2018Issue1_Alabama_v2.indd

GOVERNMENT RELATIONS

a l abama l e g i s l at i v e s e s s i on b e g i ns

PATRICK MCWHORTER LEGISLATIVE REPRESENTATIVE THE MCWHORTER GROUP

Congress reauthorizes the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) and if they require a state match. The Senate Republicans, led by President Pro Tem Del Marsh, announced last week their intention to pass legislation that would allow more taxpayers to take the maximum standard deduction on their state income taxes. Marsh said the effort would be targeted for the middle class by allowing more people to claim the maximum standard deduction. But no fiscal note has been prepared as of yet. Other proposals the Senate GOP plans to push include providing incentives to companies to develop broadband access in rural Alabama; making child sex trafficking a capital offense; and saving money in Medicaid, partly by encouraging the state to seek federal waivers, such as a work requirement for able-bodied recipients. Just under 400 bills were introduced by both Houses the first week of the session. Among them include issues of concern to grocers, including: • HB 6 by Rep. Tommy Hanes (R) of Scottsboro, and SB 139 by Sen. Arthur Orr of Decatur, impose new requirements (including work)

Every four years, literally everyone in Alabama stands for election.

The good news, as has been reported, is that both the Education and General Fund Budgets are in relatively good shape. But of course, the fight always starts when there is any extra money. Combine that with the historical penchant of legislators’ desires to give state employees and teachers pay raises during an election year, and things may get sticky in passing budgets. In her first State of the State message last Tuesday evening, Governor Kay Ivey announced her commitment to provide for these raises in her budget proposals. Her budget proposal also requests additional funds for the Corrections Department to satisfy a federal court decision on mental health – $30 million this year, and $20 million next year. She also requests an additional $53.9 million for Medicaid, and a $9 million increase for the Department of Mental Health. Raises will depend on whether

Every four years, literally everyone in Alabama stands for election. The Governor and all constitutional officers, 105 Representatives, 35 Senators … all face the voters in the June Primary and November General Election. As provided in the Constitution, the Legislature comes into regular session in early January during an election year, so the members can get out earlier and get home to campaign. Historically, these election-year sessions are most notable for their desire to do nothing to “rock the boat.” Controversial issues are avoided at all costs. This year is no different. Leadership of both the House and Senate are promising to get right down to work, fulfill their primary constitutional requirement of passing budgets, and get home. No doubt they’re sincere, but things never seem to work out that way.

“Historically, these election-year sessions are most notable for their desire to do nothing to 'rock the boat'. ”

on SNAP recipients. SB 139 will be considered by Senate Fiscal Responsibility & Accountability Committee Wednesday, 1/17/18.

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