Alabama Politics in
Doc’s Political Parlor
& Home of Lawn Mower Repair

May 16, 2008

Friday 5/16/2008 DAILY NEWS DIGEST

Filed under: Daily News Digest — G @ 6:35 am

Birmingham News - Advocates expect fewer reports of child abuse in summer months.

Birmingham News - State’s drought conditions easing slightly.

Mobile Press-Register - State Board of Education member Randy McKinney (R) accuses AEA of using push-poll to hurt his candidacy for reelection.

Mobile Press-Register - Alabama would get $50 million for Katrina related housing needs under emergency spending bill, President threatens veto.

Mobile Press-Register - Proposed defense bill would trim Mobile-area spending.

Mobile Press-Register - New study puts Boeing’s impact on state’s economy in 2007 at $700 million.

Huntsville Times - Legislators face full plate on final day of 2008 regular session.

Huntsville Times - The Huntsville Times urges Governor to veto measure that would expand number of supernumerary DAs.

Montgomery Advertiser - Proposed ban on PAC-to-PAC transfers likely to die on final legislative day.

Montgomery Advertiser - Governor announces expansion of health screenings in state’s schools.

Montgomery Advertiser - The Montgomery Advertiser urges legislators to approve measure that would create rainy day fund for General Fund and expand ETF rainy day fund.

Montgomery Advertiser - Commentary by Rep. Greg Wren (R-Montgomery), author of proposed rainy day bill, urges his colleagues to approve bills.

Tuscaloosa News - Tuscaloosa County property owners group wants home rule back on the ballot, concerns raised about County Commission ordinance controlling junk on private property.

Tuscaloosa News - The Tuscaloosa News predicts that efforts to tie return to four-year property tax appraisals to removal of sales tax from food will kill plan.

Tuscaloosa News - The Tuscaloosa News contends that rainy day accounts are necessary, but that the real issue is the state needs adequate revenue to provided needed programs and services.

Times Daily - Times Daily has problems with Governor’s tax compromise bill, but praises him for trying to stimulate action on issue.

Anniston Star - The Anniston Star  calls for legislature to reject Governor’s proposal to remove sales tax, urges Senate approval of House-passed measure.

Opelika-Auburn News - The Opelika-Auburn News says Department of Forensic Science should not be subject to budget cuts in next year’s spending plan.
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May 15, 2008

Thursday 5/15/2008 DAILY NEWS DIGEST

Filed under: Daily News Digest — G @ 6:40 am

Birmingham News - Voters will decide whether to create rainy day fund for state’s General Fund if proposal gets final legislative approval next Monday.

Birmingham News - Congressional committee rejects offer by Karl Rove to respond in writing to questions about Siegelman prosecution.

Birmingham News - Number of supernumerary DAs expected to rise under proposal approved by legislature, Governor uncertain whether he will approve bill.

Mobile Press-Register - Defense bill could impact tanker award to Northrop Grumman-EADS.

Mobile Press-Register - Randy McKinney (R) announces reelection bid for State Board of Education seat.

Mobile Press-Register - Press-Register calls for compromise on bill to remove sales tax from groceries.

Mobile Press-Register - Press-Register says reforms to state’s juvenile justice statutes a “more sensible approach.”

Huntsville Times - Governor pushes his tax reduction proposal.

Huntsville Times - Guthrie makes immigration top issue in her campaign for GOP nomination for 5th congressional district seat.

Huntsville Times - The Huntsville Times says that reform to state’s juvenile justice statutes will “help many troubled juveniles.”

Tuscaloosa News - The Tuscaloosa News warns that state may see scandal unless regulation of bingo is reformed.

Times Daily - Secretary of State’s contract with Shelby County nonprofit comes under scrutiny, Democrats accuse Chapman of “double-dipping.”

Gadsden Times - The Gadsden Times views reforms to state’s juvenile justice code as a “better plan to help children.”

Montgomery Advertiser - The Montgomery Advertiser calls for Governor to veto bill to expand DA supernumeraries.

New York Times - GAO says Alabama among states most likely to miss deficiencies in nursing home reviews.

Birmingham Business Journal - Home foreclosures down in Alabama, up nationally.

May 14, 2008

Wednesday 5/14/2008 DAILY NEWS DIGEST

Filed under: Daily News Digest — G @ 7:05 am

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.”

May 13, 2008

Tuesday 5/13/2008 DAILY NEWS DIGEST

Filed under: Daily News Digest — G @ 7:25 am

Birmingham News - Governor says he will sign ban on indoor smoking if legislature approves measure.

Birmingham News - Former presidential adviser Karl Rove declines to appear before congressional committee to testify about the prosecution of former Gov. Don Siegelman, offers to respond in writing to questions.

Birmingham News - The Birmingham News says that any compromise on tax proposal to end sales tax on food must not sacrifice tax fairness for political expediency.

Huntsville Times - GOP candidates for seats on Alabama Court of Criminal Appeals say that their experience sets them apart from others.

Tuscaloosa News - Governor signs reform bill for state’s juvenile justice system.

Tuscaloosa News - Proposed education budget shifts funds for state poison center from Fire College to Shelton State Community College.

Tuscaloosa News - Former GOP presidential candidate endorses Cavanaugh in PSC race.

Tuscaloosa News - The Tuscaloosa News says that the courts should decide whether Bush advisers should testify before U. S. House Judiciary Committee on allegations of political involvement in federal prosecutions.

Anniston Star - The Anniston Star reviews debate over bill to remove sales tax from food, urges Senate to approve measure.

Decatur Daily - The Decatur Daily contends that legislaure’s failure to enact significant immigration legislation reflects “business as usual.”

Times Daily - The Times Daily urges proponents of constitutional reform to “keep trying” to get convention bill through legislature.

Montgomery Advertiser - The Montgomery Advertiser calls for Rep. John Knight (D-Montgomery) and Gov. Riley to work together to seek compromise on measure to end sales tax on groceries.

News link - Volkswagen says it will outline plans for U.S. facility in July.

May 12, 2008

Monday 5/12/2008 DAILY NEWS DIGEST

Filed under: Daily News Digest — G @ 6:25 am

Birmingham News - Alabama sees resurgence in meth labs.

Birmingham News - Battle over Air Force tanker contract evolves into a war of words.

Mobile Press-Register - “The Political Skinny,” the roundup from Mobile, Montgomery and Washington for readers of the Press-Register.

Mobile Press-Register - Press-Register says that there’s “still time to pass public smoking ban,” urges House to approve Senate-passed measure on last legislative day.

Tuscaloosa News - Most proposed immigration bills remain unpassed as session nears end.

Tuscaloosa News - Arkansas joins other states in providing financial support to working poor families.

Tuscaloosa News -The Tuscaloosa News says that the legislature has missed many opportunities for reform this session.

Gadsden Times - The Gadsden Times reviews legislature’s aciton on proposed immigration measures, concludes that this issue is only one of “a long list of priority issues lawmakers all but pledged to resolve in this legislative session, and thus far, have failed to bring to resolution.”

Decatur Daily - The Decatur Daily is pleased to see bill that would have gutted “double-dipping” ban die for this legislative session.

Washington Post - Spider discovered in Jefferson County named after song writer-singer Neil Young.

Huntsville Times - The Huntsville Times says that legislature should give Governor’s tax proposal a fair hearing.

Mobile Press-Register - Former President Carter to build houses in Mobile on Tuesday.

Mobile Press-Register - Work progress on Thyssen-Krupp facility in Mobile County.

May 11, 2008

Sunday 5/11/2008 DAILY NEWS DIGEST

Filed under: Daily News Digest — G @ 5:40 am

Birmingham News - Alabama’s superdelegates split over Clinton vs. Obama.

Birmingham News - The Birmingham News says that proposed compromise on ban of PAC-to-PAC transfer doesn’t fix the problem and should be rejected.

Birmingham News - The Birmingham News comments on recent guilty plea by son of former Fire College director in continuing corruption probe.

Montgomery Advertiser - Sebastian Kichens’  weekly update of legislative activities for readers of The Montgomery Advertiser.

Montgomery Advertiser - The Montgomery Advertiser is pleased to see bill to overturn ban on “double-dipping” die, but cautions that it will be back.

Tuscaloosa News - A year after indictment, no trial date set for former state trooper accused of 1965 killing that led to historic Selma to Montgomery march.

Tuscaloosa News - Hospitals moving to ban smoking in private vehicles on their property.

Tuscaloosa News - The Tuscaloosa News reviews legislature’s missed opportunities for reform this session.

Tuscaloosa News - The Tuscaloosa News says this week’s vote shows that for state senators “fairer taxes is not among their goals.”

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

Daily Home - Daily Home urges legislators to find compromise to remove sales tax from food purchases.

Mobile Press-Register - Press-Register’s assessment of 2008 regular legislative session:  “it could have been worse.”

Mobile Press-Register - Commentary by leaders of the Democracy Defense League argue that voter ID is needed in state.

Washington Post - Internal memo shows frustration by staffers with Special Counsel.

Tuscaloosa News - Move to four-year property tax reappraisals dead for this legislative session.
(more…)

May 10, 2008

Saturday 5/10/2008 DAILY NEWS DIGEST

Filed under: Daily News Digest — G @ 6:25 am

Birmingham News - Proponents assess tax plan’s chance on final legislative day.

Birmingham News - Scrushy asks for third time to be released from prison pending appeal of conviction.

Birmingham News - DHR child welfare workers piloting use of GPS cell phones.

Birmingham News - The Birmingham News comments on AEA’s decision to not pursue legislative change to “double-dipping” ban.

Montgomery Advertiser - Katrina housing crisis persists.

Montgomery Advertiser - Governor vetoes measure that would mandate criteria for selection of school superindents, two-year college chancellor.

Associated Press - State Board of Education adopts new high school graduation standards.

Tuscaloosa News - Court officials face layoffs, reductions in services if conditional appropriations aren’t released for next year’s budget.

Tuscaloosa News - Legislature approves small increase in unemployment benefits, still among lowest in nation.

Tuscaloosa News - The Tuscaloosa News says that reports that investigation of Siegelman prosecution suddenly halted is another indication that former presidential advisor Karl Rove “must be called to testify.”

Birmingham Business Journal - Despite closures, manufacturing still strong in Alabama.

May 9, 2008

Friday 5/9/2008 DAILY NEWS DIGEST

Filed under: Daily News Digest — G @ 5:30 am

Birmingham News - State Board of Education adopts new high school graduation requirements.

Birmingham News - Son of former Fire College director pleads guilty in continuing probe of corruption in two year college system.

Birmingham News - Conference committee working on watered-down ban on PAC-to-PAC transfers.

Birmingham News - Senate refuses to take debate plan that would remove sales tax from food purchases.

Birmingham News - The Birmingham News comments on former chief financial officer of state’s two-year college system now under scrutiny by federal prosecutors.

Mobile Press-Register - Lt. Governor announces commission to study feasibility of major highway connecting Mobile and Florence.

Mobile Press-Register - State official tells Congress that another $100 million needed for Katrina-related housing repairs.

Mobile Press-Register - Press-Register blasts Senate for adopting resolution against non-existent conspiracy to create a “North American Union,” urges House to reject resolution, concluding that we “need legislators who are still in touch with reality. ”

Huntsville Times - Wrangling over Limestone County bill to regulate rock quarries delays consideration of measure to end sales tax on food.

Tuscaloosa News - Bill to expand state’s hate crimes law to include sexual orientation among protected groups in line for final legislative approval.

Anniston Star - The Anniston Star looks at the legislative session, says that there is “still time for good things to happen, if only the people Alabamians elected will let them.”

Decatur Daily - The Decatur Daily calls for the appointment of special prosecutor to investigate claims that Siegelman prosecution was politically motivated.

Montgomery Advertiser - Legislature gives final approval to measure to increase minimum auto insurance requirements.

Montgomery Advertiser - Legislature gives final approval to “captive insurance” bill.

Montgomery Advertiser - Commentary by DHR commissioner warns that new Medicaid regulations will shift millions of dollars of costs to state government.

New York Times - Critics question Sen. Richard Shelby’s ties to real estate industry as Senate begins consideration of bill to help struggling homeowners.

Associated Press - Summary of yesterday’s legislative action.
(more…)

May 8, 2008

Thursday 5/8/2008 DAILY NEWS DIGEST

Filed under: Daily News Digest — G @ 6:50 am

Birmingham News - House committee approves Senate-passed measure that would restrict access to public benefits for undocumented immigrants over 18 years old.

Mobile Press-Register - Senate-passed ban on smoking survives close committee vote, moves to House for final consideration.

Birmingham News - The Birmingham News reviews the state’s two operating budgets.

Huntsville Times - Legislature considering bill that would more than double fund that Huntsville can leverage through Tax Increment Financing districts; TIF may play large role in efforts to lure VW facility to North Alabama.

Huntsville Times - Huntsville facing budget shortfall due to falling sales tax revenues, higher energy prices.

Huntsville Times - The Huntsville Times urges legislature to approve Education budget, avoid special session.

Tuscaloosa News - Documents reveal that a previously undisclosed probe of Siegelman prosecution was halted by federal official.

Tuscaloosa News - AEA says it will drop legislative battle to overturn ban on “double-dipping,” but will pursue court challenge of policy.

Tuscaloosa News - Summary of yesterday’s legislative activity.

Tuscaloosa News - U.S. Justice Department files suit against Satsuma alleging discrimination in housing for persons with mental disabilities.

Tuscaloosa News - Rep. Marcel Black (D-Tuscumbia) wants House Judiciary Committee to study issue of where convicted sex offenders can legally live.

Anniston Star - The Anniston Star questions apparent priorities of Alabama’s state senators following report that Senate approved resolution backed by John Birch Society.

Anniston Star - The Anniston Star compares the legislature’s refusal to consider constitutional convention to Charles Dickens character “so starved for nutrition that he begs for more from a pot of unfulfilling gruel.”

Times Daily - The Times Daily comments on the failure of the legislature to approve bill that would have ended ban on “double-dipping.”

Times-Journal - Sen. Lowell Barron (D-Fyffe) blames GOP for failure of constitutional amendment to borrow $1 billion for road construction program.
(more…)

May 7, 2008

Wednesday 5/7/2008 DAILY NEWS DIGEST

Filed under: Daily News Digest — G @ 6:40 am

Birmingham News - House approves proposal to exempt federal stimulus checks from state income tax.

Birmingham News - Three Alabama schools earn high rankings in new report on nation’s colleges and universities.

Birmingham News - Senate committee approves education budget.

Birmingham News - Legislature gives final approval to 2009 General Fund budget.

Mobile Press-Register - House committee approves bill to offer insurance relief to residents of Mobile and Baldwin counties.

Mobile Press-Register - Press-Register’s political editor George Talbot speculates on whether Artur Davis will run for governor in 2010.

Huntsville Times - The Huntsville Times urges senators to approve measure to end sales tax on food.

Senate Sketches - “Senate Sketches,” the weekly column of Sen. Hank Sanders (D-Selma) for his constituents.

Huntsville Times - Columnist David Prather says that Alabama legislators are “political elitists.”

Tuscaloosa News - Measure to change state’s natural gas severance tax dies on House calendar.

Tuscaloosa News - Summary of yesterday’s legislative action.

Tuscaloosa News - House approve measure to add sexual orientation to protected classes under state’s hate crimes law.

Decatur Daily - The Decatur Daily says if Volkswagen chooses Limestone County for its planned new facility, it will find a “warm welcome.”

Decatur Daily - Commentary by Sen. Bobby Singleton (D-Greensboro) on recent battle in the state senate over bingo legislation.

Times Daily - The Times Daily comments on the impact of state’s dropout rate on economic development.

Montgomery Advertiser - GOP leader acknowledges that linking property tax reappraisals to proposal to end sales tax on food will likely kill measure.

Daily Home - Voters in Munford and Lincoln approve extension of 5-mill tax for education.

Birmingham News - Magazine cites ADO director as Riley’s “best hire.”

May 6, 2008

Tuesday 5/6/2008 DAILY NEWS DIGEST

Filed under: Daily News Digest — G @ 6:05 am

Birmingham News - House to vote today on measure to exempt federal stimulus checks from state income tax.

Birmingham News - The Birmingham News reviews the Senate’s actions this legislative session, finds much to be done in final days of regular session.

Mobile Press-Register - Senate passes resolution supporting John Birch Society “urban legend.”

Mobile Press-Register - “The Political Skinny,” the weekly roundup from Mobile, Montgomery and Washington for readers of the Press-Register.

Tuscaloosa News - The Tuscaloosa News reviews Governor’s tax proposal, concluding that “most of what everyone wants and pleases no one entirely.”

Anniston Star - The Anniston Star looks at the connection between state’s income gap and education gap.

Anniston Star - The Anniston Star reviews issues facing legislature in final days of 2008 regular session.

Times Daily - The Times Daily says efforts to tie four-year cycle for property tax appraisal to proposal to end sales tax on food may doom both proposals.

Montgomery Advertiser - Time running out for state to criminalize purported hallucinogenic plant.

Montgomery Advertiser - The Montgomery Advertiser urges state senate to allow voters to decide on whether to remove sales tax from grocery purchases.

Opelika-Auburn News - Commentary by  House Minority Leader and GOP chair  Mike Hubbard (R-Auburn) says state’s voters deserve a state free of corruption.

Opelika-Auburn News - Commentary by Democratic chairman Joe Turnham says that “GOP hypocritical, not ethical” in battle over legislation to ban “double-dipping.”
(more…)

May 5, 2008

Monday 5/5/2008 DAILY NEWS DIGEST

Filed under: Daily News Digest — G @ 6:40 am

Birmingham News - Defense, prosecution attorneys exchange accusations as trial preparations continue in case against Rep. Sue Schmitz (D-Toney).

Birmingham News - The Birmingham News urges Senate to reject House-approved measure the would effectively protect “double-dipping” by legislators and expand the practice to other governmental employees, but even if passed speculates that Governor will veto action.

Huntsville Times - The Huntsville Times calls for Senate to reject House-passed bill on “double-dipping.”

Montgomery Advertiser - Former Decatur employees of closed  Wolverine facility have a hard time finding jobs.

Montgomery Advertiser - The Montgomery Advertiser says that actions of House in passing tax reform measure and that of the Senate in ending the gambling bill filibuster  “were accomplished by elected officials essentially breaking the rules.”

Tuscaloosa News - Efforts to link removal of sales tax on food to four-year cycle for property tax appraisals may doom measure.

Tuscaloosa News - Riley says his tax proposal “makes far more sense to do this than shifting the [tax] burden to 35 percent of the population,”

Tuscaloosa News - Tuscaloosa county judge acquits four anti-war protesters in UA incident.

Tuscaloosa News - The Tuscaloosa News argues that Senate should reject “double-dipping” bill.

Decatur Daily - The Decatur Daily urges Senate to approve measure removing sales tax from food.

Anniston Star - The Anniston Star comments on Lt. Governor’s use of voice vote to end senate filibuster.

May 4, 2008

Sunday 5/4/2008 DAILY NEWS DIGEST

Filed under: Daily News Digest — G @ 7:35 am

Montgomery Advertiser - Sebastian Kitchens’ behind-the-scenes report on last week legislative activity.

Montgomery Advertiser - Alabama may fare better than many places during current economic downturn, but unlikely to escape all impact

Birmingham News - Legislators face budgets, full agenda as 2008 regular session comes down to final three days.

Birmingham News - Alabama lags neighboring states with only one Fortune 500 company based here.

Birmingham News - The Birmingham News urges Senate to approve House-passed constitutional amendment that would remove sales tax from grocery purchases.

Birmingham News - The Birmingham News says that supporters of constitutional convention should not give up in spite of this week’s vote where House refused to debate issue.

Birmingham News - Commentary by Barbara Evans of WildLaw on the struggle by residents of the small community of Kellyton to stop proposed rock quarry.

AL.com - Joey Kennedy comments on the end of state’s long-running child welfare litigation.

Mobile Press-Register - Commentary by chair of state’s Joint Patriotic Immigration Commission reviews commission’s activities, urges legislature to consider carefully pending bills and to “vote “no” on legislation that is inconsistent with the recommendations of the commission and threatens the livelihood of the hard-working people of this great state.”

Mobile Press-Register - Press-Register takes issue with comments by Sen. Lowell Barron (D-Fyffe) and Sen. Roger Smitherman (D-Birmingham) during debate of bills that would offer insurance relief to residents of Mobile and Baldwin counties.

Mobile Press-Register - Commentary by head of Christian Coalition of Alabama defends organization’s stance on gambling.

Huntsville Times - John Ehinger says that recent actions in refusing to allow voters to make important decisions reflect that the Alabama legislature is “dysfunctional at its very core.”

Tuscaloosa News - Governor considering options to control governmental costs even as state employees are poised to receive pay raise.

Tuscaloosa News - The Tuscaloosa News says watching the Alabama Legislature in action is “painful.”

Gadsden Times - The Gadsden Times blasts House for approving measure that would guy “double-dipping” reforms.

Times Daily - The Times Daily urges House to approve Senate-passed ban on smoking in public places and workplaces.

Dothan Eagle - School funding hurt by drop in income, sales tax receipts.

Daily Home - The Daily Home scare tactics used by opponents of constitutional reform, concluding that “continuing the status quo of a constitution that hamstrings good government and puts it squarely in the hands of special interests is nothing short of frightening for Alabama’s future.”
(more…)

May 3, 2008

Saturday 5/3/2008 DAILY NEWS DIGEST

Filed under: Daily News Digest — G @ 6:50 am

Birmingham News - New round of subpoenas issued in continuing investigation of corruption in state’s two-year college system.

Birmingham News - U.S House Speaker Nancy Pelosi makes Birmingham visit.

Birmingham News - U.S. court officials acknowledge error in application of rule restricting Siegelman’s travel.

Birmingham News - The Birmingham News praises action of state Senate in approving measure to restrict smoking in public places and workplaces, urges quick action by House and approval by Governor.

Mobile Press-Register - Allstate announces plan to cut wind coverage for homes in Mobile and Baldwin counties.

Mobile Press-Register - Coastal insurance reform measure gets unanimous consent for transmittal to House.

Huntsville Times - The Huntsville Times say that although House refused to take up constitutional reform, vote gives hope for future action.

Associated Press - Rep. Leslie Vance (D-Phenix City) introduces resolution asking Governor to remove state’s gasoline tax.

Montgomery Advertiser - Hyundai sales up in April.

Tuscaloosa News - Siegelman given hero’s welcome at Democratic event.

Anniston Star - The Anniston Star says Riley’s proposal to cut sales taxes on foods is “a compromise that might work.”

Times-Journal - The Times-Journal says that it’s “time to fix the Alabama Constitution.”

May 2, 2008

Friday 5/2/2008 DAILY NEWS DIGEST

Filed under: Daily News Digest — G @ 6:25 am

Birmingham News - House passes measure that allows “double-dipping,” bill now goes to Senate for consideration.

Birmingham News - Judicial system facing layoffs if full amount appropriated in proposed General Fund budget is not released.

Birmingham News - Democratic members of U.S. House Judiciary Committee threaten to subpoena Rove to testify about Siegelman prosecution.

Birmingham News - House refuses to debate proposal to rewrite state’s constitution.

Birmingham News - Receipts for Education Trust Fund up 4.2% in first seven months of year, still not sufficient to fund current budget.

Birmingham News - Senate education budget chair says he will encourage members to approve House-passed ETF budget.

Birmingham News - The Birmingham News comments on the end state’s long-running child welfare state, cautions that DHR must make sure that state doesn’t  “backslide on improvements made in child welfare under federal oversight.”

Mobile Press-Register - Senate kills coastal insurance bill.

Mobile Press-Register - Riley signs legislative resolution urging  U.S. House Speaker to support award of air tanker aware to Northrop Grumman-EADS.

Mobile Press-Register - Following Supreme Court decision in Indiana case, Press-Register calls for legislature to act quickly in strengthening state’s vote ID law.

Huntsville Times - Senate effectively kills measure that would have allowed borrowing $1 billion for road construction projects.

Huntsville Times - Commentary by House Majority Leader Ken Guin (D-Carbon Hill) defends his efforts to require school lunchroom menus to be approved by nutritionist.

Montgomery Advertiser - The Montgomery Advertiser says Alabamians should take “Siegelman defense”  of Democrats accused of misconduct with “not just with a grain of salt, but with a whole truckload of it.”

Tuscaloosa News - Higher ed claims proposed increase in ETF “too little.”

Tuscaloosa News - Summary of yesterday’s legislative action.

Tuscaloosa News - Legislature gives final approval to measure that provides tax breaks for state college savings plans, bill goes to Governor for his approval.

Decatur Daily - The Decatur Daily calls for legislature to adopt requirement for voter photo ID.

Dothan Eagle - The Dothan Eagle reviews actions of what it calls the “do-nothing Alabama Senate.”

Daily Home - The Daily Home views Senate-passed ban on smoking as “going too far.”

News link - Alabama Arise works on environmental justice issues.

New York Times - Key Appropriations Committee member says he will try to block funds if GAO recommends reopening bidding for air tanker.

Birmingham Business Journal - Riley proposes tax reform plan.
(more…)

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