Legislation sponsored by State Sen. Dan Roberts (R-Mountain Brook), known as the Roberts food truck inspection bill, has cleared the Alabama Senate and now awaits consideration in the House.

Senate Bill 197 would require mobile food vendors to obtain a valid health inspection certificate and fire inspection certificate that would be recognized statewide, eliminating the need for separate inspections in each local jurisdiction where the vendor operates.

The bill was introduced by Roberts during the 2026 Regular Session and passed the Senate on Feb. 19.

Under the legislation, food trucks and other mobile food vendors would be allowed to operate throughout Alabama once they have secured the required inspections. The measure maintains inspection requirements while creating a single set of certifications applicable across multiple jurisdictions.

Roberts sponsored the bill to create a uniform statewide inspection standard for mobile food vendors while maintaining existing health and fire safety requirements.

The Senate approved SB197 on Feb. 19 by a vote of 27–0, with bipartisan support.

Following Senate passage, the bill was engrossed and transmitted to the Alabama House of Representatives, where it has been referred to the House Health Committee for further consideration.

 Sherri Blevins is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You may contact her at sherri@yellowhammernews.com.

The 2026 election season is upon us — and so is campaign fundraising.

According to filings with the Alabama Secretary of State’s Fair Campaign Practices Act (FCPA) database, no Democrats in the Alabama Senate have yet filed their June 2025 monthly reports for the 2026 cycle.

These reports, due on June 3, are the first monthly disclosures of the new election year and offer a real-time look at each candidate’s financial standing heading into the campaign season.

All members of the Alabama Senate filed year-end reports due in January 2025 to account for all raising and spending throughout 2024. This week, we got a glimpse into where their war chests stand with one year remaining in the current quadrennium.

“2024” accounts for the cash-on-hand totals reported in the 2024 annual reports filed while “Cash on Hand” designates where candidates reported standing in their June 2025 monthly report.

Republicans

Greg Albritton (District 22)
2024: $233,361.41 | Cash on Hand: Not yet filed

Gerald Allen (District 21)
2024: $164,274.22 | Cash on Hand: $163,290.73

Will Barfoot (District 25)
2024: $297,130.09 | Cash on Hand: $305,725.88

Lance Bell (District 11)
2024: $234,917.06 | Cash on Hand: $253,457.39

Tom Butler (District 2)
2024: $37,000.99 | Cash on Hand: $33,275.99

Josh Carnley (District 31)
2024: $177,645.80 | Cash on Hand: Not yet filed

Clyde Chambliss (District 30)
2024: $170,253.62 | Cash on Hand: Not yet filed

Donnie Chesteen (District 29)
2024: $294,893.34 | Cash on Hand: Not yet filed

Chris Elliott (District 32)
2024: $240,213.61 | Cash on Hand: $270,567.56

Sam Givhan (District 7)
2024: $475,090.47 | Cash on Hand: $481,315.20

Garlan Gudger (District 4)
2024: $246,423.75 | Cash on Hand: $203,784.98

Jay Hovey (District 27)
2024: $324,310.81 | Cash on Hand: $319,432.03

Andrew Jones (District 10)
2024: $223,406.33 | Cash on Hand: $284,449.12

Keith Kelley (District 12)
2024: $269,020.69 | Cash on Hand: $273,434.89

Steve Livingston (District 8)
2024: $268,797.01 | Cash on Hand: $258,963.01

Tim Melson (District 1)
2024: $344,231.27 | Cash on Hand: Not yet filed

Arthur Orr (District 3)
2024: $1,127,774.79 | Cash on Hand: $1,135,481.76

Randy Price (District 13)
2024: $217,427.94 | Cash on Hand: Not yet filed

Matt Woods (GOP nominee — District 5)
2024: $329,031.14 | Cash on Hand: $330,616.79

Dan Roberts (District 15)
2024: $447,181.66 | Cash on Hand: $449,326.87

David Sessions (District 35)
2024: $327,732.30 | Cash on Hand: $325,422.30

Shay Shelnutt (District 17)
2024: $307,859.02 | Cash on Hand: $314,198.57

Larry Stutts (District 6)
2024: $51,167.80 | Cash on Hand: Not yet filed

J.T. “Jabo” Waggoner (District 16)
2024: $455,142.31 | Cash on Hand: $448,818.76

April Weaver (District 14)
2024: $240,376.35 | Cash on Hand: $250,286.81

Wes Kitchens (District 9)
2024: $49,872.97 | Cash on Hand: $82,427.15

Democrats

Billy Beasley (District 28)
2024: $111,240.53 | Cash on Hand: Not yet filed

Merika Coleman (District 19)
2024: $61,667.67 | Cash on Hand: Not yet filed

Linda Coleman-Madison (District 20)
2024: $280,845.70 | Cash on Hand: Not yet filed

Vivian Davis Figures (District 33)
2024: $2,197.55 | Cash on Hand: Not yet filed

Kirk Hatcher (District 26)
2024: $86,850.88 | Cash on Hand: Not yet filed

Bobby Singleton (District 24)
2024: $312,978.54 | Cash on Hand: Not yet filed

Rodger Smitherman (District 18)
2024: $144,244.84 | Cash on Hand: Not yet filed

Robert Stewart (District 23)
2024: $14.15 | Cash on Hand: Not yet filed

A bill that would overhaul the governance structure of the Birmingham Water Works Board cleared a key House committee Tuesday and now awaits a final vote in the Alabama House of Representatives.

SB330, sponsored by State Sen. Dan Roberts (R-Mountain Brook), would dramatically reshape the Water Works Board, reducing the City of Birmingham’s control and converting the board into a regional entity representing multiple counties served by the system. The measure passed the House Commerce and Small Business Committee after a public hearing and committee discussion.

The legislation comes in response to years of complaints about customer service, billing inaccuracies, water quality concerns, and a backlog of infrastructure investment. Supporters argue that the changes are necessary to professionalize board operations, improve accountability, and ensure that the entire customer base — not just the City of Birmingham — has appropriate representation.

Under the bill, the current nine-member board would be restructured into a regional board. Birmingham’s mayor and city council would each appoint one member, while Blount and Shelby counties would gain seats alongside appointees from the governor and lieutenant governor. The measure also sets new professional qualifications for board members, imposes ethics and training requirements, and mandates more rigorous financial reporting.

RELATED: Alabama lawmakers op-ed: Why we must reform the Birmingham Water Works Board

During Tuesday’s committee hearing, opponents, including current Birmingham Water Works officials and Democratic lawmakers, argued that the bill amounts to a state takeover of a locally controlled utility and could jeopardize ongoing projects, including major bond-funded upgrades.

Proponents, including Sen. Jabo Waggoner (R-Vestavia Hills), defended the bill as a long-overdue reform to address systemic issues, citing repeated complaints from customers across Jefferson and surrounding counties.

“What we have is a system that is broken” Roberts told committee members during closing remarks. “All this is what I think leads to where we are: trying to put together a great board who will make the right decisions.”

SB330 has already passed the Senate and is now poised for final passage by the full House. If approved, it would mark one of the most significant structural changes to the Birmingham Water Works in decades.

Today is day 26 of the legislative session. There are four legislative days remaining.

Grace Heim is a state and political reporter for Yellowhammer News. You can follow her on X @graceeheim or email her at grace@yellowhammernews.com.

Alabama Lt. Governor Will Ainsworth flexed his Birmingham roots in an address last week to the Birmingham Business Alliance. He overviewed a wealth of legislative accomplishments during the 2024 legislative session and spoke to the opportunities that are being created for the region’s business community and residents.

Ainsworth praised the strides Birmingham and Jefferson County has made in collaborating with statewide economic development and workforce initiatives. He said the opportunity is also the goal in the region: Attract corporate headquarters, boost educational opportunities, enhance infrastructure, create jobs, and drive economic growth across the entire state.

“Birmingham is doing well. You look at it, one of the best cities to live in,” Ainsworth said. “Just thinking about growing up, I remember coming to the NCAA Tournament games here. And the fact we brought those back. You talk to people about what recruits talent – you’ve got to make sure you have things for young people to do. I think obviously the music scene’s getting a lot better, the food scene’s good – there’s things for people to do downtown.”

RELATED: Lt. Governor Ainsworth ‘terrific’ at promoting Alabama at industry airshow, Bradley Byrne says

“Over $375 million in economic development projects in Jefferson County. One of the things I’m working on right now is downtown – ‘how do we bring corporate headquarters back to Birmingham and white collar jobs?’ I’m working with Greg Barker, working with your leaders here, to have real corporate headquarters here. One of the things that certainly was highlighted during the pandemic was UAB, Southern Research – what a jewel we have here be able to recruit other companies on the research side. Not only that, but even on the aerospace side – there’s a tremendous opportunities there. But just know that we’re going to make sure Birmingham will continue to go out and recruit and be active on getting corporate headquarters here and great white collar jobs for the students of today and tomorrow. That’s important.”

Ainsworth passionately promoted the expansion of school choice in Alabama, which now allows parents to choose from a variety of educational options, including public, private, charter, and homeschooling through the CHOOSE Act, passed earlier this year. Particularly in a region like Central Alabama, Ainsworth spoke to the difference it makes to give parents the freedom to select the best educational path for their children and praised the success of public charter schools in the state, like the Aerospace and Aviation High School in Birmingham.

RELATED: Go Wide I-65 Coalition launches statewide campaign, billboards blanket Alabama

On the subject of infrastructure, Ainsworth linked the Northern Beltline project and the expansion of I-65 to the future economic vitality of the region. He noted that the Beltline project is fully federally-funded and that state leaders are exploring opportunities to expedite the completion of the project.

“The other thing is, I-65,” Ainsworth said. “My vision is for I-65 to be six lane from the state line to Mobile. We’ve got to make sure we get that done. I drive it all the time,” adding that’s the issue Alabamians ask him about the most.

“That’s the main artery, it’s so important to Birmingham, so important to our businesses. We’re going to keep pushing and make sure we get I-65 done. I appreciate Governor Ivey’s leadership, she’s already started that. It’s probably going to take about 10 years to get it done. The great thing about that is it’s an 80-20 match from the federal government, so we’ll be able to draw a lot of federal dollars down to get that done,” he said.

Ainsworth also outlined measures to support small businesses through the elimination of the business privilege tax for small businesses, families through a new cap on property tax increases, and Alabama servicemembers through a package of pro-military bills passed earlier this year. 

Grayson Everett is the state and political editor for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on X @Grayson270

On Thursday, Governor Kay Ivey and Lt. Governor Will Ainsworth were joined by all legislative leaders from both the Alabama House and Senate to announce a comprehensive plan to tackle Alabama’s workforce challenges, enhance the state’s economic competitiveness, streamline government, and remove barriers to employment for Alabamians.

The package is entitled Working for Alabama. 

It encompasses seven bills to address three core challenges: Workforce development, economic development, and community development. 

The starting point for the approach, as identified by Lt. Governor Ainsworth’s 21st Century Workforce Commission, is to get state leaders and agencies on the same page – all working toward the same goal.

“Our state has seen tremendous advances as a result of collaborative, team-driven efforts. Just a few years ago, we were ranked 47th in the nation in broadband access – now, after signing the Connect Alabama Act, we rank 24th. The Game Plan, which was passed last year, gave us the best tools in our region to recruit industry and jobs, and the results are already paying dividends,” Governor Ivey told lawmakers and business leaders on Thursday. 

“In 2015 major reforms were made within the state’s workforce development sector, and as governor, I am calling on our Legislature to once again make the needed reforms so that our workforce development programs work better for its two customers – our jobseekers and our employers. ‘Working for Alabama’ is the next big step, and I look forward to seeing the benefits it will have on Alabama for years and decades to come,” Ivey said.

RELATED: Ainsworth envisions Alabama as ‘workforce engine of the Southeast’

Working for Alabama will merge, consolidate, and streamline duplicative workforce development agencies and programs under a central agency, making way for strong collaboration among employers, agencies, and educational institutions. 

The Department of Workforce will be led by a Secretary of Labor appointed by and serving at the will of the Governor. The Secretary will be responsible for the administration of the ADW and advise the Governor and the Legislature in matters relating to workforce development. 

Ivey was joined by legislative leaders across both chambers and both sides of the aisle in unveiling the plan, which was introduced as seven individual pieces of legislation today. Alabama Senate President Pro Tem Reed said the state needs to streamline its strategies to better compete against other states in economic development and job recruitment.

“Economic development is vital to the future success of our state. The accomplishments of tomorrow will be direct results of the decisions and investments we make today. Alabama has made our priority clear: We not only want the best economic incentives to bring businesses to our state, we also want to make sure the resources and workforce are here to make those businesses flourish,” Reed (R-Jasper) said on Thursday.

https://twitter.com/SenatorGregReed/status/1770844600543883387

“Streamlining, highlighting and regularly upgrading our economic development strategy through this package will continue making Alabama the economic engine of the South.”

RELATED: Reed details legislative approach to building the Alabama workforce of tomorrow in BCA talk

Among the central challenges being addressed in the plan is that almost half of the state’s working-age individuals are neither employed nor seeking to participate in the workforce.

Working for Alabama proposes a historic, transformative change to existing efforts, alongside new initiatives to remove barriers to employment, such as a proposed childcare and housing tax credit, public-private partnerships throughout Alabama’s education system, and a range of economic development tools to enable the state to continue attracting and retaining high-quality employers. 

One barrier to employment that has been a key focus of Speaker Ledbetter is the availability of affordable childcare.

“The unfortunate reality is that many Alabamians must choose between raising their children and having a career, and for our state to continue growing, that has to change,” Speaker Ledbetter (R-Rainsville) said on Thursday. 

The Working for Alabama package addresses barriers to workforce entry and retention, streamlines our development efforts, and positions Alabama to continue dominating on the national stage.

Alabama is working like never before, and we aren’t slowing down one bit. pic.twitter.com/PQsAVINxe3

— Nathaniel Ledbetter (@RepLedbetter) March 21, 2024

“The childcare tax credit legislation has the power to give parents choices and help them provide better lives for their children. Alabama is not only the most pro-business state in the nation but also the most pro-family state,” Ledbetter said. 

RELATED: Legislative leaders discuss ambitious workforce and economic development package

One of the seven bills will create credits to incentivize employers to fund childcare options. It also incentivizes childcare providers, both for-profit and non-profit, to expand access and quality – available for employers that provide on-site childcare or stipends to employees for childcare expenses. 

Tax credits would also be available to for-profit childcare providers that voluntarily participate in the state’s child care quality rating program, and donors to nonprofit childcare providers for the improvement or operation of the facilities.

All told, the Working for Alabama legislative proposal is composed of the following bills, being carried by the following sponsors:

1. The Alabama Workforce Transformation Act by State Rep. Danny Garrett (R-Trussville), who serves as the Chairman of the House Education Trust Fund Committee and State Sen. Steve Livingston (R-Scottsboro), who serves as the Senate Majority Leader. 
2. The Workforce Pathways Act by State Sen. Donnie Chesteen (R-Geneva) and Rep. Kelvin Lawrence (D-Hayneville) to establish a Workforce Pathways diploma at the K-12 level and reinvest in Career & Technical Education (CTE) centers across the state. 
3. The Childcare Tax Credit by State Sen. Garlan Gudger (R-Cullman) and House Minority Leader Anthony Daniels (D-Huntsville) to expand access and quality to childcare for working Alabamians. 
4. The Workforce Housing Tax Credit by State Sen. Chris Elliott (R-Josephine) and State Rep. Cynthia Almond (R-Tuscaloosa) to create a workforce housing tax credit, complimenting the existing federal housing tax credit program to incentivize private capital investment in the development of affordable workforce housing. 
5. The Alabama Growth Alliance Act by Senate Pro Tem Greg Reed and State Rep. Randall Shedd (R-Arab) to establish a public-private partnership focused on the state’s long-term economic development and introduce clear benchmarks and pathways for effective growth.
6. The Innovation District Act by Senate Minority Leader Bobby Singleton and State Rep. James Lomax (R-Huntsville) would authorize local governments to create a new type of local entity to undertake and incentivize economic development projects in certain business sectors identified by the Alabama Department of Commerce.
7. The Innovation District Act would require an amendment to the Alabama Constitution for consideration among the voters of Alabama. Such a CA proposal is being carried by State Sen. Dan Roberts (R-Birmingham) and State Rep. Neil Rafferty (D-Birmingham).

Officials say by consolidating the workforce development functions of the Department of Commerce, the Workforce Development Division, and Department of Labor will engross $370.7 million, earmarked for workforce development by aligning recruitment efforts and merging agencies focused on job placement under one roof.

“You can ask almost any employer in the state, and they’ll tell you that one of the biggest challenges they face is hiring skilled and trained employees,” Lt. Governor Will Ainsworth told state and business leaders on Thursday.

“By eliminating barriers to entry into the workforce, and by making our state’s workforce development efforts more intentional, targeted and efficient, we can create an environment where more Alabamians are working, providing for their families, building careers and contributing to our economy. These transformational changes will make Alabama the workforce engine of the Southeast,” Ainsworth said.

Grayson Everett is the state and political editor for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @Grayson270

Over the weekend, the Mid-Alabama Republican Club hosted state lawmakers to offer an update on the 2024 legislative session, currently on a week-long break.

State Sen. Jabo Waggoner (R-Vestavia Hills) said that he opposed House version of the gambling legislation received by the Senate, believes their revisions were productive, and ultimately thinks some form of the proposal will be passed.

“It was a far-reaching bill,” Waggoner said. “Something most of you would have not voted for. We knew we had to change it.”

“You would not believe how much illegal gaming is going on in Alabama. There are over a thousand illegal casinos going on in Alabama.”

“In the bill we capped it,” Waggoner said of the Senate version. “It prohibits any new casinos.”

“What we are going to do is legalize the existing places – seven of them,” Waggoner said. “It allows people to vote for a paper lottery.”

In February, House lawmakers advanced a proposal that would have authorized seven additional casinos in Alabama, a state lottery, sports gambling in person and online and instituted an Alabama Gaming Commission authority over gambling in the state.

“I have never placed a dime betting,” Sen. Waggoner said. “Right now, the state is receiving no revenue from those illegally operating,” estimating that the Senate bill would bring in $350 to $400 million.

RELATED: Alabama Senate passes toned-down version of gambling legislation

The Senate bill stripped Class III gaming, sport betting, and electronic bingo, kept the potential compact between Alabama and the Poarch Band of Creek Indians, the historical horse racing machines, and the creation of a new state agency to oversee operations. The Senate bill also moved the vote on ratification from the November 5 general election to a September special election..

“It goes back to the House to either concur or nonconcur,” Waggoner explained.

If the House does not vote to concur with the Senate bill, then gambling will go to a conference committee between both chambers.

“I think eventually something will pass,” Waggoner said. “Do we keep allowing all of this illegal gambling and not getting anything from it? My big issue is that they wanted to put a second casino in Birmingham. here ain’t going to be a casino in downtown Birmingham. The only casino will be on the existing dog track (the Birmingham Race Course).”

RELATED: Alabama House advances legal gaming, education lottery, statewide vote

State Senator Dan Roberts (R-Mountain Brook) said one hang up revolved around sports betting.

“That is the most addictive form of gambling,” Roberts explained. “The Senate version does not have sports betting.”

State Rep. Jim Carnes (R-Vestavia Hills) said he’s fundamentally opposed to legalization of gambling and that it has the potential to change the state forever.

“On gambling we disagree,” Carns said. “I am going to do everything in the House that I can to defeat it. There is a strong chance that we can stop it.”

“I don’t want to see my grandchildren driving down the road and the state of Alabama encouraging them to gamble,” said Carns.

To connect with the author of this story, or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com

Members of the Shelby County delegation to the Alabama House introduced a bill in the first week of the 2024 legislative session to make the election of board members for the North Shelby County Library Board consistent with the expectations of residents in their community and the procedures in place for boards across the state. 

The local library, enacted by the Alabama Legislature in 1988, is a dynamic resource for the area. It serves portions of Shelby County that had no library and no municipality to support one. 

Under the current code, the North Shelby County Library board is mandated to conduct elections for its members every even year. However, records indicate that since 1998, no such election has been held – and board members have faced no opposition.

“We hope the selection of library board members every four years by the legislative delegation will actually give more residents in the district an opportunity to serve,” State Rep. DuBose (R-Hoover) said. 

“This proposed amendment to the legislation has been years in discussion, we did not make this decision lightly but consulted with Shelby County officials and employees, former legislators involved in the original legislation and our legislative services agency in Montgomery. HB 89 was unanimously recommended by the Shelby County legislative delegation for the reasons noted above which bring the North Shelby County public library governance in line with every public library in the state of Alabama.” 

RELATED: Rep. DuBose: Alabama Public Library Service taking ‘a step in the right direction’

Public library boards on both the local and state levels have been entrenched with controversy stemming from left-wing influence pushed by activists who have worked their way into elected positions that typically don’t receive attention from parents and constituents. Last year, state lawmakers sounded the alarm on “toxic” influences into Alabama libraries, Governor Kay Ivey empowered their calls, and a push to put parents back in charge of their local libraries was ignited. 

In Shelby County, as officials move to revise outdated portions of the law, officials hope to do just that – put stakeholders back in charge. DuBose also underscored the underrepresented importance of the business community in library governance. 

“The collection of library dues, fines, penalties and liens on homes has been a source of concern for residents and businesses in the library district since the formation of the district,” she said. “Residents and business owners in the community expect financial transparency and financial accountability from the library board.”

The legislative delegation representing the North Shelby County library district, who will select the five board members are State Reps. Jim Carns, Susan DuBose, Arnold Mooney, along with State Sens. Jabo Waggoner and Dan Roberts. 

Grayson Everett is the state and political editor for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @Grayson270

Alabama’s state auditor is joining the fight against environmental, social and governance (ESG) investing.

Last week, State Sen. Dan Roberts (R-Mountain Brook) filed a bill, SB261, that would not allow government entities from entering into contracts with companies that use ESG policies in their business practices.

State Auditor Andrew Sorrell discussed his support for Roberts’ bill on Talk 99.5’s “Leland Live” radio show Thursday.

“There’s a couple of groups in the state that are against this bill and apparently some of their membership don’t want to see this bill go through,” Sorrell said. “And this is a real head-scratcher for me because I think the base is going to be with us 99 to 1 on this. The Republican base knows what ESG is … the name ID of ESG is increasing. And people don’t want this, they don’t want ESG invading our financial institutions in the state.”

Sorrell described what he believes are the dangers of the ESG movement being pushed on businesses.

“Environmental, social and governance is this new way of looking at business where we don’t care so much about how much profit they make, what we care about his how woke they are,” he said. “So are they pushing for environmental causes? Are we trying to get rid of evil big oil for instance? Socially are you supporting LGBTQ? Are you supporting Black Lives Matter? How woke are you? And all of these policies are beginning to invade our financial institutions and they’re being graded by certain companies based on how they’re doing.

“It’s a way of bullying ESG into existence. When they can’t pass an unpopular bill into law, they try to use woke corporations to help push this garbage and shove it down our throats, and we’ve got to fight back.”

Sorrell also defended Allen Mendenhall of the Troy University Johnson Center for Political Economy. He was criticized after speaking to the Senate Republican Caucus about the problems with ESG.

“Mendenhall is brilliant,” he said, “the guy has five degrees, he has Ph.Ds and a jurist doctorate … He was there to talk about the dangers of ESG and there were groups basically trying to silence him, and I don’t stand for that and I went public with my opposition to that.”

He sent a letter to Troy University Chancellor Jack Hawkins to reiterate his support for Mendenhall and his views on ESG.

“Many of Alabama’s peer states have taken recent actions with respect to ESG investing,” he said in the letter, “and I’m concerned that failure to act would put our state at an economic disadvantage and could negatively impact our state pension system.”

Yaffee is a contributing writer to Yellowhammer News and hosts “The Yaffee Program” weekdays 9-11 a.m. on WVNN. You can follow him on Twitter @Yaffee

Earlier this legislative session, a bill sponsored by State Sen. Del Marsh (R-Anniston) to create education savings accounts to follow students to the schools of their parents’ choice failed to gain traction in the Senate.

However, an alternative and less comprehensive form of school choice legislation passed the upper chamber earlier this week. Sponsored by State Sen. Dan Roberts (R-Mountain Brook), Senate Bill 261 amends the Alabama Accountability Act of 2013 to increase the income tax credit claimed by taxpayers who donate to scholarship granting organizations.

The legislation increases the income tax credit a taxpayer may claim, up to 100% of the individual taxpayer’s liability, in an amount not to exceed $100,000 for donations made to scholarship granting organizations.

In a statement celebrating the bill’s passage, Roberts detailed the Alabama Accountability Act’s success.

“Since the Accountability Act was passed into law in 2013, it has been [a] resounding success raising over $176 million from the private sector to provide for educational opportunities that students otherwise could not afford,” stated Roberts. “However, private sector funding of Scholarship Granting Organizations (SGO) has ebbed and flowed over the years for various reasons, including changes in the federal tax code. One of the most important elements of this bill is that it allows SGOs to have financial consistency in their budgeting and planning. This means that once a child is accepted into a participating school, the parents will have the peace of mind now in knowing that their child’s scholarship will be there to support them for years to come.”

He continued, “The Alabama Accountability Act creates life-changing situations for students and their families, enabling an opportunity for school choice and enhancing the quality of life and learning for so many Alabamians. More than 97 percent of students who receive these scholarships renew them annually. That statistic alone is a true testament to the meaningful benefits this program offers to our school children.”

Roberts stated his belief that in modifying the act, that it would serve to place it on a solid funding foundation for the future.

“I appreciate my colleagues on both sides of the aisle for coming together to support Alabama students and families,” added the senator. “I am confident that the Alabama Accountability Act will continue to provide transformative opportunities for students across the state, and the modifications approved by the Senate today will ensure the program continues to serve students in the best possible way.”

Having met Senate approval, the bill is set to be considered by the House Education Ways and Means Committee.

In a conversation with Yellowhammer News, committee member State Rep. Terri Collins (R-Decatur) advised that the legislation faces a “harder vote” in the lower chamber.

Collins said she is routinely urged by voters to tackle legislation regarding the expansion of school choice across the state. The lawmaker expressed her desire for Republicans to support the measure given the widespread appeal of school choice among the conservative base.

“I hope and believe that the Republicans that are being bombarded with their base wanting to vote for school choice that this will be something that they can support,” said Collins. “But we will see.

Dylan Smith is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @DylanSmithAL

With the Alabama Republican Party opting to remove the primary opponents of State Sens. Andrew Jones (R-Centre) and Gerald Allen (R-Tuscaloosa) from the upcoming May ballot, the number of Senate Republicans facing primary challengers drops to seven.

The following provides a breakdown of each candidate in the contested races.

District 1

State Sen. Tim Melson (R-Florence) is seeking to serve a third term in the Alabama Senate. Melson is chair of the Senate Education Policy Committee and vice chair of the Finance and Taxation Education Committee.

Melson will face off against John Sutherland in the GOP primary.

Sutherland in August 2020 filed suit against the Lauderdale County Agricultural Authority in an effort to block the construction of its proposed agriculture center due to a dispute over funding mechanisms. Melson was chair of the authority at the time of Sutherland’s lawsuit.

Senate District 1 includes portions of Madison, Limestone and Lauderdale Counties.

District 2

State Sen. Tom Butler (R-Madison) is nearing the completion of his 20th year of service in the Senate. He served as a member of the Alabama House of Representatives from 1982 through 1994, when he was elected to the upper chamber. The Senate Veterans and Military Affairs Committee chair faces opposition in his bid for reelection from a familiar name in former State Sen. Bill Holtzclaw.

Holtzclaw served in the Senate from 2010 until 2018 when he considered mounting a primary challenge against U.S. Rep. Mo Brooks (R-Huntsville) for Alabama’s fifth congressional district, an endeavor he would eventually opt against. Prior to his 2010 election to the Senate, Holtzclaw served one term on the Madison City Council.

The primary showdown features a rematch from the district’s 2010 general election, where Holtzclaw defeated Butler, the incumbent Democrat, by nearly 10,000 votes. Following Holtzclaw’s exit from the Senate, Butler in 2018 was elected to an additional term.

Senate District 2 includes portions of Madison and Limestone Counties.

District 13

State Sen. Randy Price (R-Opelika), vice chair of the Senate Tourism Committee, was first elected to the upper chamber in 2018. Price overwhelmingly prevailed in the 2018 primary, runoff and general elections.

John Allen Coker, pastor of Opelika’s Northside Baptist Church, is challenging Price in the West Alabama Senate district.

Senate District 13 includes parts of Randolph, Lee, Cleburne, Clay and Chambers Counties.

District 15

State Sen. Dan Roberts (R-Mountain Brook), chair of the Shelby County Legislation Committee and vice chair of the Senate Transportation and Energy Committee, is seeking election to his second term in the upper chamber.

Homewood surgeon Brian Christine has mounted a primary challenge against Roberts for the Birmingham area Senate district.

Senate District 15 includes parts of Talladega, Shelby and Jefferson Counties.

District 17

State Sen. Shay Shelnutt (R-Trussville), chair of the Senate Banking and Insurance Committee, is seeking to serve his third term in the Senate.

Shelnutt faces opposition from Iraq War veteran Mike Dunn, who formerly attempted to launch a candidacy in Alabama’s 2022 U.S. Senate race.

Senate District 17 includes portions of St. Clair, Jefferson and Blount Counties.

District 22

State Sen. Greg Albritton (R-Atmore) serves as chair of the influential Senate Finance and Taxation General Fund Committee. Albritton this year will complete his second term of service in the upper chamber. From 2002 to 2006, Albritton served in the Alabama House of Representatives.

Albritton’s opponent, U.S. Army veteran Stephen Sexton, unsuccessfully ran for the Alabama House of Representatives District 64 in 2018 against State Rep. Harry Shiver (R-Bay Minette).

Senate District 22 includes parts of Washington, Monroe, Clarke, Baldwin and Escambia Counties.

District 27

State Sen. Tom Whatley (R-Auburn), chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, in 2010 flipped District 27 as he defeated incumbent Democratic State Sen. T.D. Little. He is currently serving his third term in the Senate.

Whatley faces Auburn City Councilman Jay Hovey in the GOP primary. Hovey in 2020 received a lieutenant governor’s appointment to the Alabama Small Business Advisory Commission.

Senate District 27 includes portions of Tallapoosa, Russell and Lee Counties.

The primary elections will take place on May 24, 2022.

Dylan Smith is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @DylanSmithAL

Alabama families are set to pay an extra $87.7 million in state income taxes due to the federal government’s expansion of tax credits included in COVID-19 pandemic relief.

Pandemic relief legislation passed last year by Congress expanded the dependent care, earned income and child tax credits. Income from work must have been earned by the taxpayer to qualify for the earned income and dependent care tax credits.

Current Alabama law does not exclude the pandemic-era federal tax benefits from being taxed by the state. However, efforts are underway in the Alabama Senate to prevent the tax hike from going into effect.

State Sen. Dan Roberts (R-Mountain Brook) is leading legislative efforts to shield families from being penalized for benefitting from the tax credits.

In announcing his intent to file the bill, Roberts suggested that the legislature needed to act swiftly to provide relief to Alabama families.

“If we do not pass this bill, then we are choosing to impose an extra $87.7 million in taxes on hardworking Alabamians who qualified for tax relief because they showed up for work during the pandemic while some others walked off the job to collect higher unemployment benefits,” stated Roberts. “I don’t think that’s fair to our nurses, ambulance drivers, police officers, and so many others who stayed on the job during these tough times.”

Roberts plans to reintroduce his bill in the Senate on Tuesday when the legislature returns to regular session. The legislation would solidify an exclusion into state law shielding families from paying additional taxes on the credits they received last year.

A similar legislative effort led by Roberts was signed into law by Gov. Kay Ivey in early 2021 which barred the state from taxing COVID-19 relief stimulus funds.

Roberts concluded, “This money belongs to the people, not the state government. With tax filing season already upon us, the legislature must act quickly to protect working families from this looming tax hike. Doing otherwise would be unconscionable.”

The bill, which is expected to earn a hearing from the Senate Committee on Finance and Taxation General Fund, has gained bipartisan support and is cosponsored by 29 of Roberts’ colleagues in the upper chamber.

Dylan Smith is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @DylanSmithAL

Some Alabamians could be facing an additional tax burden if the legislature does not act soon, according to State Sen. Dan Roberts (R-Mountain Brook).

During an appearance on Mobile radio FM Talk 106.5’s “The Jeff Poor Show,” Roberts warned that under current Alabama statute, there was no exclusion from the calculation of Alabama taxable income for one-time America Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) pandemic-related benefits passed by Congress last year.

Roberts referred to a pledge from Gov. Kay Ivey that the state government had no intention of taxing the pandemic relief benefits received from the federal government in 2020. However, inaction could create issues for tax filers and the Alabama Department of Revenue with tax season looming.

“[A]RPA passed in March,” he explained. “ARPA provided one critical thing for Alabama families. There were three different types of credits geared toward families. It was the increased child tax credit that most of your listeners started getting the credit around July 15, 2021, and that continued through December — and then, increased dependent care credit and increased and modified earned income credit.”

“The point about these dollars: the person who received the check had to be working to get two of the three of those — the dependent care and earned income credit,” Roberts continued. “And if the taxpayer does not have earned income, the tax credits are not available as earned income. And that’s a key component because if you remember, there were the additional stimulus dollars, $300 a week, that were coming in federally. In many cases, some were not returning to work. But this has nothing to do with that. This is about getting roughly $2 billion that came to Alabama families between July and December into a position that we do not tax it as a state.”

The Jefferson County Republican lawmaker said if the legislature does not take quick action, which he suggests should be in the widely anticipated special session within the ongoing regular session intended to deal with ARPA funding allocations, Alabama families will be on the hook for $87.7 million in additional state income tax on those benefits.

@Jeff_Poor is a graduate of Auburn University and the University of South Alabama, the editor of Breitbart TV, a columnist for Mobile’s Lagniappe Weekly, and host of Mobile’s “The Jeff Poor Show” from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. on FM Talk 106.5.

The Alabama Forestry Association (AFA) has announced its endorsement of State Sen. Dan Roberts (R-Mountain Brook) in his reelection bid to the Alabama State Senate, serving District 15.

AFA president and CEO Chris Isaacson hailed Roberts for his dedication to serving his community.

“I have known Dan and Anne for a long time and they are truly special people. Dan has done a remarkable job during his first term in the legislature, but his commitment to community service goes much further and he enriches us all with his character and leadership,” said Isaacson. “He is a successful businessman whose conservative values match those that AFA fights to preserve every day. We are proud to support him in his bid for reelection.”

The association noted that during his tenure in the legislature’s upper chamber, Roberts has focused on economic development, improving education and workforce development.

Roberts has been heavily involved in addressing the state’s tax policies. During the last session, he was the Senate sponsor for legislation that allowed pandemic-related payments received by companies to be excluded from state income taxation, and legislation allowing pass through entities to participate in the Growing Alabama tax credit. Both pieces of legislation were signed into law.

Roberts joined forces with AFA to participate in the “Lucy Meets a Logger” Book Tour, an
initiative aimed at promoting and educating elementary school students about forestry career opportunities with the goal of improving education and developing the state’s workforce.

Roberts noted his appreciation to the influential organization for their support of his reelection campaign.

“I am humbly grateful for the Forestry Association’s endorsement of my candidacy,” said
Senator Roberts. “It is a privilege to work with such a prestigious organization as we share many of the same values.”

Senate District 15 covers parts of Jefferson, Shelby and Talladega Counties. The primary election will occur on May 24, 2022.

The first phase to turn U.S. Highway 280 into eight lanes will soon begin in Mountain Brook.

As part of the plan, the Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) has announced that it will eliminate merge lanes at Overton and Cherokee Roads on the westbound section of 280. These lanes will be converted into permanent lanes of traffic flow.

This phase of work is part of the state’s larger effort to make 280 eight lanes from Lakeshore Drive all the way back to Hugh Daniel Drive in Shelby County, according to State Sen. Dan Roberts (R-Mountain Brook), whose district includes some of the affected areas.

No start date has been determined, but Roberts indicated ALDOT would begin the construction “sooner rather than later.”

Roberts says he has made an effort to help people get a better understanding of the project and, in turn, asked ALDOT to address any concerns.

“My role has been to bring people together for discussions,” he told Yellowhammer News. “I have tried to work together with the folks who have concerns. We’ve gotten together with ALDOT, and we’ve had discussions.”
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MONTGOMERY — The Alabama Senate Governmental Affairs Committee on Tuesday gave a favorable report to SB 235, a bill that would ban curbside voting in the state.

The legislation is sponsored by Sen. Dan Roberts (R-Mountain Brook). No Democrats were present for the committee meeting, and the favorable report came on an uncontested voice vote.

Alabama law does not currently provide for curbside voting, however the practice is also not explicitly barred.

This past year, that unclarity led to multiple rounds of litigation when Secretary of State John Merrill and Attorney General Steve Marshall deemed the practice illegal while activists pushed to have curbside voting instituted at the last minute in certain counties. (more…)

Last week, through an act of the legislature, Alabama significantly changed its tax code with two objectives — not to tax federal benefits stemming from the CARES Act intended to provide relief from the COVID-19 economic downturn and make Alabama more competitive with its neighbors in the spirit economic development.

Leading the way on the effort were State Sen. Dan Roberts (R-Mountain Brook) and State Rep. Danny Garrett (R-Trussville), who pulled off the instrumental feat of getting the bill through the Alabama Legislature within the first two weeks of the 2021 regular session.

During an appearance on Mobile radio’s FM Talk 106.5, Roberts laid out exactly what HB 170, signed into law by Gov. Kay Ivey last week, changed in the tax code.

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MONTGOMERY — The Alabama State Senate on Wednesday passed legislation making COVID-19 stimulus checks tax-exempt and extending two key economic development programs, two packages that have been top priorities for state leaders,

Those bills, which originated in the House of Representatives, now head to Governor Kay Ivey’s desk for her signature. She has indicated support for both bills in the past.

State Senator Dan Roberts (R-Mountain Brook) handled the bill exempting coronavirus relief funds from state taxes in the Senate. He remarked on the floor that it becoming law would mean $8.7 billion will have gone to Alabama citizens and businesses untaxed by the state, which he believes will yield significant economic benefits.

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While the $3 trillion in federal government funding put into the American economy in the name of coronavirus relief under the CARES Act have been a lifeline for many, in Alabama some of those benefits are considered taxable income.

State Sen. Dan Roberts (R-Mountain Brook) argues an act of the legislature will be required to remove the state tax liability on residents. He contends that with the legislature not set to convene until February 2021, a special session is needed to deal with the issue given the next general session would come after a time when tax documents are prepared.

Roberts told Mobile radio’s FM Talk 106.5 he does not believe anyone in state government intends for COVID-19 relief to be taxed at the state level.

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When Congress passed the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act in 2017, it had the unintended consequence of raising taxes on Alabamians. The reason: In Alabama, one can deduct federal income tax on their state tax return.

Given the federal income tax burden was reduced for corporations and individuals, it led to a reduction of what can be deducted on a state tax return, which effectively caused state taxes to increase. As the COVID-19 pandemic wreaks havoc on Alabama’s economy, State Sen. Dan Roberts (R-Mountain Brook) says now is the time to consider a correction for that unintended consequence of the federal tax cuts.

During an interview with “The Jeff Poor Show” on Huntsville radio’s WVNN, Roberts offered his fix, which he and State Rep. Danny Garrett (R-Trussville) unveiled earlier this year.

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State Rep. Arnold Mooney’s (R-Indian Springs) campaign for the U.S. Senate has received an endorsement from 10 of his colleagues in the state legislature with less than two weeks to go before the primary election.

The endorsers include many of the most conservative members in the Alabama statehouse, like State Rep. Mike Holmes from the Montgomery area and State Rep. Tommy Hanes from Northeast Alabama.

The state-level endorsements fall in line with the prominent national conservatives who have endorsed Mooney previously. Conservative Senators Mike Lee (R-UT) and Rand Paul (R-KY), along with conservative television host Mark Levin, and Alabama’s own Rep. Mo Brooks (AL-05) are among those who have thrown their support behind Mooney.
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The pervasive use of online pornography is having a negative impact on our society, reaching almost every aspect of daily life and creating an unrecognized web of harm.

Today’s mainstream pornography is not the magazine of past decades. Instead, it is primarily violent, rape-themed, incest-themed, sexist, racist and dehumanizing hardcore material. The large-scale use of hardcore pornography by millions of people, including adolescents, has significant ramifications. Studies have consistently shown that the use of pornography can impact the brain, relationships, behaviors, as well as both physical and mental health.

Numerous studies overwhelmingly point to correlations between pornography use and addiction, compulsive sexual acting out, sex buying, infidelity, pornography induced erectile dysfunction (PIED) in young men, child sexual abuse, higher rates of STDs, low self-esteem, depression and lowered sexual and relationship satisfaction in committed relationships. (more…)

Alabama Lieutenant Governor Will Ainsworth’s 21st Century Workforce Commission released its findings on Monday.

The topline recommendation from the report is the creation of a cabinet-level coordinating agency to be called the Governor’s Office of Talent and Workforce Development.

The report also calls for increased investment in areas highlighted by many of the state’s pre-existing workforce development initiatives; technical education, STEM classes for K-12 students, coordination between government and industry, and bringing people back into the workforce through retraining.

“We developed this report as an action plan and a call to arms, and not something that should be tossed on a shelf to gather dust,” Ainsworth said in a release from his office.
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Speaker Nancy Pelosi has a prescription for high drug prices, but this is one case where the cure is worse than the disease.

Her plan would let the federal government set the prices that Medicare and private health plans pay for drugs. This means that a marketplace now regulated by competition and consumer choice would be ruled by government price controls, and that would not be a positive change for patients, our country or our future.

If Congress wants to tackle the issue of affordability, it should at least reform a system that currently enriches Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs) at the expense of the patients Pelosi claims she wants to help. (more…)