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

WELCOME TO "CAPITOL JOURNAL."

THE 2024 LEGISLATIVE SESSION IS JUST DAYS AWAY.

THE HOUSE AND SENATE WILL CONVENE AT NOON ON TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 6 HERE IN THE STATE HOUSE.

OF COURSE THAT NIGHT WILL BE GOVERNOR KAY IVEY'S STATE OF THE STATE ADDRESS, WHICH YOU CAN WATCH LIVE HERE ON ALABAMA PUBLIC TELEVISION.

THEN ITS OFF TO THE RACES FOR LAWMAKERS TO COMPLETE THE BUSINESS OF THE STATE.

THEY'LL HAVE 30 MEETING DAYS, MEANING DAYS THEY GAVEL IN AND DEBATE BILLS, WITHIN 105 CALENDAR DAYS.

THAT PUTS THE LAST POSSIBLE DAY AS MONDAY, MAY 20.

LAWMAKERS HAVE BEEN BUSY FOR WEEKS DRAFTING LEGISLATION AND PUTTING THEIR AGENDAS TOGETHER.

THIS WEEK WE HEARD FROM SENATE PRESIDENT PRO TEM GREG REED ABOUT WHAT THE TOP AGENDA ITEMS THAT WE ARE LIKELY TO SEE OUT THE GATE THIS SESSION.

FIRST ON THE LIST IS MORE STRICTLY REGULATING ABSENTEE VOTING.

SENATE BILL ONE FROM SENATOR GARLAND GUDGER WOULD CRIMINALIZE CERTAIN FORMS OF ASSISTING OR HANDLING A NON-RELATIVE'S ABSENTEE BALLOT TO CRACK DOWN ON WHAT REPUBLICANS CALL BALLOT HARVESTING.

OF COURSE, DEMOCRATS TAKE ISSUE WITH THAT TERM AND WE'LL TALK TO ONE OF THEIR LEADERS LATER IN THE SHOW.

NEXT IS SCHOOL CHOICE, AND IN PARTICULAR EDUCATION SAVINGS ACCOUNTS.

THIS MIGHT BE ONE OF THE HOTTEST ISSUES OF THE SESSION BECAUSE GOVERNOR KAY IVEY SAYS THIS IS ALSO HER TOP PRIORITY.

MORE SPECIFICS IN A MOMENT.

AND THIRD IS REFORMING THE WAY PROPERTY TAX APPRAISALS ARE DONE.

RIGHT NOW, PROPERTY IS RE-APPRAISED EVERY YEAR, WHICH HAS LED TO EFFECTIVE TAX INCREASES FOR MANY HOME AND LAND OWNERS.

SENATOR DAVID SESSIONS OF MOBILE IS DEVELOPING LEGISLATION THAT WOULD REFORM THAT PROCESS AND PLACE LIMITS ON HOW MUCH LOCAL AUTHORITIES COULD INCREASE PROPERTY VALUES YEAR TO YEAR.

SO THOSE ARE THREE ISSUES TO WATCH IN THE SENATE EARLY IN THE SESSION.

WE EXPECT GAMBLING LEGISLATION TO BE DEBATED EARLY IN THE HOUSE, BUT THERE HAS BEEN NO FORMALLY ANNOUNCED AGENDA FROM REPUBLICANS.

WE'LL GET TO THE DEMOCRATS' AGENDA IN A MOMENT, BUT I WANTED TO FIRST HONE IN ON THE SCHOOL CHOICE ISSUE.

EDUCATION SAVINGS ACCOUNTS, SOMETIMES KNOWN AS VOUCHERS, ALLOW PARENTS TO TAKE A PORTION OF TAXPAYER FUNDS TO USE TOWARD SENDING THEIR CHILD TO A SCHOOL OF THEIR CHOICE, BE THAT A PRIVATE SCHOOL OR HOME SCHOOL.

BUT THERE ARE IMPORTANT DETAILS.

ONE ISSUE IS ACCOUNTABILITY STANDARDS.

SOME LAWMAKERS WANT TO ENSURE ANY SCHOOL RECEIVING THESE TAXPAYER FUNDS ARE LEGITIMATE, ACCREDITED SCHOOLS THAT LIVE UP TO THE SAME STANDARDS AS TRADITIONAL PUBLIC SCHOOLS OR PUBLIC CHARTER SCHOOLS.

ANOTHER IS A BUDGET CAP.

SOME WANT TO LIMIT JUST HOW MUCH EDUCATION TRUST FUND REVENUE CAN BE DIRECTED TO ESAS EACH YEAR, WHILE OTHERS WANT NO CAPS FOR UNIVERSAL CHOICE.

YOU'LL HEAR TALK OF AN INCOME THRESHOLD, MEANING SHOULD THE CHOICE RESOURCES ONLY BE OFFERED TO FAMILIES BELOW A CERTAIN INCOME.

AND A BIG ONE IS TESTING.

SOME ARE INSISTING THAT ANY SCHOOL RECEIVING STATE DOLLARS BE BROUGHT INTO THE STATE'S RIGOROUS TESTING SYSTEM THAT MEASURES STUDENT PROGRESS.

THAT'S A DEAL BREAKER FOR SOME CONSERVATIVES WHO DO NOT WANT STATE TESTING AT PRIVATE SCHOOLS.

THE GOVERNOR IS EXPECTED TO COME WITH HER OWN ESA LEGISLATION, WHICH WE WILL LEARN THE DETAILS ABOUT IN THE STATE OF THE STATE ADDRESS ON TUESDAY.

STATE SUPERINTENDENT ERIC MACKEY SAID HE IS NOT INVOLVED IN DRAFTING THE BILL, BUT HAS BEEN IN TOUCH WITH THE GOVERNOR'S OFFICE ABOUT THE ISSUE.

HE SAID HE'D LIKE TO SEE THE BILL CONTAIN A BUDGET CAP, ACCOUNTABILITY STANDARDS AND A TESTING REQUIREMENT.

I SAT DOWN WITH HIM FOR OUR SPOTLIGHT ON EDUCATION SHOW THURSDAY.

>> WE HAVE A LOT OF SCHOOL CHOICE OPTIONS OUT THERE.

WHAT WOULD THE NEW ONE LOOK LIKE?

YOU MENTIONED THE TERM EDUCATION SAVINGS ACCOUNT.

ONE OF THE THINGS WE WANT TO MAKE SURE, ONE, THERE'S A CAP.

WE DON'T WANT TO DO SOMETHING AND BE DETRIMENTAL TO THE MOST VULNERABLE STUDENTS IN THE STATE.

SO, I'VE ENCOURAGED A CAN AND I THINK WE WILL SEE A CAP SO IT IS NOT UNLIMITED.

WE SAW LAST YEAR.

ARIZONA DID A BILL THAT DIDN'T HAVE A CAP AND NOW THEIR LEGISLATURE IS BACK TRYING TO FILL A HUGE HOLE OF A HALF MILLION DOLLARS.

>> MEANING 100 MILLION OR 200 MILLION, THAT'S ALL CAN BE SPENT.

>> THAT'S ALL THAT CAN BE SPENT.

YOU BUDGET FOR IT.

WE BUDGET FOR EVERYTHING ELSE.

IF YOU PASS AN OPEN-ENDED, UNCAPPED VOUCHER AND SAY EVERYBODY GETS WHAT THEY WANT AND YOU RUN OUT OF MONEY, THEN THE LEGISLATURE IS ON THE HOOK TO COME BACK INTO SESSION AND RAISE TAXES TO PAY FOR ADDITIONAL VOUCHERS.

I DON'T THINK THAT IS SOMETHING THAT THE LEGISLATURE WANTS TO DO.

I THINK THERE'S GOT TO BE A CAP, A REASONABLE CAP.

WE SAY WHEN THE MONEY IS GONE, THE MONEY IS GONE, AS WE DO IN ANY OTHER PROGRAM IN STATE GOVERNMENT.

SO YOU CAN BUDGET.

>> THE PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITY EACH LEGISLATIVE SESSION IS TO ENACT THE BUDGETS - THE EDUCATION TRUST FUND, WHICH PAYS FOR THE RANGE OF EDUCATION SERVICES FROM PRE-K TO HIGHER ED, AND THE GENERAL FUND, WHICH PAYS FOR NON-EDUCATION STATE AGENCIES.

THIS WEEK WE GOT THE LATEST UPDATES ON REVENUE NUMBERS THAT BUDGET WRITERS LOOK TO IN DETERMINING HOW FUNDING LEVELS WILL BE FOR THE NEXT FISCAL YEAR.

LET'S LOOK FIRST AT THE EDUCATION TRUST FUND.

THE LAST FEW YEARS HAVE SEEN RECORD HIGH BUDGETS, WITH THE CURRENT FISCAL YEAR'S ETF AT $8.8 BILLION, NOT COUNTING THE $2.3 BILLION IN SUPPLEMENTAL EDUCATION SPENDING THE LEGISLATURE PASSED LAST YEAR DUE SURPLUS REVENUE.

FOR THE FIRST FOUR MONTHS OF THIS FISCAL YEAR, REVENUE IS DOWN JUST .69% OR ABOUT $21.4 MILLION.

BUT STATE LAWMAKERS WHO WRITE THE BUDGETS WON'T NEED REVENUE GROWTH TO COVER THAT DIP BECAUSE OF CARRY OVER FROM THE LAST FISCAL YEAR.

IN FACT, BECAUSE OF REVENUE SURPLUSES FROM 2023, THEY ARE EXPECTED TO HAVE SOME $600 MILLION TO PUT TOWARD SUPPLEMENTAL SPENDING THIS YEAR.

ABOUT THAT SLIGHT DIP IN REVENUE, IT PRETTY MUCH ALL CAME FROM A DECLINE IN SALES TAXES, WHICH MAKES SENSE BECAUSE THE LEGISLATURE LAST YEAR PASSED A ONCE CENT CUT TO THE SALES TAX ON GROCERIES.

NOW TO THE GENERAL FUND.

THE CURRENT FISCAL YEAR'S BUDGET IS ALSO A RECORD AT $3 BILLION, NOT COUNTING THE $180 MILLION IN SUPPLEMENTAL SPENDING.

THROUGH JANUARY, REVENUE IS UP 7.4% OVER WHAT WAS EXPECTED.

MOST OF THAT IS COMING FROM EARNINGS OF OFF THE INTEREST ON STATE DEPOSITS DUE TO THE CURRENT HIGH INTEREST RATES.

THAT'S A $80 MILLION GROWTH IN JUST FOUR MONTHS.

AND AGAIN, BECAUSE OF REVENUE SURPLUSES FROM 2023, $180 MILLION SUPPLEMENTAL SPENDING IS EXPECTED TO BE AVAILABLE TO LAWMAKERS THIS YEAR.

WE WILL LEARN MORE ABOUT THE STATE'S FINANCIAL SITUATION AND THE NEEDS OF AGENCIES WHEN LAWMAKERS GATHER FOR ANNUAL BUDGET HEARINGS MONDAY AND TUESDAY AHEAD OF THE SESSION.

>>> HOUSE AND SENATE DEMOCRATS CAME TOGETHER THIS WEEK TO ANNOUNCE THEIR UNITY AGENDA FOR THE 2024 LEGISLATIVE SESSION.

INSTEAD OF GATHERING AT THE STATE HOUSE, THEY CHOSE A LOCATION THAT EMBODIES THE MESSAGE THEY ARE TRYING TO CONVEY.

"CAPITOL JOURNAL'S" RANDY SCOTT REPORTS.

>> DEXTER KING MEMORIAL BAPTIST CHURCH IS HOSTING A TOWN HALL MEETING FEATURING CITIZENS AND MEMBERS OF THE ALABAMA HOUSE DEMOCRATIC CAUCUS.

WHY?

LAWMAKERS WANT TO HEAR FROM THE PEOPLE ABOUT THOSE ISSUES THEY WANT HANDLED DURING THE UPCOMING REGULAR SESSION, AND THEY ARE BASING THEIR AGENDA ON THOSE SUGGESTIONS.

>> WE WANTED TO RELEASE OUR PLATFORM.

OUR PLATFORM, ALL OF THE ISSUES THAT WE WILL BE DEALING WITH IS ABOUT RESTORATION OF SOME OF THOSE RIGHTS AND PRIVILEGES THAT HAVE BEEN TAKEN AWAY AND TO ENHANCE OUR PLATFORM.

BUT IF IT IS TRULY A BIG PLATFORM FOR ALL PEOPLE FROM HEALTHCARE TO YOUTH VIOLENCE TO MENTAL ILLNESS.

NOT TO MENTION THE BIG ONE, EDUCATION.

>> LET'S FOCUS ON THE FLEXIBILITY AND THE PRIORITIES THAT EXIST WITHIN OUR PUBLIC SCHOOLS INSTEAD OF FOCUSING ON CREATING A NEW SYSTEM WHERE THERE'S A LOT OF UNCERTAINTY.

SO, FOR ME, OUR CAUCUS, WE ARE ADAMANTLY OPPOSED TO SCHOOL CHOICE.

WE HAVE A CHOICE ALREADY.

>> HOUSE MINORITY LEADER ANTHONY DANIELS SAYS IT'S IMPORTANT TO ADDRESS EDUCATION FOR THE FUTURE OF THE STATE.

>> WE HAVE CHARTER SCHOOLS.

YOU HAVE THE AAA PROGRAM.

AND YOU ALSO HAVE PUBLIC SCHOOLS.

SO THERE'S ALREADY CHOICE.

FAMILIES ALREADY HAVE CHOICES AND IF YOU CAN AFFORD IT, YOU CAN PAY FOR YOUR CHILDREN TO GO TO PRIVATE SCHOOL.

NO ONE IS TAKING AWAY THAT CHOICE.

BUT TO USE PUBLIC DOLLARS FOR PRIVATE USE IS NOT SOMETHING WE ARE WILLING TO DO AS A CAUCUS IN THE STATE OF ALABAMA.

>> SENATOR COLEMAN CHAIRS THE ALABAMA LEGISLATURE BLACK CAUCUS FOR BOTH THE HOUSE AND SENATE AND SAYS WORK IN ALABAMA PARALLELS WORK GOING ON IN WASHINGTON, D.C. >> THE REASON WE ARE HERE TODAY IS BECAUSE OUR FREEDOM IS AT STAKE RIGHT NOW.

IT REMAINS UNDER ATTACK, NOT ONLY IN THE U.S. CONGRESS BUT HERE ALSO IN THE STATE OF ALABAMA.

THE FREEDOM FOR WOMEN TO CHOOSE REPRODUCTIVE HEALTHCARE, THE FREEDOM TO VOTE FOR THE CANDIDATE OF OUR CHOICE.

THE FREEDOM TO CHOOSE AND GUARANTEE THE ABSENTEE BALLOT.

THE FREEDOM TO GO TO SCHOOL OR THE GROCERY STORE WITHOUT WORRYING ABOUT BEING A VICTIM OF A MASS SHOOTING.

>> LAWMAKERS SAY ADDRESSING ECONOMIC GROWTH IS ALSO ON THE MINDS OF CITIZENS.

>> ACHIEVE THIS SUSTAINABLE ECONOMIC PROSPERITY THAT LEAVES NO ONE BEHIND WE MUST GET PEOPLE TO WORK BY INVESTING IN TRANSPORTATION, BY INVESTING IN CHILD CARE AND AFFORDABLE HOUSING, THE THINGS THAT SET THE FOUNDATION FOR SOMEBODY TO BE ABLE TO REACH THAT PROSPERITY.

>> IN MONTGOMERY, RANDY SCOTT, "CAPITOL JOURNAL."

>> GOVERNOR KAY IVEY IS PRAISING THE RESULTS OF A NEW REPORT THAT SHOWCASES JUST HOW BIG OF AN ECONOMIC IMPACT THE PORT OF MOBILE HAS ON THE STATE.

AT A THURSDAY PRESS CONFERENCE, IVEY RELEASED THE ALABAMA PORT AUTHORITY STUDY THAT SHOWS ECONOMIC IMPACT OF $93.3 BILLION FOR ALABAMA AND SUPPORTING 351,000 JOBS.

IVEY SAID EACH AREA OF THE STATE, NOT JUST MOBILE, BENEFITS FROM THE PORT.

>> SO WHILE IT MAY BE CALLED THE PORT OF MOBILE, IT'S REALLY THE PORT OF ALABAMA.

IN FACT, THE PORT GIVES BACK TREMENDOUSLY TO OUR STATE, WHETHER IT IS THROUGH OUR BOOMING AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY, EXPORTS OF NATURAL RESOURCES, LIKE COAL AND LIMESTONE AND COUNTLESS OTHER ALABAMA MADE AND ALABAMA-SOURCED GOODS, THE PORT OF MOBILE TOUCHES EVERY CORNER AND INDUSTRY IN OUR STATE.

>> THE MONTGOMERY INLAND PORT PROJECT IS JUST ONE EXAMPLE OF HOW THE POWER OF THE PORT IS AN ECONOMIC DRIVER FAR BEYOND MOBILE.

IN MY TIME AT THE MONTGOMERY CHAMBER, WE SAW HOW THE PORT HAS SERVED AS A CATALYST, DRIVING ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT THROUGH MONTGOMERY AND THE ENTIRE STATE.

>> AT THE STATE HOUSE THIS WEEK, MORE ORGANIZATIONS MADE PITCHES TO RECEIVE FUNDING FROM THE $250 MILLION OPIOID SETTLEMENT REACHED BY ATTORNEY GENERAL STEVE MARSHALL.

THE COMMISSION OVERSEEING THE FUNDS HEARD ABOUT DANGERS OF OPIOID ADDICTION AND ESPECIALLY IT'S IMPACT TO ALABAMA'S VETERAN COMMUNITY.

>> I'M VERY PROUD TO BE A DENTIST AND I'M VERY PROUD TO BE A PHYSICIAN.

BUT SADLY, I HAVE TO TELL YOU, THAT MY PROFESSIONS CONTRIBUTED SIGNIFICANTLY TO THIS PROBLEM, NOT INTENTIONALLY, BUT OUT OF IGNORANCE AND WE REMAIN IGNORANT IN THE SCIENCE THAT TELLS US HOW TO TREAT AND HOW TO APPROACH CHRONIC PAIN AND ADDICTION.

>> OUR TREATMENT FOR VETERANS WITH CHRONIC PAIN AND MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES TOO OFTEN WAS HANDING THEM A BOTTLE OF PILLS AND SAYING HERE'S YOUR SOLUTION AND AS A RESULT WE HAVE A LOT OF VETERANS HOOKED ON OPIOIDS AS A RESULT OF THAT.

>> DELIVER QUALITY, INTEGRATIVE HEALTHCARE SERVICES AND BUILD A BETTER COMMUNITY.

OUR VISION IS TO PROMOTE A THRIVING COMMUNITY FOR TREATMENT OF VETERANS, FIRST RESPONDERS AND THEIR FAMILIES, AND WE ALSO STRIVE TO BUILD RELATIONSHIPS AND RECOGNIZE -- AS WE RECOGNIZE THE UNIQUENESS OF EVERY INDIVIDUAL THAT WALKS THROUGH THAT DOOR.

THEY ALL COME TO US IN DIFFERENT SITUATIONS.

THEY DON'T GET TREATED THE SAME.

>> WHEN WE COME BACK, I'LL SIT DOWN WITH THE NEWEST MEMBER OF THE SENATE, STATE SENATOR WES KITCHENS, TO TALK MORE ABOUT THE REPUBLICANS AGENDA.

THEN I'LL BE JOINED BY STATE REPRESENTATIVE KENYATTE HASSELL TO GO DEEPER ON THE ABSENTEE VOTING BILLS HE AND HIS FELLOW DEMOCRATS ARE PROPOSING.

AND LATER IN THE SHOW, AN INTERESTING CONVERSATION ON THE SUBJECT OF HEALTH CARE.

JANE ADAMS OF THE AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY DISCUSSES THE PROSPECTS OF MEDICAID EXPANSION, OR SOMETHING CLOSE TO IT, BUT WITH A PERSONAL STORY FROM SOMEONE WHO HAS LIVED THROUGH A COVERAGE GAP CRISIS.

SO YOU'LL WANT TO STICK AROUND FOR THAT.

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.

>> WELCOME BACK TO "CAPITOL JOURNAL."

JOINING ME NEXT IS STATE SENATOR WES KITCHENS, THE NEWEST MEMBER OF THE ALABAMA SENATE.

SENATOR, WELCOME TO "CAPITOL JOURNAL."

>> WELL, THANK YOU FOR HAVING ME.

IT'S ALWAYS ENJOYABLE TO BE DOWN HERE AND APPRECIATE THE INVITATION.

>> WE HAD TO HAVE YOU ON.

YOU ARE THE NEWEST MEMBER OF THE STATE SENATE.

JUST WON A SPECIAL ELECTION.

OBVIOUSLY, YOU HAVE BEEN IN THE HOUSE FOR A COUPLE OF TERMS PREVIOUS TO THAT.

SO, CONGRATULATIONS ON THAT.

I WANTED TO, YOU KNOW -- IT'S BEEN A FEW YEARS SINCE YOU HAVE BEEN ON THE SHOW.

SO I WANTED YOU TO REMIND VIEWERS OF YOUR BACKGROUND AND WHAT GOT YOU INTO THE LEGISLATURE.

>> I WAS ELECTED IN 2018 TO THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES AND PRIOR TO THAT A BASKETBALL COACH.

I COME FROM A FAMILY OF EDUCATORS AND FARMERS, AND MY DAD STILL COACHES THE HIGH SCHOOL GIRLS TEAM THERE AT ARAB.

THEY HAVE AN AREA TOURNAMENT COMING UP.

THEY MADE IT TO THE FINAL FOUR LAST YEAR.

SO BASKETBALL HAS ALWAYS BEEN IN MY BLOOD.

AND THEN I GOT OUT OF COACHING, WAS THE PRESIDENT OF THE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE, WORKING WITH BUSINESSES AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND HAD THE OPPORTUNITY WHEN WILL AINSWORTH DECIDED HE WAS RUNNING FOR LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR, IT PROVIDED ME AN OPPORTUNITY TO RUN FOR THE HOUSE IN 2018 AND RE-ELECTED TO MY SECOND TERM AND THEN OF COURSE JUMPED IN THE SENATE RACE WHEN SENATOR SCOFIELD STEPPED DOWN FOR A NEW JOB.

>> THAT HAPPENED QUICKLY.

SENATOR SCOFIELD KIND OF SURPRISED A LOT OF US WHEN HE DECIDED TO GO TO THE BUSINESS COUNCIL OF ALABAMA.

SO, THERE'S A SEAT OPEN.

THAT WAS OBVIOUSLY COMPETITIVE.

I WANT TO GET TO THE ELECTION, BUT TALK ABOUT THE DISTRICT ITSELF.

SENATE DISTRICT 9 IS UNIQUE.

A LOT OF RURAL BUT ALSO GETTING INTO THE MADISON COUNTY REDSTONE AREA.

TALK ABOUT THE DISTRICT AND ITS FOOTPRINT.

>> IT IS.

I THINK IT IS PROBABLY ONE OF THE MOST UNIQUE DISTRICTS ANYWHERE IN THE STATE.

IT GOES FROM NORTHERN BLOUNT COUNTY, ALL OF MARSHALL COUNTY AND SOUTHERN MADISON COUNTY.

YOU KNOW, YOU HAVE SOME VERY RURAL AREAS IN THAT DISTRICT, EVEN IN MARSHALL COUNTY AND EVEN SOME OF THE MADISON COUNTY AREAS, BUT IT SURPRISES A LOT OF PEOPLE.

ALL OF REDSTONE ARSENAL IS IN ALL OF REDSTONE ARSENAL IS IN SENATE DISTRICT 9, ROCKET CENTER, REDSTONE ARSENAL, A LOT OF JOBS.

THAT IS ONE OF THE THINGS THAT MADE THIS SO ATTRACTIVE BECAUSE 60% OF THE WORKFORCE IN OUR AREA COMMUNITIES BACK AND FORTH AND THEY HAVE JOBS MAYBE NOT NECESSARILY ON THE ARSENAL BUT DIRECTLY TIED TO THE GOVERNMENT CONTRACTS.

SO, IT REALLY MAKES THINGS CLOSELY CONNECTED.

THE AREA IS VERY CLOSELY CONNECTED FROM SHOPPING AND SCHOOLS AND EVERYTHING, BUT IT IS UNIQUE AT THE SAME TIME BECAUSE YOU HAVE SOME LARGE GOVERNMENT CONTRACTS.

YOU HAVE, OF COURSE, EVERYTHING THAT REDSTONE ARSENAL AND MARSHALL SPACE FLIGHT CENTER PRODUCES AND THEN A LOT OF THOSE INDUSTRIES THAT ARE LOCATED -- YOU KNOW, SOME OF THEIR SUPPLIERS LOCATED IN MARSHALL AND BLOUNT COUNTIES AS WELL.

IT IS A UNIQUE, BUT EXCITING OPPORTUNITY.

>> A GROWING DISTRICT.

WE ALL KNOW ABOUT MADISON COUNTY BUT GUNTERSVILLE, ARAB, MARSHALL COUNTY IS REALLY GROWING, TOO.

>> IT IS.

THERE'S NOT A LOT OF PLACES TO LIVE IN MADISON COUNTY.

IT'S GROWING SO FAST.

THE HOUSING MARKET IS JUST OUTRAGEOUS.

IF YOU FIND A HOME FOR SALE YOU BETTER JUMP ON IT QUICKLY, BUT THAT IS CARRYING OVER IN TO GUNTERSVILLE AND ARAB AND ALL OF THE AREAS THAT SURROUND THAT.

MANY PEOPLE ARE FINDING THEY LOVE TO LIVE ON THE LAKE.

ESPECIALLY POST COVID, WE HAVE HAD A LOT OF PEOPLE THAT MOVED IN FROM OTHER STATES THAT STARTED TO WORK REMOTELY.

YOU COULD LIVE IN A BIG CITY AND WORK REMOTE OR HAVE THE LAKE VIEW AND MOUNTAINS IN YOUR BACKYARD.

I KNOW WHICH I WOULD PICK EVERY TIME.

>> SOUNDS PRETTY GOOD.

I'M CURIOUS -- MAYBE OUR VIEWERS MIGHT BE TOO -- YOU WERE IN THE HOUSE AND A MEMBER OF LEADERSHIP, RIGHT, YOU HAD SOME SENIORITY.

WHY RUN FOR THE SENATE?

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE THAT MADE IT SO ATTRACTIVE FOR YOU TO RUN?

>> I'LL BE HONEST WITH YOU, THAT WAS A BIG QUESTION AND I STRUGGLED WITH IT WHEN I FIRST HEARD SENATOR SCOFIELD WAS STEPPING DOWN.

ONE IS THE OPPORTUNITY.

A SENATE SEAT DOESN'T COME OPEN VERY OFTEN.

SPEAKER LEDBETTER PUT A LOT OF TRUST IN ME.

I SERVED ON GREAT COMMITTEES IN THE HOUSE.

I HAD BEEN ELECTED BY MY COLLEAGUES IN HOUSE LEADERSHIP AND REALLY HAD NO INTENTIONS OF GOING ANYWHERE.

BUT WHEN THE OPPORTUNITY PRESENTED ITSELF, LIKE I MENTIONED, THE SENATE DISTRICT 9 IS SO CLOSELY CONNECTED FROM THE THREE COUNTIES THAT WE REPRESENT AND THE SOUTH END OF MARSHALL COUNTY IS WHERE MY DAD GREW UP AND MY GRANDPARENTS LIVE IN BOAZ.

THAT'S NOT IN MY HOUSE DISTRICT.

SO IT WAS AN OPPORTUNITY TO REPRESENT MY GRANDPARENTS AND FAMILY ON THAT END AND BE A VOICE FOR EVERYONE, FOR THE PEOPLE THAT COMMUTE BACK AND FORTH TO WORK AND BRING THE AREA TOGETHER.

IT MADE IT ATTRACTIVE FROM THAT STANDPOINT FROM OUR RELATIONSHIPS WITH ALL OF THESE THREE COUNTIES TOGETHER.

>> WHAT'S IT BEEN LIKE THE FIRST COUPLE OF WEEKS GETTING SWORN IN?

I'M SURE YOU HAVE HEARD FROM A LOT OF YOUR NEW COLLEAGUES UPSTAIRS IN THE UPPER CHAMBER.

WHAT'S IT BEEN LIKE SINCE THEN?

>> IT'S BEEN UNIQUE, VERY FAST PACED.

WE HAD TO GET A LOT OF CLARIFICATION WITH THE SPECIAL ELECTION.

THINGS CHANGE A LITTLE BIT.

THINGS ARE A LITTLE DIFFERENT THAN A REGULAR ELECTION.

>> THERE WAS NO DEMOCRAT RUNNING SO THERE WASN'T A GENERAL ELECTION.

>> THAT'S RIGHT.

THEY HAD TO CERTIFY THE ELECTION RESULTS.

OF COURSE, MANY PEOPLE ARE FAMILIAR WITH THE ICE WE HAD IN NORTH ALABAMA SO THAT DELAYED THE CERTIFICATION PROCESS BY A FEW DAYS.

THERE WERE A LOT OF ROAD BUMPS ALONG THE WAY POST ELECTION ON WHEN WE WOULD BE SWORN IN.

WE GOT THE OFFICIAL NOTIFICATION AND SWORN IN TWO WEEKS TO THE DAY FOLLOWING THE ELECTION IS WHEN I TOOK THE OATH OF OFFICE.

SO I CAN OFFICIALLY START THIS SESSION AS A SENATOR BUT THE OLD SAYING LIKE DRINKING WATER OUT OF A FIRE HOSE, I THINK THAT DESCRIBES THIS VERY WELL.

SESSION STARTS RIGHT AROUND THE CORNER AND HERE WE ARE.

WE HAD TO HIT THE GROUND RUNNING AND GET EVERYTHING LINED UP TO GET READY FOR SESSION.

>> RIGHT.

AT LEAST THE ELECTION IS FINISHED BEFORE SESSION.

I LOOK AT THESE CONGRESSIONAL ELECTIONS THAT THEY ARE GOING TO BE RUNNING WHILE SERVING.

I DON'T KNOW HOW THEY WILL DO THAT.

WELL, GOOD.

LET'S TALK ABOUT THE SESSION.

YOU ARE GOING TO BE A PART OF THE REPUBLICAN CAUCUS.

IT'S TIME FOR AGENDAS TO BE RELEASED AND THINGS LIKE THAT.

WHAT ISSUES SHOULD WE EXPECT REPUBLICANS TO REALLY HARP ON AS WE GET STARTED IN THE SESSION?

>> WELL, YOU KNOW, I THINK A FEW THINGS WE HAVE TALKED ABOUT A LOT -- THROUGH MY CAMPAIGN, A LOT OF THINGS I HEARD, EVERYBODY HAD A SIMILAR VIEW AND DIDN'T MATTER WHETHER YOU WERE REPUBLICAN OR DEMOCRAT.

WHAT PEOPLE WANT IN THE STATE OF ALABAMA, THEY WANT TO LIVE IN THE BEST PLACE POSSIBLE, THE SAFEST PLACE, THE BEST SCHOOLS POSSIBLE.

TO MAKE IN THE BEST PLACE IT CAN BE LIVE, WORK, RAISE YOUR FAMILY AND THEN, OF COURSE, IN NORTH ALABAMA ALSO TO PLAY BECAUSE WE HAVE THE RECREATIONAL ASPECTS.

SO, A LOT OF THOSE THINGS TIE IN TOGETHER WITH ELECTION INTEGRITY.

MAKING SURE THAT'S ONE BILL THAT I THINK WILL COME VERY QUICKLY WHEN IT COMES TO BALLOT HARVESTING.

MAKING SURE WE HAVE SOME OF THE STRONGEST ELECTION LAWS IN THE COUNTRY AND WE SUPPORT THAT.

THAT THE CITIZENS OF ALABAMA, WE WANT TO BE THAT SHINING STAR AROUND THE COUNTRY WHERE PEOPLE CAN LOOK TO US AND MAKE SURE THEY KNOW THAT OUR ELECTIONS ARE SECURE.

THEY ARE SAFE.

AND REALLY BE A MODEL THAT OTHER STATES CAN FOLLOW.

>> WE HEAR A LOT ABOUT SCHOOL CHOICE.

IT'S KIND OF THIS BUZZ TERM THIS YEAR.

GOVERNOR IS TALKING ABOUT BRINGING LEGISLATION.

TALKING ABOUT BRINGING THE PRICE ACT BILL BACK.

WHEN YOUR TALK TO YOUR COLLEAGUES, WHAT ARE YOU INTERESTED IN IN TERMS OF WHAT WOULD BE ACCEPTABLE OR, YOU KNOW, SOMETHING YOU COULD LIVE WITH THE SCHOOL CHOICE BILL?

>> IT'S A VERY UNIQUE TOPIC.

AND I SAID THIS -- THIS IS ACTUALLY A QUESTION WE HAD DURING ONE OF OUR DEBATES FOR THE SENATE RACE.

EVERYBODY HAS A DIFFERENT VIEW ON WHAT SCHOOL CHOICE IS.

IF YOU ASK 100 PEOPLE, YOU'LL GET 100 ANSWERS.

THE SENATE DISTRICT IS UNIQUE, TOO.

IT'S SO DIVERSE FROM MADISON TO BLOUNT COUNTY AND THE OPPORTUNITIES STUDENTS WOULD HAVE WHEN IT COMES TO SCHOOL CHOICE AND THE OPTIONS AT THEIR DISPOSAL.

I THINK ONE THING IS MAKING SURE WE FIND A GOOD BALANCE.

MAKING SURE THERE IS A BALANCE THERE.

WE HAVE AREAS OF MARSHALL COUNTY THAT THE PUBLIC SCHOOL IS THE ONLY CHOICE THAT STUDENT MAY HAVE.

SO WE NEED TO MAKE SURE WE DON'T HURT THAT AREA BUT AT THE SAME TIME THE OTHER AREAS, MADISON COUNTY, THE STUDENTS THAT DO PARTICIPATE IN THAT, HOW DO WE FIND A GOOD BALANCE WHERE WE PROTECT OUR PUBLIC SCHOOLS AND SUPPORT THE STUDENTS THAT GO TO PRIVATE OR HOME SCHOOLED AS WELL.

>> I THINK WE WILL HEAR A LOT OF DEBATE ON THE ISSUE.

WE ARE EAGER TO SEE WHAT THE GOVERNOR IS PROPOSING.

WE ARE TALKING ABOUT EDUCATION SAVINGS ACCOUNTS.

WE SHOULD CLARIFY.

THERE'S -- I KNOW YOU HAD SPONSORED THE LEGISLATION IN THE PAST ON THE PROPERTY TAX ISSUE.

WE HAVE ANNUAL PROPERTY TAX APPRAISALS AND THAT CAN LEAD TO SOME PRETTY DRASTIC PROPERTY TAX INCREASES.

WE HAVE RELATIVELY PROPERTY TAX RATES, BUT WHEN YOUR PROPERTY VALUE GOES UP YEAR AFTER YEAR, IT'S FRUSTRATING TO A LOT OF PROPERTY OWNERS.

TALK ABOUT THAT ISSUE, AND DO YOU THINK WE WILL SEE LEGISLATION INTRODUCED THIS SESSION?

>> I DO.

THAT'S GOING TO BE SOMETHING THAT COMES FAIRLY QUICKLY.

I'VE GOTTEN COMPLAINTS AND QUESTIONS ABOUT THAT REALLY FROM THE TIME I STARTED SERVING IN 2018 AS TO WHY DO WE HAVE SUCH BIG INCREASES.

HOME VALUES CONTINUE TO SKYROCKET, NOT JUST HERE, I MEAN ALL AROUND THE COUNTRY BUT HOME VALUES CONTINUE TO SKYROCKET AND WITH THAT WHEN IT COMES BACK UP YOU ALSO HAVE PROPERTY TAXES THAT FOLLOW THOSE SAME LINES.

SO, I DON'T KNOW WHAT WE WILL OFFICIALLY SETTLE ON, BUT WHAT WE ARE LOOKING AT IS HAVING A TRUE CAP WHERE YOU ARE NOT GOING TO GET HIT WITH AN EXORBITANT BILL AND PROPERTY TAXES THAT YOU DIDN'T PLAN FOR.

WE WANT TO MAKE SURE -- WE'RE NOT SAYING YOU CAN'T INCREASE IT AT ALL.

WE'RE JUST SAYING THAT WHEN THOSE PROPERTY VALUES INCREASE AT THE RATES THEY HAVE BEEN INCREASING THERE'S GOT TO BE SOME PARAMETERS WHERE YOU CAN'T BE HIT ALL AT ONE TIME.

PUT A CAP FROM ONE YEAR TO THE NEXT.

>> WE'RE ALL WATCHING REALTOR.COM LIKE DON'T GO UP IN VALUE ANY, PLEASE.

THAT'S AN INTERESTING ISSUE.

YOU ARE RIGHT.

A LOT OF PEOPLE VOICED CONCERNS ABOUT THAT.

LET ME ASK YOU ABOUT GAMBLING.

WE EXPECT THAT TO BE A BIG ISSUE BUT IT WILL PROBABLY START IN THE HOUSE.

WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR IN TERMS OF -- BECAUSE WE HAVE BEEN THROUGH THIS DEBATE BEFORE.

WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR IN TERMS OF DIFFERENT FACTORS INVOLVED IN THE GAMBLING DEBATE?

>> I THINK THE BIGGEST THING IS THE REGULATION OF IT.

I THINK THE ILLEGAL OPERATIONS WE HAVE AROUND THE STATE TODAY, MAKING SURE THOSE ARE TRULY REGULATED AND MAKING SURE THERE'S SOME TEETH TO IT WHERE I CAN BE REGULATED.

I THINK THAT'S PROBABLY GOING TO BE FIRST AND FOREMOST.

I'VE NOT SEEN A BILL YET.

I KNOW THE HOUSE HAS BEEN WORKING ON THIS.

I KNOW IT'S GOING TO START IN THE HOUSE.

I'M ANXIOUS TO SEE WHAT THE FINAL VERSION DOES COME OUT OF THAT, AND IF, YOU KNOW, IF THEY HAVE THE VOTES TO PASS IT WE DEFINITELY BE LOOKING AT IT IN THE SENATE AND MAKING A DECISION FROM THERE WHEN WE ACTUALLY SEE WHERE ALL OF THE INS AND OUTS GO.

>> SURE.

ONE OF MANY ISSUES WE WILL BE FOLLOWING AS SESSION STARTS IN A COUPLE OF DAYS.

>> THAT'S RIGHT.

>> CONGRATULATIONS AGAIN.

WE LOOK FORWARD TO WORKING WITH YOU AND THANK YOU FOR COMING ON "CAPITOL JOURNAL."

>> THANK YOU SO MUCH THEY ARE HAVING ME.

APPRECIATE ALL YOU DO FOR THE CITIZENS OF ALABAMA.

>> WE'LL BE RIGHT BACK.

>> YOU ARE WATCHING ALABAMA PUBLIC TELEVISION.

♪ >> WELCOME BACK TO "CAPITOL JOURNAL."

JOINING ME NEXT IS STATE REPRESENTATIVE KENYATTE' HASSELL FROM HERE IN MONTGOMERY.

REPRESENTATIVE, THANK YOU FOR COMING ON THE SHOW.

>> THANK YOU FOR HAVING ME.

>> HERE WE ARE DAYS AWAY FROM THE LEGISLATIVE SESSION.

ARE YOU FEELING IT?

ARE YOU READY FOR THE ONSLAUGHT?

>> YES, I'M READY.

I'M READY.

WE HAVE AN AGENDA AND I PRAY WE CAN ACCOMPLISH SOME OF THE GOALS WE HAVE.

>> YEAH.

RANDY REPORTED ON THE DEMOCRATIC AGENDA, A UNITY AGENDA.

I THOUGHT IT WAS REALLY INTERESTING.

YOU HAVE A LOT OF CANDIDATES FOR CONGRESS, YOU KNOW.

>> THAT'S RIGHT.

>> BUT, YOU KNOW, NO TALK OF POLITICS AND THINGS LIKE THAT.

A LOT OF UNITY IN THE HOUSE AND SENATE DEMOCRATS.

I WANTED TO ASK YOU ABOUT THE AGENDA, SPECIFICALLY YOUR BILLS DEALING WITH VOTING RIGHTS.

TALK ABOUT YOUR BILLS.

>> WELL, HB-23 IS A BILL TO -- YOU KNOW, MY GOAL IS TO MAKE VOTING -- ABSENTEE BALLOT VOTING MORE EFFICIENT.

THE BILL WE HAVE IS AN AFFIDAVIT INCLUDED IN THE ABSENTEE BALLOT.

THE IDEA IS IF WE GOT -- IF YOU ARE GOING TO ASK THOSE QUESTIONS ON THE APPLICATION, WHY DO WE HAVE TO HAVE IT ON THE BALLOT AS AN AFFIDAVIT?

>> WHAT ARE THESE QUESTIONS?

>> FOR INSTANCE, LET'S SAY SIMPLE AS ARE YOU A U.S. CITIZEN.

YOU ARE ASKING THAT QUESTION TWICE.

IF YOU CHECK NO ON THE APPLICATION, YOU ARE NOT GOING TO GET AN ABSENTEE BALLOT.

SO, WHY IS IT AGAIN ON THE ABSENTEE BALLOT ITSELF AS AN AFFIDAVIT?

YOU CAN STILL USE THE APPLICATION AS A LEGAL MANNER TO SAY THAT THE BALLOT WILL BE INVALID BECAUSE YOU ARE NOT GOING TO GET IT IF YOU ANSWER THE QUESTION WRONG.

>> RIGHT.

>> YOU ARE NOT GOING TO GET A BALLOT ANYWAY AND ALSO HELP THE CLERKS.

IT WILL HELP TO MOVE THE CLERK FASTER INSTEAD OF THE CLERK GOING THROUGH EVERY QUESTION AGAIN BECAUSE THEY GO THROUGH THE SAME THING IN THE APPLICATION.

IF YOU SEE IT IS ADEQUATE ENOUGH TO SAY OKAY, THIS PERSON DESERVES AN ABSENTEE BALLOT AND THEN THEY HAVE TO GO THROUGH THE PROCESS AGAIN ON THE BALLOT ITSELF.

SO, THEY CAN MOVE THAT PROCESS FASTER.

GET RID OF A STEP TO MAKE IT MORE EFFICIENT TO COUNT BALLOTS.

IT'S NOT MAKING IT EASIER BUT MORE EFFICIENT.

>> I SEE.

HAVE YOU GOTTEN ANY FEEDBACK THAT MAYBE THAT IS SOMETIMES CONFUSING, LIKE I ALREADY ANSWERED THIS QUESTION.

>> YEAH, I HAVE.

AND YOU GET OLDER VOTERS WHO MIGHT SAY, DID I ANSWER THIS -- I KNOW, YOU KNOW, THEY GET CONFUSED AND MIGHT CHECK THE WRONG -- AND HOW IT IS WRITTEN IS SO COMPACT AND SMALL PRINTED, VERY SMALL PRINT WHERE IT IS CONFUSING.

THEY ACCIDENTALLY MIGHT CHECK THE WRONG -- IF YOU PUT IT TO THE APPLICATION AND SAY WE CAN'T COUNT THIS VOTE BECAUSE HE ANSWERED -- HE OR SHE ANSWERED IT THIS WAY BUT DIFFERENT WAY ON THE AFFIDAVIT.

THEY MAY NOT COUNT THE BALLOT.

I WAS LIKE LET'S MAKE IT MORE EFFICIENT.

TALK TO THE WOMEN LEAGUE OF VOTERS ABOUT THESE VOTER RIGHTS ISSUES AND THAT'S ONE THING THEY TALKED ABOUT.

WE NEED TO MAKE IT MORE EFFICIENT FOR VOTERS TO DO THIS, TO VOTE ABSENTEE.

>> I WANT TO GET TO SOME OF THE OTHER ABSENTEE ISSUES REPUBLICANS ARE BRINGING BUT WHAT ELSE MIGHT WE SEE ON THE ISSUE OF VOTING?

>> ANOTHER IS IF YOU MAKE A MISTAKE ON YOUR BALLOT YOU DON'T KNOW THAT YOUR BALLOT COUNTS.

IF YOU GET AN IDEA THAT OF A NUMBER, SAY WE SHOULD HAVE 100 ABSENTEE BALLOT BUT THE RESULTS SHOW ONLY 20, SOMETIMES IT IS ONLY BECAUSE THE FACT THEY DID SOMETHING WRONG ON THEIR BALLOT.

THEY DON'T KNOW WHAT THEY DID WRONG.

YOU HAVE PEOPLE THAT EVERY TERM THEY DO ABSENTEE BALLOT AND DON'T KNOW THEY DID THE WRONG THING AND WERE NOT EDUCATED AND SAID THIS IS YOUR MISTAKE.

IT IS A HARD PROCESS BECAUSE YOU HAVE TO HAVE STAFF, THE CLERK WILL HAVE STAFF AND HOW WE WILL CURE THE BALLOTS.

THAT'S WHAT I WANT TO FIGURE OUT.

IT IS IMPORTANT TO CURE THE BALLOTS SO WE CAN HAVE A MORE ACCURATE COUNT -- WELL, HAVE MORE PEOPLE'S VOTES TO COUNT IN ELECTIONS.

>> AND NOT BE INVALIDATED.

>> YEAH.

>> YOU HAVE SOME EXPERIENCE IN CAMPAIGNS.

ARE YOU LEANING ON THAT EXPERIENCE ABOUT KNOWING EXACTLY WHAT THE ISSUES ARE WITH ABSENTEE BALLOTS?

ABSOLUTELY.

WE COUNT VOTES.

LIKE TODAY I'M GOING TO TALK TO 100 VOTERS LIKE COME OUT AND VOTE.

THEY SAY I WILL VOTE ABSENTEE.

AND YOU PUT IT IN THE BANK.

WE RECORD THAT PERSON VOTED ABSENTEE.

MAN, WE COUNTED 250 ABSENTEE BALLOTS WHEN CAMPAIGNING BUT WHEN YOU SEE THE RESULTS THERE'S ONLY 30 OR 40.

YOU ARE LIKE THIS IS A PROBLEM.

WHY IS IT -- YOU KNOW, YOU GET YOUR CONSPIRACIES AND ALL OF THAT, BUT WHAT'S GOING ON WITH THIS?

BUT A LOT OF TIMES THE BALLOT IS NOT COUNTED BECAUSE OF A MISTAKE THEY MADE.

>> HAVE YOU HEARD ANYTHING FROM THE SECRETARY OF STATE OR OTHER REPUBLICANS ABOUT THIS PROPOSAL?

IS THERE ANY -- DO YOU THINK THEY WOULD BE OPEN TO THESE TWO PROPOSALS?

>> NO.

TO BE HONEST, NO.

>> YEAH.

>> I THINK, YOU KNOW, THEY WANT TO MAKE -- I THINK THEIR GOAL OR WHAT THEY SAY THEIR GOAL IS IS TO MAKE SURE THAT VOTING IS SECURE.

IF WE DO THIS WE WILL TAKE AWAY A CERTAIN SECURITY TO -- ESPECIALLY WITH THE TAKING THE AFFIDAVIT OFF.

>> HOW WOULD YOU RESPOND TO THAT AND SAY WE NEED TO BE AS TIGHTENED UP AND BUTTONED UP AS POSSIBLE AND ALL OF THE QUESTIONS MATTERS, HOW WOULD YOU RESPOND?

>> MY RESPONSE IS NOT TAKING AWAY SECURITY.

IT'S NOT.

IT IS ABOUT EFFICIENCY.

WE WANT TO COUNT AS MANY VOTES AS WE CAN.

THAT'S DEMOCRACY.

THIS IS OUR GOAL.

THIS IS WHAT AMERICA HAS ALWAYS BEEN ABOUT.

EVERY VOTE COUNTS.

EVERY VOICE COUNTS.

WE NEED TO FIND A WAY TO MAKE IT MORE EFFICIENT THAT'S NOT GOING TO TAKE AWAY FROM THE SECURITY OF EACH BALLOT THAT'S TAKEN ABSENTEE.

THAT'S THE -- THEY USE THAT BECAUSE THAT'S THE WEAKEST FORM OF VOTING THAT PEOPLE CAN TAMPER WITH.

WE WANT PEOPLE TO VOTE, LET IT COUNT.

IF THEY DID SOMETHING WRONG, LET THEM KNOW SO THEY WON'T MAKE THE SAME MISTAKE TWICE.

THAT'S NOT TAKING AWAY FROM SECURITY BUT CONTINUING TO EDUCATE VOTERS.

>> WE KNOW THE REPUBLICANS ARE COMING WITH THIS ABSENTEE BALLOT BILL.

THEY USE THE TERM "BALLOT HARVESTING."

THEY WANT TO CRACKDOWN ON WHAT THEY CALL BALLOT HARVESTING.

BASICALLY FOLKS NO NOT RELATED TO OLDER FOLKS WITH ABSENTEE BALLOTS.

WHEN YOU HEAR THE ARGUMENT WHAT'S YOUR RESPONSE TO THAT?

>> FIRST OF ALL, IS IT REALLY HAPPENING?

IF IT IS HOW MANY CASES FOR US TO CHANGE LEGISLATION OR CREATE LEGISLATION TO SOMETHING THAT'S NOT A MAJOR PROBLEM.

I HAVE TO LOOK INTO IT.

I DON'T KNOW HOW MANY CASES ARE THERE BUT I'M PRETTY SURE IT'S NOT A LOT.

WHEN YOU HAVE PEOPLE -- WHEN YOU HAVE OLDER, ELDERLY PEOPLE WHO NEED HELP TO DO THIS OR I CAN'T SEE THIS OR IT IS SIX OR SEVEN STEPS AND YOU HAVE PEOPLE THAT HAVE THE HEART TO HELP THEM.

IT'S NOT AN AGENDA.

IT'S NOT AN AGENDA TO SAY I WANT TO GET YOU TO COME AND VOTE FOR THIS PARTICULAR CANDIDATE.

IF THAT IS HAPPENING, YES, SOMETHING SHOULD BE DONE.

>> IF THERE WAS A GROUP OUT THERE TRULY ABUSING THE PROCESS AND GOING AND DOING THAT, SHOULDN'T WE HAVE SOME KIND OF LAW TO MAKE SURE THAT IS NOT HAPPENING.

>> SOME KIND OF LAW BUT SHOULDN'T BE A FELON.

LIKE IN SB-1, EVEN WITH REPRESENTATIVE BROUGHT UP LAST SESSION, YOU ARE GOING TO MAKE THESE PEOPLE CRIMINALS.

FOR INSTANCE, LET'S JUST SAY I HELP YOU WITH YOUR ABSENTEE OR YOU ASK ME TO TAKE THE ABSENTEE BALLOT AND YOU GIVE ME $10 FOR GAS.

I'M A FELON FOR THAT?

>> RIGHT.

>> AND I THINK THAT'S -- YOU NEED SECURITY THAT IS ALREADY IN PLACE BUT MAKING PEOPLE CRIMINALS FOR HELPING WITH AN ABSENTEE BALLOT, YOU CAN HAVE PEOPLE WITH AN AGENDA SAY, I KNOW THIS PERSON IS HELPING THIS PERSON WITH NO AGENDA BUT BE ACCUSED OF BEING A CRIMINAL BECAUSE YOU HAVE OPPOSITION SAYING IT COULD BE A MISTAKE AND YET THEY CAN BE PROSECUTED FOR NOT HAVING THE WRONG INTENT.

YOU HAVE INTENTIONALLY DOING THIS, YES, YOU SHOULD HAVE SOMETHING BUT DON'T MAKE IT CRIMINAL.

A FINE, SOME TYPE OF FINE OR SOMETHING LIKE THAT BUT NOT MAKING PEOPLE CRIMINALS.

>> WITH IT STARTING IN THE >> WITH IT STARTING IN THE SENATE -- LAST YEAR IT PASSED THE HOUSE AFTER A LOT OF DEBATE.

IT WAS PROBABLY THE HOTTEST AND LONGEST DEBATE BUT IT WAS SO LATE IN THE SESSION THEY WEREN'T GOING TO SHUT DOWN THE SENATE OVER IT BUT THEY ARE STARTING THIS YEAR.

I'M ASSUMING UNLESS SOMETHING GOES WRONG THEY MIGHT HAVE THE SUPPORT TO PASS IT.

DO YOU THINK SHOULD THE GOVERNOR SIGN IT?

THERE COULD BE UNINTENDED CONSEQUENCES THAT WE LEARN ABOUT DOWN THE ROAD.

>> THE GOVERNOR SHOULD NOT SIGN IT BECAUSE I THINK THERE WILL BE A LOT OF CONSEQUENCES DOWN THE ROAD.

IF IT PASSES AND THE GOVERNOR SIGNS IT, WE WILL HAVE ISSUES.

I THINK WE NEED TO LOOK AT THAT LAW AGAIN IF IT PASSES.

THAT'S WHY I THINK IT NEEDS NOT TO PASS.

I TELL PEOPLE THIS, WE TRUST IN OUR CELL PHONES.

WE MOVE HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS, PROBABLY EVERY WEEK ON OUR CELL PHONES.

WE TRUST THAT.

MY MINDSET HOW CAN WE MAKE VOTING MORE EFFICIENT?

WE TRUST TO MOVE ALL OF THIS MONEY ON OUR CELL PHONES BUT CAN'T TRUST A SIMPLE VOTE WITH ALL OF THE SECURITY THAT THESE CELL PHONES DO HAVE.

THAT'S HOW I THINK ABOUT HOW WE NEED TO MAKE IT MORE EFFICIENT FOR VOTERS TO HAVE ACCESS.

WE ARE THE VOICE.

WE ARE MAKING DECISIONS THAT THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE, MILLIONS OF PEOPLE ARE AFFECTED BY OUR DECISIONS.

I THINK THAT WE SHOULD MAKE IT MORE EFFICIENT FOR PEOPLE TO VOTE.

>> WHILE I'VE GOT YOU, I WANTED TO ASK FOR AN UPDATE ON THE INLAND PORT, THE MONTGOMERY INLAND PORT.

MAYBE I'M GETTING THE TERMINOLOGY WRONG BUT IT WAS YOUR LEGISLATION THAT LED TO THE PORT CONSTRUCTION.

TALK ABOUT WHERE WE ARE IN THE PROCESS AND WHY IT IS HAPPENING TO BEGIN WITH.

>> THE PROCESS OF DOING CONSTRUCTION ON THE PORT.

I'M EXCITED ABOUT IT BECAUSE MONTGOMERY ANNOUNCED CERTAIN COMPANIES AS COMING TO MONTGOMERY BECAUSE OF ONE OF THE -- ONE OF THE FOUNDATIONS OF THAT IS TO HAVE THE INLAND PORT.

>> REALLY?

>> FOR EXAMPLE, WE GOT CAR GO DOWN IN MOBILE IN OUR PORT, AT THE ALABAMA PORT AUTHORITY.

TO GET IT FASTER OFF THE SHIPS, TO MOVE THAT PRODUCT TO THE PORT TO GET IT TO AN INLAND PORT AND IF YOU HAVE A COMPANY LIKE AMAZON OR BEVERAGE COMPANY COMING, THEY CAN MOVE THE PRODUCT FASTER THROUGH TRAIN, RAIL YARD AND THE VISION OF MONTGOMERY TO EXPAND OUR AIRPORT, WE CAN START CARRYING CARGO PLANES TO MOVE THE PRODUCTS A LOT FASTER, WHICH IS A HUGE ECONOMIC IMPACT IN THE STATE OF ALABAMA.

NOT JUST MONTGOMERY BUT THE WHOLE STATE OF ALABAMA WHICH WILL ALSO IMPACT THE REGION.

WITH THE INLAND PORT COMING TO MONTGOMERY, LIKE I SAY, I'M EXCITED ABOUT IT, IT IS GOING TO BE A HUGE IMPACT FOR THE STATE.

>> IT WAS INTERESTING TO SEE THE PRESS CONFERENCE TALKING ABOUT THE PORT.

AS THE PORT OF MOBILE GROWS SO WILL THIS -- IT IS INTERESTING TO SEE THAT GROWTH HAPPEN AND IT DOESN'T IMPACT JUST MOBILE BUT THE WHOLE STATE AND OBVIOUSLY MONTGOMERY IS TAKING ADVANTAGE.

>> YES.

>> WE'RE OUT OF TIME BUT THANK YOU FOR COMING ON.

LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU AROUND THE STATEHOUSE AS THE SESSION GOES FORWARD AND THANKS AGAIN.

>> THANK YOU.

>> WE'LL BE RIGHT BACK.

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

>> WELCOME BACK TO "CAPITOL JOURNAL."

MORE THAN 200,000 ALABAMIANS ARE CURRENTLY UNINSURED AND AS THE LEGISLATIVE SESSION APPROACHES, QUESTIONS ARE UNDER WAY TO CLOSE THE COVERAGE GAP.

JOINING ME IS JANE ADAMS FROM THE AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY AND SOMEONE WHO LIVED THAT COVERAGE GAP EXPERIENCE JESSEE ODLAND.

THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR COMING ON THE SHOW.

>> THANKA FOR HAVING US.

>> THANK YOU.

>> JANE, WE'LL START WITH YOU.

TALKING ABOUT THE COVERAGE GAP, PEOPLE WHO ARE UNINSURED AND LACK ACCESS TO HEALTHCARE FOR ONE REASON OR NOT.

NOT COMING UP AS A WORKFORCE ISSUE.

YOU HAVE BEEN ADVOCATING FOR MEDICAID EXPANSION AND CLOSING THE COVERAGE GAP BUT YOU ENLIGHTENED US ABOUT A PERSONAL STORY THAT YOUR FRIEND HERE HAS LIVED THAT EXPERIENCE.

TELL ME ABOUT THAT AND HOW IT CONNECTED.

>> YEAH.

THIS IS MY FRIEND JESSEE.

I MET JESSEE A COUPLE OF YEARS AGO AT THE PHARMACY IN HUNTSVILLE.

WE WERE GOING TO DO WHAT MOST ALABAMIANS DO WHEN THEY GET SICK, GET A PRESCRIPTION FILLED.

JESSEE AND I STRUCK UP A CONVERSATION IN THE LINE AND ENDED UP BECOMING FRIENDS AND TALKING ABOUT HEALTH INSURANCE.

THAT'S WHEN I REALIZED THAT, YOU KNOW, JESSEE WAS IN THE HEALTH COVERAGE GAP.

THAT HE WAS WORKING BUT MADE TOO MUCH MONEY FOR MEDICAID BUT NOT ENOUGH TO GET PRIVATE HEALTH INSURANCE AND WAS STRUGGLING WITH HIS HEALTHCARE ACCESS.

SO WE BECAME FRIENDS.

>> UH-HUH.

>> JESSEE, TALK ABOUT THAT.

TALK ABOUT THE EXPERIENCE OF NOT HAVING ACCESS TO HEALTHCARE AND WHAT THAT MEANS, ESPECIALLY WHEN YOU GET SICK AND NEED PRESCRIPTIONS AND THINGS LIKE THAT, NEED A DOCTOR.

>> SO, MOST OF MY LIFE I BASICALLY IGNORED IT BECAUSE I DIDN'T HAVE INSURANCE.

SO, I JUST TRIED TO LIVE MY LIFE AS SAFE AS POSSIBLE AND NOT THINK ABOUT GETTING SICK OR WHAT IT WOULD BE LIKE TO -- I HAD NO IDEA ABOUT COVERAGE GAPS AND MEDICARE EXPANSION.

I WAS JUST TRYING TO SUPPORT A FAMILY AND LIVE.

AND THEN AS I GOT OLDER, MY HEALTH DID START TO AFFECT ME.

TO FINALLY BE IN THAT SITUATION WHERE I COULDN'T GO TO WORK LIKE I KNEW TO SUPPORT MY FAMILY BECAUSE I WAS SICK WAS JUST A BRAND NEW THING TO ME.

>> AM I CORRECT THAT YOU WERE IN THE MILITARY, RIGHT?

>> YES.

>> SO MAYBE HAD SOME ISSUES AS A PART OF YOUR MILITARY SERVICE?

>> YES.

NOT TOO MUCH.

I JUST LIVED MY LIFE AND DEAL WITH IT.

JUST DEAL WITH IT AND SUCK IT UP AND DRIVE ON LIKE THEY TELL YOU IN THE MILITARY.

BUT ONE DAY I WAS WORKING, WORKING LIKE I DO EVERY DAY, AND FOR ABOUT A WEEK UP TO THIS POINT I HAD BEEN FEELING DOWN.

IT WAS DURING COVID.

NEVER CAME UP POSITIVE FOR COVID.

BUT I WAS STILL DEALING WITH SOMETHING.

I WAS WEAK, LETHARGIC, GAINING WEIGHT EXCESSIVELY, RETAINING WATER EXCESSIVELY AND THEN ONE DAY TRYING TO GO ON A BREAK FROM WORK I LITERALLY COULD NOT WALK OUT OF THE BUILDING.

I HAD TO HAVE A CO-WORKER HELP ME WALK OUT OF THE BUILDING.

MY LEGS JUST FAILED ME.

MY WHOLE BODY STARTED BREAKING DOWN.

I DID GO TO THE ER ABOUT IT.

THEY LOOKED OVER MY BLOOD WORK AND DID PANELS AND NOTHING OBVIOUS POPPED UP.

BUT THEY STARTED TALKING ABOUT DOING MORE TESTS AND GIVING MEED MEDICINE.

NOW THEY ARE TALKING ABOUT MONEY.

>> ALL OF THAT COSTS MONEY.

>> I DON'T HAVE.

>> RIGHT.

>> AND SO I TRIED TO GO BACK TO MY ORIGINAL THINKING.

WELL, IF I JUST REST AND GO THROUGH THE MOTIONS IT WILL GO AWAY.

IT WILL JUST GO AWAY.

LET ME JUST RESET MY BODY AND IT WILL GO AWAY AND IT DIDN'T.

AND I LOST MY JOB.

IT WAS ONE OF THE BEST JOBS I HAD EVER HAD, IN THE KITCHEN.

AND IT JUST CAME TO THIS REALIZATION THAT HAD BEEN LIVING MY LIFE IN THESE JOBS THAT DON'T OFFER ANY KIND OF HEALTHCARE THAT'S AFFORDABLE AT ALL OR IF YOU ARE NOT A MANAGER, IF YOU ARE NOT IN THE UPPER ECHELONS OF THE COMPANY YOU ARE NOT EVEN OFFERED THOSE THINGS OR SICK TIME OR ANYTHING LIKE THAT.

THESE THINGS STARTED TO BECOME A REALITY IN THIS PERIOD.

I WAS SO SICK I COULDN'T GET OUT OF BED.

I COULDN'T SUPPORT MY FAMILY.

I COULDN'T BUY GROCERIES.

IT WAS A DARK TIME.

YOU KNOW, SO, BEING IN THAT SPOT IS NOTHING I WOULD EVER WANT ANYBODY ELSE TO GO THROUGH.

I KNEW THAT HAD TO BE SOMETHING THAT COULD REMEDY THIS.

LIKE WHAT COULD I DO?

IT WAS JUST REALLY TOUGH.

>> WELL, IT SOUNDS LIKE IT.

I APPRECIATE YOU SHARING YOUR PERSONAL STORY.

I KNOW THAT'S NOT EASY SOMETIMES.

JANE, IT STRIKES ME THAT THIS IS ONE STORY BUT THERE ARE THOUSANDS, MAYBE MANY THOUSANDS.

PROBABLY SIMILAR STORIES.

COMING DOWN TO JUST LACK OF ACCESS TO HEALTHCARE, SOMETHING THAT A LOT OF US MAY TAKE FOR GRANTED.

>> RIGHT.

JESSEE WORKS IN THE RESTAURANT INDUSTRY AND WE SUSPECT THERE ARE ABOUT 20,000 OR MORE RESTAURANT WORKERS IN ALABAMA THAT ARE IN THE COVERAGE GAP.

THESE FOLKS THAT ARE LINE COOKS, CLEANING DISHES, SERVING US, WAITING OUR TABLES STRUGGLE WITH THEIR HEALTH INSURANCE.

THEY WORRY IF THEY WILL BE ABLE TO GET PRESCRIPTIONS FOR MEDICATION OR WHETHER OR NOT THEY WILL BE ABLE TO PAY THEIR BILLS.

THAT'S TRUE IN THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY.

THAT'S TRUE IN THE CHILD CARE INDUSTRY AND HOSPITALITY.

THERE ARE WORKERS ACROSS THE STATE THAT WE ENCOUNTER.

YOU HAVE DAY FOLKS LIKE JESSEE MAKING YOUR FOOD AND ARE WORRIED WHETHER OR NOT THEY WILL BE ABLE TO STAY WELL ENOUGH TO BE ABLE TO KEEP WORKING.

IN JESSEE'S CIRCUMSTANCE IS SO UNIQUE, HE HAD WORKED FOUR MONTHS -- STARTED WORKING AND GOT SICK IN APRIL WHEN HE COULDN'T CONTINUE TO WORK ANYMORE.

SO WHEN HE LOOKED INTO OPTIONS ON TRYING TO GET MEDICAID, HE REALIZED HE HAD MUCH FOR MEDICAID, WHICH WE KNOW THE ELIGIBILITY RATE IS $4,000 A YEAR HERE IN ALABAMA.

>> EVEN WORKING JUST FOUR MONTHS MADE HIM INELIGIBLE BECAUSE HE MADE TOO MUCH FOR MEDICAID.

>> THAT'S RIGHT.

SO WHEN HE LOOKED INTO MEDICAID WITH HIS WIFE HE SAW HE WASN'T ELIGIBLE FOR IT.

>> IT BLEW MY MIND.

I COULDN'T BELIEVE IT.

THAT COULDN'T BE RIGHT.

THAT'S POVERTY -- I MEAN THERE'S NO WAY ANYBODY COULD LIVE ON $4,000 A YEAR AND I'M SURE PEOPLE DO IT BUT THAT'S JUST RIDICULOUS.

SAD TO ME.

>> JESSEE, TALK ABOUT THE DIFFERENCE BECOMING INSURED HAS MADE HERE IN THE LAST YEAR OR TWO YEARS.

>> ONE YEAR ACTUALLY.

>> TALK ABOUT THE DIFFERENCE IT HAS MADE EMOTIONALLY AND PHYSICALLY FOR YOUR HEALTH.

>> IT IS A COMPLETE GAME CHANGER.

I DON'T HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT GETTING SICK.

I DON'T HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT -- OR MAKE THE DECISION TO BUY GROCERIES OR BUY MEDICINE.

I DON'T HAVE TO THINK ABOUT IT.

IT USED TO STRESS ME OUT.

JUST THE LITTLE ITCH IN THE BACK OF MY THROAT, OH, NO, AM I GOING TO GET SICK OR HOW MANY DAYS OF WORK WILL I MISS.

AND WORKING IN THE FOOD INDUSTRY YOU CAN'T GO TO WORK.

>> GROSS.

>> DON'T WANT TO GET ANYONE SICK.

SO I WAS VERY STRICT WITH MYSELF.

IF I GOT A COLD I MISSED WORK.

I MISS THOSE DAYS AND DON'T GET PAID.

WHERE IF I COULD HAVE DONE PREVENTATIVE MEASURES, HAD INSURANCE TO GO TO A DOCTOR AND STAY UP ON MY CHECKS AND, YOU KNOW, COULD HAVE COMPLETELY CHANGED EVERYTHING.

>> SO THERE'S MORE PEACE OF MIND NOW?

>> MOST DEFINITELY.

MOST DEFINITELY.

>> AND FINANCIAL FREEDOM, TOO.

>> AND ESPECIALLY AS A FAMILY MAN, A FATHER.

>> THE PRESCRIPTIONS THAT I TAKE, WITHOUT INSURANCE, OVER $400 EASY.

JUST FOR ONE OF THE PRESCRIPTIONS.

AND THAT'S -- I MEAN TO FINALLY GET BACK ON MY FEET, GO BACK TO WORK AND MAKE ENOUGH TO BE -- TO ACTUALLY GET INSURANCE THROUGH THE MARKETPLACE.

>> SO, THIS IS A REALLY IMPORTANT POLICY ISSUE.

ALL TOO OFTEN WE TALK ABOUT THE POLICY WITHOUT THE PERSONAL SIDE.

SO, I REALLY APPRECIATE THIS STORY.

JANE, LET'S GET DOWN TO THE NUTS AND BOLTS.

YOU ARE RIGHT.

OUR MEDICAID ELIGIBILITY IS VERY, VERY LOW.

THERE'S BEEN TALKS FOR YEARS ABOUT EXPANDING MEDICAID.

ALABAMA IS ONE OF TEN STATES THAT'S CHOSEN NOT TO EXPAND UNDER THE AFFORDABLE CARE ACT.

THERE SEEMS TO BE SOME CONVERSATION ABOUT THAT NOW.

>> RIGHT.

>> MAYBE NOT IN MEDICAID EXPANSION NECESSARILY BUT MAYBE A PUBLIC-PRIVATE PARTNERSHIP THING TO CLOSE THE GAP.

IN FACT, IT IS BEING TALKED ABOUT MORE OFTEN IN THESE DAYS ABOUT A WORKFORCE ISSUE.

BECAUSE WE HAVE THIS WORKFORCE PARTICIPATION RATE THAT'S SO LOW AND MAYBE IF WE HAD MORE PEOPLE INSURED AND ON THEIR FEET ABLE TO WORK THAT WOULD -- SO, TALK TO ME ABOUT THE LATEST IN THE CONVERSATION ABOUT CLOSING THAT COVERAGE GAP POLICY WISE.

>> SO THERE'S A LOT OF WAYS TO CLOSE THE COVERAGE GAP.

I THINK FOLKS FOCUSED ON MEDICAID EXPANSION THE LAST DECADE AGO BECAUSE THAT'S THE EASIEST ONE TO DO BUT THERE'S A LOT OF WAYS THAT STATES HAVE BEEN INNOVATIVE IN COMING UP WITH THEIR OWN SOLUTIONS.

I'M INTERESTED IN THE CONVERSATIONS THAT ARE HAPPENING AROUND POSSIBLY A PUBLIC-PRIVATE PARTNERSHIP.

BUT WE NEED A SOLUTION.

WE KNOW THE PROBLEM.

WE HAVE BEEN WITH IT FOR TEN YEARS AND THE RAMIFICATION IS THERE ARE HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS OF INDIVIDUALS, LIKE JESSEE, WHO ARE WORKING BUT GET SICK AND THEN LOSE THEIR JOB BECAUSE THEY DON'T HAVE HEALTH INSURANCE, BECAUSE THEY CAN'T GET WELL ENOUGH TO GO BACK TO WORK.

AND THEN THERE ARE FOLKS THAT HEALTH CAREGIVER WOULD SAVE THEIR LIVES, IT WOULD MEAN FINANCIAL FREEDOM FOR THEIR FAMILY, MEANING THEY DON'T HAVE TO CHOOSE BETWEEN PRESCRIPTIONS AND PUTTING FOOD ON THE TABLE AND THAT'S A CONVERSATION THAT MUST HAPPEN AND LAWMAKERS NEED TO ENGAGE ON AND WE ARE HOPING THAT IT WILL PRODUCE RESULTS AND WE CAN SEE MOVING -- TAKING IT FROM A CONVERSATION TO REAL ACTION.

>> THERE'S ALSO WHAT'S BEING CALLED THE BENEFITS CLEFT.

YOU ALLUDED TO IT WITH THE WHOLE $4,000, WHATEVER IT WAS WHERE IF SOMEBODY IS ON MEDICAID AND IT MAY BE GETTING A JOB THAT DOESN'T HAVE HEALTH INSURANCE WOULD MEAN LOSING THEIR MEDICAID.

SO THAT IS A BARRIER TO THE WORKFORCE.

TALK ABOUT THAT A LITTLE BIT.

>> WE SEE INDIVIDUALS ALL THE TIME THAT MAY HAVE BEEN ON MEDICAID BECAUSE THEY WERE PREGNANT AND NOW THEY ARE IN POST-PARTUM MEDICAID OR ON MEDICAID BECAUSE THEY LOST A JOB OR JUST HAD AN INCOME THRESHOLD OR THEY ARE A YOUNG ADULT WHO'S AGING OUT OF MEDICAID THAT FACED THESE SIGNIFICANT CLIFFS.

IF THEY WERE TO MAKE $4,000 A YEAR, WHICH IS NOT HARD TO DO, YOU KNOW, JESSEE WORKS AS A LINE COOK AND MADE IT IN LESS THAN FOUR MONTHS.

YOU KNOW, A LOT OF US MAKE IT IN LESS THAN TWO PAYCHECKS.

SO, IT'S NOT HARD TO DO TO REACH THAT THRESHOLD AND THEN YOU LOSE YOUR BENEFITS.

SO YOU HAVE INDIVIDUALS WHO ARE MAKING A CHOICE OF DO I GET INSULIN THAT I NEED TO LIVE FOR DIABETES.

IMAGINE A TYPE 1 DIABETIC, DO I GET THE MEDICATION OR WORK.

WORK AT ALL BECAUSE IF YOU WORK ANY YOU MEET THE THRESHOLD.

>> IT'S AN EASY CHOICE.

>> FOLKS MAYBE STAYING HOME BECAUSE THEY MIGHT BE DIABETIC OR HAVE BLOOD PRESSURE ISSUES AND NEED MEDICATION TO SURVIVE.

>> EVERY TIME THIS CONVERSATION COMES UP, THE REFRAME THAT I HEAR FROM PEOPLE, LIKE GOVERNOR IVEY, AND MOST REPUBLICAN LAWMAKERS OVER THE YEARS HAS BEEN, LOOK, SOUNDS GREAT.

WE'D LOVE TO HAVE MORE PEOPLE INSURED BUT WE CAN'T AFFORD IT.

THEY ARE TALKING ABOUT LOOKING AT THIS GENERAL FUND BUDGET WHICH HAS ALWAYS BEEN TROUBLED, SAYING WE DON'T HAVE THE RESOURCES TO PAY FOR THAT.

ARE THEY RIGHT?

HOW WOULD WE PAY FOR SOMETHING LIKE A MEDICAID EXPANSION OR A PUBLIC-PRIVATE PARTNERSHIP.

>> WE HAVE PLENTY OF RESOURCES TO PAY FOR IT.

RIGHT NOW WE ARE LOSING MONEY.

EVERY TIME WE PAY UNCLE SAM WE -- THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT COVERS 90% OF THE COST OF CLOSING THE COVERAGE GAP AND THE STATE WOULD COVER 10% AND YOU HAVE A HUGE FINANCIAL INCENTIVE TO THE TUNE OF WHAT LAWMAKERS WERE DISCUSSING WITH ARPA.

WE ARE TALKING A BILLION DOLLARS TO THE GENERAL FUND OVER A PERIOD OF TWO YEARS THAT COMES IN FROM THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT IF WE CLOSE THE COVERAGE GAP.

WITH THAT SAVINGS, THE SAVINGS IT PRODUCES IN THE GENERAL FUND, WITH THE ADDITIONAL FEDERAL INCENTIVE, IT MORE THAN PAYS FOR ITSELF FOR FIVE TO TEN YEARS.

WE HAVE ALWAYS ARGUED, YOU KNOW, IF YOU LOOK AT THE NUMBERS, NO STATE, THERE'S 41 STATES THAT HAVE DONE THIS, NOT A SINGLE ONE FACED A FINANCIAL, BUDGET CRISIS.

NOT A SINGLE ONE HAD TO RAISE TAXES BECAUSE OF MEDICAID EXPANSION OR CLOSING THE COVERAGE GAP.

PROVIDING HEALTH INSURANCE TO LOW-INCOME WORKERS IS JUST A GOOD POLICY.

THIS IS A GOOD POLICY SOLUTION, WHICH IS WHY YOU HAVE SEEN A DOZEN OR SO REPUBLICAN GOVERNORS IMPLEMENT IT IN THEIR OWN STATES BECAUSE IT IS ULTIMATELY AT THE END OF THE DAY JUST GOOD POLICY, WHETHER POLITICS IS INVOLVED IN THE CONVERSATION OR NOT.

>> YEAH.

YOU TALK ABOUT POLITICS.

IT WOULD BE GREAT IF WE COULD SEPARATE POLITICS.

WE REALLY CAN'T.

>> I WANT TO LIVE IN THAT WORLD.

>> SESSION BEGINS.

THIS MAY NOT BE A LEGISLATIVE ISSUE BUT MAYBE MIGHT BE ON THE EXECUTIVE SIDE.

YOU CAN'T SEPARATE POLITICS BECAUSE IT IS THE AFFORDABLE CARE ACT PASSED UNDER THE BARACK OBAMA ERA WITH HIS NAME ON IT OBAMACARE.

SO THAT ALONE HAS MADE REPUBLICANS RETICENT TO ACT ON IT AND JUST THE TERM EXPANDING MEDICAID, FOR A LOT OF TRADITIONAL CONSERVATIVES, EXPANSION OF GOVERNMENT THEY ARE NOT FOR THAT.

HOW DO YOU GET OVER THE POLITICAL PROBLEM FOR, YOU KNOW, CURRENT -- TRADITIONAL REPUBLICANS AND NEWER REPUBLICANS?

>> JESSEE?

>> AS A LABORER, SOMEONE ON THE GROUND LEVEL WHO DOESN'T LIVE MY LIFE THROUGH THE POLITICAL ASPECT OF IT, IT WOULD RAISE MORALE.

THE PEOPLE I TALK TO THAT I WORK WITH, MY FRIENDS, WHETHER YOU ARE IN CONSTRUCTION, WHETHER THEY WORK IN KITCHENS, IN A WAREHOUSE, TO KNOW THAT YOU DON'T HAVE TO MAKE THE CHOICE TO WHETHER YOU ARE FEEDING YOUR FAMILY OR PAYING FOR A PRESCRIPTION, YOU CAN DEFINITELY GO TO WORK LIGHTER ON YOUR FEET AND DEFINITELY FEEL A LOT BETTER ABOUT THINGS.

AS I SAID IT BRINGS MORALE UP.

I KNOW IT DOES.

I'VE SEEN IT.

I'VE SEEN IT.

PEOPLE GET SCARED WHEN THEY GET SICK.

BECAUSE WHEN THEY GET SICK THAT MEANS THEY WILL LOSE MONEY FROM NOT WORKING AND NOW EVEN MORE MONEY IS COMING AT THEM FOR PRESCRIPTIONS AND TESTS, LAB WORK, YOU KNOW, SO BEING ON THE GROUND LEVEL AND SEEING HOW IT AFFECTS PEOPLE IN THEIR EVERYDAY LIVES AND FOR ME THAT'S WHY I TAKE PRIDE IN SPEAKING THE WORD OUT, GETTING THIS INFORMATION OUT THERE BECAUSE IF MY EXPERIENCE CAN SAVE ANYBODY THE HEARTACHE OF EVER GOING THROUGH IT, IT'S A WIN FOR ME, TO BE HONEST.

>> WOW.

POWERFUL STUFF.

THIS IS AN ISSUE WE WILL BE FOLLOWING GOING FORWARD.

REALLY IMPORTANT.

I'M SO GLAD WE GOT TO HAVE YOUR PERSONAL STORY ON IT.

WE GET CAUGHT UP IN THE WEEDS OF POLICY SO OFTEN AND DON'T OFTEN ENOUGH HEAR THE PERSONAL SIDE.

SO, THANK YOU, JESSEE.

THANK YOU, JANE.

AND WE WILL FOLLOW THIS ISSUE AS IT GOES FORWARD.

>> THANK YOU, TODD.

>> THANK YOU.

>> 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 TO "CAPITOL JOURNAL" AND LINK TO PAST EPISODES ON "CAPITOL JOURNAL" PAGE.

>> THAT'S OUR SHOW THIS WEEK.

THANKS FOR WATCHING.

WITH THE SESSION COMING, "CAPITOL JOURNAL" WILL SOON SWITCH TO NIGHTLY PROGRAMMING TO COVER THE LEGISLATURE.

STARTING MONDAY, WE'LL BROADCAST AT 10:30 EACH MONDAY THROUGH THURSDAY HIGHLIGHTING WHAT HAPPENED IN THE LEGISLATURE THAT DAY, AND THEN OUR WEEK IN REVIEW EPISODES WILL CONTINUE TO BE FRIDAYS AT 7:30 AND SUNDAYS AT NOON.

I HOPE YOU'LL JOIN US FOR NIGHTLY COVERAGE.

AND DON'T FORGET, WE WILL HAVE LIVE COVERAGE OF GOVERNOR IVEY'S STATE OF THE STATE ADDRESS ON TUESDAY NIGHT.

OUR COVERAGE BEGINS AT 5:30 AND THE SPEECH BEGINS AT 6:00, FOLLOWED BY THE OFFICIAL DEMOCRATIC RESPONSE.

IT'S ALWAYS AN EXCITING TIME SO I HOPE YOU'LL JOIN US.

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