Chris Pringle to chair new House Standing Committee on Fiscal Responsibility
Mobile-Republican State Rep. Chris Pringle has been selected to chair the new House Standing Committee on Fiscal Responsibility, a panel that will focus its attention on increasing accountability and combatting the waste, misuse, and abuse of taxpayer dollars. Monrovia-Republican and Alabama Speaker of the House Mac McCutcheon made the announcement Tuesday. “Since 2010, the Alabama Legislature has passed several initiatives designed to tighten the reins on state spending and maximize returns on the taxpayers’ dollars, but there is more work yet to be done,” McCutcheon said. “The Standing Committee on Fiscal Responsibility will focus its full attention on considering measures that streamline the budgeting and spending process and implement needed efficiencies.” Pringle, who received the Business Council of Alabama‘s coveted Business Champion Award in 2015, said he looks forward to the challenges that lie ahead as he and his committee members work to ensure taxpayers get maximum results from the dollars they send to Montgomery. “A classic movie tells the story of some miners who dig a tunnel underneath the local saloon and become rich by gathering the gold dust that simply falls between the floor boards, and that is similar to our mission,” Pringle said. “We’re going to start examining the biggest pile of dollars in the state treasury and then drill down to the smallest cent as we seek ways to cut costs and save money while maintaining and improving services.” First elected to represent District 101 in the Alabama House in 2014, Pringle previously served as a member of the body from 1994 to 2002. A graduate of the University of Alabama, he is a licensed realtor with Southern Timberlands and is a licensed home building and general contractor. Joining Pringle on the committee, which was created by a House resolution during the 2017 regular session, are: Vice Chairman Chris Sells (R-Greenville), Ranking Democrat Rod Scott (D-Fairfield), Corley Ellis (R-Columbiana), Matt Fridy (R-Montevallo), Danny Garrett (R-Trussville), Reed Ingram (R-Montgomery), A.J. McCampbell (D-Livingston) and Patricia Todd (D-Birmingham).
Steve Flowers: A midyear review of Alabama politics
As we take a midyear look at Alabama politics, it has been an eventful first half of the year. It is not every year that a governor resigns midterm. Gov. Robert Bentley’s resignation from office April 10 will more than likely be the most newsworthy story of the year. Bentley’s saga had begun 18 months ago. His troubles stemmed from his relationship with his primary and probably only adviser, who was married to a quiet man whom Bentley placed in a vague $90,000 position with the state. It was a titillating story that led to an investigation and later finding by the State Ethics Commission that there was reasonable evidence that Bentley may have violated the law. Facing probable impeachment by the Legislature, Bentley resigned in disgrace. The most noteworthy event was the appointment of our Junior U.S. Sen. Jeff Sessions to the powerful post of U.S. Attorney General. Sessions was one of President Donald Trump’s first Cabinet appointments. Sessions departure from the Senate seat left open his coveted post. In his waning days as governor, Bentley interviewed about 20 qualified candidates for the interim appointment. Bentley eventually appointed Alabama Attorney General Luther Strange, a worthy choice. However, the appointment of Strange caused tremendous furor among Alabamians. A few months earlier, Strange stated he was investigating the Governor. The appointment of the Attorney General to the seat had the appearance of a brazen act of collusion between the Governor and Strange. Bentley resigned a month later and Strange went to Washington. Upon the resignation of Bentley, Lt. Gov. Kay Ivey became the second female governor in state history. Ironically, Kay was a stalwart supporter and worked for our only other female governor, Lurleen Wallace, when she was in college over 50 years ago. Gov. Ivey has shown calm, deliberative and wise leadership in her first three months as governor. She has done a good job and steadily stuck to her knitting governing, rather than cutting ribbons. She inherited the ship of state in the middle of a legislative session. She stayed in close contact with the Senate leadership and brought the session to a successful landing. The legislative session could indeed be considered a success. Mac McCutcheon, a Republican Representative from Madison County, led his first regular session as Speaker. McCutchen is level headed and a natural facilitator. He is a retired police officer from Huntsville, who worked as a hostage negotiator. He seems fair and runs a more open and egalitarian House than former Speaker Mike Hubbard. Any legislative session could be considered successful when both budgets are passed. The $1.8 billion General Fund budget passed early due to a one-time influx of $105 million from the BP oil spill settlement. The beleaguered General Fund will be much harder to balance next year, which will be an election year. For the eighth straight year, state workers got no increase in pay. Even though the Education Trust Fund budget grew by $90 million, teachers also get no pay increase. The $6.4 billion Education budget did include a 20 percent increase in pre-kindergarten funding. The Legislature abolished judicial override in death penalty cases, voted to require insurers to extend coverage to autism therapies, and ended the ban on midwifery in Alabama. They chose not to address the prison overcrowding issue. However, this may be a prudent call. It may be wiser to wait until the federal courts decree what they want from the state. This could be a paramount issue that requires a Special Session. The Republican majority ramrodded a reapportionment plan through the Senate and House over adamant disapproval of black Democrats. The final authority on whether it will stand rests with the federal courts. Until this is decided, there is a cloud over the upcoming legislative races. Republican legislators may have overplayed their hand this time. A federal judge may send Alabama’s demographics to a computer in New York to draw the lines and several of them may find themselves in the same districts several counties away. 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.
State forms inter-branch, bipartisan Alabama Juvenile Justice Task Force
Alabama’s juvenile justice system may soon see some improvements following a comprehensive review by a group of legislators, judges, law enforcement officials and others. Gov. Kay Ivey‘s office announced the formation of an inter-branch, bipartisan Juvenile Justice Task Force on Tuesday. The 22 member group has been charged with performing a comprehensive, data-driven review of Alabama’s juvenile justice system and coming to consensus on policy recommendations that protect public safety, hold youth accountable, control costs, and improve outcomes for youth, families and communities. “I am committed to improving public safety outcomes from our state’s juvenile justice system,” said Ivey. “This Task Force will build on what is working well in our state and improve what is not.” Formed by Ivey, Chief Justice Lyn Stuart, Senate President Pro Tempore Del Marsh, and Speaker of the House Mac McCutcheon, the Task Force will conduct its assessment of the state’s system by reviewing data from the courts and state agencies, collecting input from stakeholders from across the state, considering strategies tested in other states, and examining how the Alabama system can better align with research about what works best to improve juvenile justice outcomes. “Alabama does many things right in juvenile justice already,” said Chief Justice Stuart. “However, there is more to be done, and I have faith that the Task Force will come together to carefully review what works in juvenile justice and develop solutions that will keep Alabama communities safe and put youth on the right track.” They group will submit a report of their findings and recommendations to state leadership in December with findings and recommendations for consideration during the 2018 legislative session. “Our Task Force is charged with finding ways Alabama can improve our efforts to protect public safety by preventing juvenile crime,” explained Ward. “Working together, we can make sure our state is getting the best return on Alabama taxpayer dollars by focusing our system on strategies that achieve better results for youth, families, and communities.” McCutcheon says the task force will help bring Alabama “into the next chapter of how our state serves its most troubled youth.” “The Task Force is committed to developing data-driven options to help put these youth on a path to productive citizenship,” added McCutcheon. The membership of the Task Force includes: Judge Bob Bailey, 15th Judicial Circuit Daryl Bailey, District Attorney, Montgomery County Gar Blume, Blume & Blume Attorneys at Law, PC Sonny Brasfield, Association of County Commissions of Alabama Christy Cain, Executive Director, Alabama Children First Derrick Cunningham, Sheriff, Montgomery County Senator Vivian Davis Figures, District 33 Representative Jim Hill, District 50 Governor Kay Ivey, or designee Judge Adrian Johnson, 2nd Judicial Circuit Representative Mike Jones, District 92 Steven Lafreniere, Director, Department of Youth Services Jim Loop, Deputy Director, Department of Human Resources Speaker Mac McCutcheon, House of Representatives, or designee Senate President Pro Tempore Del Marsh, or designee Cary McMillan, Director, Family Court Division, Administrative Office of Courts Jim Perdue, Commissioner, Department of Mental Health Lyn Stuart, Chief Justice, Alabama Supreme Court Senator Cam Ward, District 14 Kay Atchinson Warfield, Department of Education The Task Force will receive technical assistance from The Pew Charitable Trusts.
Mike Jones named House Rules Committee Chairman
Two-term representative Andalusia-Republican Rep. Mike Jones was named chairman of the House Rules Committee, Monrovia-Republican Speaker Mac McCutcheon announced Wednesday. Jones, previously the chairman of the House Judiciary Committee who oversaw the probe into former Gov. Robert Bentley’s impeachment investigation, replaces Troy-Republican Rep. Alan Boothe. Boothe vacated the post earlier this week when he announced he would not seek re-election to the House in 2018. “The attention to detail and fairness that he demonstrated and the deep respect that he earned from members on both sides of the aisle are exactly what we need in a House Rules Committee chairman, so I am proud to make this appointment,” McCutcheon said in a statement. Tasked with drafting the list of bills the House will consider each day, the Rules is considered one of the House’s most powerful committees. Jones promised his colleagues he would keep an “open door and an open mind toward issues, bills and resolutions that they consider important.” It is not yet clear who McCutcheon will choose to succeed Jones as the head of the Judiciary Committee.
Alabama political leaders react to Robert Bentley’s resignation
Political leaders across the Yellowhammer State are reacting to the news of Robert Bentley resigning as Governor of Alabama Monday afternoon. Here’s what they’re saying: Alabama Attorney General Steven Marshall: I appreciate the work of Ellen Brooks, supernumerary district attorney, as well as the Attorney General’s Office Special Prosecutions Division in conducting the investigation of Governor Bentley which today led to his guilty pleas and resignation from office. I told the people of Alabama that I would recuse if there was an investigation and I did. I have allowed experienced and professional prosecutors to handle this matter and I have provided all the resources related to the performance of their work. I will fully support Kay Ivey’s transition as the next governor of the State of Alabama and I look forward to working with her to address the pressing issues that face our state. Alabama House Speaker Mac McCutcheon: I’m grateful that Governor Bentley has seen the writing on the wall and made what must have been a difficult decision. When I met with him on Friday, I told him I would be praying for him. I will continue praying for him as he adjusts to the next chapter in his life and reflects upon the legacy he leaves behind. I’ll pray, as well, for Governor Kay Ivey, who has had an awesome burden placed upon her shoulders, but as someone who knows her talents and abilities and the values that guide her moral compass, I’m confident she will lead our state well. The attention of the House and Senate can once again fully focus on the real problems facing our state. We can now turn our attention to our most fundamental task of passing our state’s budgets. We can once again devote our every effort to doing the important work that our constituents – the families, neighbors, friends, and hardworking men and women in each of our districts – sent us to Montgomery to do. I have faith that with God’s grace and His guidance, we can put this difficult chapter in Alabama’s history behind us and work toward providing our children, our grandchildren, and their children after them a better and more prosperous Alabama. Alabama Senate Leader Greg Reed: The people of Alabama deserve and expect for their political leaders to be men and women of integrity. The state can move forward now under the honorable and trustworthy leadership of Governor Kay Ivey, and I look forward to working with her administration. Senate President Pro Tem Del Marsh will now serve as the presiding officer over the Alabama Senate. Senator Marsh is a very capable public servant, and I will continue to work closely with him to advance an agenda that puts the people of Alabama first. Alabama Senate Minority Leader Quinton Ross: Today, Gov. Robert Bentley did what was in the best interest of the State of Alabama by resigning. For the past two years, the Alabama Legislature has been plagued by distractions that have threatened to derail our legislative system. Former House Speaker Mike Hubbard, former Alabama Supreme Court Chief Justice Roy Moore, and now, former Gov. Robert Bentley have all caused embarrassing headlines for our great state on a local, regional and national level. Therefore, moving forward from today, it is critical that we do not allow anything else to distract us from the job at hand which is providing solutions to the many problems our citizens face. Alabama House Minority Leader Anthony Daniels: The Governor’s resignation is long overdue. If it had not been for the few brave citizens who put our state first and doing the right thing above everything else, this saga might still be continuing. We owe them a debt of gratitude. Unfortunately, the astounding revelations of the past few days are just part of a pattern of abuses by those at the highest levels of power in our state. First, it was the former Speaker, then the former Chief Justice of our Supreme Court and now the former Governor — all of whom have fallen short of the standards of service in the public interest and adherence to the law. From the agreement reached today, it’s clear that there is still much work to be done to stop this cycle of cronyism and abuse of power that has a stranglehold on our state government. These politicians recklessly put themselves, their bank accounts, and their egos before their duty — working on behalf of the people of Alabama. This abuse of power has consumed our state government for far too long and wasted money that could have been used for any number of vital state needs. We must turn the page on this ugly and shameful chapter in our state history. I sincerely hope the new Governor represents a departure from what we have seen for too long. I look forward to working with Governor Ivey and hope she will work across the aisle to get our state government working for the people of Alabama again. Dothan-Republican state Rep. Paul Lee: I think Governor Bentley’s resignation is best for the entire state. This will allow us to move forward with our business such as getting our budgets passed as they should be. We need to work on the redistricting we are charged to do by the courts and we have other everyday business including what we are going to do with the prison system. Chairman of the Alabama Republican Party Terry Lathan: In the best interest of our state, it was the correct action of Governor Robert Bentley to resign. Ozark-Republican state Rep. Steve Clouse: I think (Bentley) made the right decision. It was evident after last Friday’s report that he had misused state personnel for private purposes. That was the smoking gun the Legislature was looking for, some type of financial irregularity. Kay Ivey will be a breath of fresh air. I have know her for a long time and worked very closely with her. I think it will be
House Speaker Mac McCutcheon calls on Robert Bentley to resign
Robert Bentley, lawmakers head to DC ahead of health care vote
Gov. Robert Bentley and other state leaders are starting the week in Washington, D.C. ahead of the expected House vote on the American Health Care Act. Joining Bentley are state House Speaker Mac McCutcheon, state Sens. Greg Reed and Tripp Pittman, and Alabama Medicaid Commissioner Stephanie Azar. During the trip, the officials plan to meet with Health and Human Services Secretary Tom Price as well as congressional leaders to discuss the potential impact the Republican-backed bill, as well as the repeal of the Affordable Care Act, could have on Alabama’s Medicaid system. “As a Physician and as Alabama’s Governor, I have stood in opposition to the Affordable Care Act from day one. It’s not about health care of patients, and it’s certainly anything but affordable,” Bentley said in a statement Monday. “Alabama stood strong against the expansion of Medicaid because we simply cannot afford it. Now that a Repeal of the ACA appears imminent, we want to insure Alabama’s Medicaid system will be supported, and states given broad flexibility in any efforts to replace this unworkable and expensive law. We want to insure Alabama’s needs are known and clearly understood before a vote takes place.” Tuesday, Bentley and the officials plan to meet with members of the Alabama congressional delegation as well as White House administrators before returning Tuesday evening. “We have a strong Alabama team in Congress, and we have stayed in close contact throughout the effort to pass a new healthcare law,” Bentley said. “One size does not fit all when it comes to sovereign states and their needs. I am confident our Alabama delegation will always do what’s in the best interest of our people.” The trip follows a series of meetings between Bentley and other non-expansion state governors and the Alabama Republican Party Executive Committee addressing states’ concerns with the repeal and replacement of the Affordable Care Act.
Steve Flowers: Bringing Alabama sales tax into 21st-century
My tradition for over two decades has been to give my children money for Christmas. Under this system, there is no returning of items. They get what they want or need. There is no way that I would know what style of clothing, color or size they like. It works well. The most illuminating thing that occurred to me this year is that both of my daughters and my granddaughter bought all their Christmas gifts from me online. Without question, our country and state have changed dramatically technologically in my lifetime. Therefore, Alabama and other states have to change the way that sales tax is collected. States have to find a solution and the will to derive sales tax from online purchases. The legislature has wisely set up a budget reform task force to study, evaluate and come forward with long-term solutions to problems and loopholes in the law like online sales tax. The committee is headed by two stellar legislators, Sen. Clyde Chambliss (R-Prattville) and Rep. Danny Garrett (R-Trussville). This blue-ribbon panel will review and develop recommendations as to how Alabama can adjust to 21st-century budgeting. This non-collection of sales tax on online purchases is a serious problem and it perfectly illustrates how our tax system is more designed for the 20th century than the 21st. We, like many other states, are not keeping up with the technology shifts in the world. Legislators unquestionably have to re-evaluate the state’s tax structure to reflect the new online and digital economy. Rep. Garrett has wisely acknowledged, “We used to tax about two-thirds of the economy with the sales tax. Today, we tax one-third of our economy.” He further observed, “We are leaning very heavily on the income tax, and our sales tax base is eroding due to online sales.” Another issue, which will be discussed during this legislative session, is the deterioration of our transportation system in the state. This problem is not unique to Alabama. In fact, President Trump made this a hallmark issue of his campaign last year. Most Washington political observers fully expect to see a massive infrastructure package passed in a bipartisan manner early in Trump’s administration. Alabama needs to be poised to take advantage of this bonanza. The last major federal highway initiative came in the 1950s during the administration of Ike Eisenhower. It was also passed with bipartisan support. According to recent studies, 15 percent of Alabama roads and highways are in poor condition and 35 percent more are rated as fair, with 25 percent of our bridges deemed obsolete. The legislature may need to look at increasing the gas tax to take advantage of this federal windfall. More than likely, a state tax contribution will be needed to match the federal dollars. Alabama’s gas tax has not been increased since 1990. We have Richard Shelby, but he may need some help. The new Speaker of the House, Mac McCutcheon is from the Huntsville/Madison County area. The Rocket City is Alabama’s crown jewel economically. They realize the importance that adequate progressive highways are to sustained growth and prosperity. McCutcheon spearheaded the effort to increase the revenue for roads and bridges last year. About a dozen states raised the gas tax in 2016 to keep up with inflation and growth. Our neighboring state of Florida was one of them. Speaking of McCutcheon, he is adjusting well to his new role a Speaker. He is fair and even handed. His selection of Rep. Alan Boothe to be his Rules Chairman seems to be meshing well. The House leadership has changed even more dramatically since the session began. The Republican caucus has elected Rep. Nathaniel Ledbetter of Rainsville as their new Majority Leader. Ledbetter is a freshman House member and former mayor of Rainsville. Rep. Connie Rowe of Jasper will serve as Vice-Chairwoman of the Caucus. She is the first female to hold the position. Ledbetter replaces former Majority Leader Mickey Hammond of Decatur. Sen. Cam Ward has become the good shepherd, chief cook and bottle washer of the prison construction project. He has scaled back the size and scope of the original proposal. The legislature is trying to stay ahead of the federal courts on addressing the state’s prison overcrowding problem. 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.
Ala. Speaker Mac McCutcheon appoints new committee chairmen
With the Alabama Legislature poised to kick-off it’s 2017 regular session less than two months away, on Feb. 7, Alabama’s newly elected House Speaker is busy this holiday getting things ready. On Monday, the Monrovia-Republican announced the members who will chair the chambers’ Rules, Internal Affairs, Public Safety and Homeland Security, Commerce and Small Business, and Insurance committees when the Legislature convenes for in 2017. “Each of these legislators is a proven leader and possesses a skill set that makes them uniquely qualified to chair their committees,” McCutcheon said in a news release. “Chairing a legislative committee significantly increases a lawmaker’s workload and demands a much greater time commitment, so I appreciate their willingness to serve in these important leadership positions.” Here’s who’s McCutcheon has chosen as chairs: Troy-Republican, state Rep. Alan Boothe will chair the powerful House Rules Committee, which determines each day’s work agenda and decides which bills will come to the floor for debate and consideration. Boothe has served in the House since 1998 and previously served on the Troy City Council. He chaired the House Internal Affairs Committee, but will relinquish that post in order to lead the Rules Committee. Anniston-Republican, state Rep. Randy Wood will take over as chair of the House Internal Affairs Committee, which is tasked with considering bills pertaining to the operations and ethics of the Alabama Legislature. It also holds disciplinary power over members who violate the body’s rules. Wood was elected to the House in 2002 and previously held a seat on the Calhoun County Commission. Wood will relinquish his chairmanship of the House Public Safety and Homeland Security committee to serve in his new role. Morris-Republican, state Rep. Allen Treadaway, a captain in the Birmingham Police Department, will chair the House Public Safety and Homeland Security Committee. Treadaway, who was elected to the House in 2006, was a member of the committee and has been elevated to its leadership. Birmginham-Republican, state Rep. Jim Carns, a businessman with experience in manufacturing, will lead the House Commerce and Small Committee. Carns served in the Alabama House from 1990 to 2002 and returned to the body following a special legislative election in 2011. He also served as a member of the Jefferson County Commission. Albertville-Republican, state Rep. Kerry Rich (has been selected to chair the House Insurance Committee. Rich has served in the House since 2010 but was previously elected to two terms from 1974 to 1978 and from 1990 to 1994. The owner and manager of several radio stations throughout his career, he was also a member of former Alabama Gov. Fob James’ cabinet in the mid-1990s.
Mac McCutcheon: My vision for the Alabama House
As the newly-elected Speaker of the Alabama House of Representatives, I thought it important to take a moment and let readers here know something about my background, my philosophy, and my vision for how the legislative chamber should operate during the upcoming regular session and thereafter. Though unorthodox, I will begin by letting you know the things I am not. I am not a career politician. After 25 years in law enforcement, I was elected to the House in 2006 during my first run for office, and I serve solely to give back to the state, community, and neighbors that have been so good to me. My only priority is the office I currently hold I am not guided by a desire for riches, power or the other temptations that elected office sometimes offers. As a retired police officer living on a monthly pension, my future resources are already determined, and my wife and I are quite thankful for all that life has already provided us. I am not beholden to any special interests groups. As a lawmaker and public servant, I am beholden to the 45,000 citizens in House District 25, to the people of Alabama, to my family, and to my Lord and Savior. Now let me tell you the things that I am. I am a man who is humbled by the confidence and trust that my colleagues have offered by electing me as Speaker of the House, especially following such difficult and often controversial times in our government. I am determined to utilize the talents, ideas, and input of every member of the House whether man or woman, Republican or Democrat, conservative, moderate, or liberal. A legislator’s worth as a member should not be solely determined by whether a D or an R follows their name on the roster, but rather by their work ethic, their commitment to understanding important issues, and the soundness of the ideas and initiatives they have to offer. Moving Alabama forward is going to require us to adjust the way the House has operated over the past several decades. I plan to create a system that opens and embraces the legislative process and allows bills to sink or swim based upon their own merits and the sponsors’ ability to convince their colleagues to offer support. Taking a turn from the politics of the past will not be simple or easy because old habits die hard, but we must begin the effort anyway. The motto of the Alabama House is “Vox Populi” which means “Voice of the People.” This statement serves as my driving force and rulebook for how the body will operate moving forward. We consist of 105 members, with 105 districts, and 105 different constituencies. It is important to me that our Representatives have every opportunity to be the voice of their district, and this will be the defining feature of our House. I have discussed the ideas outlined above with members of House and Senate leadership, the lieutenant governor, and Gov. Robert Bentley, and all have indicated some level of support for them. As a result, I am confident that if we work together, lawmakers can improve Alabama’s future by helping to create jobs for the jobless, offering hope to the hopeless, and providing a quality education to the children who are our future and will one day take our places in this Alabama State House. Evidence of this fact was on display during the September special session when House members of both parties joined together in passing landmark legislation that pays down a significant portion of our state’s debt, provides needed funding for road and bridge projects related to economic development on the Gulf Coast, and shores up funding needs in the Medicaid agency’s budget. And, best of all, we were able to do all of this with no new taxes. On the day my colleagues elected me Speaker, I stood in the well of the House and asked God’s blessings on every action, every decision, and every vote that takes place in the chamber so that we may fulfill the calling in Peter 4:10, which reads, “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.” I believe that if we simply follow that biblical admonition, House members will succeed in doing our jobs well. ••• Mac McCutcheon serves as Alabama’s Speaker of the House and represents District 25 which encompasses the communities of Madison City, Huntsville, Capshaw, Monrovia and East Limestone. Follow Speaker McCutcheon on Twitter via @MacDistrict25 and Facebook at facebook.com/speakermccutcheon.
Robert Bentley impeachment hearings suspended for investigation by AG Luther Strange
The chairman of the House Judiciary Committee has suspended hearings into the Articles of Impeachment filed against Governor Robert Bentley because the attorney general’s office is conducting a related investigation. Andalusia-Republican state Rep. Mike Jones on Wednesday said the committee decided to put the proceedings on hold at the request of Attorney General Luther Strange. “As I said at the first meeting on the Articles of Impeachment, this committee would work cooperatively with other investigating agencies and today’s action testifies to that,” said Jones in a news release. “We are temporarily suspending activity at the attorney general’s request but we are not abdicating our responsibility. Everything the committee has done remains in effect.” In a letter to Jones on Thursday, Strange said it would be “prudent and beneficial” to delay the work of the committee. “I respectfully request that the Committee cease active interviews and investigation until I am able to report to you that the necessary related work of my office has been completed,” wrote Strange. Speaker of the House, Monrovia-Republican Mac McCutcheon says he supports the committee’s decision. “While I have complete confidence in the Judiciary Committee and its special counsel, I believe that moving forward with the impeachment hearings while there is an active criminal investigation would put a number of parties in a difficult position,” McCutcheon said in a news release. “I support pausing the committee investigation and allowing the criminal proceedings to run their course.” Bentley released his own statement in response to the letter from Strange and the decision to suspend the impeachment proceedings. “I respect the position of the Attorney General and the leadership of the House of Representatives. My focus will continue to be on doing the work of the people of Alabama,” said Bentley. The decision to suspend the proceedings comes just days before the committee was scheduled to set a date to take testimony and evidence. The House Judiciary Committee began Bentley’s impeachment hearings in June.
Members of Alabama’s Joint Task Force for Budget Reform announced
Monrovia-Republican and newly elected Speaker of the Alabama House Mac McCutcheon along with Anniston-Republican and Senate President Pro Tempore Del Marsh on Friday announced the members of the Joint Task Force for Budget Reform. Created by HJR62, during the most recent special session, the task force is comprised of lawmakers focused on identifying long-term budget reforms. Leading the task force is Trussville-Republican Rep. Danny Garrett and Prattville-Republican Sen. Clyde Chambliss, who will serve as co-chairs of the committee. Additionally, the following individuals have been appointed to serve n the bipartisan task force: Sen. Greg Albritton (R-Range) Sen. Linda Coleman-Madison (D- Birmingham) Sen. Bill Hightower (R-Mobile) Sen. Bill Holtzclaw (R-Madison) Sen. Bobby Singleton (D-Greensboro) Sen. Phil Williams (R-Rainbow City) Rep. Anthony Daniels (R-Huntsville) Rep. Allen Farley (R –McCalla) Rep. John Knight (D- Montgomery) Rep. Chris Pringle (R-Mobile) Rep. Kyle South (R-Fayette) Rep. Rich Wingo (R-Tuscaloosa) As laid out in HJR62, the 14-member panel will consider several potential areas of reform including: un-earmarking, biennial budgeting, tax credits, deductions and exemptions, and performance reviews or a “zero-based budgeting” approach to assessing state agencies. “Our number one priority is addressing Alabama’s long-term budget challenges, and I believe this task force can bring forth the bold, innovative solutions we need to move forward,” McCutcheon said. “Working together with the Senate, I’m confident we can bring long-overdue reforms to the budgeting process and maximize the return on investment for Alabama’s taxpayers.” Marsh emphasized his eagerness to begin the process of looking at long-term budget solutions. “Alabama earmarks approximately 90% of every dollar that comes into the state. This earmarking cripples the Legislature’s ability to allocate money in the budget where it is most needed,” Marsh said. “I look forward to working with the members of this task force as we continue to reform and streamline state government to make it more efficient and accountable to the taxpayers.” Garrett, who regularly works with issues involving complex and strategic financial matters in his private sector employment, said he wants state government to adopt a more business-minded approach to the way it budgets. “As a CFO, I want this group to approach our work much like we would an analysis of any company or corporation, with a thorough look into each and every dollar so that we can identify any waste or mismanagement that exists and eliminate it,” Garrett said. “We have important work ahead of us, and I look forward to working alongside my colleagues to put forth commonsense solutions.” Chambliss emphasized the timeliness of the group’s work. “We are approaching fiscal problems in the next few years that will be tougher than those we have faced in the recent past. I want to stop reacting to issues on a yearly basis and be proactive about our financial future,” Chambliss said. “We need to make a plan that will work for years to come. These changes sometimes take several years to yield results so we must study, research, and act – soon.” In accordance with HJR62, the task force must meet before Sept. 30, 2016 and is required to hold monthly meetings thereafter. The group will report its findings, conclusions and recommendations to the full Alabama Legislature by the fifth day of the 2017 regular session.
