On The Line: Jefferson County Budget Crisis
Jefferson County will put more than a thousand county employees on unpaid administrative leave next month under a plan to deal with the county’s budget crisis. Officials say without the move the county will be broke by August 7th. Governor Bob Riley has urged state lawmakers who represent Jefferson County to quickly back a $1 billion bailout plan. He wants to call a special session of the full legislature, which failed to find a solution during the regular session. How likely is a compromise, and will it be a long-term solution or a bandaid?
This Friday, July 24, 2009, WBHM wants to hear your thoughts on the topic during our special call in program, On The Line: Jeffco Budget Crisis. The show will air live from 12PM – 1PM.
Join the conversation by calling 1-800-444-9246 during the program or emailing your comment or question to [email protected].
AL State Senator (Rep) James T. “Jabo” Waggoner represents Jefferson and Shelby counties’ 16th district. His political career began in the Alabama House of Representatives where he served for 17 years (1966-1983). He is the longest serving member of the Jefferson County legislative delegation. Waggoner is an alumnus of Ensley High School, Auburn University and Birmingham Southern College. He earned his Juris Doctorate Degree from Birmingham School of Law.
AL State Representative (Dem) Patricia Todd has socially and professionally advocated for public policies relevant to social justice, HIV/AIDS, healthcare and a wide range of issues affecting the Birmingham community for the past twenty years. After a contentious serious of political races in 2006 that garnered state and national attention, Todd was as State Representative for House District 54, making her the first elected public official who is openly gay in the history of Alabama. Todd is the Associate Director of AIDS Alabama. She received her Bachelor’s degree from the University of Kentucky and her Masters of Public Administration degree from the University of Alabama at Birmingham.
Alabama Power seeks to delay rate hike for new gas plant amid outcry
The state’s largest utility has proposed delaying the rate increase from its purchase of a $622 million natural gas plant until 2028.
Former U.S. Sen. Doug Jones announces run for Alabama governor
Jones announced his campaign Monday afternoon, hours after filing campaign paperwork with the Secretary of State's Office. His gubernatorial bid could set up a rematch with U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville, the Republican who defeated Jones in 2020 and is now running for governor.
Scorching Saturdays: The rising heat threat inside football stadiums
Excessive heat and more frequent medical incidents in Southern college football stadiums could be a warning sign for universities across the country.
The Gulf States Newsroom is hiring an Audio Editor
The Gulf States Newsroom is hiring an Audio Editor to join our award-winning team covering important regional stories across Mississippi, Alabama and Louisiana.
Judge orders new Alabama Senate map after ruling found racial gerrymandering
U.S. District Judge Anna Manasco, appointed by President Donald Trump during his first term, issued the ruling Monday putting a new court-selected map in place for the 2026 and 2030 elections.
Construction on Meta’s largest data center brings 600% crash spike, chaos to rural Louisiana
An investigation from the Gulf States Newsroom found that trucks contracted to work at the Meta facility are causing delays and dangerous roads in Holly Ridge.
