>> FROM OUR STATE HOUSE STUDIO IN MONTGOMERY, I'M TODD STACY.

WELCOME TO "CAPITOL JOURNAL'S" WEEK IN REVIEW.

AND WHAT A WEEK IT WAS HERE IN ALABAMA AND THE STATE CAPITAL.

THE STATE CONTINUES TO MOURN FOR THE FOUR YOUNG PEOPLE WHO WERE KILLED SUNDAY IN DADEVILLE DURING A MASS SHOOTING AT A SWEET 16 BIRTHDAY PARTY.

DETAILS WERE SLOW TO TRICKLE OUT THIS WEEK AS LOCAL, STATE AND FEDERAL INVESTIGATORS WORKED TO PIECE TOGETHER WHAT HAPPENED.

NOW, SIX PEOPLE HAVE BEEN ARRESTED AND CHARGED WITH RECKLESS MURDER IN THE SHOOTING RAMPAGE.

ACCORDING TO THE ALABAMA LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCY, THOSE BEING HELD IN THE TALLAPOOSA COUNTY JAIL WITHOUT BOND ARE 17 YEAR OLD TY REIK MCCULLOUGH OF TUSKEGEE, 16 YEAR OLD TRAVIS MCCULLOUGH OF TUSKEGEE, 20 YEAR OLD LETRON BROWN OF TUSKEEGEE, 20 YEAR OLD LAMAR HILL JR. OF AUBURN, AND 19 YEAR OLD WILLIE GEORGE BROWN OF AUBURN.

THE LATEST ARREST WAS AN UNNAMED 15 YEAR OLD JUVENILE.

LET'S REMEMBER THE VICTIMS.

19-YEAR OLD SIAH COLLINS OF OPELIKA, 23 YEAR OLD CORBIN HOLSTON OF DADEVILLE, 17 YEAR OLD KEKE SMITH OF DADEVILLE, AND 18 YEAR OLD PHIL DOWDELL.

FROM CAMP HILL.

COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY MIKE SEGREST SAID HIS OFFICE AND POLICE INVESTIGATORS OWE IT TO THE VICTIMS AND THEIR FAMILIES TO GATHER EVIDENCE METHODICALLY AND PROSECUTE PROPERLY IN ORDER TO DELIVER JUSTICE.

IT'S FAIR TO SAY THAT THE TRAGEDY IN DADEVILLE HUNG HEAVY OVER THE STATE HOUSE THIS WEEK - THE HORROR OF THE CRIME, THE SADNESS OF THE LIVES LOST AND THE INSTINCT TO SEE IF POLICIES CAN BE CHANGED IN RESPONSE.

"CAPITOL JOURNAL'S" RANDY SCOTT REPORTS ON HOW DADEVILLE DEFINED THE WEEK IN THE LEGISLATURE.

>> THE WEEK STARTED WITH GOVERNOR IVEY SENDING CONDOLENCES TO MEMBERS OF THE DADEVILLE SHOOTING VICTIMS.

>> WE REMEMBER THE FOUR WHO LOST THEIR LIVES FAR TOO SOON.

WE ARE KEEPING THEIR LOVED ONES CLOSE TO OUR HEARTS IN THIS DEVASTATING TIME.

>> WHEN THE ALABAMA HOUSE CONVENES FOR WORK, ED OLIVER ADDRESSES THE CHAMBER.

>> IT'S A SAD DAY FOR THE STATE WHEN SOMETHING SENSELESS HAPPENS.

OUR HEARTS GO OUT TO THOSE WHO LOST LOVED ONES IN THIS ATTACK AND PRAY FOR HEALING AND RECOVERY FOR DADEVILLE.

>> THE WORK BEGINS WITH LAWMAKERS DISCUSSING PROPOSALS SUCH AS HOUSE BILL 164 WHICH SETS GUIDELINES FOR TEACHING MORE FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY.

>> SKILL SETS INCLUDE TYPES OF BANK ACCOUNTS, BALANCING A CHECKING ACCOUNT, BASIC PRINCIPLES OF MONEY MANAGEMENT, TYPES OF LOANS, BASIC PRINCIPLES OF PERSONAL INSURANCE POLICIES, INTEREST RATES, SIMPLE CONTRACTS, TYPES OF SAVINGS AND INVESTMENTS.

>> WE HAVE KIDS THAT CAN'T WRITE A CHECK.

WE KNOW A LOT OF BUSINESSES -- I'M A BUSINESS PERSON.

SOME I DO DIRECT DEPOSIT AND SOME I DO CHECKS BUT THEY STILL NEED TO KNOW THE BASICS BEFORE THEY GET OUT THERE.

>> CITIZENS ALSO CAME TO THE STATE HOUSE TO TALK TO LAWMAKERS ABOUT UPDATES TO GUN CONTROL IN THE AFTERMATH OF THE DADEVILLE TRAGEDY.

>> IT'S HEART BREAKING AND QUITE HONESTLY I FLUCTUATE BETWEEN ANGER AND HEART BREAK.

BECAUSE WE CAN DO SOMETHING.

THAT'S THE REASON I WANT TO GET MY FRIENDS TOGETHER TO DO WHAT WE CAN AND SPEND TIME IN THIS LEGISLATURE.

>> WE'RE STANDING IN SUPPORT OF THE FAMILIES OF THE FOUR YOUNG PEOPLE WHO PASSED AWAY, THE 32 PEOPLE WHO ARE HOSPITALIZED OR FIGHTING FOR THEIR LIVES OR DEALING WITH THEIR INJURIES AS A RESULT OF SENSELESS GUN VIOLENCE.

>> WE NEED TO HAVE UNIVERSAL BACKGROUND CHECKS.

WE NEED TO MAKE SURE THESE KIDS DON'T HAVE ACCESS TO THESE GUNS.

WE ALSO NEED TO MAKE SURE THE MENTALLY ILL DON'T HAVE ACCESS TO GUNS.

I DON'T THINK WE ARE ASKING FOR ANYTHING OUTRAGEOUS BUT FOR SIMPLE, RESPONSIBLE GUN LEGISLATION TO PROTECT ALL OF THE CITIZENS OF ALABAMA.

>> THURSDAY, AS NEWS SPREAD ABOUT THE ARREST OF SIX SUSPECTS TIED TO THE SHOOTING, LAWMAKERS COME TOGETHER TO HELP THE HEALING PROCESS.

>> ONE OF THE VICTIMS THAT WERE KILLED IS A CLOSE FAMILY FRIEND OF OURS AND A PROMINENT BUSINESSMAN IN JEFFERSON COUNTY, MR. CLIFFORD TONEY SR. WHO OWNS INTEGRITY FUNERAL HOME.

HIS GRANDDAUGHTER, SHAUNKIVIA SMITH, WAS 17 YEARS OLD, VERY VIBRANT, VERY BEAUTIFUL YOUNG LADY WHO WAS ABOUT TO GRADUATE.

>> MY HEART IS HEAVY THIS WHOLE WEEK.

AS I MOURN WITH MY FRIEND AND MY BROTHER, NOT ONLY MY FRIEND AND BROTHER BUT ALSO MY CONSTITUENT IN WHICH I SERVE AND MOURN THE DEATH OF HIS GRAND DAUGHTER.

ALL OF YOU THAT HAVE CHILDREN NEVER WANT TO GET THOSE KINDS OF CALLS.

SO, MR. SPEAKER, I'D ASK THIS HOUSE PAUSE JUST FOR A MOMENT OF SILENCE.

[ SILENCE ] >> THOUGH IT WASN'T NECESSARILY DIRECTLY IN RESPONSE TO DADEVILLE, STATE REPRESENTATIVE PHILLIP ENSLER ROLLED OUT A PACKAGE OF GUN AND COMMUNITY SAFETY PROPOSALS THIS WEEK.

HE REPRESENTS MONTGOMERY AND SAYS HIS CONSTITUENTS' NUMBER ONE CONCERN IS ADDRESSING CRIME, INCLUDING GUN VIOLENCE.

HIS PACKAGES INCLUDES A RED FLAG BILL, LEGISLATION TO PROHIBIT BLACK MARKET GHOST GUNS AND A MEASURE TO BAN TRIGGER ACTIVATORS THAT CAN TURN HANDGUNS INTO AUTOMATIC WEAPONS.

>> RED FLAG LAWS ARE VERY SPECIFIC CRITERIA WHERE FAMILY MEMBERS OR LAW ENFORCEMENT CAN GO AND GET A COURT ORDER IF SOMEONE BASICALLY PRESENTS A REAL, CREDIBLE THREAT TO THEMSELVES OR OTHERS.

IT IS NOT TAKING AWAY THEIR GUNS FOREVER OR INFRINGING ON THEIR RIGHTS.

LIKE ANY COURT PROCESS OR RIGHT THERE IS DUE PROCESS AROUND IT.

REALLY WORK THAT ON THE HOUSE SIDE AND THE SECOND ONE DEALING WITH GHOST GUNS AND YOU CAN GO ONLINE AND THE WAY WE ORDER SOMETHING ON AMAZON AND GETS DELIVERED TO OUR DOOR, PEOPLE ARE ORDERING PARTS AND PUTTING TOGETHER GUNS AT HOME.

THE REAL ISSUE WITH THAT IS THEY ARE CIRCUMVENTING ANY FEDERAL BACKGROUND CHECKS AND DON'T HAVE A SERIAL NUMBER.

SO IF SOMEONE USES THE GHOST GUN IN A CRIME, IT'S MUCH HARDER FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT TO TRACE THAT BACK TO A PARTICULAR PERSON.

SO, AGAIN, A BAN ON SELLING OR POSSESSING GHOST GUNS, NOT INFRINGING ON ANY RIGHT, YOU CAN VERY MUCH OWN A HANDGUN AND ANY OTHER GUNS CURRENTLY ALLOWED BUT THIS IS SAYING WE WANT TO HAVE THINGS THAT CONFORM WITH FEDERAL LAW AND LAW ENFORCEMENT CAN TRACE BACK.

THE GHOST GUNS CAN BE PASSED AROUND AND AROUND AND NO IDEA WHO ACTUALLY LEGALLY OWNS IT.

>> FOR MONTHS, WE'VE BEEN REPORTING ON THE EFFORT TO REAUTHORIZE AND REVAMP THE STATE'S ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT INCENTIVES LAWS.

NOW, THAT EFFORT IS COMPLETE.

THE PACKAGE OF BILLS KNOWN AS THE GAME PLAN RECEIVED FINAL PASSAGE THIS WEEK AND WERE SIGNED INTO LAW BY GOVERNOR KAY IVEY.

WE WERE AT THE BILL SIGNING.

>> TEAM ALABAMA, WE HAVE OFFICIALLY REACHED THE END ZONE!

[ APPLAUSE ] TO THE MEN AND WOMEN OF THE ALABAMA LEGISLATURE, THANK YOU.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SWIFT ACTION AND YOUR SUCCESSFUL PASSAGE OF THE GAME PLAN LEGISLATION THAT WE ARE SETTING UP.

BECAUSE OF YOUR SUCCESSFUL PASSAGE OF THE GAME PLAN LEGISLATION, WE ARE SETTING ALABAMA UP FOR SUCCESS OVER THE NEXT FIVE YEARS AND BEYOND.

WE ARE ENSURING THAT ALABAMA WILL CONTINUE TO STACK UP STRONG NEXT TO OUR COMPETITORS, BILLIONS MORE BE INVESTED IN OUR STATE AND GOOD-PAYING JOBS WILL CONTINUE FOR OUR WORKFORCE.

>> THESE FOUR BILLS IN THE GAME PLAN WERE REALLY ABOUT SECURING OUR ECONOMIC FUTURE IN THE STATE.

IT'S ABOUT DIVERSIFYING OUR ECONOMY, ABOUT CREATING MORE OPPORTUNITY FOR REAL CAREER AND JOB OPPORTUNITIES FOR PEOPLE ACROSS OUR STATE.

IT'S ABOUT ATTRACTING NEW INVESTMENT.

IT'S ABOUT BUILDING JOB OPPORTUNITIES AND REALLY TAKING ALABAMA FORWARD IN THE NEXT 10 TO 20 YEARS.

>> STATE LEADERS ARE EXCITED ABOUT HOW SOME OF THE LAW CHANGES CAN CREATE OPPORTUNITIES FOR IMPROVING ALABAMA'S IMAGE NATIONALLY AND GLOBALLY.

"CAPITOL JOURNAL'S" KAREN GOLDSMITH HAS THAT STORY.

>> SENATE PRESIDENT PRO-TEM GREG REED HAS HAD A SIGNIFICANT IMPACT ON THE CURRENT BUSINESS RECRUITMENT SUCCESS.

>> WHEN WE STARTED WITH THE JOBS ACT, I CARRIED THAT BILL IN THE LEGISLATURE.

GROWING ALABAMA I CARRIED THAT BILL IN THE SENATE.

AND THEN AMAX, AND RENEWAL.

THIS IS A TOPIC IMPORTANT TO ME FOR A NUMBER OF YEARS WHILE I SERVED IN THE LEGISLATURE.

>> HE SHARES WITH HOW THINGS WERE DONE BEFORE THESE BILLS BECAME LAW.

>> PRIOR TO THAT TIME, ALABAMA WOULD BORROW MONEY TO GIVE TO COMPANIES THAT WOULD COME AND LOCATE IN OUR STATE.

THAT WAS A PRACTICE WE SELL IN OTHER STATES AROUND THE NATION.

>> HE NOTES THE 2015 ALABAMA JOBS ACT CHANGED THE METHOD TO A PAY-AS-YOU-GO PROGRAM.

>> IF YOU AGREE AND CONTRACT WITH ALABAMA THAT YOU ARE GOING TO DO THIS WITH YOUR FACTORY, INDUSTRIAL PROJECT, WHATEVER TO BRING JOBS AND INVESTMENT, PAY YOUR TAXES AND WHAT YOU HAVE DONE WHAT YOU SAID YOU ARE GOING TO DO THOSE OPPORTUNITIES CAN COME BACK TO YOU IN THE AGREEMENT YOU HAVE WITH THE STATE.

>> ALABAMA LEADERS SAY THIS WINNING FORMULA OF BUSINESSES RECEIVING THEIR TAX CREDITS AFTER KEEPING THEIR PROMISES TO THE STATE HAS LED TO A RETURN ON INVESTMENT OF 173%.

AND -- >> IT'S CREATED 40,000 JOBS, $22 BILLION OF INVESTMENT HAVE COME TO THE STATE AS A RESULT OF THAT, A LOT IN RURAL COUNTY AND MADE ALABAMA THE NUMBER TWO AUTOMOBILE MAKING IN THE COUNTRY.

WE ARE SEEING A LOT OF TECH TYPE INDUSTRIES COME IN.

>> EVEN WITH THE SUCCESS THERE'S ROOM FOR IMPROVEMENT AND LAWMAKERS HAVE CHALLENGED THEMSELVES TO ADDRESS THOSE AREAS.

ONE WAY IS BY MOVING CERTAIN SMALL BUSINESS, RURAL BUSINESS AND MINORITY OWNED BUSINESS FROM THE UMBRELLA OF THE STATE'S COMMERCE DEPARTMENT TO INNOVATE ALABAMA.

>> IF YOU LOOK AT COMMERCE, COMMERCE FOCUSES ON A LOT OF LARGE JOBS 2,000, 3,000 JOBS.

WHEN WE LOOK AT RURAL AREAS, A LOT OF THOSE JOBS WILL NOT GO TO RURAL AREAS.

THE INVASION COMMISSION CAN LOOK AT 500 JOBS, 1,000 JOBS, 200, 50 JOBS THAT MAKES A DIFFERENCE IN SMALL RURAL COMMUNITIES.

THEY CAN LOOK AT INCENTIVES TO GIVE TO WOMEN-OWNED, VETERAN-OWNED BUSINESSES.

>> ALL OF THE STATE LEADERS BEHIND THE GAME PLAN PACKAGE OF BILLS THAT WILL SECURITY SECURE ALABAMA'S ECONOMIC FUTURE SAY THE BILLS SHOW THE STATE IS TRULY THINKING OUTSIDE OF THE BOX.

FOR "CAPITOL JOURNAL," I'M KAREN GOLDSMITH.

>> LET'S REVIEW WHAT THESE BILLS DO.

THE ENHANCING ALABAMA'S ECONOMIC PROGRESS ACT RENEWS THE ALABAMA JOBS ACT AND INCREASES THE CAP THE STATE CAN LEVERAGE TOWARD PROJECTS UP TO $475 MILLION IN 2027.

THE SITE EVALUATION AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY ACT OR SEEDS ALLOWS THE STATE INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY TO ACCELERATE DEVELOPMENT OF INDUSTRY-READY SITES.

THE INNOVATION AND SMALL BUSINESS ACT AIMS TO GROW THE STATE'S INNOVATION ECONOMY AND SUPPORT UNDERREPRESENTED BUSINESSES.

AND FINALLY THE ENHANCING TRANSPARENCY ACT REQUIRES THE DEPT.

OF COMMERCE TO PUBLISH STATE INCENTIVES USED ONLINE.

THE BILLS SAILED THROUGH THE LEGISLATURE WITH LITTLE RESISTANCE.

HOWEVER, ONE STATE SENATOR TOOK TO THE WELL THIS WEEK TO EXPRESS HIS FRUSTRATION AT THE NECESSITY OF STATES HAVING TO USE TAX CREDITS AND OTHER INCENTIVES TO LURE COMPANIES IN THE FIRST PLACE.

STATE SENATOR ARTHUR ORR SAID CONGRESS SHOULD INTERVENE AND PUT GUARDRAILS ON THE PROCESS SO THAT STATES COULD COMPETE ON THEIR OWN MERITS WITHOUT ECONOMIC SWEETENERS.

>> IF WE DID NOT ARM MR. CANFIELD AND THE DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE, OUR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT TEAMS SCATTERED ACROSS THE STATE WITH THE MEASURES OF THIS JOBS ACT, WE UNDENIABLY WOULD NOT BE COMPETITIVE.

YOU WOULD LIKE TO THINK DC OR WASHINGTON, OUR FRIENDS A THE FEDERAL LEVEL, WOULD CREATE A LAW THAT WOULD BAN SUCH INCENTIVES AND SAY, THEY WOULDN'T BE ALLOWED -- TO ALLOW A COMPETITIVE FIELD AMONG THE STATES, BASED ON WORKFORCE, BASED ON SITES, RAIL, INFRASTRUCTURE, THOSE KIND OF THINGS, BUT INSTEAD THEY LET US PIT TAXPAYER DOLLARS FROM ONE STATE AGAINST ANOTHER.

>> IN OTHER LEGISLATIVE ACTION, THE HOUSE TOOK UP THE CONTROVERSIAL ISSUE OF TRANSGENDER ATHLETES.

LAST YEAR, THE LEGISLATURE PASSED A LAW REQUIRING THAT K-12 STUDENTS COULD ONLY COMPETE IN SPORTS AS THE GENDER THEY WERE ASSIGNED AT BIRTH.

HOUSE BILL 261 FROM REPRESENTATIVE SUSAN DUBOSE WOULD EXTEND THAT REQUIREMENT TO THE STATE'S COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES.

DUBOSE ARGUED THE BILL IS ABOUT PRESERVING GIRLS AND WOMEN'S ACCESS TO FAIR COMPETITION, WHILE SOME DEMOCRATS ARGUED THE MEASURE WAS UNNECESSARY.

THIS ONE DIDN'T LINE UP NEATLY ON PARTY LINES, THOUGH AS EVEN SOME DEMOCRATS SPOKE IN FAVOR OF DUBOSE'S BILL.

>> IT'S BASED ON THE BIOLOGICAL DEFINITION THAT DETERMINES.

IT IS BASED ON THE BIOLOGICAL DEFINITION BUT GENETICS, BIOLOGY, SIGNS DETERMINES YOUR SEX.

SO IT IS BASED ON YOUR SEX.

>> IT'S ALMOST LIKE WE ARE STOPPING SOME SORT OF EPIDEMIC IN ALABAMA THAT IS OCCURRING AND I'M NOT SURE THAT ANYBODY IN HERE CAN FIND ONE EXAMPLE OF THIS EVER HAPPENING IN THE STATE OF ALABAMA.

>> IT IS HAPPENING NATIONWIDE AND THERE'S NO REASON TO THINK IT COULDN'T HAPPEN HERE.

WE DON'T WANT IT TO HAPPEN EVEN ONE TIME.

>> IT DOESN'T HAPPEN OFTEN BECAUSE IT'S NOT HAPPENING AS WE HAVE DESCRIBED IT HERE BECAUSE NCAA AND MANY OTHER ORGANIZATIONS HAVE ADOPTED THEIR OWN RULES IN REGARDS TO DEALING WITH THIS.

THIS IS JUST AN OPPORTUNITY FOR PEOPLE TO CREATE AN ISSUE OR A SOLUTION THAT IS LOOKING FOR A PROBLEM.

A MAN IS PHYSICALLY STRONGER THAN A WOMAN.

AND THAT'S BIBLE.

AND SO IT'S IMPORTANT TO MAKE SURE THAT WE PROTECT OUR BABY DAUGHTERS.

>> THAT BILL PASSED 83-5 WITH SEVERAL DEMOCRATS ABSTAINING.

THE ISSUE OF CRIME IS AN EMERGING TOPIC THIS SESSION.

STATE PROSECUTORS RECENTLY ENDORSED A SLATE OF BILLS THEY SAY GIVES THEM BETTER TOOLS TO PROTECT THE COMMUNITY, AND THE SENATE JUDICIARY COMMITTEE THIS WEEK ADVANCED LEGISLATION TARGETING GANG VIOLENCE.

SENATOR WILL BARFOOT CAME ON "CAPITOL JOURNAL" TO EXPLAIN HIS BILL.

>> THE BILL DOES THREE THINGS, THOUGH.

IF YOU ARE ARRESTED AND IDENTIFIED AS A -- BREACH OF CRIMINAL STATUTE IN THE STATE OF ALABAMA THAT'S A FELONY, A CLASS D FELONY.

YOU ARE PROVEN BEYOND A REASONABLE DOUBT THAT YOU HAVE COMMITTED THAT CRIME.

IF YOU HAVE PROVEN BEYOND A REASONABLE DOUBT YOU ARE A GANG MEMBER, WHICH THE BILL LAYS OUT THAT CRITERIA, THAT FELONY YOU ARE CONVICTED OF WOULD BE UP SENTENCED FROM A D TO A C OR IF THE UNDERLYING EVENT WAS A CLASS C FELONY, YOU WOULD BE SENTENCED LIKE A CLASS B AND SO FORTH.

THERE'S THAT PORTION OF IT.

THAT RELATES SPECIFICALLY TO HAVING TO PROVE, NUMBER ONE, THAT THERE WAS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE THAT YOU COMMITTED BEYOND A REASONABLE DOUBT AND NUMBER TWO, YOU ARE A GANG MEMBER AS OUTLINED IN THE BILL.

THE SECOND THING THAT BILL DOES IS IF DURING THE COMMISSION OF A CRIME THAT YOU HAVE A FIREARM DURING THE COMMISSION OF THAT CRIME AND THAT CRIME IS TO BENEFIT OR PROMOTE GANG ACTIVITY FOR WHICH YOU ARE CONVICTED, AGAIN, BEYOND A REASONABLE DOUBT.

THE POSSESSION OF THAT FIREARM DURING THE COMMISSION OF THAT FELONY OFFENSE, CRIMINAL ACTIVITY, WOULD CARRY A MINIMUM OF FIVE -- OR EXCUSE ME, FIVE YEARS CONSECUTIVE SENTENCE ON THERE.

IF DURING THE COURSE OF THE CRIMINAL ACTIVITY THAT YOU WERE CONVICTED, IF YOU BRANDISHED IT WOULD BE MANDATORY SEVEN-YEAR SENTENCE AND IF YOU USED THE FIREARM DURING THE FELONY THAT BENEFITED A GANG OR GANG ACTIVITY THERE WOULD BE A TEN-YEAR ENHANCEMENT TO IT.

THOSE STATUTES ARE NOT UNSIMILAR TO WHAT OTHER STATES HAVE HAD IN PLACE FOR A WHILE.

>> BARFOOT RECEIVED PUSH BACK FROM DEMOCRATS INCLUDING BOBBY SINGLETON WHO ARGUED THE DETAILS OF THE BILL WOULD MAKE ENFORCEMENT PROBLEMATIC AND IT COULD CONFLICT WITH OTHER LAWS.

>> YOUR DEFINITION CALLS FOR LEGAL PROFILING.

IT SAYS THESE OFFICERS SEE JUST PEOPLE A CERTAIN WAY, WEARING A CERTAIN THING, NOW THEY ARE PROFILED.

ALSO, YOU UNDERSTAND YOU HAVE POSSESSION OF A WEAPON.

MANY OF YOU AROUND THIS TABLE VOTED FOR US TO BE ABLE TO CARRY A GUN LEGALLY WITHOUT A PERMIT.

SO, IT'S NOT ILLEGAL TO HAVE A GUN IN YOUR POSSESSION IF YOU STAND ON THE STREET CORNER.

IT'S NOT ILLEGAL.

SO EVEN IF THE PERSON HAS A GUN ON THEM AND NEVER USE IT, THEN YOU WANT TO ELEVATE A CRIME FOR HAVING POSSESSION OF A WEAPON WHERE POSSESSION OF A WEAPON IN THE STATE OF ALABAMA IS LEGAL.

NOW IF THOSE OF YOU AROUND THIS TABLE VOTED OP THAT.

THAT NEEDS TO BE REMOVED OUT OF THE BILL, THE POSSESSION OF A WEAPON.

UNLESS THEY USE THAT WEAPON IN THE FURTHERANCE OF THAT CRIME.

OTHER THAN JUST HAVING POSSESSION, WE NEED TO DEAL WITH THIS DEFINITION BECAUSE I THINK IT IS ALL ABOUT LEGAL PROFILING.

>> AS WE SAID BEFORE, WE WILL CONTINUE TO WORK TOGETHER TO TRY TO MAKE THIS BILL A BETTER BILL.

>> THIS WAS A SPECIAL WEEK FOR US AT ALABAMA PUBLIC TELEVISION AS OUR YOUNG HEROS PROGRAM TOOK PLACE.

EACH YEAR APT LOOKS FOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS WHO EXCELLED IN ACADEMICS, GIVEN OF THEMSELVES THROUGH SCHOOL INVOLVEMENT AND COMMUNITY SERVICE AND MOST IMPORTANTLY SUCCEEDED IN THE FACE OF EXTRAORDINARY DIFFICULTY OR HARDSHIP.

THIS YEAR'S YOUNG HEROS WERE HONORED AT A SPECIAL DINNER AT THE CAPITAL CITY CLUB WHERE THEY WERE PRESENTED WITH COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIPS.

>> ALABAMA PUBLIC TELEVISION TAKES GREAT PLEASURE IN RECOGNIZING THEIR ACHIEVEMENTS.

[ APPLAUSE ] >> I'D JUST LIKE TO THANK MY FAMILY AND TEACHERS FOR MAKING ME WHO I AM TODAY AND I'D LIKE TO THANK YOU FOR THE OPPORTUNITY AND THIS AWARD.

THANK YOU.

[ APPLAUSE ] >> ALABAMA PUBLIC TELEVISION IS PROUD TO PRESENT -- AS ONE OF THE WINNERS FOR 2023.

[ APPLAUSE ] [ INDISCERNABLE ] >> GOOD JOB.

>> I JUST WANT TO SAY THANK YOU TO APT FOR THIS OPPORTUNITY AND THANK YOU FOR NOMINATING ME.

[ APPLAUSE ] >> ALABAMA PUBLIC TELEVISION RECOGNIZES COREY AS ONE OF THE YOUNG HEROS OF ALABAMA FOR 2023.

[ APPLAUSE ] >> I WANT TO THANK GOD FOR THIS AND MY FAMILY.

I REALLY APPRECIATE IT.

THANK YOU.

[ APPLAUSE ] >> ALABAMA PUBLIC TELEVISION PRESENTS -- [ INDISCERNIBLE ] [ APPLAUSE ] >> FIRST OF ALL, I WANT TO THANK GOD BECAUSE I WOULDN'T BE IN THIS POSITION TODAY.

NEXT I WANT TO THANK MY FAMILY.

THANK APT FOR THIS HONOR AND MY TEACHERS.

[ INDISCERNIBLE ] THANK YOU, ALL.

[ APPLAUSE ] >> ALABAMA PUBLIC TELEVISION IS PROUD TO RECOGNIZE JOSHUA AS ONE OF THE FINE YOUNG HEROS IN ALABAMA.

[ APPLAUSE ] >> I DON'T WANT TO RAMBLE ON TOO LONG BUT I WANT TO THANK APT FOR THIS AMAZING OPPORTUNITY FOR ALL OF US AND I'M REALLY GLAD I GET TO BE IN WITH A ROOM OF YOU ALL AND HEAR ALL OF YOUR STORIES.

REALLY THANKFUL FOR MS. PATEL.

SHE'S SUCH AN AMAZING TEACHER AND SHE IS THE ONE WHO NOMINATED ME.

SHE IS A BEACON OF HOPE AND LIGHT IN OUR SCHOOL.

EVERYBODY LOOKS TO HER WHEN ANYBODY NEEDS ANYTHING.

SHE ALWAYS MAKES EVERYBODY FEEL LIKE EVERYTHING WILL BE OKAY.

AND THEN JUST THROUGHOUT MY WHOLE ENTIRE LIFE MY TEACHERS HAVE BEEN SUCH A HUGE PART OF MY LIFE.

AND I'D LIKE TO THANK MY FAMILY BECAUSE THROUGH OUR DIFFICULTY AND EVERYTHING I FEEL WE STAYED TOGETHER REALLY WELL AND ELEVATED EVERYBODY THROUGH EVERYTHING AND HELPED EACH OTHER.

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THIS AWARD.

[ APPLAUSE ] >> WE WERE HONORED TO HOST OUR YOUNG HEROES HERE IN STUDIO FOR A BEHIND THE SCENES TOUR.

CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL OF THEM.

WE'RE PROUD OF YOU.

THIS WEEK ALSO SAW THE LEGISLATIVE SOFTBALL GAME.

THE SECOND ANNUAL "BATTLE OF GOAT HILL" PITTED HOUSE MEMBERS VERSUS SENATE MEMBERS, WITH SOME STAFF AND A FEW RINGERS ALSO PARTICIPATING.

OF COURSE WE WERE THERE TO JOIN IN THE FUN.

THE EVENT RAISED FUNDS FOR TORNADO VICTIMS IN SELMA.

HERE'S OUR FOOTAGE FROM THE GAME.

THIS TAKES PLACE AT RIVERWALK STADIUM IN DOWNTOWN MONTGOMERY, HOME OF THE MONTGOMERY BISCUITS.

YOU HAVE TO REMEMBER, THE HOUSE HAS 105 MEMBERS -- THAT'S WESLEY BRITT, I TOLD YOU THERE WERE SOME RINGERS AND THE SENATE HAS 35 MEMBERS.

THEY HAD TO KIND OF CUT DOWN -- OH, THERE'S FORCE OF NATURE, THE SENATOR FROM VESTAVIA, 50 YEARS IN THE LEGISLATURE.

A LOT OF STAFF AND LOBBYISTS AND FAMILY MEMBERS ENJOYING THE FUN.

THAT'S REPRESENTATIVE, FRESHMAN MEMBER UP TO BAT, RUNNING OUT THE THROW.

THAT'S REPRESENTATIVE LOVERN, HE HAD A FEW AT-BATS.

AND THAT IS A PITCH TO SENATOR GARLAND GUDGER AND JEFF SCAGGS, THE CHIEF OF STAFF WILL AINSWORTH.

JAY HOVEY, NEW SENATOR FROM AUBURN HAD A FEW GREAT AT-BATS BUT I HAVE TO SAY MOST OF THE SCORING IN THIS GAME CAME OFF OF ERRORS, AS YOU CAN SEE.

THIS IS THE VOICE OF THE ALABAMA SENATE.

I THINK MORE ERRORS ACCOUNTED FOR POINTS.

>> WE HAVE BEEN STRUGGLING FIELDING THE BALL.

WE HAVE A LOT OF ERRORS BUT PLENTY OF TIME TO PLAY.

[ CHEERING ] >> BEAT THE HOUSE!

>> THERE'S ME, TALKING TO RANDY SCOTT.

SECRETARY OF STATE WES ALLEN.

REPRESENTATIVE STANDRIDGE GETTING SOME SWINGS IN.

THIS IS HOVEY.

HE HAS SOME POWER.

THIS IS MARSHALL LONG AGAIN TAGGING IN.

THIS EVENT RAISED MONEY FOR THE TORNADO VICTIMS OF SELMA AND THERE'S NOT AN OFFICIAL TOTAL YET BECAUSE THAT IS HANDLED BY THE BISCUITS ORGANIZATION.

>> WE ARE HAVING A BLAST.

>> ONE MORE INNING.

>> AND THE COACHES WILL BE CELEBRATING.

>> WE ARE WINNING, BABY.

WE ARE WINNING, WINNING, WINNING.

THAT'S ALL WE DO IS WIN.

WE ARE THE CHAMPIONS AND MAINTAINING OUR CHAMPIONSHIP.

>> I WAS TOLD IT COULD BE AS MUCH AS $30,000 RAISED FOR THE VICTIMS.

SENATE WON LAST YEAR AND THIS IS THE FINAL AT BAT.

SENATE WILL WIN AGAIN THIS YEAR 12-6 AND TRUST ME IT DID NOT SIT WELL WITH MEMBERS OF THE HOUSE.

THEY ARE NOT HAPPY TO LOSE TWO YEARS IN A ROW.

>> GOOD GAME.

>> GOOD GAME.

[ BACKGROUND CHATTER ] [CHEERING AND APPLAUSE] >> IT WAS A GOOD.

A LOT OF FUN.

GLAD TO HELP THE PEOPLE OF SELMA OUT.

A GREAT NIGHT.

>> A GREAT OPPORTUNITY FOR ALL OF US TO BE TOGETHER.

HAD A LOT OF FUN.

THE SPEAKER AND I WORK WELL TOGETHER ON THE THINGS OF ALABAMA AND ALSO ON THE SOFTBALL FIELD.

A LOT OF FUN.

>> WE WILL GET THEM NEXT YEAR, BY THE WAY.

>> WE'LL BE RIGHT BACK WITH TONIGHT'S GUESTS.

>> YOU CAN WATCH PAST EPISODES OF "CAPITOL JOURNAL" ONLINE ANYTIME AT ALABAMA PUBLIC TELEVISION'S WEBSITE APTV.ORG.

CLICK ON THE ONLINE VIDEO TAB ON THE MAIN PAGE.

YOU CAN ALSO CONNECT WITH "CAPITOL JOURNAL" AND LINK TO PAST EPISODES ON "CAPITOL JOURNAL'S" FACEBOOK PAGE.

>> MONTGOMERY NATIVE PERCY LAVON JULIAN WAS AN INTERNATIONALLY ACCLAIMED CHEMIST, THE THIRD AFRICAN-AMERICAN TO RECEIVE A PH.D.

IN CHEMISTRY, HE SPECIALIZED IN NATURAL PRODUCT AND THEIR SYNTHESIS IN THE LABORATORY.

THIS IS IMPORTANT IN MEDICINES, FOOD PRODUCTS, PAINT AND FIREFIGHTING FOAMS AMONG OTHER THINGS.

HE RECEIVED MANY AWARDS INCLUDING ELECTION TO THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES AND THE NATIONAL INVENTORS HALL OF FAME.

>> YOU ARE WATCHING ALABAMA PUBLIC TELEVISION.

>> JOINING ME NEXT IS DR. MARK LEQUIRE, CHAIRMAN OF THE MEDICAL ASSOCIATION OF THE STATE OF ALABAMA BOARD.

DOC, THANKS FOR COMING ON THE SHOW.

>> TODD, GLAD TO BE HERE.

THANK YOU FOR HAVING ME.

>> WE SAW YOU ALL IN THE STATEHOUSE LAST WEEK ADVOCATING OVER THE POSITION SHORTAGE IN THE STATE OF ALABAMA.

SOUNDED SERIOUS.

CAN YOU WALK ME THROUGH HOW WE GOT HERE AND SORT OF THE ACUTENESS OF THIS PROBLEM?

>> I'LL DO MY BEST.

I'D STILL LOVE TO SEE A STUDY OR SOMETHING THAT SAYS THIS IS WHAT HAPPENED TO DO THIS.

WE CAN SWING THE BAT AT A FEW THINGS.

ONE, WAS THE COVID PANDEMIC, FATIGUE, BURNOUT, STRESS.

PHYSICIANS WHO WERE PROBABLY SOME YEARS AWAY FROM RETIRING DECIDED THEY WERE JUST GOING TO RETIRE AND LEAVE THE WORKFORCE.

THERE'S BEEN A GROWTH IN ALTERNATIVE PRACTICE STYLES, IN PARTICULAR TELEMEDICINE FOR WHAT I DO TELERADIOLOGY WHERE YOU CAN WORK FROM HOME AND NOT COME TO WORK.

I THINK THE PANDEMIC STARTED THAT.

THE ISSUE IN HEALTHCARE, MOST OF OUR WORK IS AT A HOSPITAL OR CLINIC OR CENTER OR SOMEWHERE.

SO IT IS HARD TO GET INDIVIDUALS TO COME AND DO MORE OF A TRADITIONAL PATHWAY THAN WE HAVE HAD IN THE PAST FEW YEARS.

IN MY SPECIALTY FOR SOME REASON FEWER PEOPLE ARE GOING INTO IT.

FEWER PEOPLE ARE GOING INTO EMERGENCY MEDICINE.

>> SO, A SHORTAGE OF PHYSICIANS.

WHAT ABOUT THE DEMAND OF -- THE NUMBER OF PEOPLE SEEKING CARE.

I WOULD IMAGINE DURING COVID IT WENT DOWN BECAUSE EVERYTHING WENT DOWN BUT IS IT BACK UP.

>> TO SAY OUR PHYSICIANS ARE OVERRUN WOULD BE UNDERSTATED.

I STARTED THIS SEVERAL MONTHS AGO WITH MY COLLEAGUES THAT DO OTHER SPECIALTIES.

ARE YOU BUSY?

YES.

HOW BUSY?

BUSIER THAN I HAVE EVER SEEN.

WE ARE SEEING MORE PATIENTS AND THEY ARE MORE ILL THAN WE HAVE EVER SEEN.

>> THAT'S INTERESTING.

>> COMING IN WITH LATER STAGE DISEASE.

WE DON'T KNOW.

THE STUDIES HAVEN'T BEEN DONE OR IF THEY ARE IN PROGRESS BUT THERE ARE STAGES OF DISEASE ARE COMING AT A LATER MANIFESTATION THAN WE HAD SEEN IN DAYS GONE BY.

>> TELL ME WHAT HAPPENS.

WE HAVE ESTABLISHED THIS DOCTOR, PHYSICIAN SHORTAGE.

WE HAVE A HUGE DEMAND INCREASE.

WHAT HAPPENS IN THE TREATMENT PROCESS?

I GUESS YOU ARE SPREAD THIN BUT DO MISTAKES GET MADE?

IS IT REALLY A PROBLEM -- A PRETTY BROAD PROBLEM IN THAT KIND OF WAY?

HOW DOES IT MANIFEST ITSELF?

>> WELL, THE THING THAT CAME TO MIND -- I'LL ANSWER YOUR QUESTION WHEN YOU ASK IT, ALL OF MY PARTNERS ARE GETTING FRUSTRATED.

THEY ARE TELLING ME IF YOU DON'T DO SOMETHING WE ARE GOING TO QUIT.

SO IT TAKES YOU TO THE POINT OF -- THERE'S A PHRASE FOR IT, WE CALL IT PHYSICIAN BURNOUT.

ANYONE IN THE MEDICAL FIELD CAN HAVE BURNOUT.

>> THEY ARE SEEING MORE AND MORE PATIENTS.

>> YEAH.

WE ARE DOING GOOD.

I DON'T THINK THE QUALITY IS SUFFERING.

I HAVEN'T SEEN THAT IN MY PRACTICE AND IN OTHER PRACTICES, BUT IT'S JUST THE SHEER VOLUME.

IF I WORK A WEEK, A WEEK AND THE FOLLOWING WEEK, THERE ARE TIMES I DON'T WANT TO GO BACK TO WORK AFTER THAT.

>> THAT'S NATURAL.

I KNOW THERE'S SOME LEGISLATION THAT COULD BEGIN TO GIVE SOLUTIONS HERE.

WALK ME THROUGH THE BILLS YOU ARE ADVOCATING.

>> IT IS THE PHYSICIAN WORKFORCE ACT.

IT HAS THREE PRONGS.

ONE IS TO GET PHYSICIANS WHO LIVE OUT OF STATE WHO WANT TO MOVE TO ALABAMA IN THE STATE EASIER.

THE SECOND PRONG IS TO ALLOW FOREIGN MEDICAL GRADUATES HERE TRAINING TO GET INTO THE WORKFORCE A LITTLE EARLIER.

AND THEN THE THIRD IS GRADUATING MEDICAL SCHOOL STUDENTS WHO MAY NOT BE OFFERED A RESIDENCY PROGRAM OR POST-GRADUATE EDUCATION TO BE ABLE TO STILL WORK UNDER THE SUPERVISION OF A PHYSICIAN AND RENDER CARE AND SERVICES IN OUR STATE.

>> WELL, THAT FIRST PART ABOUT GETTING DOCTORS INTO THE STATE EASIER, I'M GUESSING THAT'S A LICENSURE KIND OF THING.

>> IT IS.

THERE ARE REQUIREMENTS, PARTICULARLY FOR TESTING THAT PHYSICIANS HAVE TO TAKE.

I'LL GIVE YOU A PERSONAL EXPERIENCE WITH THAT.

I'M A RADIOLOGIST WE WANT TO HAVE THEM COME FROM A DIFFERENT STATE.

THEY HAVEN'T HAD A LICENSURE EXAM IN TEN YEARS WHICH IS ONE OF OUR REQUIREMENTS.

WHAT DO THEY HAVE TO DO?

THEY HAVE TO TAKE THE SAME LICENSURE EXAMINATION WE TOOK IN MEDICAL SCHOOL.

THESE ARE ALL IMMINENTLY QUALIFIED INDIVIDUALS, SOME HAVE BEEN IN ACADEMIC INSTITUTIONS, TEACHERS AND PROFESSORS BUT THEY HAVE TAKE THE SAME EXAM THEY TOOK AS THEY GRADUATED FROM MEDICAL SCHOOL.

NONE OF US HAVE LOOKED AT THE ESOTERICS OF BIOSYMMETRY SINCE THAT TIME AND IT BECOMES A ROAD BLOCK.

>> I IMAGINE THEY ARE IN PLACE FOR CONSUMER PROTECTION AND MAKE SURE EVERYBODY IS SAFE BUT DOES IT GO TOO FAR IN SOME CIRCUMSTANCES?

>> IT DOES WHEN IT PREVENTS A QUALIFIED PHYSICIAN TO COME HERE TO PRACTICE, PARTICULARLY THE CRITICAL NEED WE HAVE, IN MY OPINION.

>> I GUESS I WANT TO MAKE SURE THERE WOULDN'T BE A DROP OFF IN THE QUALITY OF CARE FOR REMOVING THAT RED TAPE.

>> IN MY OPINION NO BECAUSE THAT'S A VERY BASIC EXAM THAT ASSESSES YOUR COMPETENCY AFTER YOU HAVE GRADUATED FROM MEDICAL SCHOOL.

>> OKAY.

>> SO, WHAT WOULD BE NEEDED TO ASSESS MY COMPETENCY NOW?

I HAVE BEEN IN MY SUBSPECIALTY FOR OVER 20 YEARS.

YOU SHOULD TEST A PERSON'S COMPETENCY IN WHAT THEY ARE DOING AND NOT SOMETHING THEY HAVEN'T DONE IN 20 YEARS.

>> YEAH.

TALK ABOUT THE INTERNATIONAL MEDICAL GRADUATES AND THAT COMPONENT AND ALLOWING THEM TO APPLY FOR A MEDICAL LICENSE AFTER TWO YEARS INSTEAD OF THREE.

IT IS ONLY ONE YEAR BUT THAT COULD ACCELERATE THINGS.

>> IT WOULD GET MORE PHYSICIANS INTO OUR WORKFORCE QUICKLY.

AND THE SECONDARY AFFECT, IN MY OPINION, IS ONCE YOU GET THEM INTO THE LOCAL WORKFORCE THEY ARE MORE LIKELY TO STAY WHEN THEY FINISH THEIR TRAINING.

>> I SEE.

YOU TALKED ABOUT -- SO THE ABILITY TO TRAIN WITH A PHYSICIAN.

WHY IS THAT SUCH AN IMPORTANT PROCESS?

IT SOUNDS LIKE AN APPRENTICESHIP.

>> THAT'S A DIFFERENT CATEGORY THAN THE ONE WE JUST MENTIONED.

SO, ONE OF THE SITUATIONS, WHICH HAS DEVELOPED IN POST-GRADUATE MEDICAL EDUCATION IN AMERICA IS MORE MEDICAL SCHOOL STUDENTS ARE GRADUATED THAN WE HAVE POST-GRADUATE RESIDENCY SLOTS.

SO, THERE'S A NUMBER OF PHYSICIANS EACH YEAR THAT HAVE FINISHED MEDICAL SCHOOL THAT HAVE NOWHERE TO GO TO CONTINUE THEIR TRAINING.

THE PROPOSAL IN THIS LEGISLATION WOULD BE THAT THOSE INDIVIDUALS CAN COME WORK UNDER THE SUPERVISION OF A PHYSICIAN AND CONTINUE TO GROW IN EXPERIENCE AND GET THEIR RESUME SUCH THAT WHEN THEY REAPPLY FOR RESIDENCY TRAINING NEXT YEAR THEY HAVE A GREATER LIKELIHOOD OF GETTING IN.

ONE THOUGHT THAT CAME TO MY MIND IN LOOKING AT THE LEGISLATION WAS BEING A SURGICAL ASSISTANT TO A SURGEON.

IT WOULD BE A GREAT THING TO DO.

THAT'S WHAT I DID THROUGH MEDICAL SCHOOL AND I LOVED IT.

>> INTERESTING, EVEN THOUGH YOU DIDN'T END UP IN SURGERY.

>> IT'S A GREAT THING TO DO.

>> YOU ARE HERE IN THE STATEHOUSE LAST WEEK.

YOUR ORGANIZATION, MASA IS VERY PRESENT.

HOW IMPORTANT IS IT TO HAVE PHYSICIANS BE INVOLVED IN THE POLITICAL PROCESS?

I'M THINKING NOT A LOT OF DOCTORS BECAME STATE LAWMAKERS.

IT'S A LOT OF LAWYERS AND STUFF LIKE THAT.

A LOT OF THEM MAY NOT BE FLUENT IN WHAT YOU ARE TALKING ABOUT.

HOW IS IMPORTANT IS IT TO COMMUNICATE HOW SEVER THE PROBLEM IS?

>> WE ARE PATIENT ADVOCATES ON LEGISLATIVE ISSUES.

WE HAVE TO BE HERE TO ADVOCATE FOR OUR PATIENTS.

IT IS CRITICAL THAT PHYSICIANS ARE INVOLVED IN THE LEGISLATIVE PROCESS.

>> WHAT KIND OF FEEDBACK DID YOU GET FROM THAT DAY OF BEING HERE IN THE STATEHOUSE FROM LAWMAKERS?

DO YOU THINK IT WAS THE FEEDBACK THEY UNDERSTAND, THAT THIS IS A PROBLEM THAT NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED?

>> ABSOLUTELY AND IN PARTICULARLY THE TWO BILL SPONSORS TOUCHED ME DEEPLY BY SAYING WE WILL GET THIS FOR YOU AND WE WILL HELP YOU.

THAT'S WHAT I GOT FROM MY VISIT UP HERE.

I GET GOOSEBUMPS TELLING YOU THAT.

IT IS WONDERFUL THAT THEY WILL HELP US.

>> GOOD TO HEAR.

WE WILL BE FOLLOWING THIS.

WE REPORTED ON IT LAST WEEK BUT WE CONTINUE TO CONTINUE TO FOLLOW THE ISSUE.

SAY IT BECOMES LAW, EVEN AFTER THAT TO UPDATE PEOPLE ON WHERE WE ARE BECAUSE -- JUST BECAUSE YOU PASS A BILL YOU ARE NOT FINISHED.

>> WE WANT IT TO WORK.

>> DOC, THANK YOU FOR COMING ON THE SHOW AND WALKING ME THROUGH THE COMPLICATED ISSUES THAT ARE HARD FOR ME TO UNDERSTAND BUT REALLY HELPS ME AND THE AUDIENCE TO UNDERSTAND.

>> HAPPY TO COME ANYTIME YOU NEED ME.

>> WE'LL BE RIGHT BACK.

>> YOU CAN WATCH PAST EPISODES OF "CAPITOL JOURNAL" ONLINE AT VIDEO@APTV.ORG.

"CAPITOL JOURNAL" EPISODES ARE ALSO AVAILABLE ON APTV'S FREE MOBILE APP.

YOU CAN ALSO CONNECT WITH "CAPITOL JOURNAL" AND LINK TO PAST EPISODES ON "CAPITOL JOURNAL'S" FACEBOOK PAGE, AND YOU CAN LISTEN TO PAST EPISODES OF "CAPITOL JOURNAL" WHEN YOU ARE DRIVING OR ON THE GO WITH "CAPITOL JOURNAL" PODCASTS.

KEEP UP WITH WHAT'S HAPPENING WITH "CAPITOL JOURNAL."

♪ JOINING ME NEXT IS HOLLY MCCORKLE, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF ALABAMA COUNCIL OF BEHAVIORAL HEALTH.

COULD YOU SHARE A LITTLE BIT ABOUT THE COUNCIL AND WHAT ITS MISSION IS IN THE STATE?

>> YEAH.

THE COUNCIL IS MADE OF 20 MENTAL HEALTH PROVIDERS.

WE DELIVER SERVICES FOR THOSE WITH MENTAL ILLNESS, ADDICTIONS, INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIES.

THE ORGANIZATIONS SERVE 115,000 PEOPLE ACROSS THE STATE EACH YEAR.

AND MANY OF THE PEOPLE THAT WE SERVE WILL REQUIRE SOME TYPE OF LIFE-LONG SUPPORT.

OUR MAIN FUNDING SOURCE IS THE ALABAMA DEPARTMENT OF MENTAL HEALTH.

>> SO WE TALK A LOT ABOUT MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES HERE FROM A POLICY STANDPOINT, BUT Y'ALL ARE THE PROVIDERS OF THAT SERVICE?

>> THAT'S RIGHT.

WHEN YOU HEAR ABOUT PEOPLE GETTING TREATMENT OR SERVICES THROUGH THE DEPARTMENT OF MENTAL HEALTH, IT IS ALMOST ALWAYS DELIVERED THROUGH A COMMUNITY PROVIDER IN THE 67 COUNTIES.

>> INTERESTING.

YOU HAVE A BACKGROUND FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF MENTAL HEALTH.

YOU SERVED AS CHIEF OF STAFF?

>> I WAS THE DIRECTOR OF LEGISLATIVE AND CONSTITUENT AFFAIRS.

>> SORRY.

>> YEP.

I DID.

>> DOES THAT BACKGROUND SERVE YOU IN THIS ROLE?

>> ABSOLUTELY.

ABSOLUTELY.

WHILE WORKING THERE, I WAS ABLE -- SOMETIMES THE SYSTEM OF CARE CAN BE COMPLICATED.

WORKING AT THE DEPARTMENT ALLOWED ME TO LEARN THAT SYSTEM, LEARN HOW PEOPLE ACCESS SERVICES AND THEN, YOU KNOW, I HAVE A BACKGROUND AT THE LEGISLATURE ALSO.

>> I WAS GOING TO ASK YOU ABOUT THAT BECAUSE THAT'S HOW WE GOT TO KNOW EACH OTHER.

YOU WERE IN THE LEGISLATURE AND WORKED HERE SIX OR SEVEN YEARS.

>> THAT'S RIGHT.

>> NOW YOU SPEND A LOT OF TIME ADVOCATING IN THE LEGISLATURE.

SO THAT HAS TO HELP HAVING THOSE RELATIONSHIPS AND A BACKGROUND OF HOW THINGS WORK HERE.

>> ABSOLUTELY.

ABSOLUTELY.

I LOVE BEING ABLE TO USE THAT KNOWLEDGE THAT I HAVE FROM WORKING AT THE DEPARTMENT OF MENTAL HEALTH AND THE KNOWLEDGE I HAVE FROM WORKING HERE IN THE SENATE TO ADVOCATE FOR MANY TIMES PEOPLE WHO DON'T HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO COME DOWN HERE TO MONTGOMERY AND ADVOCATE FOR THE SERVICES AND THE TREATMENT THEY NEED.

>> LET'S TALK ABOUT THE ISSUES.

DURING YOUR TIME THERE AND DURING YOUR TIME HERE AT THE COUNCIL, MENTAL HEALTH HAS REALLY BEEN HEIGHTENED AS AN ISSUE.

THANKFULLY, MORE INVESTMENTS HAVE BEEN MADE IN MENTAL HEALTH.

I REMEMBER BACK IN THE 2000S, MID 2000S, NOBODY WANTED TO TALK ABOUT IT.

IT WAS SUCH A -- LET'S PUT IT IN THE CLOSET AND NOT TALK ABOUT IT BUT HERE RECENTLY MORE ATTENTION PAID, MORE INVESTMENTS MADE AND CRISIS CENTERS AND EVERYTHING.

SO SOME PROGRESS BUT THERE ARE STILL GAPS.

I WAS HOPING YOU WOULD SPEAK TO WHAT THOSE GAPS ARE AND WHAT INVESTMENTS NEED TO BE MADE.

>> ABSOLUTELY.

I WOULD BE REMISS IF I DID NOT FIRST THANK GOVERNOR IVEY, THE LEGISLATIVE LEADERSHIP ON BOTH SIDES OF THE AISLE.

THEY HAVE MADE MENTAL HEALTH A PRIORITY.

I THINK I CAN SPEAK -- IT'S THE BIGGEST PRIORITY THE LEGISLATURE HAS MADE IN OUR LIFETIME FOR SURE IS STANDING UP THE CRISIS SERVICES AND INVESTING IN MORE ACCESS TO CARE, BUT THIS YEAR THE DEPARTMENT OF MENTAL HEALTH DID REQUEST $30.6 MILLION AND THAT'S BECAUSE TO BOLSTER THE COMMUNITY PROVIDERS WORKFORCE.

THAT IS -- THESE ARE SERVICES, OUTPATIENT SERVICES, DAY TREATMENT SERVICES, RESIDENTIAL PROGRAMS.

PEOPLE NEED THOSE SUPPORTS IN A HOME.

SOMETIMES THAT'S WHERE THEY LIVE.

AND, YOU KNOW, SO WE HAVE TO BE ABLE TO PAY PROFESSIONALS AN APPROPRIATE WAGE.

RIGHT NOW, DIRECT SUPPORT PROFESSIONALS, THOSE ARE THE PEOPLE THAT MAY WORK IN A RESIDENTIAL HOME OR HAVE A LOT OF HANDS-ON TIME WITH INDIVIDUALS, THEY ARE MAKING 11, $12 AN HOUR.

>> REALLY?

>> YOU CAN'T COMPETE -- WE CAN'T COMPETE WITH FAST FOOD RESTAURANTS.

WE CAN'T COMPETE WITH RETAILERS, AND THIS IS HARD WORK.

>> I WAS GOING TO SAY, IT IS A PRETTY DEMANDING AND EMOTIONALLY TRAIN DRAINING JOB.

>> RIGHT.

WE WANT TO RECRUIT PEOPLE THAT WANT TO WORK IN THE FEEL AND WE BELIEVE THEY NEED ADEQUATE WAGES ON OUR MASTERS-LEVEL CLINICIANS, THEY ARE MAKING LESS THAN A BACHELOR'S LEVEL STARTING TEACHER.

YOU KNOW, MANY TIMES THEY WILL LEAVE OUR ORGANIZATIONS AND AUTOMATICALLY MAKE 10, $20,000 MORE SOMEWHERE ELSE.

WE DO NOT BLAME THEM FOR WANTING TO MAKE A LITTLE MORE MONEY AND SUPPORT THEIR FAMILIES, BUT THIS 30.6 MILLION THAT THE DEPARTMENT OF MENTAL HEALTH REQUESTED WOULD ALLOW US TO START PAYING OUR EMPLOYEES MORE OF THE MARKET WAGES SO THAT WE CAN RETAIN THE QUALITY PEOPLE WE HAVE.

YOU DON'T GET IN THE MENTAL HEALTH FIELD FOR THE MONEY.

YOU GET INTO IT BECAUSE YOU CARE ABOUT PEOPLE, BUT WE DEFINITELY DESERVE TO PAY PEOPLE WHAT THEY DESERVE.

>> YEAH.

YOU HAVE TO MAKE A LIVING.

WE TALKED SO MUCH ABOUT THE WORKFORCE ISSUE, IN GENERAL.

BUSINESSES ARE HAVING A HARD TIME FINDING WORKERS.

SO IT IS ACROSS THE SPECTRUM.

BUT THIS IS A SECTOR THAT IS ESSENTIAL.

YOU CAN'T GO WITHOUT MENTAL HEALTH WORKERS.

>> ABSOLUTELY.

ABSOLUTELY.

I MEAN WE LEARNED DURING THE PANDEMIC, WE STAYED OPEN.

WE WERE DELIVERING SERVICES 24/7, 365.

AND THESE ARE ESSENTIAL SERVICES.

AND YOU TALK ABOUT THE WORKFORCE PROBLEMS ACROSS THE BOARD AND THEN YOU TALK ABOUT HEALTHCARE.

HEALTHCARE IS EVEN -- AFTER POST PANDEMIC, IT IS JUST VERY DIFFICULT TO HIRE CERTAIN POSITIONS.

THE AVERAGE MARKET SALARY HAS JUST RISEN.

SO WE HAVE GOT TO KEEP UP.

>> YEAH.

>> TO MEET THE DEMAND FOR OUR SERVICES.

>> I WAS TALKING TO DR. MARK LEQUIRE ABOUT THE RISE IN DEMAND FOR HEALTH SERVICES.

IS THAT ACROSS THE BOARD?

IS THAT TRUE IN MENTAL HEALTH, HAS THERE BEEN A RISE IN DEMAND POST PANDEMIC?

>> ABSOLUTELY.

ONE OF THE THINGS WE TALK ABOUT IS PEOPLE EXPERIENCE MENTAL HEALTH CHALLENGES DUE TO ISOLATION.

YOU THINK THERE WERE SO MANY PEOPLE ISOLATED DURING THE PANDEMIC.

>> SURE.

>> WE LOST SO MANY PEOPLE.

SO, PEOPLE DEFINITELY ARE EXPERIENCING ANXIETY AND DEPRESSION MORE FREQUENTLY.

THE DEMAND FOR MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES, AND THAT'S NOT UNIQUE TO ALABAMA, ACROSS THE COUNTRY HAS RISEN.

SO DEMAND IS RISING AND OUR WORKFORCE STRUGGLES ARE INCREASING.

SO, YOU KNOW, RIGHT NOW, ABOUT ONE IN FIVE POSITIONS ARE VACANT.

I DID A SURVEY OF MY MEMBERS AND THEIR VACANCY RATE FROM THE LAST THREE YEARS HAS INCREASED 50%.

SO, THIS IS BACKED UP BY DATA.

WE HAVE TO BE ABLE TO RECRUIT AND RETAIN.

>> SO BASICALLY IT COMES DOWN TO A BUDGETARY THING.

AS THE GENERAL FUND GOES THROUGH -- MAYBE SOME ETF DOLLARS BUT MAINLY THE GENERAL FUND GOES THROUGH THE PROCESS.

THAT'S WHAT YOU ARE TALKING TO LEGISLATORS ABOUT?

>> ABSOLUTELY.

MY MEMBERS HAVE BEEN TO TOWN AND MET WITH THEIR LEGISLATORS AND I KNOW THE LEGISLATURE IS LOOKING TO FIND THIS FUNDING.

I KNOW THEY ARE WORKING ON IT BUT IT IS JUST REALLY IMPORTANT FOR EVERYONE TO UNDERSTAND THE CHALLENGES THAT THEIR COMMUNITY MENTAL HEALTH PROVIDERS ARE EXPERIENCING BECAUSE, YOU KNOW, THESE -- THE INDIVIDUALS THAT I'M ADVOCATING FOR IN REGARDS TO WORKFORCE ARE PEOPLE THAT LIVE IN 67 COUNTIES.

THEY ARE CONSTITUENTS OF THE LEGISLATORS.

SO, IT'S NOT JUST COMING HERE TO MONTGOMERY.

IT'S GOING ACROSS THE STATE.

IT WOULD HELP EMPLOYEES ACROSS THE STATE.

>> LET ME ASK YOU THIS BECAUSE, YOU KNOW, WHEN YOU ARE WANTING FOR EMPLOYEES AND WORKER AND YOU TALKED ABOUT RECRUITING AND ALL OF THAT, IT SEEMS LIKE EVERYBODY MIGHT BE A LITTLE STRETCHED THIN.

SO DOES THAT IMPACT THE QUALITY OF SERVICE THAT YOUR PROVIDERS CAN OFFER?

THAT SEEMS LIKE THAT WOULD BE A NATURAL AFFECT?

>> ABSOLUTELY.

I SAW A RECENT SURVEY -- I THINK 85% OF COMMUNITY MENTAL HEALTH WORKERS ARE EXPERIENCING SOME TYPE OF BURNOUT.

SO, YOU KNOW, IT ABSOLUTELY IMPACTS SERVICES.

AS WE LOSE EMPLOYEES AND WE HAVE MORE VACANCIES, THAT INCREASES CASE LOADS.

THE HIGHER THE CASELOAD THE MORE PEOPLE A CLINICIAN MAY HAVE TO SERVE.

THE QUALITY IS GOING TO BE IMPACTED.

WHEN YOU DON'T HAVE INDIVIDUALS THAT ARE MAKING A LIVING WAGE WORKING IN A RESIDENTIAL HOME, THE TYPES OF PEOPLE THAT YOU CAN RECRUIT AT THAT LEVEL, QUALITY DEFINITELY IS IMPACTED.

>> DO YOU THINK IT HELPS YOUR CASE THAT MENTAL HEALTH AND THE IMPORTANCE OF IT HAS BEEN LIFTED?

IF THIS WAS 15 YEARS AGO, IT WOULD BE A TOUGH CASE TO MAKE.

>> IT WOULD.

>> DO YOU THINK IT HELPS THAT WE ARE TALKING ABOUT IT?

THE SPEAKER HAS MADE AN ISSUE OF THIS.

HE WAS TELLING ME THE OTHER DAY HE WAS INVITED TO SPEAK AT A NATIONAL CONFERENCE ABOUT THE EXAMPLE OF PAYING MORE ATTENTION AND HE WAS ALSO SURE TO MENTION WE HAVE DONE SOME GOOD THINGS IN MENTAL HEALTH BUT WE HAVE A LONG WAY TO GO BECAUSE WE HAD BEEN SO FAR BEHIND.

DOES IT HELP YOUR CASE THAT MORE ATTENTION HAS BEEN PAID?

>> ABSOLUTELY.

YOU KNOW, JUST OUR GROUP ALONE WOULDN'T BE RAISING AWARENESS AND THE NEED FOR THESE SERVICES AND INVESTMENT IN ACCESS TO CARE, THE GENERAL PUBLIC CARES MORE.

I THINK PEOPLE ARE MORE COMFORTABLE TALKING.

STIGMA -- TO ME, STIGMA IS THE BIGGEST BARRIER TO CARE ON THE MENTAL HEALTH FIELD.

WE ARE JUST REDUCING STIGMA EVERY DAY.

EVERY TIME SOMEONE SHARES THEIR STORY, EVERY TIME SOMEONE IS WILLING TO SAY I HAVE A FAMILY MEMBER THAT'S SUFFERING.

I THINK WE ALL CAN, IF WE ARE HONEST WITH OURSELVES, KNOW SOMEONE THAT MAY BENEFIT FROM THESE SERVICES.

SO WHEN YOU MAKE THAT PERSONAL CONNECTION, LEGISLATORS ARE JUST PEOPLE.

THEY HAVE CONNECTIONS TO THIS CAUSE, AS WELL.

I JUST WHOLEHEARTEDLY APPRECIATE THEIR INTEREST IN TRYING TO REALLY INVEST IN THE SYSTEM.

>> SWITCHING GEARS, YOU KNOW, WE'RE ALL JUST CONTINUING TO BE HORRIFIED BY THE DADEVILLE SHOOTING.

WE DON'T KNOW EVERYTHING ABOUT IT.

WE DON'T KNOW -- THERE'S PLENTY OF INFORMATION GAPS AND EVERYTHING BUT I REMEMBER THE DAY AFTER, MONDAY, THE SCHOOL SUPERINTENDENT THERE MADE SURE TO SAY -- BECAUSE KIDS WERE COMING BACK TO SCHOOL.

THESE WERE THEIR CLASSMATES, SOME OF THEM THAT WERE KILLED SAYING WE WILL HAVE COUNSELING AND ALL OF THAT AND IT STRUCK ME THAT WAS IN EVERY STORY BUT I DON'T HAVE A FRAME OF REFERENCE FOR HOW THAT WORKS.

IS THIS SOME OF YOUR PROVIDERS THAT PROVIDE THAT CARE?

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN -- IN THE WAKE OF SOME OF THESE SHOOTINGS, THE KIND OF COUNSELING AND THE TRAUMA THAT GOES ON?

>> YOU KNOW, TODD, MY HEART IS WITH DADEVILLE AND ALL OF THE FAMILIES AND VICTIMS.

UNFORTUNATELY, MENTAL HEALTH PLAYS A BIG ROLE IN SOME OF THESE SITUATIONS.

YES, SEVERAL OF MY MEMBERS DEPLOYED THERAPISTS TO THE SCHOOLS.

THERE WERE THERAPISTS AT ALL OF THE SCHOOLS THAT HAD INDIVIDUALS THAT WERE IMPACTED.

I HAVE TO THANK THE LEGISLATURE AGAIN BECAUSE THEY HAVE CONTINUOUSLY INVESTED IN WHAT WE CALL THE SCHOOL-BASED MENTAL HEALTH COLLABORATIVE.

WHAT THAT DOES IS IT PLACES THERAPISTS IN SCHOOLS AND IT PAYS FOR A THERAPIST TO BE IN THE SCHOOL SO THAT STUDENTS CAN RECEIVE SERVICES AT A SCHOOL.

SO, THEREFORE, THEY WERE ABLE TO DEPLOY THOSE THERAPISTS AND THEY HAD THE RELATIONSHIPS WITH THE SCHOOLS ALREADY.

SO THAT IT WASN'T -- THEY WEREN'T SCRAMBLING ON MONDAY MORNING.

I JUST APPRECIATE THOSE COMMUNITY MENTAL HEALTH -- THAT'S WHAT COMMUNITY MENTAL HEALTH IS.

IT IS BEING THERE FOR THE COMMUNITY.

>> IT IS UNFORTUNATE, WE BRING IT UP AS PART OF THIS TERRIBLE TRAGEDY, BUT IT IS MORE THAN JUST TRAUMATIC SITUATIONS, TRAGEDY IS EVERY DAY.

THESE SCHOOLS NOW HAVE MORE RESOURCES, MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELOR AND EVERYTHING THAN THEY USED TO HAVE ON A DAY-TO-DAY BASIS.

>> YEAH.

AND TEACHERS CONTINUE TO SAY THAT MENTAL HEALTH IS ONE OF THEIR TOP CONCERNS IN REGARDS TO THE STUDENTS.

WE HAVE TO CONTINUE INVESTING THAT AND AS I SAID THE LEGISLATURE HAS BEEN INVESTING IN SCHOOL-BASED MENTAL HEALTH.

>> WELL, WE WILL BE FOLLOWING THIS BUDGET PROCESS AS IT GOES FORWARD.

I REALLY APPRECIATE YOU SORT OF, YOU KNOW, EXPLAINING WHY IT MATTERS AND -- WE GO THROUGH BUDGETS ALL THE TIME AND SEE THESE LINE ITEMS AND MAYBE WE DON'T UNDERSTAND WHAT IT MEANS, IT SOUNDS LIKE IT IS PRETTY IMPORTANT.

I APPRECIATE YOU COMING ON AND EXPLAINING IT TO ME AN OUR VIEWERS.

>> THANK YOU FOR HAVING ME ON, TODD.

I REALLY APPRECIATE IT.

>> WE'LL BE RIGHT BACK.

>> YOU CAN WATCH PAST EPISODES OF "CAPITOL JOURNAL" ONLINE ANYTIME AT ALABAMA PUBLIC TELEVISION'S WEBSITE APTV.ORG.

CLICK ON THE ONLINE VIDEO TAB ON THE MAIN PAGE.

YOU CAN ALSO CONNECT WITH "CAPITOL JOURNAL" AND LINK TO PAST EPISODES ON "CAPITOL JOURNAL'S" FACEBOOK PAGE.

♪ >> NATIVE HELEN KELLER IS REMEMBERED AS THE DEAF AND BLIND CHILD WHO LEARNED SIGN LANGUAGE AT THE KELLER HOME BY HER TEACHER.

DURING HER ADULT LIFE SHE WAS A TIRELESS ACTIVIST ON BEHALF OF WORKER AND WOMEN'S RIGHTS, A PROLIFIC AUTHOR AND UNOFFICIAL U.S.

AMBASSADOR TO THE WORLD.

HER MOST FAMOUS PUBLICATION IS HER BEST-SELLING 1903 AUTOBIOGRAPHY, "THE STORY OF MY LIFE."

THROUGH HER WORK WITH THE AMERICAN FOUNDATION THEY ARE THE BLIND, KELLER ADVOCATED FOR BROADENED EDUCATIONAL AND EMPLOYMENT POSSIBILITIES FOR BLIND PEOPLE AND THE STATE DEPARTMENT FUNDED HER INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL AND ADVOCACY OF PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES.

IN 1964, PRESIDENT LYNDON JOHNSON AWARDED HER THE CONGRESSIONAL MEDAL OF FREEDOM, A BRONZE STATUE DEPICTING A YOUNG HELEN KELLER REPRESENTS ALABAMA IN THE U.S. CAPITOL AND SHE IS FEATURED ON OUR STATE QUARTER.

>> THAT'S OUR SHOW FOR TONIGHT.

THANK YOU FOR WATCHING.

WE WILL BE BACK NEXT WEEK STARTING MONDAY WITH OUR REGULAR COVERAGE OF THE ALABAMA LEGISLATURE EACH NIGHT AT 10:30 RIGHT HERE ON ALABAMA PUBLIC TELEVISION.

FOR OUR "CAPITOL JOURNAL" TEAM, I'M TODD STACY.