Thursday, April 9, 2009

House Vs. Senate Softball Game

It's time to put political party, business suits, and verbal debate aside and take it to the softball field! The annual House versus Senate softball match is coming up. It should be a fun evening for all.

When: Tuesday, April 28, 2008
Time: 5:30 or 6:00 p.m. (following conclusion of the legislative day)
Where: Auburn University Montgomery Baseball Field

Representative Randy Hinshaw Calls for Media Clarification

This morning Representative Randy Hinshaw of Madison County spoke directly to the members of the press from the House floor in reference to the grocery tax bill.

He expressed his concern that the media has only recognized the Black Caucus as supporters of the grocery tax bill and duly pointed out that many people are standing to support removing the sales tax off of groceries.

On that note, both the Democrats and Republicans have expressed support for removing the sales tax off of groceries; however, the method to accomplish this end result has caused conflict.

To be more precise, House Democrats, along with the Black Caucus, have stood in unison to support HB116 (the bill which has been debated so many times over the last three weeks), and Republicans oppose this bill due to the manner in which the bill seeks to make up the tax dollars that will be lost by the removal of this tax. Republicans presented an alternative plan yesterday that would provide grocery tax credits for families making less than $22,000.

Many individuals, both elected officials and citizens, across the state believe strongly that the sales tax should be removed from groceries and deserve to be commended for their concern for our state as well as their work to make Alabama a better place to live!

Singleton livid over passage of SB373

After Senator Barron introduced his special order calendar from the Rules committee, Senator Singleton made a motion to bring up SB135 pertaining to bingo in Greene County. This motion did not receive unanimous consent to bring up SB 135 out of order because Senator Hank Erwin opposed.

Senator Singleton spoke to Lt. Governor Folsom stating that he would like the same consideration to bring up his bill without unanimous consent just like the AT&T bill came up without consent. Governor Folsom noted that no member raised his or her hand or stood at the mic to speak against the AT&T bill to request unanimous consent.

View SB135

Is there any loyalty in the Alabama Senate?

The Alabama Senate convened this morning at 10:00 am CST. After recognizing two basketball teams for their accomplishments this season the 1st bill on the schedule voted out of order was the AT&T bill (SB 373). SB373 passed the senate as amended and Senator Bobby Singleton was livid. He took a point of personal privilege to convey to the body that SB373 is bad for the state of Alabama and its citizens. Senator Singleton said he is going to speak on every bill and that he was going to close down the Senate. Senator Singleton made a motion to adjourn which after a vote of 13 yeas and 16 nays did not pass the Senate.

Stay tuned for more updates from the Alabama Senate.

View SB373