Virginia Martin

Commissioners Endorse Amendment 1, Say It’s Needed to Address Local Issues

The Jefferson County Commission on Thursday passed a resolution endorsing Amendment 1 on the March 5 ballot, but not before two commissioners gained greater understanding of the measure. Joe Knight explained during Tuesday’s committee meeting that the amendment would make it easier for legislators to pass local legislation earlier in the session. It would allow legislators to take up bills that are specific to one county before it takes up the state’s budgets. Normally, the legislators must have 3/5 of a quorum vote to OK a budget isolation resolution, which allows them to take on other bills before the budgets. It often is late in the session before the budgets are passed. Read more.

Earlier This Week: JeffCo Commission Considers Backing Amendment to Make Passing Local Laws Easier

County Works With Cities for Quicker Emergency Response Times in Unincorporated Areas

Jimmie Stephens said the decline in complaints about lengthy emergency response times in Jefferson County is no accident. The president of the Jefferson County Commission said it is because the county has established agreements to partner with municipal fire and rescue departments throughout the county to provide service beyond the limits of their town or city. Read more.

Southern Research Opens New Biotech Incubator

Southern Research this week expanded its efforts to encourage the growth of the biotech industry in Birmingham by opening its Station 41 biotech incubator. Read more.

Birmingham Council Approves Legislative Agenda Without Measure Allowing It to Opt Out of County Personnel Board

The Birmingham City Council on Tuesday approved its 2024 legislative agenda minus one item: a proposal asking for state legislation that would allow the city to drop out of the Jefferson County Personnel Board, if it so chose. The rest of the agenda centers on laws to make it easier for the city to address blight in neighborhoods. Read more.

JeffCo Commission Considers Backing Amendment to Make Passing Local Laws Easier

The Jefferson County Commission on Thursday will be considering its support for an amendment on the March 5 ballot that would make it easier for legislators to pass local legislation earlier in the session. The resolution supporting the adoption of Amendment 1 was discussed in the commission’s committee meeting Tuesday. District 4 Commissioner Joe Knight, president of the Association of County Commissions of Alabama, explained following the meeting that the amendment simplifies matters that are specific to individual counties. “The commission is saying we’re in support of voting for Amendment 1, which is an amendment that will take off the BIR (budget isolation resolution) requirement hurdle before you can get to your local legislation if the budgets haven't passed,” Knight said. “And they're never passed until late.” Read more.

New Opera Delves Into Less Familiar Part of Helen Keller’s Story

The opera “Touch,” commissioned by Opera Birmingham, depicts Keller's later life as an activist and feminist and her conflict with her interpreter, Anne Sullivan. Read more.

The Long Decline: Population Declines Hit Rural Counties

Population is declining in Alabama’s rural counties, particularly in the Black Belt, even as urban and suburban counties are growing. As the population has dropped off, good-paying jobs have left. The population has gotten older and sicker, but hospitals have closed and doctors have left the area. With fewer students, schools have become fewer and farther between. The Alabama Reflector investigated these issues and produced a three-part series: The Long Decline: How Depopulation Hurts Alabama’s Rural Communities The Long Decline: In Depopulating Counties, What Happens to Schools? The Long Decline: Health Care Access Grows Difficult in Shrinking Rural Communities

The Long Decline: Health Care Access Grows Difficult in Shrinking Rural Communities

Depopulation often means fewer health care providers, and more difficulties getting to them. Read more.

The Long Decline: In Depopulating Counties, What Happens to Schools?

As people leave rural Alabama, so do students. That has an effect on finances for those left behind. Read more.

The Long Decline: How Depopulation Hurts Alabama’s Rural Communities

The Black Belt has lost residents for decades. Those who stay are often poorer — and older. Read more.