undertaking to implement lotteries, sports betting, and other forms of gambling,” explained McCutcheon. “I said the Legislature will likely see a lottery bill introduced in the first session of the quadrennium, but that response was based on a general feeling and no concrete knowledge on my part.” He continued, “As far as I am aware, no lottery bills have been drafted, pre-filed, or even discussed in any detail among members. And any effort to come forward with a lottery bill in the House would not be led by the leadership, which obviously includes me.” “I do feel that if any lottery bill were to have a chance of success, it should be defined as a traditional paper ticket lottery rather than an electronic lottery that could open the door to slot machines and other gambling devices,” he added. Gubernatorial support for a lottery If lawmakers were to pursue a lottery, neither gubernatorial candidate would likely stand in the way. Both Republican Kay Ivey and Democrat Walt Maddox seem to agree on a lottery for the state. “If the people want to vote that’s fine,” Ivey told WKRG back in August. “We have a robust economy, our budgets are strong we are able to do what we need to do so Alabama is at work and we’re working hard and is working.” Maddox, who unveiled his education lottery plan in February, continues to advocate for a lottery as a solution to the state’s ongoing budgetary woes. “The lottery has been a part of our platform since the very beginning and we certainly believe that 300 million dollars a year should be invested in college scholarships, Pre-K programs and to our schools so we can lift everyone up in the state of Alabama,” Maddox also told WKRG.
Mac McCutcheon weighs-in: Kay Ivey ‘doesn’t really need to debate’ Walt Maddox
There’s been much discussion this year about Republican Gov. Kay Ivey avoiding her Democratic opponent Walt Maddox on the debate stage. Now Alabama House Speaker Mac McCutcheon is offering his opinion on the entire situation, saying Ivey “doesn’t really need to debate” Maddox for the November 6 election. “When it comes to debates, in a campaign, every campaign is different,” McCutcheon told WHNT. “The candidates of those campaigns, they need to look at the polling, they need to look at the issues, they need to look at the opportunity they have.” For months, Ivey has side-stepped Maddox, just as she did with her Republican primary challengers. Earlier this month Ivey went on record saying she has no plans to debate her Democratic challenger as she seeks a full term in office. “Alabamians know my record” and “know what I stand for,” Ivey said. “There are only two people that ever bring up the subject. Y’all in the media and my opponent,” Ivey said in response to a question about debating from a reporter in July. McCutcheon agrees with Ivey, and thinks if Alabamians do have questions they can easily find the answers online. “If they’re listening to social media, if they’re looking at her job performance, if they’re looking at the issues and really digging deep into the issues, I think the answers are there for the public,” McCutcheon added.
Alabama Ethics Commission says legislator can work for House Speaker
The Alabama Ethics Commission says a retiring member of the House of Representatives can work as House Speaker Mac McCutcheon’s chief of staff without violating the “revolving door” provision of state ethics law. Commissioners issued the advisory opinion Wednesday for Republican Rep. Mark Tuggle of Alexander City. The opinion said Tuggle can do administrative duties but cannot lobby his former colleagues on behalf of outside groups. In a separate matter, the commission will not reconsider an advisory opinion that said a candidate can use campaign funds for child care expenses. Alabama Secretary of State John Merrill’s office asked for the reconsideration, concerned that the wording would open the door to candidates trying to claim all sorts of expenses as campaign related. Commissioners said the opinion was for a specific case. Republished with the permission of the Associated Press.
Voters show confidence in opposed GOP incumbents by renominating all 15 candidates
All 15 incumbents up for re-nomination to the State House who faced opposition on the primary ballot won their races in Alabama Tuesday. Monrovia-Republican, Speaker of the House Mac McCutcheon and Rainsville-Republican, House Majority Leader Nathaniel Ledbetter consider it a vote of approval, and attribute the victories to the hard work House Republicans put in since gaining control of the state Legislature in 2010. “Since gaining control of the Legislature in 2010, House Republicans have worked hard to bring unprecedented accountability to Alabama’s budgeting process, create an economy that provides our citizens with new jobs and opportunities, and implement commonsense conservative reforms that streamline state government and force it to operate efficiently,” the two said in a statement. “At the same time, we have sought to preserve the religious freedoms and gun rights guaranteed to us by the Constitution, worked to protect unborn life, and fought to shield Alabama’s historic monuments from the out-of-control censorship of political correctness.” They continued, “In Tuesday’s Republican primary election, all 15 of our House Republican incumbents with ballot opposition were successfully renominated for the seats they hold, which offers hard proof that the public approves of the work we are doing and the genuine accomplishments we are generating. “More work remains to be done, more reforms need to be implemented, and more efficiencies need to be put in place, but Tuesday’s results show that we are off to a strong and popular start. “We are hopeful that November’s general election will see us not only preserve our House Republican majority, but also build upon it, as we work with Gov. Kay Ivey to give Alabama a state government that is as honest, hardworking, and conservative as the citizens it seeks to serve.”
Bill to track race at traffic stops dies in Alabama Legislature
Alabama lawmakers moved to end the legislative session without a final vote on a bill to collect data on race and traffic stops. House Speaker Mac McCutcheon said Thursday the bill would not get a vote on what will be the last day of the session. African-American lawmakers named the bill a priority. It stalled in the House after being unanimously approved by the Senate. Sen. Rodger Smitherman, the Democratic bill’s sponsor, said he was insulted that McCutcheon told the media the bill was dead for the session, but didn’t tell him. Smitherman said all he wanted was a vote. The Alabama Senate on Thursday passed the education budget and then voted to end the session. While the Senate adjourned through the session, House members continued to meet through mid-morning. Republished with the permission of the Associated Press.
Gun control and arming teachers bills dead for session
Gun control proposals failed in the Alabama Legislature after most Republican committee members skipped out on Wednesday debate on the bills, including a proposal to raise the age to buy an AR-15 or similar rifle. The House Public Safety and Homeland Security Committee canceled a scheduled meeting after only four members, mostly Democrats, attended. The committee has 11 members. The lack of action likely kills the bills for the session. The committee inaction came a day after the House of Representatives failed to bring a Republican bill to arm teachers up for vote, also signaling the demise of that proposal. Rep. Juandalynn Givan, a Birmingham Democrat, said the lack of attendance for the gun control debate shows that Alabama lawmakers are not serious about discussing substantive changes to gun laws. “Vote it up or vote it down. Don’t be cowards. …. You can’t show up at the meeting to at least have a conversation?” Givan said. Givan referenced how students walked out of high schools across the country last week in national protests against gun violence. “Our kids walked out of school last week to take a stand, and we can’t come to a meeting to take a vote. What does that say about the leadership in the state of Alabama?” Givan’s bill would have raised the age to buy a rifle from 18 to 21. At least two legislatures, including Florida’s, approved similar measures after last month’s shooting at a Florida high school that claimed 17 lives. The committee was also scheduled to debate two other gun control bills by Democrats. One would allow judges to temporarily take firearms from people deemed to be a danger to themselves or others. Another was a long-shot proposal to ban sales of AR-15′s and similar weapons. The separate Republican proposal to arm teachers — another idea introduced in the wake of the Florida shooting __ also stalled in the legislative session expected to wrap up next week. The House of Representatives adjourned Tuesday without debating a bill by Republican Rep. Will Ainsworth of Guntersville that would allow designated teachers and school administrators, to carry, or access, firearms in school after undergoing training. Republican lawmakers appeared divided over the proposal that got pushback from some educators and groups such as Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America. It would have also likely faced a filibuster by Democrats. House Speaker Mac McCutcheon, in a statement signaling the bills demise, said that: “I can offer a personal guarantee that this issue will be revisited when the Legislature convenes its next session.” Ainsworth said Wednesday that he believed he had the votes to narrowly clear a procedural hurdle and pass the legislation, but it faced time constraints and an expected filibuster. Ainsworth said many schools cannot afford to keep an armed law enforcement officer, known as a school resource officer, on campus. He said he and other lawmakers will sign a petition urging Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey to call a special session this summer on school safety. “We’ve got over 500 schools in our state that don’t have any armed protection. In my opinion, that is an urgent need that needs to be addressed,” Ainsworth said. Republished with permission of the Associated Press.
Fatal school shooting reignites Alabama legislative debate
A shooting in an Alabama high school that left one student dead and another injured reignited debate Thursday among state lawmakers trying to come to a school safety solution before the end of the session. House Speaker Mac McCutcheon met separately with Republicans and Democrats who sponsored school safety bills to consider proposing a package or reaching a compromise after Wednesday’s shooting. House members at the meetings said the Speaker’s actions showed hope for passing legislation this year, but bills face a rapidly approaching deadline in the next three weeks. “We have a responsibility to do something,” said McCutcheon, who emphasized that he didn’t want to rush bills through the legislature. “I don’t want this issue to turn into a political issue, because our children are more important than politics and getting re-elected. This is something we need to take very seriously. We need to work on this and have a comprehensive plan.” McCutcheon said he would speak with Senate leadership and respond next week with recommendations. A day before the shooting, Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey had introduced a school safety council and called for a report with security recommendations to be released in April. Senate President Pro Tempore Del Marsh said he hoped legislators would wait for the report before “throwing in bills.” He projected nothing would pass until 2019. Birmingham police have taken one person into custody while they investigate the shooting, which took place the same day Florida lawmakers passed a school security bill package. It includes raising the age to buy an assault weapon and arming teachers, measures which have also been proposed in Alabama. Alabama House members said they would review and consider Florida’s legislation. The shooting renewed calls from House Democrats for gun control. “That young man should not have been able to bring a gun into the school,” said Rep. Mary Moore, a Democrat who proposed a bill to ban the future sale of assault weapons. “Whether accidental or not, it should not have happened.” State Sen. Linda Coleman-Madison, who represents the district where the shooting took place, got emotional on the Senate floor Thursday. She said lawmakers aren’t doing enough to protect children. “I don’t have the answers, but I do believe that among all of us, we can find a way to make our children have a safe environment,” Coleman-Madison said. Republished with permission from the Associated Press.
Heartfelt prayers and reactions to Rep. Allen Treadaway losing daughter
The daughter of Morris-Republican state Rep. Allen Treadaway was killed in an early morning wreck on Sunday near Good Hope, Ala. according to a release from Speaker of the House Mac McCutcheon. Kelsey Marie Treadaway, 31, was pronounced dead at the scene of the accident following an accident where she was struck from behind by another vehicle. The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) said she was not wearing her seatbelt. Treadaway was the volleyball coach at Mortimer Jordan High School, where she graduated from in 2004.Shawn Maze, the school’s softball coach, was also in the vehicle and sustained injuries from the crash. Here’s what folks across the state are saying in response to the horrific accident: Alabama Speaker of the House Mac McCutcheon: The Alabama House of Representatives is an elected body that has different political views and ideas. But we are respectful and mindful of each other’s personal needs and concerns. We come together to pray for each other and support each other in times of tragedy and crisis. Right now our thoughts and prayers are with Allen, his wife Susan and their family. May God comfort them and give them the strength to endure during this time of sorrow. Jefferson County Board of Education: We are deeply saddened by the loss of an outstanding teacher, coach, and role model in our district. Kelsey Treadaway was a graduate of Mortimer Jordan High School in 2004. Treadway was an incredibly dedicated PE teacher, volleyball coach, and basketball coach. She began her career with JEFCOED at Clay-Chalkville High School in 2010 before returning to her alma mater in 2012. Kelsey Treadaway will be missed by the Mortimer Jordan community as well as our Jefferson County family. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family, friends, and students. Gov. Kay Ivey (via Twitter): Was sorry to hear of the sudden passing of the daughter of Rep. Allen Treadaway. My thoughts & prayers are with their family, friends and the high school students she taught. I know she will be greatly missed. February 25, 2018 Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall (via Twitter): I want to extend my deepest condolences to Rep. Treadaway, whose daughter was killed in a car wreck this morning. Please keep Allen and his family in your prayers. February 25, 2018 State Rep. Danny Garrett (via Twitter): Please pray for my friend and colleague, Rep.Allen Treadaway, whose daughter died this morning as the result of a traffic accident. Allen and his family need your prayers and the comfort of all their friends. February 26, 2018
