Senate Democrats Ask About the Rush

On the subject of the special session, the Alabama Senate Democratic Caucus is circulating a letter to the editor. (You may see it as early as tomorrow in some papers.)

Thanks to a reader, you may read the full text of the letter below or see the original here (pdf).

February 23, 2007

Dear Editor:

The Alabama Senate Democratic Caucus, along with every citizen we represent, vigorously supports every effort to entice new industry and jobs to our state. Alabama is now locked in a winner-take-all battle with Louisiana for the location of the German steel manufacturer ThyssenKruppto. This would result in one of the South’s largest industrial capital expenditures ever and the creation of thousands of new jobs.

Rumors began circulating a few weeks ago that Governor Riley was considering calling the legislature into special session on February 26th to increase the Capital Improvement Trust’s borrowing limit from $350 million to $750 million. This would cost taxpayers more than $100,000. In an effort to be accountable to Alabama taxpayers while at the same time achieving our common economic development goals, the Senate Democratic Caucus suggested that the Governor wait eight days until the March 6th Regular Session to address this important legislation.

A press release from the Governor’s office on February 15th stated, “Governor Riley has made no decision on whether to call a special session.” On the very next day, Governor Riley called a special session, saying “any delay would risk losing thousands of new jobs to other states.” We took the Governor at his word and embraced the urgency of the situation. We then asked the Governor to call the special session earlier, for February 19th, to give the legislature an additional week to deal with this important issue and greatly enhance the chances of a speedy passage of this legislation. The Governor did not do this.

Our competitor for the ThyssenKruppto steel plant is Louisiana. It is interesting that Louisiana’s Governor called a special session last December — almost three months ago — so they could pass bonding legislation in their effort to secure the steel plant for their state. Why did it only become urgent for Alabama on February 16th? Why will the Governor allow only eight days to address this crucial matter? He wants to place before the people a constitutional amendment that could raise the state’s debt by $400 million. Yet he is providing the most limited time for the Legislature and the voters to understand the contents and impact of this legislation.

Whatever the reasons may be, the members of the Senate Democratic Caucus will roll up our sleeves and do our part. We pledge to work around the clock to pass legislation to increase the Capital Improvement Trust’s borrowing limit. We pledge to the citizens of Alabama to work tirelessly to promote economic development throughout our state.

We believe it is important that there be accountability and transparency in this process so that the people of Alabama have confidence in it. The Governor is proposing a constitutional amendment, which the voters of Alabama will have to ratify in a referendum in order for it to become law. Because we know the people’s support is crucial to the success of these efforts, we pledge to do everything we can to ensure accountability and transparency in every part these economic development efforts.

Sincerely,

__________________________________________

Zeb Little, Senate Majority Leader

__________________________________________

Quinton Ross, Deputy Senate Majority Leader

Related Articles:

• Waiting for His Call
• Special Session Has Call Waiting