Government

Formerly Imprisoned Lawmaker’s Campaign Finance Report Raises Questions

State officials have questions about a campaign finance report filed this month by former Alabama House Majority Leader Micky Hammon, who spent three months in federal prison last year for using campaign money on personal expenses. On April 2, Hammon turned in late his 2017 campaign finance report, a document required of public officials that details spending from their campaign funds. The report lists one expenditure: $52,533 to Hammon in January 2017. Under the explanation of expense section of the form, “to be determined” was typed. “That’s a problem,” Alabama Secretary of State John Merrill told Alabama Daily News when asked about the report. He said his office would reach out to Hammon. Hugh Evans, general counsel for the Secretary of State, said he is attempting to speak with Hammon’s attorney. “I don’t know what the story is, but you can’t use campaign funds for your personal use,” Evans said. Read more.

Bill Would Put Charter Funding on Par With Traditional Schools

MONTGOMERY — Legislation in the Alabama Senate would prevent local school systems from limiting the flow of per-student tax dollars to public charter schools. Senate Bill 311 is sponsored by Senate President Pro Tem Del Marsh, R-Anniston, who said it clarifies that money for a child’s education stays with that child, no matter what school he or she attends. Marsh was the sponsor of the 2015 legislation that allowed for the creation of charter schools. “It was always intended that on a local level the local funds that were allocated per child would also follow the student to the public charter school,” Marsh said this week. Marsh said some existing public school systems have failed to cooperate with the charter school law. Read more.

Birmingham Council Asks Legislature Not to Limit Local Control Over Plastic Bags and Other Containers

The Birmingham City Council passed a resolution Tuesday opposing two bills in the state Legislature that would prohibit municipal and county governments from regulating the use of plastic bags and styrofoam cups. Read more.

Referendum on Renewing Property Tax for Birmingham Schools Possible, Up for Discussion Next Week

Next week, Birmingham’s election commission will meet to discuss a potential citywide vote to renew a soon-to-expire ad valorem tax that provides Birmingham City Schools with approximately $27 million in yearly revenue. But that proposed election would have even wider ramifications, putting three city council seats — Districts 1, 6 and 7 — up for a vote. Read more.

All Aboard!: JeffCo Will Pay to Start Bus Service to Several Small Cities

Jefferson County is picking up the tab for bus service for some unserved areas through the end of the current fiscal year. Commissioners passed a resolution at their meeting on Thursday to provide transit for people living in Adamsville, Forestdale, Brighton, Lipscomb, Fultondale, Gardendale and Fairfield. “This isn’t about MAX (Metro Area Express),” Commission President Jimmie Stephens said. “This is about citizens and being able to serve the citizens. These citizens in these communities have been bypassed and the doors were shut. We’re going to give them the opportunity to receive the benefits from MAX to go to the doctor, to go to and from work, and to go to and from getting their medication. If they utilize this, it will be $100,000 very well spent.” Read more.

In Teacher Shortage, Educators Support Bill for Non-Certified Teachers

Roanoke City Schools Superintendent Chuck Marcum needs more teachers. Specifically, he needs more educators who are certified in the subjects they’re teaching. But during a teacher shortage that some say has reached a crisis level in parts of the state, Marcum and others hope lawmakers will let them keep non-certified educators in their classrooms longer. “The education colleges are turning out great teachers, just not enough of them,” Marcum said Friday. “Even if we hired all of them, it wouldn’t be enough.” Hundreds of schools each year hire educators on a one-year emergency contract. The educators must have a bachelor’s degree, but no education training or experience. After that year, the individual can’t have another emergency contract with a school anywhere in the state. Senate Bill 304 would change the word “emergency” to “urgent” and allow the contracts for up to six years. Sen. Clyde Chambliss, R-Prattville, said he sponsored the bill after watching his daughter’s high school struggle to fill a physics teaching position. His bill would make it easier for professionals with real-world experience and ability, but not a certificate, teach for longer, Chambliss said. Read more.

Bill Giving More Options for Armed School Security Clears Senate

MONTGOMERY – A bill to make it easier for retired law enforcement officers to become armed school security personnel passed the Alabama Senate on Thursday and could get a vote in the House next week. Read more.

Jefferson County Approves Working With UAB on Health Care Authority Agreement as Opposition Effort Dies

A last-ditch effort by Jefferson County commissioners Lashunda Scales and Sheila Tyson to delay a vote on an authority to govern indigent health care in Jefferson County failed today. Commissioners Jimmie Stephens, Joe Knight and Steve Ammons voted to approve the resolution to enter a due diligence period with UAB Health System to negotiate an agreement to create a University Healthcare Authority. Scales and Tyson voted no. “Today was unfortunate for the poor people, the vulnerable folks of Jefferson County as well as the employees of Jefferson County,” Scales said. “Employees are devastated. Employees feel the county has turned its back on them." Stephens viewed the action differently. “It’s going to be a great day for our indigent in Jefferson County,” the commission president said. “They will be able to receive state-of-the-art care from the University of Alabama in Birmingham. And from what I’ve heard today, I’m very much encouraged that our employees will be taken care of in this process also. Read more. Earlier this week:

Scales, Tyson Seek Delay in Vote Over Giving UAB Responsibility for Indigent Health Care

Jefferson County Commission Will Take Up Health Care Authority in Thursday’s Meeting Despite Concerns

Ivey’s Approval Rating in Alabama Higher Than Trump’s

Gov. Kay Ivey has a higher approval rating in Alabama than President Donald Trump, according to a new poll released this week. Sixty percent of Alabamians approve of the job Ivey, elected to her first full term last year, is doing. Another 28 percent disapprove and 12 percent are not sure, according to a poll released today by Florida-based Mason-Dixon Polling and Strategy. Read more.

Gun Surrender, Permit Bills Debated in Legislature

Alabama lawmakers debated two very different gun regulation bills on Wednesday. One would eliminate the need for permits to carry a concealed weapon; the other would allow for the court-ordered removal of weapons from someone who is considered to be dangerous. Read more.