Tuesday 5/20/2008 DAILY NEWS DIGEST

AL.com – Legislature fails to approve education budget as time runs out on 2008 regular session.

Birmingham News – Proposed ban on PAC-to-PAC transfers dies in conference committee.

Birmingham News – House adjourns without considering smoking ban.

Birmingham News – Status of major bills from this year’s legislative session.

Birmingham News – The Birmingham News says that Alabama’s foster children should not languish in child care system, DHR should move toward permanent plans.

Birmingham News – The Birmingham News says that former presidential adviser Karl Rove should testify before congressional committee on his alleged involvement in prosecution of Don Siegelman.

AL.com – Commentary by Bob Blalock finds the “Alabama Legislature often a world away from reality.”

Mobile Press-Register – Vanity Fair announces plant closings in Jackson and Monroeville.

Huntsville Times – Riley says he will veto  bill that would have provided Congressman Bud Cramer with pension.

Tuscaloosa News – Proponents unable to secure votes to bring up bill to end sales tax on food on final legislative day.

Tuscaloosa News – Summary of yesterday’s legislative action.

Tuscaloosa News – Mobile advocate rides bus from Mobile to Montgomery  to push for passage of bill to change the way state law refers to people with disabilities.

Tuscaloosa News – Majority Leader Rep. Ken Guin (D-Carbon Hill) wins shroud award for measure to require approval of school lunchroom menus to be approved by state nutritionist.

Tuscaloosa News – “Alabama Exposure,” Dana Beyerle’s weekly political roundup for readers of the NYTimes regional papers.

Gadsden Times – The Gadsden Times praises U.S. Rep. Bud Cramer (D) for asking Governor to veto measure that would have made him eligible for supernumerary payments.

Montgomery Advertiser – Legislature provides tax breaks for those participating in college savings programs.

Montgomery Advertiser – The Montgomery Advertiser endorses U.S. Senator Jeff Sessions (R) and State Senator Vivian Figures (D-Mobile) in party primaries for senate seat.

New York Times – Alabama among states looking to rainy day funds to fill budget gaps as revenue decrease.

Birmingham News – Young Democrats seek party nomination to face incumbent in 4th congressional district race.