Wednesday 5/14/2008 DAILY NEWS DIGEST
Birmingham News - Farm Bill nears final vote, Alabama’s GOP congressional members say they will vote to override expected presidential veto.
Birmingham News - Birmingham auto supplier expanding, adding 400 new jobs.
Birmingham News - Manufacturers’ group pushes for tougher trade policies against China.
Senate Sketches - “Senate Sketches,” the weekly column to his constituents from Sen. Hank Sanders (D-Selma).
Birmingham News - The Birmingham News comments on the legislature’s failure to enact measure that would require all vehicle occupants to wear seat belts.
Mobile Press-Register - President and Mrs. Carter visit Mobile to work on Habitat for Humanity project.
Mobile Press-Register - Northrup Grumman-EADS sets June 28th groundbreaking for new facility to build tanker jets.
Mobile Press-Register - Press-Register urges Governor to sign bill to raise minimum insurance requirements for drivers.
Mobile Press-Register - Political editor George Talbot sees Northrop Gumman’s decision to announce groundbreaking for Mobile facility a “bold step” since questions still surround Air Force contract.
Huntsville Times - Bill to hike U.S. Rep. Bud Cramer’s (D) retirement benefits and provide benefits to four other District Attorneys in Governor’s hands.
Huntsville Times - Governor takes his plan to reduce sales taxes on food on the road.
Tuscaloosa News - All three branches of government embroiled in Walker County bingo controversy.
Tuscaloosa News - The Tuscaloosa News sees proposed ban on public smoking as “a healthy idea for everyone.”
Tuscaloosa News - The Tuscaloosa News see reform of state’s juvenile justice statutes as good public policy.
Decatur Daily - The Decatur Daily cautions that AEA’s announcement that it will not pursue legislation to end ban on “double-dipping” during current session does not mean that the issue is settled.
Opelika-Auburn News - The Opelika-Auburn News says that “elected leaders fail to recognize needs of poor.”
A prime example of what’s wrong with our Legislature, buried in a story in today’s Huntsville Times:
Rep. John Robinson, D-Scottsboro: “I only sponsored two bills, but I was able to help my friends with their bills since I’m on Rules.”
Instead of helping HIS FRIENDS, shouldn’t he be focused on doing what’s best for the people of this state?
Comment by Anonymous — May 14, 2008 @ 7:50 am
Apparently everthing that could be of benefit to people of his district has already been accomplished!! In case you’re interested, Mr. Robinson’s only other bill proposed to let the Governor set the salary for the postsecondary system chancellor rather than the State Board of Education. I guess maybe Byrne is another of his friends that he tries to help. Too bad the people of his House district don’t merit too much attention from him.
Comment by Anonymous — May 14, 2008 @ 8:23 am
It seems that most folks in Jackson County don’t care what their legislators do so long as they are democrats.
Comment by Margaret — May 15, 2008 @ 7:41 am