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 news@wbhm.org.
![](/pics/features/SenatorWaggoner.jpg)
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.
![](/pics/features/patriciatodd.jpg)
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.
Review by Senate Democrats finds more unreported luxury trips by Clarence Thomas
A report by Democrats on the Judiciary Committee found additional travel taken in 2021 by Thomas but not reported on his annual financial disclosure, including trips on private jets and a yacht trip.
Israeli strikes across Gaza kill at least 20, including five children
Israeli strikes across the Gaza Strip overnight and into Sunday killed at least 20 people, including five children, Palestinian medical officials said.
I discovered one way to fight loneliness: The Germans call it a Stammtisch
Modern life can be lonely. Some are looking to an old German tradition – of drinking and conversation – to deepen connection through regular meetups.
This Christmas I’ll be grieving. Here’s how I’ll be finding joy.
Since her husband's death, newscaster Windsor Johnston has been looking for ways to recapture joy and continue her healing journey — one that's taken her to a place she'd never expected.
On tap for the holidays: A blend of multicultural drink traditions and fond memories
For this year's All Things Considered holiday cocktail interview, we visited Providencia in Washington, D.C., a bar that brings its owners' personal stories to life.
College students get emotional about climate change. Some are finding help in class
A recent survey finds that more than half of young people aged 16-25 are highly worried about climate change. Some universities are now trying to help them navigate those emotions in class.