>> DON: TONIGHT ON "CAPITOL JOURNAL," WE'LL BE JOINED BY SENATOR DEL MARSH OF ANNISTON, WHO'LL TALK WITH US ABOUT THE SWEEPING LOTTERY AND GAMBLING BILL THAT HE INTRODUCED THIS WEEK AND GOT THROUGH ONE COMMITTEE.

IT WOULD ALLOW FOR FIVE STATE CASINOS AND SPORTS BETTING.

WE'LL ALSO BE JOINED BY SECRETARY OF STATE JOHN MERRILL, WHO'LL DISCUSS HIS POSSIBLY CANDIDACY FOR THE U.S. SENATE, THE RETIREMENT OF SENATOR RICHARD SHELBY, AND ELECTION INTEGRITY AND HOW JE FEELS IT FIGURES INTO THE IMPEACHMENT TRIAL OF FORMER PRESIDENT TRUMP.

AND STATE HEALTH OFFICER DR. SCOTT HARRIS WILL BE WITH US TO DISCUSS WRAPPING UP MASS VACCINATION CLINICS AROUND ALABAMA, AND ABOUT CERTAIN WALMART PHARMACIES NOW OFFERING THE SHOTS.

IT'S ALL NEXT ON "CAPITOL JOURNAL."

>> DON: GOOD EVENING.

FROM OUR STATEHOUSE STUDIO IN MONTGOMERY, I'M DON DAILEY.

THANKS FOR JOINING US!

TOPPING OUR BROADCAST TONIGHT, ALABAMA LAWMAKERS ARE NOW ON A 7-DAY BREAK, AFTER WRAPPING UP A WHIRLWIND FIRST TWO WEEKS OF THE NEW LEGISLATIVE SESSION.

IT WAS MARKED WITH THE FINAL PASSAGE OF A COUPLE OF PRIORITY PANDEMIC AND ECONOMIC-RELATED BILLS, AND THE INTRODUCTION OF A LONG-AWAITED GAMBLING EXPANSION BILL.

SENATOR DEL MARSH OF ANNISTON FILED THAT LEGISLATION ON TUESDAY, IT PASSED ITS FIRST COMMITTEE ON WEDNESDAY, AND WAS DEBATED ON THE SENATE FLOOR THE NEXT DAY.

"CAPITOL JOURNAL'S" KAREN GOLDSMITH REPORTS FOR US TONIGHT.

>> THE PUBLIC IN MY DISTRICT ARE CLEAR AND THEY WANT THE RIGHT TO VOTE ON THIS.

I BELIEVE THE PEOPLE OF ALABAMA WANT TO ADDRESS THIS ISSUE OF GAMING ONCE ASK FOR ALL.

>> THAT IS WHY STATE SENATOR DEL MARSH IS SPONSORING A BILL TO CREATE AN EDUCATION BOTTOMRY DECLARING BINGO AND CHARITABLE BINGO AND ALLOW BINGO STYLE GAMES AND SPORTS GAMBLING AT FIVE LOCATIONS.

>> MY GOAL IS TO PUT SOMETHING BEFORE THE STATE OF ALABAMA THAT TREATS THE STATE FAIRLY IN TERMS OF REVENUE TO BE ANTICIPATED AND HAS THE DOLLARS GOING TO THE SPECIFIC PROGRAMS THE PEOPLE WANT TO SEE IT GO TO.

>> STATE SENATOR BOBBY SINGLETON IS CONCERNED BY THOSE ORGANIZATIONS THAT WILL BE FUNDED.

>> AFRICAN-AMERICAN FARMERS ARE NOT PART OF ONCE THAT WILL RECEIVE A BENEFIT.

IT'S SET UP AS A GRANT AND I WANT TO BE ASSURED WHERE THOSE FARMING DOLLARS GO THAT IT'S BENEFICIAL ACROSS THE STATE TO ALL FARMERS THAT ARE PREQUALIFIED TO DO THAT.

>> I LOOK AT ONE STATE AND I WANT TO TRY TO BE INCLUSIVE OF HEADS.

PEEP THAT HAVE MADE GREAT IMPACT AND I THINK FARMERS ARE IN THAT GROUP AND I THINK THIS IS A WORTHY PROGRAM TO PUT IN EFFECT.

I HEAR YOUR CONCERNS.

MY GOAL WITH MY COLLEAGUES IN THE HOUSE IS TO MAKE SURE THAT LEGISLATION MAKES CLEAR THAT EVERYBODY HAS ACCESS AND IS ABLE TO PARTICIPATE IN THE PROGRAM.

>> MARSH SAID HE IS COMMITTED TO ADDRESSING ALL CONCERNS WITH THIS PLAN.

I'M KAREN GOLDSMITH.

>> DON: FOUR OF THE CASINOS UNDER SENATOR MARSH'S PLAN WOULD BE AT THE STATE'S EXISTING DOG TRACKS.

THE FIFTH WOULD BE BUILT BY THE POARCH BAND OF CREEK INDIANS IN NORTHEAST ALABAMA.

THE CASINOS WOULD BE SUBJECT TO LICENSING FEES AND TAXED AT A RATE OF 20-PERCENT, WITH PROCEEDS BENEFITING THINGS LIKE BROADBAND EXPANSION AND RURAL HOSPITALS.

THAT 20-PERCENT TAX RATE WAS CONCERNING TO, AMONG OTHERS, REPRESENTATIVE PEBBLIN WARREN OF TUSKEGEE, WHOSE DISTRICT INCLUDES VICTORYLAND, WHERE ONE OF THE CASINOS WOULD BE LOCATED.

STILL, WARREN TOLD "CAPITOL JOURNAL" THAT SHE WAS VERY EXCITED WITH THE CONCEPT.

>> THAT WILL BE THE DREAM THAT MILTON MCGREGGOR HAD TO COME TRUE.

THAT'S WHAT HE FOUGHT FOR SO LONG TO GET THE CASINO STYLE GAMING AND DEALING WITH THE NATIVE AMERICANS AND TRYING TO COME UP WITH SOMETHING THERE.

I THINK THAT WOULD BE GOOD.

>> DON: THE GAMBLING LEGISLATION IS A CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT AND, IF ULTIMATELY APPROVED BY STATE VOTERS, WOULD REQUIRE THE GOVERNOR TO NEGOTIATE, IN GOOD FAITH, A COMPACT WITH THE POARCH BAND OF CREEK INDIANS, ALLOWING THE TRIBE TO OFFER A FULL COMPLEMENT OF CASINO GAMES AT ITS FACILITIES.

THE LEGISLATION WOULD ALSO SET UP A GAMING COMMISSION, TO REGULATE EVERYTHING.

THE GAMBLING PLAN WILL GO UP FOR A VOTE OF THE FULL SENATE AFTER LEGISLATORS RETURN TO MONTGOMERY ON FEBRUARY 23RD.

SENATOR MARSH WILL JOIN US LATER IN THE BROADCAST TO TALK MORE ABOUT IT.

DON: THE LEGISLATURE THIS WEEK GAVE FINAL PASSAGE TO A TRIO OF BILLS THAT WERE CONSIDERED PRIORITIES IN THE EARLY PART OF THE SESSION, AND GOVERNOR KAY IVEY SIGNED THEM ALL INTO LAW ON FRIDAY.

ONE WOULD EXTEND ECONOMIC INCENTIVES CONSIDERED VITAL TO THE STATE'S BUSINESS RECRUITMENT EFFORTS.

REPRESENTATIVE BILL POOLE OF TUSCALOOSA SPONSORED THAT LEGISLATION AND HE AND HOUSE MINORITY LEADER ANTHONY DANIELS OF HUNTSVILLE WERE AMONG THOSE PRAISING ITS FINAL PASSAGE ON THURSDAY.

>> THIS IS A RENEWAL OF WHAT IS ESSENTIALLY THE STATE'S PRIMARY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT STRUCTURE.

BUT WE HAVE REVISED AND SHARPENED THAT AND RENEWED AND IT INCREASED MODERATELY.

THE FUNDING FOR THE SAME WITH AN EFFORT TO CREATE ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITIES IN EVERY CORNER OF THE STATE AND IN A NUMBER OF KEY INDUSTRY SECTORS.

>> YOU'RE COMPETING FOR JOBS AND AND ATTRACTING INDUSTRY TO LOCATE TO A CERTAIN AREA.

YOU HAVE TO HAVE TOOLS IN YOUR TOOL BELT TO MAKE IT ATTRACTIVE.

THIS IS A TREMENDOUS TOOL THAT WE HAVE HERE IN ALABAMA.

>> ANOTHER OF THE PRIORITY BILLS THAT RECEIVED FINAL PASSAGE THIS WEEK WOULD MANDATE THAT PANDEMIC-RELATED STIMULUS CHECKS WON'T BE SUBJECT TO STATE TAXES.

IT WAS SPONSORED BY SENATOR DAN ROBERTS OF BIRMINGHAM, WHO SPOKE TO "CAPITOL JOURNAL" ABOUT THE LEGISLATION'S SIGNIFICANCE.

>> THIS IS AN ABSOLUTELY HUGE DEAL.

NUMBER ONE, YOUR' TAKING CARE OF ROUGHLY $8.7 BILLION NOW THAT HAS FLOWED INTO OUR STATE FROM THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT AND WE'RE NOT GOING TO TAX ANY OF THAT.

THAT COMES FROM THE STIMULUS CHECKS THAT EVERYONE RECEIVED AT HOME.

THEN IT'S PPP AND THE LAST DECEMBER 27TH BILL THAT PASSED THE CAA THAT'S RESULTED IN THUS FAR ROUGHLY $8.7 BILLION COMING IN ALABAMA.

THAT ALLOWS THAT TO COME IN AND DO WHAT IT IS INTENDED TO DO, TO BENEFIT OUR STATE, OUR BUSINESSES AND OUR PEOPLE.

>> THE DON: THE THIRD PRIORITY BILL THAT RECEIVED FINAL APPROVAL THIS WEEK WOULD GIVE LIMITED IMMUNITY TO BUSINESSES AND OTHER ENTITIES AGAINST COVID-19-RELATED LAWSUITS, IF THEY ACTED IN GOOD FAITH TO GUARD AGAINST THE VIRUS.

IT WAS SPONSORED IN THE HOUSE BY REPRESENTATIVE DAVID FAULKNER OF BIRMINGHAM, WHO PROMOTED IT ON THE FLOOR AND IN COMMITTEE THIS WEEK.

"CAPITOL JOURNAL'S" RANDY SCOTT REPORTS FOR US TONIGHT.

>> A BUSY WORKWEEK BORE REPRESENT REPRESENTATIVES AND A COMMITTEE DAY IS PACKED IN THE MIDDLE.

THE HOUSE FLOOR IS SEEING A BIG LIST OF BILL INCLUDING SENATE BILL 30 WHICH PROVIDES IMMUNITY FOR BUSINESSES IN COVID-19 LAWSUITS.

>> THE PEOPLE THAT HAVE SUFFERED AND LOST LOVED ONES, THEY DON'T HAVE ANY RECOURSE.

WHAT SENSE DOES THAT MAKE TO START OFF AND THE BEGINNING OF A PANDEMIC TO SAY WE'RE GOING TO GIVE BLANKET COMMUNITY.

THOSE PEOPLE DESERVE THEIR DAY IN COURT.

>> IF YOU HAVE CONDUCT OUT THERE FROM SOMEONE WILLFUL, WANTON, RECKLESS OR INTENTIONAL THIS BILL DOES NOT GIVE THEM IMMUNITY.

>> SENATE BILL 30 IS APPROVED AND HEADS TO THE GOVERNOR'S OFFICE TO BE SIGNED.

THE HOUSE JUDICIARY COMMITTEE PLAN OF PROPOSALS INCLUDES HOUSE BILL 8 DEALING WITH THE DISPLAY OF HISTORICAL MONUMENTS.

>> THEY CAN'T LEAVE A DEFACED MONUMENT UP, A MONUMENT THAT HAS BEEN ALMOST OBLITERATED UP.

SO THEY HAVE TO MAKE A DECISION TO REMOVE THAT FROM THE PUBLIC EYE AND BE TAXED $25,000.

>> I UNDERSTAND FROM AN EMAIL I GOT EARLIER TODAY THAT ARCHIVES HAS DECLARED THAT THEY DON'T WANT THAT RESPONSIBILITY AND CAN'T AFFORD IT OR CAN'T BUDGET FOR IT.

>> YOU OUGHT TO THINK ABOUT WHAT HAS HAPPENED TO SOME OF THESE MONUMENTS IN OTHER STATES.

THEY HAVE BEEN TORN DOWN, DESTROYED, DESECRATED.

ALL KINDS OF THINGS HAVE HAPPENED TO THEM.

BUT WHETHER YOU LIKE IT OR NOT, IT IS A PART OF THE HISTORY OF THE STATE OF ALABAMA TO PRESERVE IS WHAT THE GENTLE LADY IS TRYING TO DO.

>> HOUSE BILL 8 IS SENT TO A SUBCOMMITTEE FOR MORE WORK.

FOR "CAPITOL JOURNAL," I'M RANDY SCOTT.

DON: THE HOUSE JUDICIARY COMMITTEE THIS WEEK ALSO APPROVED A BILL CALLED ANIAH'S LAW.

IT'S NAMED FOR ANIAH BLANCHARD, AN ALABAMA COLLEGE STUDENT WHO WAS MURDERED LAST YEAR.

THE SUSPECT IN HER DEATH WAS OUT ON BOND, AFTER BEING ACCUSED IN SEVERAL OTHER CRIMES, AND THE CASE SPURRED THIS LEGISLATION THAT WAS FIRST PROPOSED LAST YEAR.

IT'S SPONSORED BY REPRESENTATIVE CHIP BROWN OF HOLLINGER'S ISLAND, WHO RECENTLY SPOKE TO "CAPITOL JOURNAL."

DON: THIS WEEK'S COMMITTEE >> IT'S COMPREHENSIVE CRIMINAL RESPONSE REFORM.

SO IN ALABAMA THE ONLY TIME YOU YOU CAN BE HELD WITHOUT BOND IS IF YOU'RE CHARGED WITH CAPITAL MURDER.

SO THIS GIVES DISTRICT ATTORNEYS THE OPPORTUNITY TO REQUEST THAT AN INDIVIDUAL BE HELD WITHOUT BOND IF THEY'RE CHARGED WITH A VIOLENT CLASS A FELONY, SAY KIDNAPPING, VITAL DOMESTIC ASSAULT, YOU KNOW, THOSE TYPES OF CRIMES AGAINST AN INDIVIDUAL, VITAL CRIME.

>> THIS WEEK'S COMMITTEE APPROVAL OF REPRESENTATIVE BROWN'S BAIL REFORM BILL NEXT SENDS IT TO THE HOUSE FLOOR FOR A VOTE.

DON: THE HOUSE AND SENATE JUDICIARY COMMITTEES THIS WEEK TOOK UP CLOSELY WATCHED BILLS THAT WOULD MAKE IT A FELONY FOR STATE DOCTORS TO TREAT TRANSGENDER YOUTH WITH HORMONE THERAPIES, PUBERTY BLOCKERS AND TRANSITION SURGERIES.

SENATOR SHAY SHELNUTT OF TRUSSVILLE IS SPONSORING THE LEGISLATION IN THE UPPER CHAMBER, AND HIS BILL RECEIVED COMMITTEE APPROVAL ON WEDNESDAY.

>> CHILDREN ARE NOT OF AGE -- THEY'RE JUST NOT WITH THE MENTAL CAPACITY TO MAKE DECISIONS THAT ARE BEING MADE FOR THEM QUITE FRANKLY RIGHT NOW.

I HAVE LEARNED SINCE I FILED THIS BILL LAST YEAR THAT CURRENTLY THERE ARE PATIENTS BEING REFERRED TO THAT ARE GETTING THESE HORMONES THAT ARE EFFECTING THEIR VISION.

OPTOMETRISTS ARE HAVING TO DO PROFILE DEVELOPMENT FOR OPTOMETRISTS BECAUSE THE KIDS RECEIVING THESE HORMONES ARE BEING AFFECTED.

>> THIS SEND SHELLNUT'S BILL TO THE FLOOR.

THE HOUSE JUDICIARY THIS WEEK DEBATED, BUT DID NOT VOTE ON, SIMILAR LEGISLATION.

THERE WERE A NUMBER OF PEOPLE WHO SPOKE OUT AGAINST THE BILL, INCLUDING GADSDEN POLICE SERGEANT DAVID FULLER, WHO HAS A TRANSGENDER DAUGHTER AND SAID THAT HE FEELS THE LEGISLATION IS MISGUIDED.

>> I WAS JUST LIKE YOU GUYS.

I DIDN'T LIKE THIS.

I DIDN'T UNDERSTAND IT.

I WAS IGNORANT TO IT.

BUT I WAS A POLICE INVESTIGATOR FOR A LONG TIME.

SO I PUT MYSELF TO THE GRINDSTONE SO STARTED INVESTIGATING.

THE FIRST THING I FOUND, HALF OF THE KEANES THAT ARE TRANSGENDER TRIED TRIED TO KILL THEMSELVES.

THAT MADE ME FEEL GREAT.

I WAS TERRIFIED.

THAT NUMBER DROPS JUST BELOW NORMAL KIDS THEIR AGE IF THEY HAVE COOPERATION FROM THE FAMILY, HEALTH CARE AND THERAPISTS AND PEOPLE THAT CAN HELP THEM.

DON: THE TRANSGENDER YOUTH BILL'S HOUSE SPONSOR, REPRESENTATIVE WES ALLEN OF TROY, HAS SAID THAT HE UNDERSTANDS THAT THERE ARE CHILDREN WITH GENDER DYSPHORIA, BUT THAT HE BELIEVES THEY SHOULD RECEIVE THERAPEUTIC TREATMENT FROM MENTAL HEALTH PROFESSIONALS AND NOT BE ALLOWED TO DECIDE WHETHER TO ALTER THEIR BODIES UNTIL THEY ARE ADULTS.

>> DON: IN WASHINGTON, THE HISTORIC SECOND IMPEACHMENT TRIAL OF FORMER PRESIDENT DONALD TRUMP WAS WINDING DOWN AT WEEK'S END THE EYES OF THE WORLD WERE WATCHING AS DEMOCRATS CONTENDED THAT TRUMP INCITED THE DEADLY U.S. CAPITOL RIOT LAST MONTH, WHILE REPUBLICANS CALLED THE PROCEEDINGS UNLAWFUL AND ‘POLITICAL THEATER.'.

ALABAMA'S JUNIOR SENATOR TOMMY TUBERVILLE MADE HIS POSITION PLAIN IN A VIDEO HE RELEASED THIS WEEK.AL >> I HAVE ALREADY TAKEN TWO VOTES TO SAY THIS TRIAL IS UNCONSTITUTIONAL.

NOT ONLY DOES THIS TRIAL SET A DANGEROUS PRECEDENT BY IMPEACHING A PRIVATE CITIZEN BUT IT IS COSTING THE AMERICAN TAXPAYERS MONEY WHEN WE ALL KNOW WHAT THE RESULT WILL BE IN THE END.

>> DON: ALABAMA'S SENIOR SENATOR, RICHARD SHELBY, ALSO VOTED AGAINST FORMER PRESIDENT TRUMP BEING THE SUBJECT OF AN IMPEACHMENT TRIAL AFTER LEAVING OFFICE.

SHELBY, OF COURSE, ALSO MADE HEADLINES THIS WEEK AFTER ANNOUNCING HIS RETIREMENT NEXT YEAR AFTER 40 TOTAL YEARS IN WASHINGTON.

GOVERNOR KAY IVEY SAID IN A STATEMENT THAT FEW PEOPLE HAVE HAD A MORE CONSEQUENTIAL IMPACT ON ALABAMA, AND THAT SHELBY'S LEGACY WOULD BE FELT FOR GENERATIONS.

ALABAMA >> DON: ALABAMA CANCELLED THURSDAY NIGHT'S SCHEDULED EXECUTION OF DEATH ROW INMATE WILLIE B. SMITH, AFTER THE U.S. SUPREME COURT REFUSED TO LIFT A STAY ISSUED BY A LOWER COURT.

THE JUSTICES RULED THAT THE STATE SHOULD ALLOW SMITH'S PERSONAL PASTOR IN THE DEATH CHAMBER WITH HIM.

THE CASE WAS THE LATEST IN A SERIES OF LEGAL FIGHTS OVER PERSONAL SPIRITUAL ADVISERS AT EXECUTIONS.

SMITH WAS CONDEMNED FOR THE 1991 MURDER OF SHARMA RUTH JOHNSON IN BIRMINGHAM.

HE WAS ACCUSED OF ABDUCTING HER FROM AN ATM, SHOOTING HER TO DEATH AND SETTING HER CAR ON FIRE.

NO NEW EXECUTION FOR SMITH WAS SET.

>> DON: THE STATE TODAY WRAPPED UP A SERIES OF MASS CORONAVIRUS VACCINATION CLINICS AROUND ALABAMA.

OVER 70,000 SHOTS WERE GIVEN AND STATE HEALTH OFFICER DR. SCOTT HARRIS TELLS "CAPITOL JOURNAL" SOME FOLKS WERE HOPING THAT THE CLINICS COULD CONTINUE.

>> THEY WERE ONLY EVER SCHEDULED TO GO FEBRUARY 8 TO 12.

BECAUSE WE EXPANDED ELIGIBILITY TO NEW GROUPS OF PEOPLE LIKE PERSONS OVER 65 TO EDUCATORS, TO FOOD AND AG WORKERS WE WANTED TO HAVE REALLY SORT OF A FAST AND EFFICIENT VENUES IN ORDER TO GET VACCINE OUT IN A HURRY BUT REMEMBER WE DON'T HAVE ANYMORE VACCINE.

>> DON: DR. HARRIS WILL JOIN US LATER IN THE BROADCAST TO TALK MORE ABOUT IT.

MEANTIME, SELECTED WALMART PHARMACIES AROUND THE STATE TODAY STARTED TAKING APPOINTMENTS FOR A FEDERAL ALLOTMENT OF VACCINE THAT IT HAS RECEIVED.

WE'LL BE RIGHT BACK.

>> NEXT UP, JOHN MERRILL WILL BACK IN THE STUDIO WITH US.

WELCOME BACK.

>> ALWAYS GOOD TO BE WITH YOU.

>> YOUR NAME HAS BEEN IN THE HEADLINES THIS WEEK AS A POSSIBLE CONTENDER FOR THE SENATE AGAIN WITH THIS WEEK'S ANNOUNCEMENT FOR SENIOR SENATOR RICHARD SHELBY THAT HE IS REQUIRING AND WILL NOT SEEK REELECTION.

FIRST LET'S TALK ABOUT SENATOR SHELBY BECAUSE AND WHAT AT FIGURE HE HAS BEEN.

>> WHEN THE HISTORY OF ALABAMA IS WRITTEN, RICHARD SHELBY WILL BE RECOGNIZED AS THE MOST INFLUENTIAL ALABAMIAN TO EVER WALK THE HALLS OF CONGRESS OR THE UNITED STATES SENATE IN WASHINGTON, D.C. HIS LEGENDARY LEADERSHIP IS UP SURPASSED AND WE HAVE HAD GREAT PEOPLE TO SERVE IN THE UNITED STATES SENATE, SENATOR HILL, PARTMAN, HEFFLIN -- THERE HAVE BEEN A NUMBER OF OUTSTANDING LEADERS.

THE BANK HEADS.

BUT SENATOR SHELL BILL IS UNSURPASSED.

>> HIS INFLUENCE AND KEY LEADERSHIP POPULATIONS HAS MADE A DIFFERENCE IN GETTING A NUMBER OF HIGH-PROFILE PROJECTS TO ALABAMA OVER THE YEARS AND THERE'S BEEN A CONCERN ABOUT THE LOSS OF THAT INFLUENCE.

>> AL BASICALLY WE HAVE TO START OVER.

HE WILL BE THERE TWO YEARS WHEN SHELBY VACATES THE OFFICE IN 2023.

HOWEVER HE IS STILL NOT GOING TO BE POSITIONED IN A STRONG ENOUGH WAY TO YIELD THE INFLUENCE SENATOR SHELBY DOES BY NODDING TO SOMEONE OR LETTING HIM KNOW HE'S INTERESTING INTERESTED IN WHAT THEY'RE SAYING.

>> YOU RAN BRIEFLY FOR U.S. SENATE A COUPLE OF YEARS AGO AND YOUR NAME HAS BEEN BANTERED BACK AS A POSSIBLE CONTEND ARE FOR SHELBY'S SEAT.

WHAT SAY YOU?

>> IT'S SOMETHING WE'RE CONSIDERING AND I WILL SAY I HAVE BEEN NOTIFIED BY A LOT OF PEOPLE ACROSS THE STATE.

IN FACT, MORE THAN A HUNDRED PEOPLE REACHED OUT OF THE THE DAY THAT SENATOR SHELBY ANNOUNCED HIS INTENTIONS TO RETIRE.

AND WERE WERE THEY WERE FROM MORE THAN 20 COUNTIES AROUND THE STATE SO I WAS EXCITED TO RECEIVE THAT SUPPORT FROM FRIENDS AND FOLKS THAT WANTED TO LET ME KNOW THAT THEY WERE INTERESTED IN ME OFFERING MYSELF IN THIS CAPACITY AS A POTENTIAL CANDIDATE FOR THE 2022 ELECTION CYCLE.

THE THING THAT I THINK WE HAVE GOT TO HAVE DONE IN THE PERSON THAT FILLS SENATOR SHELBY'S SHOE SAYS A PROVEN, EFFECTIVE, CONSERVE LEADER, AN INDIVIDUAL WHO HAS DISTINGUISHED HIMSELF OR HERSELF IN A WAY THAT HAS SEPARATED THEM FROM OTHER THAN PEOPLE IN OUR STATE WHO MAY BE CONSIDERING THIS OR OFFERING THEMSELVES AS A CANDIDATE A LOT OF NAMES HAVE BEEN FLOATED, BESIDES YOURSELF.

CONGRESSMAN MO BROOKS WHO HAS RUN FOR THE U.S. SENATE AND ON THE CRACK SIDE THERE'S A QUESTION MARK AS TO WHETHER DOUG JONES MIGHT RUN AGAIN.

>> CONGRESSMAN BROOKS HAS RECEIVED A LOT OF NATIONAL ATTENTION RECENTLY BECAUSE OF WHAT HAPPENED IN WASHINGTON ON JANUARY 6TH AND CONGRESSMAN BROOKS IS A CONTROVERSIAL FIGURE AND HE IS NOT AFRAID TO STEP INTO THE FRAY.

AND HE'S NOT AFRAID TO BE KNOWN AS A CONTROVERSIAL FIGURE, AND HE WOULD BE A VERY FORMIDABLE CANDIDATE IF HE CHOOSES TO ENTER THE RACE.

OF COURSE SENATOR JONES JUST COMING OFF THE KEY FEET FROM SENATOR TUBERVILLE WOULD BE MORE RELUCTANT TO CONSIDER A RACE BECAUSE HE WAS BATTERED AND BRUISED BECAUSE OF WHAT HAPPENED IN THE 2020 CYCLE BUT WE WILL HAVE WAIT AND SEE WHAT THEY CHOOSE TO DO.

>> AS FAR AS YOUR POSSIBLE CANDIED SEE IS CONCERNED YOU WOULD CONSIDER IT?

>> WE ARE.

WE WILL MAKE A FORMAL ANNOUNCEMENT THE FIRST OR SECOND WEEK OF APRIL AFTER WE MOVE FORWARD AND WE HAVE HAD TIME TO EVALUATE WHERE WE ARE AND THE KIND OF STORE THAT WE WOULD RECEIVE ACROSS THE STATE AND AS WE ATTEMPT TO PUT A TEAM TOGETHER AND SEE IF THAT'S THE DIRECTION THAT WE NEED TO GO.

WE WILL MAKE IT PUBLIC AND YOU CAN REST ASSURED YOU WON'T BE THE LAST ONE TO KNOW.

>> THAT I THINK.

THE EYES OF NATION AND OF THE WORLD HAVE BEEN ON WASHINGTON THIS WEEK AS THE SENATE IMPEACHMENT TRIAL OF FORMER PRESIDENT DONALD TRUMP PLAYED OUT.

A LOT OF EMOTIONS ON BOTH SIDES OF THIS ISSUE.

SENATOR SHELBY AND SENATOR TUBERVILLE VOTED EARLY ON THEY FELT IT WAS NOT CONSTITUTIONAL TO TRY A FORMER PRESIDENT.

BUT WHAT WENT DOWN AND THE TRIAL CONTINUED.

THIS TRIAL HAS CENTERED LARGELY AROUND FORMER PRESIDENT TRUMP INSIGHT CITED THE RIGHTS ON JANUARY 6 BY PROMOTING ELECTION FRAUD NOT ONLY IN THE PRE-INSURRECTION RALLY THAT HE HELD IN WASHINGTON BUT IN A LOT OF TALK IN THE WEEKS SINCE THE NOVEMBER ELECTION.

YOU HAVE BEEN VERY OUTSPOKEN ON ELECTION SECURITY.

NOT ONLY IN THE NOVEMBER ELECTIONS BUT IN ANY ELECTION.

LET'S BEGIN WITH, DO YOU FEEL THERE WAS WIDESPREAD FRAUD?

>> WELL, DON, I THINK EVERYBODY IN THE NATION THAT HAS BEEN PAYING ATTENTION TO WHAT OCCURRED IN THE 2020 ELECTION CYCLE HAS HAD SOME LEVEL OF DISCOMFORT ABOUT THE WAY THAT ELECTIONS WERE CONDUCTED AROUND THE NATION.

I SEE MEAN WE HAVE TO REMEMBER FIRST AND FOREMOST WE DON'T HAVE A NATIONAL ELECTION.

WE HAVE A 50 STATE ELECTIONS FOR A NATIONAL OFFICE BUST WHAT WE HAVE SEEN REPEATEDLY IN INSINUATES AROUND THE UNION IS GOVERNS AND OTHERS WHO ISSUED DIRECTIVES AND EXECUTIVE ORDERS AND WHO TOOK ACTION THAT WERE EITHER AGAINST THE LAWS OF THE STATE OR IN CONTRAST TO BEST PRACTICES THAT HAD BEEN EXPERIENCED IN THOSE STATES BEFORE.

AND THAT LED TO QUESTIONS BEING RAISED ABOUT THE SUCCESSFUL ADMINISTRATION OF THE ELECTION IN THOSE PARTICULAR STATES.

WE HAVE SEEN.

INSTANCES OF OCCURRENCE THAT WERE NEGATIVE RELATED TO THE WAY VOTES WERE HE COUNTED, VOTES WERE COLLECTED AND PRESENTED AND OF COURSE WE DIDN'T HAVE ANY OF THOSE IN ALABAMA.

BUT IN OUR NEIGHBORS STATES AND IN OTHER STATES NORTH OF DISCUSS WEST OF US THERE WERE SEVERAL INSTANCES THAT OCCURRED THAT HAVE LED PEOPLE TO BELIEVE THAT WIDE SPREAD VOTER FRAUD DID OCCUR.

>> WAS IT ENOUGH DO YOU THINK TO HAVE TURNED THIS ELECTION?

>> THAT'S DIFFICULT TO SAY BECAUSE WHEN YOU LOOK AT THE VOTER DIFFERENCE IN EACH STATE IN QUESTION, JUST A FEW THOUSAND VOTES COULD HAVE MADE A MAJOR DIFFERENCE IN THE ELECTORAL COLLEGE RESULTING IN THE RE-ELECTION OF PRESIDENT TRUMP.

BUT THAT'S ONE OF THE FACTOR BUT NOT THE ONLY FACTOR THAT HAS TO BE CONSIDERED WHEN YOU'RE EXAMINING WHAT OCCURRED.

BUT THE THING THAT WE HAVE GOT TO DO IS WE HAVE TO HAVE A STRONGER EMPHASIZE ON ELECTION SECURITY AND ELECTION ACCOUNTABILITY AND TRANSPARENCY.

>> THE ALLEGATIONS OF ELECTION FRAUD WHICH WERE PUT FORWARD BY FORMER PRESIDENT TRUMP ARE AT THE HEART OF THE IMPEACHMENT PROCEEDINGS IN WASHINGTON.

IT IS CONTENDED THAT HIS RHETORIC CONCERNING THIS LARGELY INSIGHT CITED THE DEADLY RIOTS AT THE CAPITOL ON JANUARY 6 AND THOSE WHO SUPPORTED IMPEACHMENT CONTENDED THAT WAS ENOUGH TO IMPEACH HIM.

DO YOU AGREE?

>> LOOK, IT'S ONE THING TO CONSIDER IMPEACHING AN ELECTED OFFICIAL ASS THE CONSTITUTION GIVES THE AUTHORITY TO DO THAT TO THE CONGRESS, TO CONSIDER THE EVIDENCE, TO HAVE A HEARING, TO HAVE A VOTE ON IMPEACHMENT, AND THEN IF THE IMPEACHMENT OCCURS, THEN THE TRIAL FOR REMOVAL GOES TO THE SENATE.

NOW, AT THAT POINT, YOU'RE DEALING WITH ELECTED OFFICIALS.

THIS IS UNPRECEDENTED AND UNPARALLELED IN THE HISTORY OF THE REPUBLIC.

>> BECAUSE THIS IS HIS SECOND IMPEACHMENT TRIAL?

>> CongregationEXACTLY LIP AND UNPARALLELED THAT THE INDIVIDUAL IN QUESTION IS NO LONGER IN OFFICE.

I MEAN IF THE GOAL SINCERELY TO EFFECTIVELY REMOVE AN INDIVIDUAL WHO WAS SERVING AND SOME PEOPLE THINK HE OR SHE BROKE THE PUBLIC TRUST AND CONFIDENCE, THEN YOU WANT THAT PERSON GONE FROM THE MOTION.

HE'S GONE FROM THE POSITION AND HE HAS BEEN GONE FOR THE LAST APPROXIMATE FEW DAYS.

SO IF YOU'RE TRYING TO FIND A WAY TO PUNISH HIM YOU NEED TO DO IT IN A CIVIL MANNER INSTEAD OF A MANNER RELATED TO THE IMPEACHMENT PROCESS.

>> OF COURSE DEMOCRATS ARE ALSO SEEKING IMPEACHING HIM FOR A SECOND TIME TO BAR FORMER PRESIDENT TRUMP FROM SEEKING FEDERAL OFFICE AGAIN.

>> I THINK THAT'S WHAT THE INTENT IS BEHIND THIS PARTICULAR SITUATION.

THE MOTIVE IS TO ENSURE THAT PRESIDENT TRUMP NEVER HAS THE OPPORTUNITY TO SEEK THE PRESIDENCY AGAIN AND THEY WANT TO MAKE SURE THAT HE WILL NOT BE A VIABLE CANDIDATE, THAT HE WOULD BE A DISGRACED FORMER PRESIDENT BY HAVING BEEN IMPEACHED TWICE.

BUT THEY STILL HAVE TO CONVICT HIM.

AND I DON'T THINK THE VOTES ARE THERE FOR CONVICTION.

>> THERE HAS BEEN THE CONTENTION THAT WHAT PRESIDENT TRUMP SAID BEFORE THE INSURRECTION AT THE CAPITOL AMOUNTED TO POLITICAL SPEECH AND IS PROTECTED UNDER THE FIRST AMENDMENT AND THAT HE DID NOT INTEND TO INSIGHT VIOLENCE, THAT THE VIOLENCE ITSELF WAS HORRIBLE BUT THAT HE NEVERMENT TO INSIGHT WHAT HAPPENED AT THE CAPITOL.

>> DON, LOOK, THERE HAVE BEEN A NUMBER OF INSTANCES THAT HAVE OCCURRED OVER THE LAST YEAR GOING BACK TO MARCH OF 2020 UNTIL NOVEMBER OF 2020 WHERE MEMBERS OF CONGRESS, WHERE UNITED STATES SENATORS, FROM VERY LIBERAL PARTS OF OUR NATION HAVE WORKED HARD TO INSIGHT RIOTOUS BEHAVIOR IN OTHER PARTS OF OUR NATION IN PROMOTING VANDALISM, IN PROMOTING DIFFERENT TYPES OF AGGRAVATE GRAFFITI BEING PLACED IN PLACES AND HARM TO LAW ENFORCEMENT AND ELECTED INITIALS AND I HAVE YET TO SEE ANY MEMBER OF CONGRESS STEP UP AND SAY MAXINE WATERS WE'RE HOLDING YOU RESPONSIBLE FOR THIS.

BERNIE SANDERS WE'RE HOLDING YOU RESPONSIBLE FOR THIS.

I HAVE NOT SEEN THAT TAKE PLACE.

YET THOSE PEOPLE ARE ON CAMERA TALKING ABOUT THE VERY THINGS THEY'RE ACCUSING THE PRESIDENT OF DOING.

>> YOU THINK THIS IS DIFFERENT BECAUSE IT HAPPENED AT THE CAPITOL?

>> I THINK IT'S DIFFERENT BECAUSE OF IT HAPPENED TO DONALD TRUMP FIRST OF ALL.

SECOND LIP BECAUSE IT HAPPENED AT THE CAPITOL IN WASHINGTON, MORE PEOPLE WERE PAYING ATTENTION BECAUSE ALL OF THE MEMBERS OF CONGRESS AND THE UNITED STATES SENATORS WERE PRESENT ON THAT DAY.

BUT I THINK THAT THE PEOPLE WHO WERE IN CHARGE OF SECURITY WERE ILL PREPARED FOR WHAT MIGHT OCCUR.

AND AS YOU HAVE SEEN INTRODUCED AS EVIDENCE SO FAR, MUCH OF THE PLANNING THAT OCCURRED TOOK PLACE WELL PRIOR TO THE FORMATION OF THE EVENT THAT WAS STAGED TO TALK AGAINST WHAT WAS ACTUALLY GOING ON THAT DAY AND THAT PLANNING TOOK A LOT OF TIME AND IT HAPPENED WEEKS BEFORE THE RALLY WAS EVER PUT TOGETHER.

>> SO YOU DON'T BELIEVE PRESIDENT TRUMP INTENDED TO INSIGHT THE VIOLENCE.

AND YOU DON'T THINK THERE'S ANY IMPEACHABLE OFFENSE HERE?

>> I DON'T IN EITHER ASPECT OF WHAT YOU JUST ASKED ME.

>> JOHN, YOU HAVE BEEN LAUDED HAD A LOT SENSE OF ELECTORS FOR INTEGRITY.

I HAVE HAD MANY LAWMAKERS TELL ME THEY WERE GLAD YOU WERE SECRETARY OF STATE IN BECAUSE OF THE KIND OF PROBLEMS IN OTHER STATES WOULD NOT HAVE HAPPENED HERE.

YOU RECEIVED A LAUD IT FROM THE CONSERVATIVE GROUP CALLED CONCERNED WOMEN FOR AMERICA FOR THE BEST ELECTION INTEGRITY IN THE COUNTRY.

>> WELL, DON, WE ARE HONORED TO HAVE RECEIVED THAT PARTICULAR DESIGNATION AND GIVEN A GRADE OF 94 OUT OF A HUNDRED VERY FEW STATES RECEIVED A GRADE HIGHER THAN 60.

FOR THEM TO SAY WE'RE THE MOST ACCOUNTABLE ELECTION IN THE UNITED STATES GIVERS ME A GREAT DEAL OF PRIDE NOT JUST FOR OUR OFFICE OF OFFICE BUT ALL 68 PROBATE JUDGES IN THE 67 COUNTIES AND ALL OF THE CIRCUIT CLOCKS AND THE SHERIFFS AND THE REGISTRARS AND ALL OF OUR TRAINED ELECTION OFFICIALS WHO WORKED EXTRAORDINARILY HARD TO ENSURE THAT WE WOULD HAVE THE MOST SUCCESSFUL ADMINISTRATION OF ANY ELECTION IN THE NATION.

>> AS WE CLOSE, MANY WHO DISAGREED WITH THE PROCEEDINGS WITH PRESIDENT TRUMP SAID MAYBE THEY JUST SHOULD HAVE SENSE SURED HIM AND NOT GONE FORWARD WITH IMPEACHMENT?

HOW DO YOU FEEL?

>> A NUMBER OF PEOPLE HAD CONCERNS ABOUT PRESIDENT TRUMP'S STATEMENT AND THE WAY HE DELIVERED THE STATEMENT.

AND THERE ARE REMEDIES.

THERE ARE REMEDIES IN THE CIVIL NATURE.

THERE ARE ACCEPTABLE REESE IN A CRIMINAL NATURE IF YOU THINK SOMEONE WAS DUMPABLE.

THOSE ARE AVENUES THAT ARE AVAILABLE TO ANY CITIZEN TO TAKE.

BUT THE PATH THEY HAVE CHOSEN TO TAKE THROUGH IMPEACHMENT IS NOT THE APPROPRIATE OR THE PROPER ONE.

>> AND ONE FINAL QUESTION, YOUR COUNTERPART IN GEORGIA, SECRETARY OF STATE BRAD WRATHBURGER ANNOUNCED A CRIMINAL VERSION SURROUNDING A PHONE CALL PRESIDENT TRUMP MADE TO HIM ABOUT LOOKING FOR ADDITIONAL VOTES IN THE GEORGIA PRIMARY THERE.

>> WELL, I THINK THAT IT'S GOING TO BE A VERY SLIPPERY SLOPE IF THE SECRETARY CHOOSES TO GO DOWN THAT WAY BECAUSE I THINK THERE'S ALSO SOME PEOPLE WHO ARE CONCERNED THAT THE SECRETARY AND HIS TEAM ACTUALLY RELEASED THE RECORDING THAT WAS MADE PRIVATELY WITHOUT APPROVAL OF THE PRESIDENT FOR IT TO BE RELEASED ABOUT THE THINGS THAT WERE ACTUALLY SHARED.

AND I'M NOT SURE WHAT THE PRESIDENT WAS ATTEMPTING TO DO WAS TO ASK THE SECRETARY TO FIND VOTES.

I KNOW THE LANGUAGE HE USED.

BUT WE ONLY HEARD THE THINGS THAT WERE INTRODUCE OF THE.

YOU COULD LISTEN TO THE ENTIRE HOUR CONVERSATION IF YOU WANTED TO.

BUT THE PRESIDENT IS NOT ALWAYS KNOWN FOR BEING SUCCINCT IN HIS PRESENTATION WHEN HE'S TALKING ABOUT A PARTICULAR ISSUE AND I THINK THIS WAS THE CASE AT THAT TIME.

>> SECRETARY OF STATE JOHN MERRILL ALWAYS A PLEASURE TO HAVE YOU ON THE SHOW.

>> THANK YOU, DONE, GOOD TO BE WITH YOU.

>> AND "CAPITOL JOURNAL" WILL BE RIGHT BACK.

>> NEXT UP ON THE BROADCAST, SENATOR DEL MARSH OF ANNISTON IS BACK IN THE STUDIO WITH US.

WELCOME BACK TO "CAPITOL JOURNAL."

>> THANK YOU DON.

>> A BIG WEEK FOR YOU AT THE STATEHOUSE.

YOU UNVEILED YOUR HIGHLY ANTICIPATED LOTTERY AND GAMBLING EXPANSION BILL.

LET'S TALK ESSENTIALS FIRST, A LOTTERY THAT WILL SET UP FIVE CASINOS, FOUR AT EXISTING DOG TRACKS AND ONE TO BE BUILT BY THE POARCH CREEK INDIANS THAT SETS UP SPORTS BETTING AND ALSO HAVE THE STATE ENTER INTO HAD A COMPACT WITH THE POARCH CREEK INDIANS ALL IF THIS GETS OUT OF THE LEGISLATURE AND VOTERS ULTIMATELY APPROVE.

BUT ARE YOU FEELING GOOD ABOUT IT SO FAR.

>> I AM.

THIS IS A COMPREHENSION COMPREHENSIVE PLAN.

I HAVE WORKED WITH THIS WITH LEGISLATORS AND THOSE IN THE GAMING INDUSTRY TO DETERMINE WHAT KIND OF COMPREHENSIVE PACKAGE COULD BEST SUIT THE NEEDS OF ALABAMA.

A COMPREHENSIVE PLAN THAT CONTROLS GAMING IN OUR STATE BY WE HAVE NEVER HAD BEFORE.

ALSO PROVIDES ADEQUATE AND FAIR REVENUE TO THE STATE AND GOING SPECIFICALLY TO AREAS THAT ARE THE IMPORTANT TO OUR CITIZENS.

THAT'S WHAT THIS IS.

THAT'S MY ATTEMPT.

AND I THINK WE HAVE PROBABLY GOTTEN FURTHER ALONG THAN WE EVER HAVE IN THE PAST.

AND, YES, I DO FEEL VERY GOOD ABOUT ITS POSITION AT THIS POINT IN TIME.

>> REVENUE FROM THE LOTTERY WOULD GO TO EDUCATIONAL SCHOLARSHIPS AND THEN WHERE CASINOS ARE CONCERNED THERE'S A LICENSING FEE AND ALSO A 20 PERCENT TAX THAT WOULD HELP FUND AMONG OTHER THINGS BROADBAND EXPANSION, MENTAL HEALTH AND ALSO HELP FUND THE GENERAL FUND BUDGET.

>> AND A GRANT FOR CITIES AND COUNT KEEPS THAT DON'T HAVE A FACILITY IN THEIR DISTRICT.

>> YOU GOT THIS OUT OF COMMITTEE THIS WEEK.

I WENT TO THE SENATE FLOOR ON THURSDAY FOR DISCUSSION BUT A VOTE WAS NOT TAKEN YET.

THERE SEEMED TO BE A PREDOMINANTLY THEME AMONG THE SUCCESSION ON THURSDAY AND WHAT IS WHAT ABOUT THIS OR THAT IN MY DISTRICT?

AND I GUESS YOU WILL HEAR A LOT OF HAT IN THIS DEBATE.

>> THIS OPEN PROCESS IS IMPORTANT TO ME AND IT'S IMPORTANT TOO EVERYONE HAS THE STUDENT TO PARTICIPATE ON THE PROCESS.

I HAVE WORKED ON THIS NINE MONTHS AND I HAVE BEEN MEETING WITH SENATORS AND HOUSE MEMBER TRYING TO MAKE SURE I GET THE THOUGHTS OF EVERYONE.

THE LAST DAY THAT WE WERE IN THE BODY, WE TALKED PARTICULARLY ABOUT GETTING INPUT THAT DAY FROM THE MEMBERS OF THE SENATORS AND MAKING SURE THAT I HAD TIME OVER THE BREAK TO IMPLEMENT THE THOUGHTS INTO ANY SUBSTITUTE.

AND YOU THE PUBLIC INFORMED OPEN THIS, I SENT OUT A PRESS RELEASE WITH A KIND OF A SUMMARY AND I HAVE GOTTEN RESPONSE THAT THAT.

IT'S IMPORTANT TO ME THAT WE GET ALL OF THE FEEDBACK POSSIBLE FROM THE PUBLIC AND LEGISLATORS TO HAVE ULTIMATE PIECE OF LEGISLATION THAT EVERYBODY CAN SAY THEY HAD PARTICIPATION IN P.M. YOU'RE DEALING WHERE CASINOS ARE CONCERNED, THEY WOULD GO AT THE EXISTING DOG TRACKS AND WE'RE TALKING ABOUT VICTORYLAND AND GREEN TRACK AND BIRMINGHAM AND MOBILE.

AND YOU'RE DEALING WITH LEGISLATORS THAT WANT TO LOOK OUT FOR THEIR OWN INTEREST AND EL THEN YOU BRING INTO THE EQUATION BINGO, THE CHARITABLE BINGO OPERATIONS WHICH CURRENTLY EXIST AND THE BIGGER LOOMING QUESTION OUT THERE, ELECTRONIC E BINGO.

CLARIFY FOR US.

ELECTRONIC BINGO WOULD ONLY BE ALLOWED AT THE POARCH CREEK INDIAN FACILITY BECAUSE THEY OPERATED UNDER FEDERAL AUTHORITY.

IS THERE ANY OTHER EXCEPTION.

>> THEY'RE NOT IN THE BILL.

LET ME MAKE ONE THING CLEAR.

PAPER BINGO AND CHARITY BINGO NOTHING IS CHANGING THERE.

THE FACILITIES CAN CONTINUE TO OPERATE AS THEY HAVE.

ON THE ELECTRIC BINGO SIDE, YOU'RE CORRECT.

IT WOULD BE AT THE INDIANS HAVE IT NOW AND THEY WOULD MAIN THAT I KNOW THAT.

HOWEVER, BY OFFERING GAME THREE AT THE FACILITIES DOES NOT GIVE THE INDIANS GAME THREE AT THAT TIME THOSE.

THAT WOULD REQUIRE A A A COMPACT WHICH THEY WANT TO WORK AT THE STATE AND THE GOVERNOR WANTS TO ENCOURAGE TO WORK WITH THEM AND IF THEY DID IN FACT REACH A COMPACT THEY WOULD HAVE THE GAME THREE THERE.

THOSE NUMBERS ARE NOT FIGURED INTO THE STATISTICS IN TERMS OF WHAT WE EXPECT TO GAIN FROM GAMING SOME $700 MILLION.

THE COMPACT WOULD ADD ADDITIONAL DOLLARS.

THERE'S BEEN PUSH BACK IN THE AREAS THAT HAVE FACILITIES OR TYPE OF FACILITY THAT WANT A CHANCE.

THAT'S ONE THING THAT WE WILL LOOK AT.

SHOULD WE MAKE AVAILABLE MORE SITES AT THE DISCRETION OF THE COMMISSION.

YOU CAN GO BEFORE THE COMMISSION AND STATE YOUR CASE.

IF THE COMMISSION WOULD NOT HAVE HAVE TO BUT COULD GIVE UP TO TWO MORE OF THOSE POSITIONS FOR GAMING.

BUT THERE AGAIN THESE ARE ALL -- WE'RE TALKING NOW AND THE BILL STANDS TODAY.

IT'S FOUR FACILITIES PLUS ONE ADDITIONAL FOR THE POARCH CREEK INDIANS.

>> YOU REFERENCED COMMISSION, THE GAMING COMMISSION PROPOSED WHICH WOULD OVERSEE AND REGULATE ALL OF THIS.

THAT'S AN IMPORTANT COMPONENT.

>> IT IS A VERY IMPORTANT COMPONENT AND THE PEOPLE HAVE TO HAVE STRONG FAITH IN THE COMMISSION THAT IT'S HAS TO BE SHOWN WE NEED STRONG OVERSIGHT.

AND YOU HAVE GOT FOUR APPOINTMENTS FROM THE GOVERNOR, AND ONE FROM THE PRO TEM, THE SPEAKER AND THE ATTORNEY GENERAL, FIVE MEMBERS.

AND THAT WILL BE OVERSEEN BY THOSE WITH RESPECT FOR THE GAMING.

>> YOU MENTIONED RESPECT FOR THE ENTITIES.

I KNOW THERE WERE QUESTIONS FROM LOWNDES COUNTY THIS WEEK WHICH HAS EXISTING FACILITIES AND THE DEATH AREA WHICH HAS HAD FACILITIES.

>> EVEN IN GREENE COUNTY THAT HAD FACILITIES OTHER THAN GREEN TRACT.

I'M TRYING TO SAY WHAT IS A FAIR WAY FOR THOSE ENTITIES TO HAVE A SHOT.

THAT'S KIND KIND OF A RECURRING THEM.

THERE HAS TO BE A BALANCE.

THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE WANT TIGHT CONTROL OVER GAMING.

OF THE.

HOPEFULLY BY THE TIME WE COME BACK IN SESSIONALLY HAVE SOME OF THOSE ANSWERS.

>> WHERE THE CASINOS ARE CONCERNED AND WE MENTIONED THE LICENSING FEE AND THE 20 PERCENT TAX GOING TO FUND THINGS LIKE BROADBAND EXPANSION, RURAL HEALTH CARE, DO YOU THINK THAT MIGHT GO A LONG WAY IN WINNING OVER SOME OF THE DOUBTERS FROM THE.

>> THAT'S I WOULD HOPE SO.

THERE AGAIN, WE DIDN'T JUST PICK THESE IS.

THE POLLING WE HAVE DONE AND HOW FAR PEOPLE THINK THE MONEY SHOULD BE USED, BROADBAND PULLS OFF THE CHARTS.

PEOPLE WANT TO SEE HIDE BAND AT A FORMAL COST THE CITIZENS AND WE CAN COULD THAT WITH THE PLAN.

RURAL HEALTH CARE IS IMPORTANT.

THEY WANT TO SEE THAT BUTS HAVE STRUGGLED.

MENTAL HEALTH -- LAST YEAR WE PUT TWO MORE CRISES CENTERS OUT FOR MENTAL HEALTH AND THE NEEDS ARE SO GREAT ACROSS THIS STATED AND COVID HAS SHOWN THE MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES AND SHOWED THE NEED FOR BROADBAND.

THEN BLUE HAVE THE GRANT PROGRAM I MENTIONED NOT CITIES AND COUNTIES OUT THERE.

I THINK IT CHECKS A LOT OF BOXES ON THE SCHOLARSHIP SIDE.

THE SCHOLARSHIPS SPECIFICALLY FOR WHERE WE NEED THEM, FOR VOCATIONAL STUDIES, FOR ENCOURAGING TEACHERS TO GO INTO THE STEM SUICIDE SUCH AS MATHEMATICS, SCIENCE, COMPUTER SCIENCE, ESPECIALLY YOUNG PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES, TEACHERS TO DEAL WITH THAT.

I THINK WE HAVE CHECKED THE BOXES WHERE THE PEOPLE WANT THE BOXES CHECKED AND I AM OPTIMISTIC BECAUSE OF THAT WHEN THE PEOPLE SEE THIS ON THE BALLOT THEY WOULD WANT TO SUPPORT IT.

>> WHERE THE SCHOLARSHIPS ARE CONCERNED AND WEIGHTING THEM TO VOCATIONAL EDUCATION.

YOU MADE A POINT THIS WEEK TO SAY THAT THESE COULD ALSO EXTEND TO ADULTS WHO HAD BEEN AFFECTED BY JOB CHANGES DURING THE -- >> ABSOLUTELY.

AND NOT ONLY THAT HAS BEEN AFFECTED THROUGH COVID BUT WE ARE GOING THROUGH HAD A TECHNOLOGY ADVANCE AND CHANGE THAT'S GOING TO CHANGE DYNAMICS OF WHAT TYPE JOBS ARE OUT THERE.

WE HAVE TO MAKE SURE THAT WE OFFER TO THE PEOPLE AND LOOK AT A CAREER CHANGE THAT THEY HAVE AN AVENUE.

AND THESE SCHOLARSHIPS I SEE AVAILABLE TO YOUNG ADULTS, ANY ADULT THAT IS MAKING A CAREER CHANGE INTO ONE OF THOUGH FIELDS THAT WE KNOW THEY'RE GOING TO BE DEMANDS AND COULD TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE SCHOLARSHIPS.

>> SPORTS BETTING UNDER THIS LEGISLATION COULD BE OFFERED AT THE CASINOS THAT ARE PROPOSED; RIGHT.

>> ACTUALLY IT'S AT THE CASINOS AND THERE'S A DEATH RING AGREEMENT TO ALLOW THOSE CASINOS TO HAVE UP TO THREE APPS AVAILABLE THAT THEY MONITOR THROUGH THE CASINOS.

>> WE HAVE BEEN TALKING ABOUT A A COMPACT WITH THE POARCH CREEK WHY I NEED_INDIANS FOR YEARS.

THEY WOULD GET BENEFITS FROM OFFERING TABLE GAMES AND THE LIKE AT THEIR FACILITIES BUT THEY WOULD SHARE THIS THEIR REVENUES WITH THE STATE; RIGHT?

>> THAT'S RIGHT.

THAT IS NOT HAPPENING NOW.

THOSE REVENUES WOULD BE DIFFERENT FOR THE 20 PERCENT THAT THE PRIVATE ENTITIES WOULD PAY.

ALTHOUGH THE INDIANS ON THE PRIVATE FACILITY IN NORTH BIRMINGHAM WOULD PAY THAT 20 PERCENT AS AGREED WITH THE OTHERS.

BUT THE COMPACT NEGOTIATION IS DIFFERENT, UNDER FEDERAL LAW AND GENERALLY WOULD I EXPECT A LOWER PERCENTAGE RIGHT THAT WOULD BE APPROVED BY THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT.

BUT IT IS -- IT IS REAL SERIOUS MONEY AND IT'S REVENUE FOR THE STATE TO BE USED IN THE SAME AREAS I MENTIONED, BROADBAND AND GENERAL FUND, MENTAL HEALTH, RURAL HEALTH, JUST NOR REVENUE FOR THOSE ENTITIES.

>> I KNOW THE TRIBE WAS REPRESENTED THIS WEEK WHEN THE COMMITTEE RAY PROVED YOUR LEGISLATION.

AS A MATTER OF FACT, WE HAD ROBBIE MCGEE WITH THE TRIBE ON THE SHOW EARLIER THIS WEEK.

THEY HAVE A FEW CONCERNS WITH THE LICENSING FEES AND THINGS LIKE THAT.

DO YOU THINK THESE ARE THINGS THAT CAN BE ASSOCIATED AND WORKING OUT?

>> I DO.

WE'RE ALREADY WORKING ON THEM.

THE POARCH CREEKS ARE GOOD CORPORATE CITIZENS.

THEY WANT TO -- I'M CONVINCED THEY WANT TO ENTER INTO PA COME PACKET WITH THE STATE AND HELP.STRAIGHT IN THE NEEDS I MENTIONED AND THAT'S A WAY FOR THEM TO PARTICIPATE.

AT THE SAME TIME WE HAVE TO HAVE A FAIR ARRANGEMENT THAT IS FAIR THIS THEM AND THE OTHERS THAT PARTICIPANT IN GAMING IN THE STATE SO I'M VERY CONFIDENT WE CAN GET THERE.

>> SENATOR, OBVIOUSLY THIS GOES ULTIMATELY TO A VOTE OF THE PEOPLE, AND GAMBLING HAS ALWAYS BEEN AN ISSUE FOR SOME PEOPLE THIS THIS STATE BUT WE KEEP HEARING ABOUT POLL AFTER POLL AFTER POLL THAT SAYS ALABAMIANS ARE READY TO HAVE A VOTE ON THIS ISSUE.

>> THEY ARE.

>> AND I CAN'T TELL YOU HOW THAT VOTE WILL COME OUT.

I WILL AGREE THEY WANT TO VOTE.

I WILL AGREE TO THAT.

I DO ALSO BELIEVE THOUGH THAT BECAUSE WE HAVE PUT IN THIS LEGISLATION STRONG CONTROL OVER GAMING AND THE MONIES SPECIFICALLY GOING TO AREAS THAT THIS STATE KNOWS PROSECUTE IMPERATIVE TO OUR GROWTH THAT THIS LEGISLATION HAS A STRONG CHANCE OF PASSAGE ONCE IT GETS TO THE PEOPLE TO MAKE THAT ULTIMATE DECISION.

>> WHEN WE COME BACK FROM THE LEGISLATIVE BREAK DURING THE WEEK OF THE 15TH DO YOU HAVE PLANS TO BRING THIS BACK TO THE FLOOR QUICKLY?

WILL YOU HAVE WORKED THROUGH THE CONCERNS THAT YOU HEARD ON THE FLOOR ON THURSDAY?

>> TOYS MY HOPE THAT THE TUESDAY WE LEARN TO BRING BOTH BILLS BACK UP THAT IN MY OPINION DEAL WITH THE GAMING AND SO SEEK PASSAGE.

I WILL NOT DO THAT UNLESS I BELIEVE THAT THE VOTES ARE THERE AND ALL OF OF THE INPUT I HAVE HEARD HAS BEEN TAKEN INTO CONSIDERATION AND IMPLEMENTED INTO THE BILL WHERE POSSIBLE.

>> YOU SAID YOU WANTED TO ADDRESS THIS EARLIER IN THE SESSION BECAUSE YOU ARE BRING AN EDUCATION REFORM BILL.

>> I'M CONCERNED WITH EDUCATION AND HAVE BEEN WORKING ON A BILL THERE.

THIS FEEDS INTO THAT.

THE BROADBAND PIECE IS IMPORTANT AND CRITICAL FOR EDUCATION NEEDS IN THE FUTURE.

THIS IS A SMALL PIECE OF THE EDUCATION PACKAGE.

>> WE WILL WAIT TO HEAR MORE DETAILS ABOUT THAT EDUCATION PIECE.

>> SENATOR DEL MARSH OF ANNISTON, ALWAYS A PLEASURE.

>> THANK YOU VERY MUCH.

>> "CAPITOL JOURNAL" WILL BE RIGHT BACK.

>> FINALLY ON BROADCAST TONIGHT, IT'S OUR WEEKLY VISIT WITH DR. SCOTT HARRIS.

WELCOME BACK TO "CAPITOL JOURNAL" THANK YOU DON.

>> GREAT TO SEE YOU.

>> THANK YOU FOR HAVING ME.

>> WE JUST WRAPPED UP THE MASS VAX MEDICATION CLINICS SET UP AROUND THE STATE.

THEY WERE ONLY SCHEDULED TO LAST A WE WORK.

I THINK THAT'S AN IMPORTANT POINT TO MAKE EARLIER IN THE CONVERSATION BECAUSE THERE WERE PROBABLY SOME HOPES OUT THERE, ESPECIALLY AMONG THE PUBLIC THEY COULD BE EXTENDED BEYOND THIS ONE WEEK BUT THE FACT OF THE MATTER IS WE JUST DON'T HAVE ENOUGH VACCINE TO DO THAT.

>> THAT'S RIGHT.

THEY WERE ONLY SCHEDULED TO GO FEBRUARY 8 THROUGH 12 BECAUSE WE EX PANNED ELABILITY TO NEW PEOPLE LIKE PEOPLE OVER 65 TO EDUCATORS, TO FOOD AND AG WORKERS, WITH A WE WANTED TO HAVE REALLY SORT OF FAST EFFICIENT VENUES IN ORDER TO GET VACCINE OUT IN A HURRY BUT REMEMBER WE DON'T HAVE ANYMORE VACCINE SO THE VACCINE COMES FROM OUR PFIZER ALLOTMENT THAT WE NORMALLY DISTRIBUTE TO THE HOSPITALS ALL OVER THE STATE EACH WEEK.

SO THIS WEEK OUR HOSPITALS DID NOT GET ANY OF THAT.

THEY UNDERSTOOD THAT WE WERE DOING THAT SO THAT WE COULD HAVE THE LARGE CLINICS AND WE APPRECIATE THEM COOPERATING WITH US ON THAT.

STARTING NEXT WEEK THE HOSPITALS WILL BEGIN START GETTING THEIR LOTMENT AS USUALLY.

NOW, IN THREE WEEKS FOR THE PFIZER SITES OR TWO WEEKS FOR THE SITES WITH MODERNA VACCINES WILL HAVE SECOND SHOTS IN THE ELECTIONS SO WE WILL BE DOING THIS AGAIN IN THREE OR FOUR WEEKS BUT WE DON'T HAVE ANY NEW VACCINE SUPPLY TO SUSTAIN THESE.

>> DID I HEAR AT THESE MASS CLINICS THIS WEEK YOU GAVE 71,000 SHOTS.

>> YEAH.

IT WAS MORE THAN 70,000.

THERE WERE ACTUALLY AS WE'RE FILMING THIS STILL GOING ON AND THE TOTAL MAY GO UP MORE.

AT LEAST ONE IS EXTENDING UNTIL SATURDAY.

THE HOSPITALS ALREADY HAVE SOME SUPPLY OF VACCINE AND HAD SHOTS SCHEDULED FOR THIS WEEK ANYWAY OUT OF THEIR NORMAL ALLOTMENTS.

WE WERE ABLE TO ADD THE ADDITIONAL ONE TIME SHIPMENT TO SUPPLY THE CLINICS AND SOME OF THEM ARE ACTUALLY GIVING SOME OF THEIR VACCINE THAT WE WERE HOLDING FOR PEOPLE SCHEDULED NEXT WEEK NOW THAT THEY RECOGNIZE THE NORMAL PFIZER IS GOING TO RESUME AND WE HAVE GIVEN MORE THAN $70,000 DOSES.

THERE'S A LOT OF ISSUES GETTING THE DATA INPUT AND WE HOPE THE DATA WILL REFLECT THAT QUICKLY.

IT MAY TAKE A FEW DAYS TO SORT IT OUT.

IT'S HARD TO GET EVERYBODY EVERYTHING REPORT OF THE RECORDED QUICKLY.

>> WE HAVE OFTEN USED THE TERM MANAGING THE PUBLIC PEACE EXPECTATIONS.

IN THAT REGARD, I THINK IT'S IMPORTANT TO POINT OUT WHILE THESE MASS VACCINATION CLINICS PROBABLY WERE MORE EFFICIENT IN SOME WAYS OTHER THAN THE NORMAL CHANNELS PEOPLE POSITIVE GO THROUGH TO GET THE SHOTS, YOU REALLY DIDN'T VACCINATE ANY MORE PEOPLE THIS WEEK THAN YOU WOULD HAVE HAD WE NOT HAD THESE MASS CLINICS.

>> IT'S THE SAME NUMBER OF THE THIS WOULD BE THE FOURTH STRAIGHT WEEK WE'RE GIVING OUT EVERY BIT OF VACCINE THAT WE HAVE, ALL OF THE VACCINE IN THE STATE IS BEING TURNED OVER IN A WEEK' TIME SO WE HAVE HAD WELL OVER A HUNDRED THOUSAND DOSES, MORE THAN 105,000 DOSES NOW FOR FOR WEEKS RUNG.

IF WE HAD HAD NOT HAD THE MASS WEEKS CLINICS WANT TO WOE GIVE OUT THE SAME AMOUNT BUT IN VENUES ALL OVER THE PLACE AND IT WOULD HAVE TAKEN SEVEN DAYS INSTEAD OF THREE DAYS BUT IT'S THE SAME AMOUNT OF VACCINE MUCH WE DON'T HAVE ANY ADDITIONAL.

>> ASIDE FROM THE SECOND-SHOT CLINICS THAT YOU MENTIONED THAT WILL RESULT FROM THE MASS CLINICS THIS WEEK IS THERE ANY HOPE AT ALL THAT THESE MASS VACCINATION CLINICS COULD RETURN FOR FIRST SHOTS.

>> WE HOPE SO.

THERE ARE LARGE SCALE VACCINATION CLINICS GOING ON PERIODICALLY IN CERTAIN PARTS OF THE STATE.

FOR EXAMPLE, THE HEALTH DEPARTMENT IN BALDWIN COUNTY IS HAVING TWO LARGE WALK UP OUR DRIVE IN DELINQUENT'S WEEK, TAKING PLACE AT THE OWA, THE MUSEMENT PARK AND OTHER THAN STATES ARE HAVING LARGE CLINICS BUT THEY DON'T HAVE ENOUGH TO DO IT DAILY.

CERTAIN LE WE DON'T HAVE ENOUGH VACCINE TO DO THOUSANDS OF SHOTS PER DAY.

MY UNDERSTANDING IN JEFFERSON COUNTY AT UAB THEY WILL TRIPE TO CONTINUE WITH THE SAME VENUES BUT NOT HAVE THE SAME VOLUME AS THIS WEEK.

THERE WILL BE VASS MAXIMUM VEGAS CLINICS THAT CONTINUE BUT TO DO IT ON THIS SCALE WE WILL HAVE TO HAVE A BIG INCREASE IN THE AMOUNT COMING TO OUR STATE.

>> AT THE SAME TIME, WALMART FARM CEASE IN SEVERAL PARTS OF ALABAMA TODAY STARTED OFFERING VACCINATION APPOINTMENTS, AND THESE ARE BASED ON A FEDERAL ALLOTMENT THAT WALMART PHARMACIES WERE GIVEN IN ALABAMA TO HELP INCREASE SOMEWHAT THE NUMBER OF SHOTS THAT ARE BEING GIVEN.

IT'S NOT ALL WALMART PHARMACIES.

IT'S ABOUT HALF I UNDERSTAND AND THEY WERE TARGETED TO SERVE UNDER SERVED AREAS.

>> THAT'S RIGHT.

WE HAVE HEARD FROM MANY PEOPLE THAT WANT TO KNOW DOCTOR MY LOCAL WALMART IS NOT CARRYING THE VACCINE.

AS YOU SAID THERE'S ONLY ENOUGH VACCINE FOR HALF OF THE STORES SO WALMART WITH THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT DETERMINE WHERE THE LOCATIONS WERE.

WE WERE NOT CONSULTED OR ASKED TO ABLE TO GIVE ANY INPUT ON THE LOCATION OF THOSE.

IT'S PURELY A FEDERAL PROGRAM.

STILL WE THINK IT'S TERRIFIC.

IT'S COMING FROM A FEDERAL ALLOTMENT OF VACCINE BECAUSE DOES NOT SUBTRACT FROM THE ASSESSMENT ALABAMA ALREADY HAS SO THE AMOUNT TO OUR INDIVIDUAL PHARMACIES AND OTHER PROVIDERS IS IN CHANGED AND THIS IS AN ADDITIONAL 15,000 DOSES A WEEK OR UNDER THAT WERE PEEK.

WALL OF MART INDICATED TO US THEY HOPE TO GET IT TO EVERY STORE STATE AS SOON AS THERE'S ENOUGH AVAILABLE.

>> DOES THE STATE HEALTH DEPARTMENT HAVE THE LOCATIONS OF THE WALMART STORES THAT ARE OFFERING IT RIGHT NOW.

WHY THESE THEY DO.

WE JUST LEARNED ABOUT IT THIS WEEK AS WELL WHEN EVERYBODY ELSE DID.

SO IT WILL BE ON OUR WEBSITE SOON IF IT'S NOT AT THIS MOMENT.

>> TO MAKE APPOINTMENTS FOR THESE SHOTS YOU HAVE TO FIGURE THROUGH WALMART TO DO IT.

YOU CAN'T DO IT THROUGH THE STATEMENT APPOINTMENT PORTAL AND THAT'S BASICALLY BALL MART.COM WHERE THEY ALREADY TAKE MOMENTS FOR OTHER VACCINATIONS.

>> THAT'S RIGHT.

IT IS WARM.COM.

THEY'RE IN CHARGE OF THEIR OWN SCHEDULING.

THE STATE PORTAL ONLY SCHEDULES FOSTER COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENTS, NOT FOR HOSPITALS OR DOCTOR'S OFFICES OR PHARMACIES OR WALMART.

>> THE STATE PORTAL HAS BEEN BUSY SINCE IT CAME UP TWO WEEKS AGO.

I SAW SOMETHING THIS WEEK THAT SAYS IF YOU GO THERE NOW, THERE'S A MESSAGE SAYING NO APPOINTMENTS ARE AVAILABLE.

YOU WERE ALREADY BOOKED TWO MONTHS IN ADVANCE WHEN THE PORTAL LAUNCHED.

>> THAT'S RIGHT.

WE'RE GOING FORWARD ABOUT THREE MONTHS, TWO AND A HALF MONTHS.

WE MAY CONSIDER EXTENDING THAT FURTHER.

WE CERTAINLY HOPE THERE WILL BE ADDITIONAL VACCINE AND WE CAN OPEN UHM AND ADD MORE APPOINTMENTS BUT THE MONTH OF FEBRUARY IS OPEN TO GIVING SECOND SHOTS TO PEOPLE WHO GOT THE FIRST SHOTS IN JANUARY.

MARCH WILL BE FIRST SHOTS AGAIN AND NOW WE'RE SCHEDULING IN APRIL WHICH WILL BE A LOT OF SECOND SHOTS.

>> TO CLAIR YOU PHI, MAKE AN APPOINTMENT ON THE STATE HAD PORTAL IS TO GET SHOTS AT COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENTS ONLY F YOU'RE INTERESTED IN SHOTS AT WALMART OR OTHER PROVIDERS AND OTHER PHARMACIES OR PROVIDE DOCTOR'S OFFICES YOU HAVE TO GO THROUGH THOSE INDIVIDUAL FACILITIES TO MAKE APPOINTMENTS.

>> THAT'S RIGHT.

WE DO HAVE THE SITES ON A MAN ON OUR WEBSITE.

YOU CAN SEE WHEN THOSE ARE LOCATED.

WHEN WE SHIP VACCINE WE SHIP THE NAME AND ADDRESS OF THE PROVIDER WITH THE VACCINE.

WE DON'T ALWAYS HAVE IN REAL TIME HOW MANY SHOTS THEY HAVE AVAILABLE BECAUSE THEY HAVE TO GIVE THAT INFORMATION BACK TO US BUT THEY PROVIDE THEIR OWN SCHEDULING ZERO CALL YOUR LOCAL PHARMACY TO SEE THAT PROVIDER.

>> WE MENTIONED THAT THE WALMART ALLOTMENT IS COMING FROM A FEDERAL ALLOTMENT AND WON'T SUBTRACT FROM THE STATE'S ALLOTMENT.

AND THERE'S ALSO NEWS NOW, THERE'S GOING TO BE A NEW FEDERAL ALLOTMENT TO COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTERS ACROSS THE STATE.

WE SHOULD BEGIN DEFINING WHAT A COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTER IS.

>> SURE, HAD A COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTERS ARE DOCTOR'S OFFICES THAT PARTICIPATE IN A FEDERAL PROGRAM.

THEY'RE OFTEN REFERRED TO BY THE INITIALS FQHC OR FEDERALLY QUALIFIED HEALTH CENTER.

THESE ARE OFFICES THAT SEE PATIENTS REGARDLESS OF THEIR ABILITY TO PAY, SEE PATIENTS ON A SLIDING SCALE AND GET AN ENHANCED SLIDING SCALE FOR SEEING PEOPLE.

IT'S WHERE MANY LOW INCOME PEOPLE GO FOR CARE IF THEY DON'T HAVE ACCESS TO CARE AND THEY CERTAINLY SEE EVERYONE.

BUT IT'S A LARGE FEDERAL PROGRAM AND THEY'RE UNDER A NEWSPAPER OF FEDERAL RULES AND REGULATIONS AND THE FEDS ARE GOING TO MAKE AVAILABLE TO THEM AROUND THE COUNTRY A CERTAIN AMOUNT OF FEDERAL VACCINE.

SO AGAIN IT'S SIMILAR TO WHAT WE WERE TALKING ABOUT WITH THE RETAIL PHARMACY PROGRAM AND WALMART.

JUST A DIFFERENT POOL OF VACCINE NOW THAT WILL BE COMING INTO ALABAMA THAT THE SITES WILL BEGIN TO GIVE AND IT'S IN ADDITION TO THE AMOUNTS THE STATES ARE ALREADY GETTING.

>> I KNOW, DR. HARRIS' THAT YOU'RE HEARING WHEN IS IT GOING TO BE MY TURN?

WE'RE DEALING WITH GROUP 1B AND 1A WHERE ELIGIBILITY GROUPS ARE CONCERNED.

THERE'S A LOT OF FRUSTRATION.

I WOULD IMAGINE THAT THE QUESTION YOU GET MOST IS WHEN IS IT GOING TO BE MY TURN?

IT'S A LIMITED SUPPLY AND WE'RE DEALING WITH THE EARLY PRIORITY GROUPS.

>> THERE'S JUST NOT ENOUGH TO GO AROUND.

WE KEEP SAYING THAT OVER AND OVER.

I WOULD SAY WE FEEL FIELD CALLS ALL DAY WRONG ABOUT WHEN IS IT GOING TO BE MY TURN OR JUST AS MANY CALLS FROM WHY ARE YOU SENDING IT TO THAT COUNTY BUT NOT TO MY COUNTY OVER HERE.

IT'S REALLY STILL THE SCARCE RESOURCE.

WE JUST DON'T HAVE ENOUGH TO GO AROUND.

WE'RE DOING THIS FAIRLY AND EQUITABLY.

WE'RE NOT ALLOWING POLITICS TO PLAY INTO IT AND WE'RE TRYING TO REACH THE POPULATIONS WE'RE TRYING TO REACH AND WE HAVE INFORMATION ABOUT WHERE OUR POPULATIONS OF PEOPLE OVER 65 ARE DISTRIBUTED AND WHERE DO OUR HEALTH CARE WORKERS FOUND AND OUR EDUCATORS AND OTHER GROUPS LOCATED AND THEY'RE ALL OF THOSE TYPES IN EVERY COUNTY BUT THEY'RE NOT EVENLY DISTRIBUTED THE SAME IN EVERY COUNTY SO IT'S BEEN CHALLENGING TO MESSAGE THAT TO PEOPLE WHO FEEL LIKE I'M A BIG COUNTY AND AND I SHOULD GET A BIG AMOUNT OF VACCINE BUT THAT'S HOW IT IS DETERMINED.

IT'S ON ELIGIBLE POPULATION.

>> PRESIDENT BIDEN ANNOUNCED THIS WEEK SOME FAIRLY ENCOURAGING NEWS SAYING THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT HAD SECURED A PROMISE OF UP TO 200 MILLION MORE DOSES OF PHASER AND MODERNA VACCINES AND IN DOING SO, THE PRESIDENT WAS HOPEFUL THAT EVERYBODY COULD THE ELIGIBLE TO GET A SHOT BY THE END OF JULY.

>> THAT WOULD BE TREMENDOUS.

THAT WOULD MAKE TOTAL ACCOUNTING WHAT HAS BEEN PROMISED TO BE DELIVERED SO FAR, AROUND 300 MILLION DOSE DOSES OF VACCINE.

300 MILLION DOSES COVERS 150 MILLION PEOPLE WITH THOSE PRODUCTS.

IT TAKES TWO DOSES.

BUT THE GOAL WOULD BE TO GET TO EVERY ADULT IN THE UNITED STATES, YOU KNOW, AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.

HOPEFULLY BY THE END OF SUMMER.

I THINK THAT'S AN OPTIMISTIC GOAL BUT NOT AN UNREACHABLE GOAL.

I THINK THAT WOULD BE TERRIFIC.

AND ALSO WE EXPECT TO HEAR ABOUT THE JOHNSON & JOHNSON VACCINE ANY MINUTE.

>> WE'RE OUT OF TIME BUT THE CDC WAS ISSUING GUIDELINES WHERE SCHOOLS ARE CONCERNED.

WITH YOU BRING US UP TO DATE?

THE CDC LIKE ALL OF US UNDERSTAND THAT THE REASONS WE NEED TO GET SCHOOLS OPEN AS QUICKLY AND SAFELY AS POSSIBLE.

THE CDC WENT THROUGH ALL OF THE AVAILABLE EVIDENCE ON WHO TO DO THAT SAFELY AND LOOKED AT THE TRANSMISSION IN SCHOOLS AND REALLY THE CONCLUSIONS ARE NOT THAT SURPRISING.

THEY SAY YOU CAN OPEN SCHOOLS SAFELY ASSUMING YOU CAN DO CERTAIN THINGS AND NOT EVERY SCHOOL CAN.

BUT SOCIAL DISTANCING WEARING MASKS, GOOD SANITATION AND HYGIENE, ALL ARE IMPORTANT AND NECESSARY TO REOPEN SCHOOLS SAFELY.

THEY POINTEDLY STATED THAT VACCINATION OF EVERYONE IS NOT A PREREQUISITE FOR COG THAT ALTHOUGH OBVIOUSLY BEAT TO GET OUR EDUCATORS VACCINATED AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.

>> DR. SCOTT HARRIS, ALWAYS A PLEASURE.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR LEADERSHIP.

THANK YOU.

>> AND "CAPITOL JOURNAL" WILL BE RIGHT BACK.

>> DON: AND THAT'S "CAPITOL JOURNAL" FOR TONIGHT.

BECAUSE THE LEGISLATURE IS NOW OFF UNTIL FEBRUARY 23RD, OUR WEEKNIGHT VERSIONS OF THE SHOW WILL NOT BE SEEN NEXT WEEK.

WE WILL RETURN NEXT FRIDAY NIGHT, FEBRUARY 19TH, WHEN WE ARE SCHEDULED TO BE JOINED BY GOVERNOR KAY IVEY, WHO WILL TALK WITH US ABOUT SIGNING EARLY PRIORITY LEGISLATION INTO LAW, THE GAMBLING BILL AND HER PRISON LEASE PLAN.

AND STATE HEALTH OFFICER DR. SCOTT HARRIS WILL BE BACK WITH US TO DISCUSS THE LATEST ON VACCINATIONS AND THE PANDEMIC.

OUR NIGHTLY BROADCAST SCHEDULE WILL RESUME ON MONDAY, FEBRUARY 22ND.

FOR ALL OF US AT "CAPITOL JOURNAL," THANKS SO MUCH FOR JOINING US.

I'M DON DAILEY.

GOOD NIGHT.

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