Government
Alabama Parks Director Says State Parks Could See Large Cuts
Alabama faces a general fund budget shortfall of more than $580 million dollars. If legislators cant find new revenue, there could be sweeping cost cutting measures. This includes layoffs and reductions in state services affecting, among other things, law enforcement and state parks.
Alabama Prison Bill Gets Final Approval & More From This Week At The Capitol
Alabama lawmakers gave sweeping changes to Alabama’s prison system final approval this week. The legislature hopes these sentencing and probation reforms will alleviate some of the overcrowded prison system’s worst problems. For more on this, and the rest of the week’s news from Montgomery, we turn to Don Dailey. He’s the host of Capitol Journal on Alabama Public Television, and he joins WBHM each Friday during the legislative session.
Conservative Alabama Lawmakers Talk Gambling and Taxes
Alabama is a conservative state where political and religious rhetoric will sometimes mix in the halls of the statehouse. As a result, vices, such as gambling, don't usually get favorable treatment in public policy. But the more than $280 million dollar shortfall in Alabama's General Fund budget has lawmakers uttering the words casino, lottery, and even taxes. Alabama Media Group columnist John Archibald talks about the political turnabout and a bill that would give Jefferson County lawmakers millions of dollars to dole out at their own discretion.
A Civil Rights Resolution Rediscovered
Some of the most enduring images of the Civil Rights Movement are of fire hoses blasting children who were marching in Birmingham in 1963. Those pictures shocked many around the country and helped spur President John F. Kennedy to call for the Civil Rights Act. But the fire hoses also prompted a response from some New York City firefighters. As WBHM’s Amy Sedlis reports, that action remained unknown to Birmingham residents for more than five decades.
Alabama Lawmaker Says He Could Introduce Gambling Bill As Soon As Next Week
Alabama Senate President Pro Tem Del Marsh says he might introduce legislation allowing casinos and a state lottery as soon as next week. It’s the latest move by Republicans to cover the states $250 million dollar General Fund budget deficit. We’ll hear more on this from Don Dailey. He’s the host of Capitol Journal on Alabama Public Television, and he joins WBHM on Fridays to recap the week at the statehouse.
A Prosecutorial Team Back Together
If you're a powerful politician such as a president, senator or governor, you can sometimes get the rock star treatment. But if you're a former federal prosecutor, probably not. It a move though by a federal former federal prosecutor that has Alabama Media Group columnist John Archibald celebrating as if the Beatles reunited. He talks about that and a To Kill a Mocking Feud in Monroeville.
Casinos, Lottery Possible Fix For Alabama’s General Fund Budget Crisis?
Alabama Senate President Pro Tem Del Marsh told lawmakers on Tuesday he plans to introduce legislation legalizing some forms of gambling. Marsh said this could be the state's solution to the $250 million budget shortfall. We here more on this from Kyle Whitmire, political commentator for al.com and The Birmingham News.
Governor and Lawmakers Still Split over Budget Crisis
This week, Governor Robert Bentley defended his agency heads from accusations they’re using scare tactics in describing the effects of possible budget cuts to the state’s general fund. To fill us in on this and other activity in Montgomery this week is Don Dailey. He’s the host of Capitol Journal on Alabama Public Television.
A Republican Reversal on Ethics Oversight and Birmingham Festivals find they now owe the City
Alabama House Speaker Mike Hubbard faces trial on ethics charges this fall. The Republican representative is accused of using his political office for personal gain. Hubbard's defenders contend his prosecution is politically motivated. Alabama Media Group columnist John Archibald says that refrain is familiar. Democrats used to say the same thing when they faced corruption scandals. He talks about this and how Birmingham festivals will now have to pay for city services that used to be provided for free.
Alabama Courts Couldn’t Function With Proposed Cuts, Says Chief Justice Roy Moore
Representatives from Alabama's court system, law enforcement officials and the Department of Health and Human Resources all spoke before the Alabama House this week, describing what proposed budget cuts would do to their organizations. We hear more about the bleak outlook from Don Dailey, the host of Capitol Journal on Alabama Public Television. He joins us most Fridays during the legislative session.
Accountability or Politics at the Statehouse and Connections in High Places at UAB
State lawmakers like to talk about accountability and keeping tabs on the taxpayers’ money. But keeping tabs on money can also be a tool of politics and influence. Two key members of the Alabama House have introduced a bill that Alabama Media Group columnist John Archibald says even though it’s ostensibly about accountability, politics is not far behind. He also talks about a position at UAB created last fall for a friend of Senior Vice President Shirley Salloway Kahn -- a position that pays $28,000 a month.
Auburn’s Lesson for Alabama
The University of Alabama System Board of Trustees usually operates without a lot of attention. But with UAB boosters angry over the loss of that university’s football program and two bills in the state legislature aimed at restructuring the panel, more people are taking note of how the board is made up. Several members have close ties to Bryant Bank, founded by long time board member Paul Bryant Junior, himself the son of legendary Alabama coach Paul “Bear” Bryant. The board also has self-selecting membership. Alabama Media Group columnist John Archibald has written about this and says it looks similar to a situation from Auburn University.
Alabama Bill Brings Religious Freedom Debate Into The Classroom
Kyle Whitmire from the Alabama Media Group joins WBHM's Rachel Osier Lindley to discuss HB1, which would allow “the free exercise of student-led religion in school.” Plus more on Governor Robert Bentley and the harsh criticism he's facing from state politicians and the public over his proposed tax hikes.
Bentley Says State Parks, Mental Health Cuts Possible If Taxes Aren’t Raised
Alabama Governor Robert Bentley says Alabama will face severe cuts in state services if legislators refuse to raise taxes. The governor described the potential budget cuts during a speech on Wednesday. Bentley says Alabama could see the closure of state parks, reductions in mental health services, longer courthouse lines, a possible release of state inmates and other consequences.
Anthony Ray Hinton Released After Almost 30 Years On Death Row
After almost 30 years on death row, Anthony Ray Hinton was released from prison today after the prosecution dropped the charges. Ashley Cleek was at , when Hinton was released. Family and friends sobbed and rushed to hug Anthony Ray Hinton as he walked out of the jail in downtown Birmingham free man. Hinton been imprisoned since he was convicted of murdering two men in 1985. For WBHM, Ashley Cleek was at the jail in downtown Birmingham, when Hinton was released.
Senate Passes Prison Reform Bill,Draft General Fund Budget “Bleak”
Prison reform and the General Fund budget were at the top of the agenda for Alabama legislators this week. Thursday, the Alabama senate passed a comprehensive bill aimed at relieving Alabama’s overcrowded prison system. Earlier this week, state lawmakers got a sneak peek at what the budget could look like next fiscal year if the state pulls in no new revenue.
Poll Shows Majority Of Alabamians Would Pay Higher Taxes
Alabama General Fund faces a deficit of around $250 million. On Wednesday, the legislative General Fund committee circulated a draft of what Alabama’s budget would look like without adding any new revenue. State agencies could see cuts of 11.5 percent or higher next fiscal year. Even facing those numbers, many Republican Alabama lawmakers are balking […]
Man On Death Row For Almost 30 Years Will Be Freed
A man on Alabama’s death row for almost 30 years will be freed tomorrow Friday, April 3, after a judge dismissed the case. Prosecutors say the evidence that tied the man to two murders is not reliable. Anthony Ray Hinton was convicted and sentenced to death for killing two managers at Birmingham fast-food restaurants during […]
What’s In Alabama’s Prison Reform Bill?
Alabama's prison reform bill was approved today by a 31-2 vote in the Alabama Senate. The bill contains major changes to the state’s sentencing and probation rules with the goal of reducing prison over-crowding. Alabama's prisons are currently at almost 200 percent capacity. The bill was crafted by the Alabama Prison Reform Task Force with the help of The Council of State Governments, a nonprofit that works with policymakers across the country. WBHM’s Rachel Osier Lindley spoke with Andy Barbee, research manager with The Council of State Governments about some of the most important policy changes in the Alabama Justice Reinvestment Act and how Alabama’s challenges rank nationally.
The Ties that Bind the University of Alabama System Board of Trustees
As UAB football boosters continue to push to bring the team back after university leaders ended the program in December, more attention is being placed on the University of Alabama System Board of Trustees. Members of that panel have insisted they had nothing to do with the decision to end UAB football. What is clear though are the close ties the board has with Bryant Bank.
Alabama Obstetrician Turned Lawmaker Withdraws Controversial Bill
Republican State Senator Larry Stutts got into some hot water this week after an unsettling connection between his past and a bill he proposed came to light. Stutts said Tuesday that he will no longer push legislation to repeal "Rose's Law." The 1999 law requires a minimum postpartum hospital stay— unless the woman gives written consent — and certain bloodwork before a woman is discharged from the hospital.
President Obama Speaks in Birmingham
More than a thousand people gathered Thursday afternoon at Lawson State Community College in Birmingham to hear a speech by President Barack Obama. He used the visit to promote ideas he says will help working families and to tout proposed new rules on payday lenders. While the remarks were about policy, for many people, the fact they heard a sitting president speak in Birmingham represented a once in a lifetime opportunity.
Handling Heroin In The Courts
Heroin related deaths more than doubled last year in Jefferson county. All this week, WBHM has explored Alabama's heroin problem. With a rise in use of the drug, police report more heroin arrests, and judges say their dockets are filling up with cases. According to Birmingham's drug court, eight out of ten cases are for heroin. We conclude our series with a look at the courts. Ashley Cleek followed one addict into the criminal justice system to see what works and what doesn't.
Supreme Court Decision Causes Concern
Though the Alabama Legislature was on Spring Break this week a ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court has state lawmakers concerned. On Wednesday a divided Supreme Court said a lower court must review whether Alabama's Republican-led legislature relied too heavily on race when it redrew the state's voting districts in 2012.
Naloxone Access Bill
With heroin use increasing in Alabama the last few years, public health leaders are looking for ways to reduce heroin overdose deaths. Naloxone could be part of it. The drug, more commonly known as Narcan, can reverse the effects of a heroin overdose if administered to a user in time. It's not addictive nor does it produce a high. State Representative Allen Treadaway (R-Morris) refers to it as a miracle drug. Treadaway is also a Birmingham police captain and he's introduced HB 208 in the Alabama legislature to expand access to Naloxone.
UAB’s Football Decision May Have Been Made Earlier
UAB President Ray Watts faces calls for his resignation after documents released this week suggest university leaders considered announcing the end of the school's football, bowling and rifle programs months earlier than they did. The documents come from a public relations firm that was devising a strategy for handling the controversial decision and mentions a task list for an announcement in September. But Watts has said the decision to kill the football program was not made until shortly before the announcement was actually made in December. We talk about the situation with Alabama Media Group columnist John Archibald.
How Law Enforcement Is Fighting The Heroin Problem
As heroin use increases in North Central Alabama, law enforcement is taking a hard look at how to stop the supply, and handle heroin dealers and users. But beyond arresting dealers, they're also often the first on the scene of heroin overdoses. Les Lovoy reports on how law enforcement officials are juggling drug enforcement and saving lives.
Obama To Speak On Payday Lending
President Barack Obama visits Birmingham Thursday. He'll speak at Lawson State Community College about payday lending. It's a big business in Alabama -- one of the states with the most payday lenders per capita.
A Recovering Addict’s Story In Her Own Words
Elizabeth Drennen tells the story of how she became addicted to prescription pain medication and then heroin to Addiction Prevention Coalition student leaders
Fighting Heroin Abuse and Overdose Deaths
Heroin use has exploded in Alabama, with heroin-related deaths more than doubling in Jefferson County last year. All this week, WBHM explores the heroin problem in our series Heroin in Alabama. We'll hear what schools, law enforcement, the courts, and others are doing to fight heroin abuse and curb overdose deaths. To start, a look at the scope of the problem and how we got to here.
Governor Bentley Signs Charter School Bill Into Law
Governor Robert Bentley has signed a bill to allow charter schools in the state.The governor's spokeswoman said Bentley signed the GOP-championed bill into law on Thursday. Between the charter schools, the Alabama Accountability Act and 2-year colleges, it was a big week for education in the Alabama Legislature. Here to catch us up is Don Dailey. He's the host of Capitol Journal on Alabama Public Television.
Birmingham Chosen For Community Pilot Program
Birmingham is one of six cities recently chosen for a pilot program designed to strengthen police and community relationships.
