>> THIS WEEK ON "CAPITOL JOURNAL," A BUSY FEW DAYS IN THE STATE HOUSE AS THE ALABAMA LEGISLATURE ENTERS THE HOMESTRETCH.

WE'LL REPORT ON THE BILLS THAT PASSED AND THOSE STILL IN LIMBO AS THE LAST DAY APPROACHES.

HOUSE SPEAKER NATHANIEL LEDBETTER JOINS US TO OFFER HIS THOUGHTS ON THIS SESSION, HIS FIRST HOLDING THE GAVEL AS SPEAKER.

STATE SENATOR ROGER SMITHERMAN TALKS ABOUT PRODUCTIVITY IN THE SENATE, INCLUDING WORKING ACROSS THE AISLE TO REACH COMPROMISES ON CONTROVERSIAL BILLS.

AND SENATOR ARTHUR ORR TALKS ABOUT HIS UNIQUE ROLE THIS SESSION OF PAIRING BACK TAX CUTS AND TAX CREDITS TO PREVENT REVENUE PROBLEMS.

IT'S ALL NEXT ON "CAPITOL JOURNAL."

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

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

THE LEGISLATIVE SESSION IS IN THE HOMESTRETCH AND APPROACHING THE FINISH LINE.

THE HOUSE AND SENATE MET FOR THE 28TH AND 29TH DAYS THIS WEEK.

THAT LEAVES ONE DAY LEFT, AND THEY'RE SCHEDULED TO RECONVENE TUESDAY FOR THE 30TH AND FINAL DAY.

ONE THING THAT WILL MAKE THAT DAY MUCH EASIER IS THAT LAWMAKERS WON'T HAVE TO DEAL WITH THE STATE BUDGETS.

GOVERNOR KAY IVEY ON THURSDAY AFTERNOON SIGNED INTO LAW THE GENERAL FUND BUDGET, THE EDUCATION TRUST FUND BUDGET AND THE SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATIONS PLANS FOR BOTH.

SHE HAD THE AUTHORITY TO AMEND THE SPENDING PLANS AND SEND THEM BACK TO THE LEGISLATURE FOR CONSIDERATION, BUT IN THE END, IVEY GAVE HER STAMP OF APPROVAL AND NOTED HOW MANY OF HER PRIORITIES FROM THE BEGINNING OF SESSION WERE REFLECTED IN THE FINAL BUDGETS.

LET'S REVIEW THE BASICS OF SPENDING BILLS ONE MORE TIME.

THE GENERAL FUND TOTALS $3 BILLION, WHICH AMOUNTS TO RECORD SPENDING FOR NON-EDUCATION STATE AGENCIES.

THERE WAS ALSO A $180 MILLION SUPPLEMENTAL SPENDING PLAN THAT SAW $50 MILLION GO TO A GENERAL FUND SAVINGS ACCOUNT AND $40 MILLION TO PAYING OFF DEBT.

THERE WERE NOTABLE ADDITIONS: $18 MILLION FOR THE TAYLOR HARDIN MENTAL HEALTH CENTER PROJECT IN TUSCALOOSA.

ALSO ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS ORIGINALLY REQUESTED BY THE GOVERNOR: $20 MILLION FOR THE PORT OF MOBILE, $5 MILLION FOR THE DOWNTOWN MOBILE AIRPORT PROJECT AND $5 MILLION FOR THE MONTGOMERY WHITE WATER PROJECT NEAR MAXWELL AIR FORCE BASE.

LET'S LOOK AT THE EDUCATION TRUST FUND, WHICH INCLUDES THE RANGE OF SCHOOL SPENDING FROM PRE-K TO HIGHER EDUCATION.

IT IS ALSO A RECORD AT $8.8 BILLION TOTAL.

THAT INCLUDES $5.1 BILLION TO LOCAL K-12 SCHOOLS, $1.5 BILLION TO COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES, $551 MILLION TO THE ALABAMA COMMUNITY COLLEGE SYSTEM AND $534 MILLION TO THE ALABAMA STATE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION.

WITHIN THAT, GOVERNOR IVEY SPECIFICALLY POINTED TO ALLOCATIONS TO SUPPORT THE LITERACY ACT AND NUMERACY ACT AS CRITICAL INVESTMENTS.

NOW TO THE $2.8 BILLION SUPPLEMENTAL EDUCATION SPENDING BILL.

$393 MILLION WILL GO TOWARD A ONE-TIME TAX REBATE TO TAXPAYERS.

INDIVIDUAL TAXPAYERS WILL GET A $150 REBATE CHECK AND COUPLES FILING JOINTLY WOULD GET $300.

$354 MILLION WILL GO TOWARD A NEW EDUCATION SAVINGS ACCOUNT THAT LAWMAKERS CAN DRAW ON DURING LEAN BUDGET YEARS.

$179 MILLION WILL GO TO A SCHOOL CONSTRUCTION ACCOUNT ADMINISTERED BY THE LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR.

THE GOVERNOR HAS ALSO SIGNED OTHER BILLS INTO LAW.

LET'S RUN THROUGH AN UPDATED LIST OF NOTABLE NEW LAWS.

HOUSE BILL 82 FROM STATE REPRESENTATIVE CHRIS PRINGLE WOULD MAKE IT A CRIME OF MANSLAUGHTER FOR SELLING OR GIVING ILLEGAL DRUGS TO SOMEONE WHO DIES AS A RESULT.

HOUSE BILL 34 FROM STATE REPRESENTATIVE TRACEY ESTES MAKES IT A CRIME TO DISCHARGE A FIREARM ON SCHOOL PROPERTY.

HOUSE BILL 287 FROM STATE REPRESENTATIVE SHANE STRINGER MAKES DOXING A CRIME.

THAT'S KNOWINGLY POSTING SOMEONE'S PERSONAL INFORMATION ONLINE WITH THE INTENT TO CAUSE HARM.

HOUSE BILL 109 FROM STATE REPRESENTATIVE TERRI COLLINS CREATES NEW PROGRAMS MEANT TO HELP STUDENTS CHOOSE CAREER PATHWAYS.

SENATE BILL 154 FROM STATE SENATOR WILL BARFOOT LIMITS THE STATE FROM AUTOMATICALLY SUSPENDING THE DRIVERS LICENSE FOR NON-MOVING VIOLATIONS, LIKE MISSED FINES OR COURT DATES.

SENATE BILL 120 FROM STATE SENATOR LINDA COLEMAN MADISON REDEFINES THE TERM CONTRABAND IN STATE LAW TO HELP PREVENT IT FROM BEING SMUGGLED INTO JUVENILE FACILITIES.

SENATE BILL 39 PROVIDES FOR ADDITIONAL CIRCUIT AND DISTRICT JUDGESHIPS IN AREAS WITH HIGH POPULATION GROWTH.

AND, YES, HOUSE BILL 421, WHICH DESIGNATES THE OFFICIAL STATE COOKIE AS THE YELLOWHAMMER COOKIE FROM THE STUDENTS AT TRINITY PRESBYTERIAN SCHOOL.

THE LEGISLATURE SENT IVEY MORE LEGISLATION THIS WEEK, INCLUDING SOME HIGH-PROFILE BILLS.

"CAPITOL JOURNAL'S" RANDY SCOTT HAS BEEN FOLLOWING SOME BILLS THAT HAVE REQUIRED BI-PARTISAN COMPROMISES TO MAKE IT THROUGH.

HERE'S HIS STORY.

>> IT'S A SHORT WORKWEEK FOR THE ALABAMA HOUSE BUT THE LIST OF BILLS FOR MEMBERS TO CONSIDER IS STILL A LONG ONE.

BILLS INCLUDING SENATE BILL 206 ADDRESSING RETAIL THEFT.

>> THIS BILL WAS PROMPTED BY A LOT OF ORGANIZED RETAIL THEFT.

>> WE'RE SEEING A LOT MORE OF THAT.

IT HAS INCREASED TENFOLD EVERY YEAR IN THE LAST SEVERAL YEARS.

IT'S A HUGE BUSINESS RIGHT NOW.

THAT'S IMPACTING WHAT WE PAY FOR GOODS AND BUSINESSES GOING BROKE, PULLING OUT, PULLING TAX DOLLARS OUT OF COMMUNITIES.

THIS BILL ADDRESSES WHAT WE ARE SEEING.

THE BILL PASSED.

VIOLENT CRIME BILL SAW MANY PROPOSES SUPPORTED BY MEMBERS.

>> WOULD YOU TELL ME WHAT CHANGE THAT'S MADE?

I ASK THAT BECAUSE I HAD CONCERNS ABOUT THE HOUSE VERSION.

I'M HOPING IMPROVEMENTS HAVE BEEN MADE.

IF SO, WOULD YOU TELL ME WHAT THEY ARE?

>> THERE'S ALREADY A STATE LAW THAT IDENTIFIES WHAT A GANG MEMBER IS.

IT IS STILL LEFT IN, REFERS TO THAT PARTICULAR STATE LAW.

I THINK THERE WAS CONCERN THAT GANG WAS TOO NARROW.

BY USING THE WORD "CRIMINAL ENTERPRISE" IT WOULD INCLUDE -- I AGREE, IT INCLUDES ANYONE INVOLVED IN THIS TYPE OF CRIMINAL ACTIVITY.

>> SENATE BILL 143 PASSES.

THE HOUSE APPROVED A PROPOSAL REDUCING THE AMOUNT OF TAX PEOPLE PAY ON GROCERIES AN IDEA SUPPORTED BY BOTH PARTIES.

>> I THINK IT IS SIGNIFICANT.

THE CONCEPT OF TAXING FOOD, WE ARE ONE OF THE FEW STATES THAT DOES THAT.

IT WILL PUT US IN LINE WITH OTHER STATES AND IT WILL IMPACT PEOPLE'S POCKETBOOKS THEM STATE SALES TAX IS FOUR CENTS, SECOND LOWEST IN THE COUNTRY.

THAT WILL CUT IT 50% AND THE LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR SAID HE WOULD MOVE TO COMPLETE REDUCTION OF THE TAX.

IT IS STILL HELPFUL TODAY.

>> IT IS SOMETHING WE WORKED ON MANY YEARS STARTING WITH REPRESENTATIVE KNIGHT AND TO FINALLY SEE THE PEOPLE HAD A VOICE.

I ALWAYS TELL PEOPLE THAT'S WHY WE ARE HERE TO BE YOUR MOUTHPIECE AND THE PEOPLE SPOKE.

POLLS WERE DONE.

PEOPLE SPOKE ACROSS THE STATE, ACROSS PARTY LINES THAT THEY WANT A REPEAL ON THE GROCERY TAX.

OF COURSE WE DIDN'T GET THE FULL 4% UP FRONT BUT THIS IS A START.

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

>> ON THAT SENATE BILL 261 THE ESG BOYCOTT BILL, I CAUGHT UP WITH STATE SENATOR DAN ROBERTS WHO SPONSORED THE LEGISLATION.

HE ACKNOWLEDGED THAT HE ACCEPTED AN AMENDMENT THAT MADE THE BILL MORE PALATABLE TO THE BUSINESS COMMUNITY, BUT ALSO SAID HE EXPECTS THE ESG ISSUE TO BE AROUND FOR SOME TIME.

>> WE HAD TO TAKE SOME AMENDMENTS HOME THAT TOOK OUT SOME OF THE STRENGTH WE HAD IN BUT STILL WOUND UP WITH A GOOD PIECE OF LEGISLATION TO WORK.

I WOULDN'T BE SURPRISED IF YOU SEE US VISITING THIS TOPIC -- YOU AND I DISCUSSED A MINUTE AGO, THERE SEEMS TO BE A MORPHING GOING ON WITH THIS CONCEPT OF ESG.

I THINK WE WILL BE LOOKING AT IN THE NEXT DECADE OR MORE AS THE IMPACT IT'S HAVING ON OUR STATE.

>> EVERY SESSION FOR THE PAST 20 OR SO, THERE HAS BEEN A PUSH TO ELIMINATE THE STATE SALES TAX ON GROCERIES.

IT HAS RARELY GOTTEN VERY FAR OFF THE GROUND UNTIL THIS YEAR.

SENATOR ANDREW JONES BEGAN PUSHING THE PROPOSAL LAST YEAR, AND THIS SESSION THE IDEA PICKED UP STEAM AS LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR WILL AINSWORTH AND A HOST OF REPUBLICAN LAWMAKERS SIGNED ON AS WELL.

ON THURSDAY, LAWMAKERS GAVE FINAL PASSAGE TO A BILL CUTTING THAT TAX IN HALF OVER TIME.

ONE CENT THIS SEPTEMBER AND ANOTHER CENT NEXT YEAR.

IT'S NOT THE FULL ELIMINATION OF THE TAX, BUT MANY SEE IT AS AN IMPORTANT FIRST STEP.

>> WHAT WE DID, WE NEGOTIATED SOME UP HERE.

I APPRECIATE SENATOR ORR AND HIS WORK.

WE UPPED THAT TO 3.5%.

SO THE ETF HAS TO GROW BY 3.5%.

WE STILL HAVE AN INITIAL CENT COMING OFF THIS SEPTEMBER, SEPTEMBER 1, THE SECOND COULD COME OFF NEXT YEAR.

THAT WAS A CHANGE OR THE FOLLOWING YEAR, THERE'S 3 1/2% POSITIVE GROWTH.

WE HAVE UPPED THE REQUIREMENT GROWTH OF THE ETF, PROTECTING OUR EDUCATION BUDGET.

ANOTHER CHANGE I'LL POINT TO ON PAGE 33, THIS WAS REQUESTED BY OUR COUNTIES WHICH BASICALLY SAYS THAT COUNTIES MUNICIPALITIES CAN LOWER THEIR RATE UP TO -- BY UP TO 25%, THEIR LOCAL SALES TAX RATE.

IT IS IMPORTANT TO NOTE THIS LEGISLATION CAPS THE LOCAL RATE IN EFFECT UPON THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF THE BILL.

THEY CAN LOWER IT AT WILL OR IF THEY NEED TO COME BACK THEY CAN ADJUST IT BUT NOT ABOVE THE CAP THAT WOULD BE SET AND THE RATE IN EFFECT TODAY.

>> ANOTHER TAX CUT PROPOSAL THAT PICKED UP STEAM THIS SESSION WAS A PLAN FROM HOUSE MINORITY LEADER ANTHONY DANIELS TO ELIMINATE INCOME TAX ON OVERTIME WAGES EARNED.

THE BILL GAINED BI-PARTISAN SUPPORT AND EVENTUALLY PASSED THIS WEEK, WITH ONE CHANGE THAT LIMITS THE TAX CUT TO A TOTAL OF $25 MILLION MAX.

WHEN THE BILL CAME TO THE FLOOR FOR FINAL PASSAGE, DANIELS RECEIVED A STANDING OVATION FROM HIS COLLEAGUES.

>> MEMBERS, WE HAD A LOT OF PROGRESS THAT HAPPENED IN THE SENATE TODAY.

THANKS TO ALL OF YOU.

THE $2,000 CAP THAT WAS PUT ON THE PER PERSON PUT ON THE LEGISLATION IN SENATE EDUCATION COMMITTEE YESTERDAY HAS BEEN TABLED AND DEFEATED.

RIGHT NOW THE CAP IS $25 MILLION OVERALL WITH NO INDIVIDUAL CAP.

SO, THIS PUT US IN A GOOD POSITION TO BE ABLE TO DO SOME REALLY GOOD THINGS FOR THE STATE OF WORKING PEOPLE AND THE STATE OF ALABAMA AND MAKE SURE OUR ECONOMY CONTINUES TO GROW IN ALL CORNERS OF THE STATE AND REMAIN COMPETITIVE WITH OUR NEIGHBORS.

WITH THAT, SPEAKER, I WILL CONCUR.

[ APPLAUSE ] >> NOT ALL BILLS ARE ACROSS THE FINISH LINE YET AND WILL HAVE ONE MORE CHANCE TO PASS WHEN LAWMAKERS COM BACK ON TUESDAY.

THAT'S THE CASE FOR HOUSE BILL 298 FROM STATE REPRESENTATIVE CHRIS SELLS.

IT WOULD REQUIRE CELL PHONE MANUFACTURES TO ACTIVATE ALREADY EXISTING FILTERS THAT KEEP CHILDREN FROM SEEING PORNOGRAPHY.

A GROUP OF CONSERVATIVE AND PRO-FAMILY ORGANIZATIONS GATHERED FOR A NEWS CONFERENCE URGING THE SENATE TO PASS THE BILL BEFORE TIME RUNS OUT.

>> I'VE SEEN HOW IT CAN SET THEM ON A TRAJECTORY OF HARM AND CREATE RATES OF CHILD-ON-CHILD SEXUAL BEHAVIOR.

TODAY'S MAIN STREAM PORNOGRAPHY IS VIOLENT, INCEST MATERIAL AND WHAT PEOPLE DON'T UNDERSTAND IS IT IS TECHNICALLY ILLEGAL.

IT IS NOT PROTECTED FREE SPEECH BUT BECAUSE THE DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE ISN'T ENFORCING OBSCENITY LAWS WE HAVE TO GO DIFFERENT ROUTES TO PROTECT CHILDREN FROM THIS INDUSTRY.

ALABAMA BECAME THE 16TH STATE TO DECLARE PORNOGRAPHY AS A PUBLIC HEALTH CRISIS.

WE ACKNOWLEDGE THE HARMS TO THE BRAIN, RELATIONSHIPS AND SOCIETY THROUGH THIS EARLY EXPOSURE TO THIS MATERIAL.

HB-298 IS A PRACTICAL NEXT STEP OUR STATE CAN TAKE TO PROTECT CHILDREN FROM THIS ILLEGAL CONTENT.

IT'S SIMPLY ASKING MANUFACTURERS TO ACTIVATE, ENABLE EXISTING FILTERS ON SMARTPHONES AND TABLETS.

IT'S JUST A SOFTWARE UPDATE, NOT A HARDWARE CHANGE OR MANUFACTURING CHANGE.

IT'S A SIMPLE ACT FOR THE MANUFACTURERS.

>> THERE ARE ALSO BILLS DEALING WITH THE ISSUE OF TEENAGE VAPING AWAITING ONE LAST CHANCE ON THE FINAL DAY.

"CAPITOL JOURNAL'S" KAREN GOLDSMITH HAS BEEN FOLLOWING THAT LEGISLATION.

>> THIS BILL WOULD SPECIFY AN INDIVIDUAL UNDER 21 YEARS OF AGE COMMITS A VIOLATION FOR THE POSSESSION OF A NICOTINE DELIVERY SYSTEM -- SENATOR DAVIS FIGURES SAYS HER BILL IS NOT TO PUNISH YOUNG PEOPLE.

>> IT'S NOT TO CRIMINALIZE A CHILD.

IT'S TO MAKE SURE THEY GET THE HELP THEY NEED.

WHEN AN AUTHORITY FINDS THEY ARE IN POSSESSION OF THESE DEVICES THEY WILL CONTACT THEIR PARENTS.

>> TO MAKE US AWARE OF HOW SERIOUS THE PROBLEM OF VAPING IS AMONG THEM.

SHE SAID IT IS REACHING AN EPIDEMIC LEVEL.

>> IT IS ESTIMATED WE WILL LOSE 100,000 KIDS IN THE NEXT TEN YEARS PREMATURELY BECAUSE OF THEM VAPING AND HOW IT DAMAGES THEIR BRAINS, THEIR LUNGS, THEIR BODIES.

>> HER BILL IS WAITING FINAL PASSAGE BY THE ALABAMA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

STATE REPRESENTATIVE DRUMMOND AND GARLAND GUNNERS BILL PUTS IT ON RETAILERS TO KEEP THEIR PRODUCTS OUT OF THE HANDS OF THOSE UNDER 21 YEARS OLD.

>> MAKES IT ILLEGAL FOR PERSONS UNDER 21 TO USE AND TRANSPORT ALL VAPING PRODUCTS AND ALL VAPE PRODUCTS SHOULD BE PLACED IN AREA NOT ACCESSIBLE TO PEOPLE UNDER 21 YEARS OF AGE.

>> SEVERAL SENATORS WANTED TO TEMPORARILY ICE THE BILL.

>> IT'S NOT, IN MY JUDGMENT, IN A POSITION WHERE IT NEEDS TO PASS THE CHAMBER AND BECOME LAW IN ITS PRESENT STATE.

WE NEED TO SOLVE THIS PROBLEM.

I JUST DON'T THINK WE ARE READY NOW.

>> THANK YOU FOR WORKING ON THIS.

THANK YOU, REPRESENTATIVE DRUMMOND.

HER HEART IS IN THE RIGHT PLACE.

I SUPPORT HER 100% IN THIS LEGISLATION.

I THINK THERE'S JUST A LITTLE MORE WORK THAT YOU WOULD LIKE TO DO ON THIS.

WE DO HAVE NEXT TUESDAY.

>> SOUNDS LIKE THERE'S CONCERNS ON THE BILL.

I ASK COULD YOU CARRY THIS OVER?

>> I'D LIKE TO MAKE A MOTION TO MA CARRY ON THE CHAIR.

>> IT WILL BE VOTED ON NEXT TUESDAY WHEN LAWMAKERS RETURN FOR THE FINAL DAY OF THIS LEGISLATIVE SESSION.

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

>> MORE ON THAT BILL THAT WOULD TARGET VAPING STORES - THE BILL DREW CONSIDERABLE OPPOSITION FROM SOME WHO ARGUED IT WOULD HURT SMALL BUSINESSES BUT ALSO, TO THE SURPRISE OF MANY, LEADING ANTI-SMOKING ORGANIZATIONS LIKE THE AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION AND THE CANCER SOCIETY.

THEY CLAIMED THE BILL WAS ACTUALLY A PRODUCT OF BIG TOBACCO COMPANIES TRYING TO CORNER THE MARKET.

THAT SPARKED SOME DEBATE ON THE SENATE FLOOR.

>> I'VE HEARD A LITTLE BIT ABOUT THIS BILL.

YOU KNOW IN THE NINE YEARS I HAVE BEEN HERE, I DON'T REMEMBER THE AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY ACTION NETWORK SENDING OUT AN EMAIL TO ALL OF US THAT SAYS VOTE NO ON HB 319.

IT OBVIOUSLY SAYS CALL TO ACTION.

WE JUST GOT IT AT 2:15, AT LEAST I DID.

UNFAIRLY BURDENS OUR YOUTH RATHER THAN HOLDING TOBACCO RETAILERS ACCOUNTABLE.

IT DOES NOT HOLD THE RETAILERS SUFFICIENTLY ACCOUNTABLE FOR THE UNLAWFUL SALE AND LACKS ADEQUATE PROVISION TO SUPPORT PUBLIC HEALTH OBJECTIVES AND ADVANCE HEALTH EQUITY.

IT HAS A LOT HERE.

I DON'T KNOW HOW WE WILL MOVE THIS BILL TODAY BUT UNTIL I FIND OUT MORE INFORMATION I'M GOING TO HAVE TO VOTE AGAINST IT.

THOUGH THERE IS ONE MORE DAY TO GO, SOME LEADERS ARE REFLECTING ON WHAT HAS BEEN AN INCREDIBLY BUSY SESSION.

SENATE PRESIDENT PRO TEM GREG REED SAID THE BUDGET PROCESS ALONE WAS UNPRECEDENTED.

>> I'VE TOLD YOU ALL, I HAD SOME REALLY BIG PRIORITIES THAT WERE IMPORTANT TO ME AS WE STARTED THE SESSION.

YOU ALL WENT WITH ME AS WE NAVIGATED THE ARPA PROCESS AND THEN INCENTIVES AND THEN WITH THE LAST BILL WE JUST FINISHED THE PROCESS ON INCENTIVES I CARRIED THAT AS WELL AND BUDGETS.

THE EXCITEMENT AND APPLAUSE IN THE CHAMBER WITH THE GOVERNOR OF ALABAMA SIGNING OUR BUDGETS.

I HAVE BEEN IN THIS PROCESS FOR A NUMBER OF YEARS, AS MANY OF YOU AND A LOT OF YOU HAVE BEEN WITH ME THE WHOLE TIME.

THE PROCESS WE HAVE GONE THROUGH IN THIS BUDGET, BOTH GENERAL FUND AND EDUCATION IS UNLIKE ANYTHING I'VE EVER BEEN A PART OF.

I THINK WE HAD AN ENORMOUS RESOURCE AND TREMENDOUS PRESSURE ON WHAT TO DO WITH THE RESOURCES AND HOW TO SPEND THEM THE BEST WAY WE COULD.

THERE'S A TON OF PRESSURE WITH THAT.

I THINK WE HAVE DONE A GOOD JOB AND MADE GOOD DECISIONS BUT THOSE WERE THE THREE TOP PRIORITIES I HAD, ARPA, INCENTIVES AND BUDGET PROCESS.

WE'RE HERE TODAY AND I FEEL GREAT ABOUT OUR ACCOMPLISHMENTS.

>> I DO NEED TO OFFER A CORRECTION ON AN ERROR I MADE ON WEDNESDAY'S SHOW.

I MISTAKENLY REPORTED THAT HOUSE BILL 229 FROM STATE REPRESENTATIVE CHRIS ENGLAND GOT FINAL PASSAGE IN THE SENATE.

IT WAS ON THE AGENDA, BUT SENATORS ADJOURNED BEFORE TAKING IT UP.

I SPOKE WITH MR. ENGLAND AND HE IS HOPEFUL THE BILL WILL BE ON THE AGENDA ON TUESDAY.

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

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

♪ >> JOINING ME NEXT IS HOUSE SPEAKER NATHANIEL LEDBETTER.

MR. SPEAKER, THANK YOU FOR COMING ON "CAPITOL JOURNAL."

>> THANK YOU FOR HAVING ME.

>> IT'S BEEN QUITE A SESSION.

I KNOW IT'S NOT QUITE FINISHED.

GOING TO COME BACK ON TUESDAY FOR THE LAST DAY BUT YOUR FIRST SESSION AS SPEAKER, MAN, WHAT A RIDE.

>> REALLY HAS BEEN.

IT'S KIND OF HARD TO BELIEVE.

IT SEEMED LIKE THE ARPA FUNDS WE PASSED WAS YEARS AGO NOW.

IF YOU LOOK AT EVERYTHING ACCOMPLISHED THIS SESSION AND THINGS THAT HAVE HAPPENED, IF I COULD HAVE SCRIPTED IT, I WOULDN'T HAVE SCRIPTED IT THIS WELL.

I THINK THINGS WERE DONE THAT WILL BE BENEFICIAL TO OUR STATE FOR MANY YEARS TO COME.

ONE OF THE THINGS TODAY COMING OFF THE FLOOR AND WE PASSED THE GROCERY TAX, WHICH I THINK IS HUGE ON ALABAMA FAMILIES AND THE REBATES WHERE EVERYBODY WILL GET A CHECK BACK.

I THINK IT'S ONE OF THOSE SESSIONS THAT WE CAN LOOK BACK ON FOR YEARS TO COME.

I THINK SOMEBODY TOLD ME JUST YESTERDAY AND SAID THIS HAS BEEN AN HISTORIC SESSION AND FOR ALL MEANS I'D SAY THAT IS PROBABLY A GOOD WAY TO PUT IT.

>> A FRIEND OF MINE, A REPORTER FRIEND OF MINE WHO'S BRAND NEW TO ALABAMA, NEVER HAD A SESSION BEFORE ASKED ME, IS THIS NORMAL?

DO THEY USUALLY GO -- DO ALL OF THIS STUFF?

THIS IS EXTRA.

THIS IS A LITTLE MORE THAN USUAL.

TALK ABOUT THAN BECAUSE YOU NOT ONLY HAD TO DEAL WITH ALL OF THESE ISSUES BUT YOU HAD TO GROW INTO THE ROLE OF LEADING THE BODY.

THAT HAD TO BE CHALLENGING.

>> IT WAS.

WE WERE FORTUNATE BECAUSE WE HAD A GREAT STAFF.

PEOPLE WHO HAD BEEN INVOLVED AND KNEW THE ROPES AND BROUGHT SOME STAFF WE HAD WITH US.

THEM, KNOWING MY PERSONALITY, AND THE NEW PART OF THE STAFF AND THE KNOWLEDGE THEY HAD WAS BENEFICIAL TO ME AND THE LEADERSHIP.

THE LEADERSHIP IN THE BODY WAS STRONG.

DID A REALLY GOOD JOB.

A LOT OF NEW FACES.

IF YOU LOOK AT WHEN WE FIRST CAME IN, JUST ABOUT ALL THE LEADERSHIP WAS DEPLETED.

WE HAD TO SET UP A WHOLE NEW LEADERSHIP TEAM AND THEY HAVE DON'T A PHENOMENAL JOB.

I COULDN'T BE MORE PROUD OF WHAT THEY HAVE ACCOMPLISHED AND OUR MEMBERS HAVE JUST WORKED TOGETHER.

WE PASSED THE OVERTIME BILL WHICH I WAS A COSPONSOR TO, THE LEADER OF THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY.

THAT NEVER HAPPENS.

BUT I FELT STRONGLY ABOUT THE BILL BECAUSE, YOU KNOW, WORKING MEN AND WOMEN OF ALABAMA NEEDED THAT BREAK AND THEY ARE WILLING TO GO OUT AND WORK EVERY DAY AND PUT MONEY INTO THEIR FAMILY'S POCKET BUT ALSO GROWS OUR ECONOMY.

I THINK THAT'S A BIG DEAL AND THEY DESERVE IT.

>> TALKING ABOUT LEADER DANIEL WAS ON THE SHOW YESTERDAY AND HIS WORDS ECHO YOURS OR YOURS ECHO HIS.

HE TALKED ABOUT BIPARTISANSHIP AND COMPLIMENTED YOU BY FAME AND SAID WORKING WITH THE SPEAKER AND HOUSE LEADERSHIP MADE IT A MORE PRODUCTIVE PROCESS THAN IN YEARS PAST.

THAT IS SAYING SOMETHING.

THERE WERE CHALLENGES.

THERE WERE FILIBUSTERS AND THINGS LIKE THAT.

TAKE ME BEHIND THE SCENES WHEN THINGS HAPPEN LIKE THAT.

WE CAN SEE YOU ON THE DAIS BUT WE HAVE A LIMITED VIEW.

ARE THERE A LOT OF CONVERSATIONS BEHIND THE SCENES OF WE HAVE TO WORK THIS OUT?

>> THERE IS.

WE HAD THAT HAPPENED TODAY ON THE FIRST BILL TO COME UP.

THERE'S ALWAYS CONVERSATIONS.

I THINK MOST PEOPLE, EVEN MEMBERS THAT SIT OUT IN THE CHAMBER MAY NOT UNDERSTAND SOME OF THE ISSUES GOING ON AND WHAT WE ARE TRYING TO WORK THROUGH.

ON TUESDAY WE WILL HAVE A LEADERSHIP MEETING AND LEADER DANIEL IS IN THOSE WITH US AND WE WORK THROUGH ANY THAT HAVE BEEN PROBLEMATIC AND WE HAVE BEEN ABLE TO DO THAT SUCCESSFULLY AND TODAY WE PULLED THE BILL AND WORKED WITH THE CONCERNS MEMBERS HAD AND THEY WERE LEGITIMATE CONCERNS.

IT WASN'T A FILIBUSTER BUT JUST A REAL CONCERN.

WE DID THAT AND BROUGHT IT BACK UP AND IT PASSED.

GIVING THEM AN OPPORTUNITY TO KNOW WHAT CHANGES MADE IN THE SENATE WAS IMPORTANT TO THEM.

ONCE WE DID THAT, EVERYTHING WENT SMOOTHLY.

>> YEAH.

I GUESS YOU CAN FEEL THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN HONEST TO GOD DEBATE OR QUESTION ASKING AND A FILIBUSTER.

>> THERE'S NO QUESTION ABOUT THAT.

I THINK THE ADVANTAGE I'VE GOT A LITTLE BIT HAS BEEN THE MAJORITY LEADER IN THE PAST BECAUSE I WORK THOSE ISSUES OUT.

YOU KIND OF SENSE WHAT THE MOOD IS OF THE BODY AND WHAT'S GOING ON.

WE HAVE DONE SOME THINGS PROBABLY OUT OF THE BOX THIS TIME BUT I THINK IT WENT WELL.

I CERTAINLY RESPECT THE MEMBERS ON BOTH SIDES AND THE WORK THEY HAVE DONE.

IT HAS BEEN HISTORICAL SESSION AND IT'S BECAUSE OF THE WORKING RELATIONSHIP ACROSS THE AISLES.

IF WE COULD GET OUR FEDERAL GOVERNMENT TO WORK THAT WAY, WOULDN'T IT BE NICE?

OUR COUNTRY WOULD BE IN A LOT BETTER SHAPE.

THE GOOD THING ABOUT ALABAMA, WE DON'T HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT A DEBT CEILING.

WE HAVE TO HAVE A BALANCED BUDGET.

AND NOT THAT WE HAVE BEEN NAMED ONE OF THE MOST FISCAL CONSERVATIVE BODIES IN THE COUNTRY.

>> FORBES MAGAZINE.

>> FORBES MAGAZINE RELEASED TODAY.

AND NOT ONLY THAT WE HAVE BEEN ABLE TO GIVE TAX CUTS AND PEOPLE MONEY BACK IN THEIR POCKETS THROUGH REBATES.

I THINK THAT'S WHAT HAPPENS WHEN PEOPLE WORK TOGETHER.

NOT THAT WE ALWAYS HAVE TO AGREE, BUT WE CAN AGREE TO DISAGREE INSTEAD OF FIGHTING THROUGH THE PROCESS.

WE CAN COME TO AN AGREEMENT AND MOVE FORWARD.

>> WELL, SPEAKING OF THE BUDGETS, THE GOVERNOR SIGNED THEM.

MAYBE I'M NAIVE, I JUST EXPECTED -- GOODNESS, THESE ARE BOTH HISTORIC BUDGETS, ETF AND INCENTIVES.

I EXPECTED A COUPLE OF AMENDMENTS BUT SHE SIGNED THEM.

WERE YOU SURPRISED?

>> I WASN'T REALLY.

I THOUGHT WE DID THE DUE DILIGENCE NEEDED AND I COMMEND THE CHAIRMEN.

THEY WORKED CLOSELY WITH THE SENATOR AND ALBRITTON IN THE GENERAL AND SENATE.

I THINK WITH EVERYTHING GOING ON AND THE MOVING PARTS, YOU THINK OF THAT, THAT'S AMAZING.

AS YOU SAID HISTORIC, THE BUDGETS WERE.

THE NUMBER OF DOLLARS REQUESTED WAS PROBABLY TWICE WHAT WE HAD AT THE END OF THE DAY, BUT I THINK EVERYBODY WORKING TOGETHER WITH THE BUDGET PROCESS AND THE GOVERNORS -- I MYSELF HAVE MET WITH FINANCE DIRECTOR.

I KNOW THAT ALL OF THE CHAIRMAN HAD MET WITH HIM AT DIFFERENT TIMES AND WE HAD A GOOD IDEA WHERE WE WANTED TO BE AND SHE GOT EVERYTHING SHE SENT ACROSS THE ROAD IN THE BUDGET BUT FOR THE MOST PART SHE HAD TO BE HAPPY WITH WHAT SHE DID GET BECAUSE I'D SAY SHE GOT A LARGE NUMBER OF IT, MAYBE 75% OF IT.

>> SURE.

YOU MENTIONED THE TAX CUT BILLS.

WHETHER IT'S THE BUDGET, TAX CUT BILLS, GROCERY TAX, THESE BIG TICKET ITEMS THAT TAKE A LOT OF NEGOTIATION.

WE SEE THE COMMITTEES.

WE SEE WHETHER CONFERENCE OR REGULAR COMMITTEES, WE SEE THAT DEBATE.

I'M CURIOUS TO YOUR ROLE IN THAT.

IT IS OFF THE FLOOR, BUT ARE YOU PART OF THOSE NEGOTIATIONS, KIND OF FIGHTING FOR THE HOUSE VERSION OF THINGS BUT WHAT'S YOUR ROLE IN THESE NEGOTIATIONS?

>> AS FAR AS THE BUDGET SIDE IS CONCERNED, I HAVE CONVERSATION WITH BOTH CHAIRMAN ON A REGULAR BASIS AND THEY HAVE DONE A PHENOMENAL JOB.

THEY WILL COME AND SIT DOWN AND SAY, LISTEN, THIS IS WHERE WE ARE AT.

WHAT'S YOUR THINKING AND BOTH OF THEM, ANYTHING THEY SAY THAT IS MAJOR, THEY PICK UP THE PHONE AND CALL ME.

WE JUST HAVE THAT KIND OF RELATIONSHIP, NOT ONLY AS MEMBERS BUT FRIENDS.

I THINK THE CONVERSATION IS EASY FOR ALL OF US.

TO BE ABLE TO DO THAT IS KIND OF NEAT.

BUT WE'RE INVOLVED IN LISTENING TO WHAT THEY ARE DOING AND TRYING TO HELP.

I DON'T INTERFERE BUT IF THEY ASK MY OPINION, WHICH THEY DO ON A REGULAR BASIS, I TELL THEM WHAT I THINK AND WHAT WOULD BE GOOD FOR OUR BODY AND THE STATE.

WE HAVE A CONVERSATION.

SOMETIMES THEY MIGHT AGREE AND THEY MIGHT NOT BUT I ALWAYS TRY TO GIVE THEM THE LEVERAGE TO DO THEIR JOB.

THAT'S WHY I PUT THEM IN THOSE POSITIONS TO DO THEIR JOBS AND THEY HAVE DONE A YEOMAN'S JOB.

>> WHEN YOU WERE ELECTED SPEAKER YOU SAID YOU WANTED TO EMPOWER COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN.

HAS THAT WORKED OUT?

>> IT HAS WORKED OUT REALLY WELL.

WITH THE EXCEPTION, OF TWO CALENDARS WE HAVE CLEARED EVERY CALENDAR AND THAT'S UNHEARD OF.

IN MY TIME THAT'S NOT HAPPENED AND I THINK THAT IS PART OF IT.

WE HAVE BEEN ABLE TO PUT A LOT OF THE POWER BACK IN THE CHAIRMANS AND COMMITTEES AND MEMBERS, AS WELL.

THEY HAVE AN OPPORTUNITY TO REALLY START SHAPING THE BILLS AND PUTTING THEM IN THE FORM THEY KNOW THEY WILL BE COMING ON THE FLOOR.

IT HAS GIVEN MORE POWER IN THE COMMITTEES AND I THINK THEY ARE TAKING ADVANTAGE OF IT AND WORKING THEM.

I'M AT LEAST SEEING SOME BILLS THAT HAVE BEEN ADJUSTED IN COMMITTEE THAT HAS COME OUT ON THE FLOOR TO BE GOOD BILLS.

WE STILL HAVE THE FLOORMEN SO IT IS ADDED OCCASIONALLY BUT THE CHAIRMAN AND LEADERSHIP HAS DONE A TREMENDOUS JOB AND THE BODY HAS DONE A GREAT JOB ON THEIR COMMITTEES.

WE HAVE SEEN A LOT OF BILLS THIS SESSION AND I COMMEND THEM FOR THE WORK THEY HAVE DONE.

IT SEEMS LIKE THEY HAVE WORKED SO WELL THIS SESSION FOR ME AND I APPLAUD THEM FOR THAT.

>> THE FRESHMEN AREN'T FRESHMEN ANYMORE.

>> WE HAD OUR SINE DIE PARTY LAST NIGHT AND HAD A GREAT TIME AND ONE FRESHMAN SAID I FEEL MORE LIKE A FAMILY NOW.

EVERYBODY HAS GOTTEN SO CLOSE TOGETHER AND THE PROCESS THEY HAVE LEARNED AND WORK THEY HAVE DONE, I MEAN, THEY HAVE REALLY DONE A GREAT JOB AS FRESHMEN AND LIKE YOU SAID, THEY ARE NO LONGER FRESHMEN.

I KNOW THERE'S A LOT OF THINGS THEY LEARNED AND WE STARTED THAT PROCESS EARLY WITH THEM COMING IN AND DOING A MOCK SESSION AND GIVING THEM AS MUCH INFORMATION AS THEY COULD GET.

AND I THINK IT SHOWED.

>> I THINK IT IS INTERESTING THAT YOU HAD THE PROCESSION RECEPTION AND IT USED TO BE ALL LOBBYISTS AND OTHER ORGANIZATIONS.

IT'S COOL YOU ARE HOSTING IT YOURSELVES AND INVITING FOLKS.

I WANT TO ASK YOU ABOUT THIS.

ONE ISSUE THAT DIDN'T COME UP THIS SESSION, GOODNESS, YOU WENT THROUGH EVERY ONE, BUT GAMBLING.

WE HAVE WRITTEN ABOUT IT DIDN'T COME UP.

YOU HAD THE SINGLETON BILL IN THE SENATE FOR GREENE COUNTY BUT OTHER THAN THAT NO GAMBLING BILLS BUT THERE ARE SOME LAWMAKERS TALKING BEHIND THE SCENES OF WHAT COULD HAPPEN IN THE NEXT SESSION OR SPECIAL SESSION.

>> RIGHT.

>> ARE YOU PRIVY TO THOSE NEGOTIATIONS AND TALKS AND WHAT IS YOUR THOUGHT ON THAT ISSUE DOWN THE ROAD?

>> I THINK IT IS SOMETHING WE WILL LOOK AT.

MY THING IS FIRST SESSION WITH 31 NEW MEMBERS AND TRY TO GET EVERYTHING IN PLACE AND GET THE ORGANIZATION DONE AND MAKING SURE WE TOOK CARE OF THE PEOPLE'S BUSINESS, SOMETHING LIKE GAMING WOULD HAVE DISTRACTED US FROM THAT.

THAT'S MY OPINION.

I TOLD THEM UP FRONT WE WEREN'T MOVING LEGISLATION ON GAMING.

I THINK EVERYBODY KNEW THAT.

OUTSIDE OF THAT I FORMED A COMMITTEE AND THEY MET EVERY WEEK AND THEY GIVE ME A REPORT, THE CHAIRMAN OF THE COMMITTEE GIVES ME A REPORT EVERY OTHER WEEK AND THEY HAVE MADE SOME PROGRESS.

I'LL SAY THAT.

THE THING THAT ALABAMIANS HAS TO KNOW, IT'S NOT IF WE GET GAMING IN ALABAMA.

WE ALREADY HAVE GAMING IN ALABAMA.

THE PROBLEM WITH IT RIGHT NOW BECAUSE WE DON'T HAVE REGULATIONS, WE DON'T HAVE A GAMING COMMISSION, IT'S GROWING AT A PACE THAT I DIDN'T THINK IT WOULD.

I THINK THE LAST TIME WE TALKED ABOUT THIS THERE WERE 30 OPERATIONS AND NOW 50 SOMETHING OPERATIONS.

WE HAVE TO GET A GRIP ON IT.

THE PEOPLE IN THE STATE NOW, THE STATE DOESN'T COLLECT ANYTHING OFF OF THAT.

WE DON'T HAVE ANY CONTROL OVER IT.

IT HAS TO BE A MECHANISM TO DO THAT.

I KNOW PEOPLE IN THE STATE WANT THE LOTTERY.

THAT IS PRETTY EVIDENT.

ALL THE OTHER STUFF HAS TO BE CLEANED UP, TOO.

IF YOU LOOK AT THE ACCOMPLISHMENTS FOR THIS SESSION, WE FIXED PROBLEMS THAT HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR YEARS.

I THINK SOMEONE MENTIONED THERE IS A MOVE TO TAKE THE GROCERY TAX OFF FOR 20 YEARS OR BETTER AND WE STARTED TO CHIP AWAY AT THAT.

25% WILL BE REMOVED AS SOON AS IT IS SIGNED IN TO LAW.

WE HAVE MADE ACCOMPLISHMENTS ON LONG-TERM ISSUES.

I THINK GAMING IS ONE OF THEM.

IT HAS TO BE FIXED.

IT'S BROKEN.

JUST LETTING IT FLY IN THE WIND AND NOT HAVE ANY REGULATIONS AND NOTHING GOING ON -- I THINK THE STATE HAS TO LOOK AT REALLY DOING SOMETHING TO FIX IT.

AT THE END OF THE DAY, IT'S THE PEOPLE OF ALABAMA THAT HAVE TO VOTE TO DO SOMETHING.

>> SOUNDS LIKE THE ATTORNEY GENERAL'S PLAYING WACK-A-MOLE.

>> THAT'S A GOOD DESCRIPTION.

IT IS WHAT IS HAPPENING.

HE SHUTS ONE DOWN AND TWO MORE OPEN UP.

NO QUESTION THERE HAS TO BE A FIX.

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

IF I DON'T SEE YOU BEFORE, CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR FIRST SESSION AS SPEAKER AND LOOK FORWARD TO NEXT YEAR.

>> THANK YOU, TODD.

APPRECIATE THAT.

>> WE'LL BE RIGHT BACK.

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

>> YOU ARE WATCHING ALABAMA PUBLIC TELEVISION.

>> JOINING ME NEXT IS STATE SENATOR RODGER SMITHERMAN OF BIRMINGHAM.

THANK YOU FOR COMING ON THE SHOW.

>> THANK YOU VERY HAVING ME.

>> IT'S BEEN QUITE A SESSION.

I KNOW IT'S NOT OVER YET.

STILL HAVE TO COME BACK ON TUESDAY BUT FOR ALL INTENTS AND PURPOSES EVERYTHING HAS BEEN CLEARED OUT.

WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS?

IT SEEM I DON'T SEE I ALL COVERED SO MUCH GROUND.

>> WE HAD A SPECIAL SESSION BEFORE WE GOT INTO THE REAL SESSION.

WE HAVE BEEN WORKING VIGOROUSLY FROM THAT POINT ON.

AND WE HAVE BEEN FACING ONE ISSUE AFTER ANOTHER.

I CAN TELL YOU THIS IS PROBABLY BEEN ONE OF THE MOST INTENSE SESSIONS I HAVE BEEN INVOLVED IN.

>> THINK OF ARPA AT THE BEGINNING, GAME PLAN, AND THE GROCERY TAX, OVERTIME, SOME HEAVY LIFTS.

NO SHORTAGE OF TOPICS.

I WANT TO ASK ABOUT THE BUDGETS.

THEY ARE SIGNED INTO LAW NOW.

NOT COMING BACK.

I GUESS THAT MAKES YOUR TUESDAY A LOT EASIER.

>> IT DOES.

>> ARE YOU SATISFIED WITH WHERE THOSE BUDGETS ENDED UP?

IT WAS LATE AT NIGHT WHEN THEY WERE FINALIZED.

WERE YOU COMFORTABLE WITH WHAT YOU SENT THE GOVERNOR?

>> I WAS COMFORTABLE WITH IT.

YOU CAN ALWAYS THINK OF A FEW THINGS YOU WANTED TO DO OR WISH YOU WOULD HAVE DONE BUT I THINK OVERALL THE BUDGET REFLECTED A LOT OF THE CONCERNS THAT CITIZENS HAVE EXPRESSED AND A LOT OF NEEDS WE NEED TO PROVIDE FOR CITIZENS.

SO I WAS PROUD OF THE FACT THAT WE WERE ABLE TO GET THOSE OUT.

>> YOU HAD A BILL THAT DIDN'T MAKE IT ACROSS THE FINISH LINE.

GOT CAUGHT UP AGAIN.

THIS IS YOUR DUE PROCESS FOR SCHOOLS BILL.

FIRST OF ALL, WALK THROUGH AND REMIND OUR VIEWERS WHAT IT DOES AND WHAT ARE THE HANGUPS KEEPING IT FROM ADVANCING?

>> DUE PROCESS -- ALABAMA IS ONE OF THE FEW STATES THAT WE DO NOT PROVIDE DUE PROCESS FOR OUR CHILDREN IN SCHOOL.

AS A RESULT OF THAT, MY EFFORTS WERE TO GIVE OUR KIDS DUE PROCESS.

PEOPLE MAY ASK, LIKE YOU SAID, WHAT ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT.

AS AN ADULT, IF YOU ARE ACCUSED OF AN OFFENSE, THEN YOU HAVE A RIGHT TO GO TO COURT AND FACE YOUR ACCUSER AND QUESTION THEM AND GET THE ACCURACY OF WHAT HAPPENED AND BRING THE WITNESSES THAT MAY SUBSTANTIATE WHATEVER YOU ARE SAYING OR THE VISION YOU MAY HAVE.

AND YOU HAVE A RIGHT, AS I SAID, TO CROSS-EXAMINE THE ACCUSER AND THE ACCUSER'S WITNESSES.

IN SCHOOL THE STUDENTS DON'T HAVE THAT RIGHT.

IT IS SIMPLY MORE OF A DICTATORSHIP.

IF THE PRINCIPAL WANTS TO PUT THEM OUT, THE PRINCIPAL WILL PUT THEM OUT.

STUDENTS DON'T HAVE A RIGHT TO CONFRONT WHO'S MAKING ACCUSATIONS AGAINST THEM.

SOMETIMES THEY DON'T EVEN KNOW.

IT IS JUST THEY ARE ASKED TO DEFEND ALLEGATIONS THAT SOMETIMES DON'T HAVE MERIT TO THEM.

AND YET THERE'S NO RESOURCE FOR THEM OTHER THAN BEING PUT OUT OF SCHOOL.

>> SO IS THE OPPOSITION FROM PRINCIPALS, SUPERINTENDENTS, FOLKS LIKE THAT, IS THAT WHO IT OPPOSES?

>> YES, IT IS, BOARDS OF EDUCATION, SUPERINTENDENTS IN PARTICULAR, SPECIFICALLY.

THEY JUST -- IT'S MORE LIKE IN MY OPINION, IT IS A LIKE DICTATORSHIP CONTROL.

THEY WANT TO DO WHAT THEY WANT TO WHO THEY WANT TO DO IT.

NO CONSISTENCY.

TWO PEOPLE CAN BE INVOLVED IN THE SAME SITUATION BUT THE ONE THEY FAVOR THEN THEY WILL SLAP THEM ON THE WRIST AND THE ONE THEY DO NOT FAVOR THEY WANT THEM OUT OF SCHOOL.

>> SWITCHING GEARS, I HAVE BEEN WATCHING YOU THIS SESSION.

YOU AND YOUR COLLEAGUES.

YOU ALL DO SO MUCH BEHIND THE SCENES.

THE GANG CRIME BILL AND THE RETAIL THEFT BILL, BOTH OF WHICH HAD, YOU KNOW, HAD OPPOSITION COMING IN TO THE SENATE JUDICIARY COMMITTEE.

BY THE TIME IT GOT TO THE FLOOR YOU AND SENATOR BARFOOT AND GAVIN MADE ENOUGH ROOM.

>> WE TRY TO FIND OUT WHAT THE OBJECTIVE IS.

YOU HAVE TO KNOW WHAT THE END GOAL IS.

WE FIRST ESTABLISHED THE FACT THAT IN THAT PARTICULAR BILL DEALING WITH -- THE NAME CHANGED FROM THE GANG BILL TO CRIMINAL ENTERPRISE BILL.

>> IS THAT PART OF THE -- >> PART OF THE COMPROMISE AND AGREEMENT.

THE OBJECTIVE OF THAT BILL WAS TO ADDRESS VIOLENT CRIMES IN MORE.

AND CRIMES THAT WERE ASSOCIATED AND RELATED TO GANG ACTIVITY.

THE OBJECTIVE WAS TO ADDRESS THAT SO THAT INNOCENT CITIZENS, AS YOU HAVE SEEN IN MANY OF THESE NEWS CLIPS THAT ARE JUST THERE AND THEY GET KILLED OR SHOT BECAUSE OF ALL OF THE VIOLENCE GOING ON.

A LOT OF TIMES THE VIOLENCE IS BETWEEN GANGS AND INNOCENT PEOPLE ARE HURT.

SO THE PROCESS STARTED WITH TRYING TO DEAL WITH OUR END GAME, WHICH IS TO PROTECT OUR CITIZENS AND KEEP THEM FROM BEING EXPOSED TO THIS.

AS WE WENT THROUGH THE PROCESS, YOU START THE PROCESS OFF PROPER WAY OF ESTABLISHING WHETHER THEY WERE OR WERE NOT INVOLVED IN THE GANG ACTIVITY.

SOME OF THE THINGS WE HAD TO CONSIDER IS WHETHER OR NOT THEY COMMITTED A CRIME THAT FURTHERED THE GANG ACTIVITY OR WHETHER THEY COMMITTED A CRIME, INDEPENDENTLY COMMITTED A CRIME AND HAD TO BE PUNISHED FOR THAT DETAIL.

>> IT IS AN IMPORTANT DETAIL.

>> VERY IMPORTANT DETAIL.

>> A GRAY LINE.

>> WE HAD TO ESTABLISH IT HAD TO BE UNDERLYING CRIME IN ORDER TO GET TO THE GANG ISSUE.

NOT JUST SOMETHING SOMEONE ARBITRARILY SAYING THESE PEOPLE ARE IN A GANG.

THAT'S THE WAY -- NOT THIS BILL BUT THE ONE LAST YEAR, AN OFFICER CAN SEE THREE PEOPLE STANDING UP AND SAY I THINK THEY ARE IN A GANG AND NOW IT CHANGED FROM THAT TO WHERE FIRST OFFENSE HAS TO BE COMMITTED.

AFTER THAT OFFENSE IS COMMITTED AND THE OFFICERS TAKE POSSESSION OF THAT PERSON, THEN, FROM THERE, YOU HAVE TO PROVE THE CASE AND THEN THE NEXT STEP YOU HAVE TO PROVE THEY WERE IN A GANG.

IF THEY WERE, THEN IT IS AN ENHANCED PUNISHMENT.

ONE OF THE OTHER THINGS IS THAT INITIALLY IN THE BILL, THE MOTHER HAD TO TELL YOU WHETHER HER CHILD WAS IN A GANG OR NOT.

THE KEY TO THAT IS SHE'S NOT UNDER OATH.

AND SHE REALLY MAY NOT KNOW.

SO, IF SHE SAID, I DON'T THINK HE IS.

AND THEN IT COMES OUT THAT HE IS, SHE COULD BE PROSECUTED FOR GIVING FALSE INFORMATION.

RIGHT OFF THE BAT AND SHE'S NOT EVEN UNDER OATH.

SHE DOESN'T KNOW.

YOU COULD SAY, WELL FIND OUT.

IF SHE IS SITTING THERE TELLING THE TRUTH AND GETS CHARGED WITH GIVING FALSE INFORMATION, AN ARREST, SHE HAS TO GO BEFORE A JURY.

AND THEN 12 PEOPLE WILL DECIDE IF HE IS TELLING THE TRUTH AND SHE'S TELLING THE TRUTH.

IF THEY DON'T BELIEVE HER, SHE GOES TO JAIL.

ALL BECAUSE THEY ARE SAYING -- >> YOU ALL CLEANED THAT UP.

>> WE CLEANED IT UP TO THE FACT THAT SHE HAS TO BE UNDER OATH TO TESTIFY TO THE BEST OF HER ABILITY BUT UNDER OATH.

SO, THOSE WERE THE KIND OF THINGS WE HAD TO GO INTO.

THIS IS ONE OF THE POINTS THAT I THINK THAT THE BODY REALIZED.

I HAVE TO TELL IT LIKE IT IS.

I CAN WALK OUT THERE NOW, JUST LIKE I'M DRESSED, I WILL GET THE BENEFIT OF THE DOUBT ON JUST GENERAL THINGS.

BUT I CAN GO OUT DRESSED LIKE I AM NOW AND PUT A HOODIE ON MY HEAD AND I'M NOT GOING TO GET ONE BENEFIT OF THE DOUBT.

WHATEVER THEY ARE THINKING, YOU HAVE TO PROVE YOU ARE NOT.

THAT'S THE POINT WE SAID.

I JUST HAVE TO CALL IT WHAT IT IS.

THAT IS A FATE OF MANY AFRICAN-AMERICANS.

WE JUST DON'T GET THE BENEFIT OF THE DOUBT.

BECAUSE OF THAT, YOU CAN'T LEAVE THE ROOM THAT YOU HAVE TO HAVE THE BENEFIT OF THE DOUBT.

THAT'S WHY WE HAVE TO MAKE THE PROCESS SYSTEMICALLY, THAT IT WILL APPLY EQUALLY ACROSS THE BOARD TO ANYBODY.

AND THAT'S WHAT WE DID.

>> IT IS IMPORTANT TO BRING THAT PERSPECTIVE TO THE SENATE FLOOR THAT YOU DO EVERY DAY.

>> I TRY TO.

>> WE'RE OUT OF TIME, SENATOR.

WE WILL SEE YOU ON TUESDAY.

>> THANK YOU, MY FRIEND.

>> 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.

>> JOINING ME NEXT IS SENATOR ORR, CHAIRMAN OF THE SENATE EDUCATION BUDGET COMMITTEE.

THANK YOU FOR COMING ON THE SHOW.

>> GOOD TO BE WITH YOU.

>> YOU HAVE HAD A BUSY COUPLE OF WEEKS.

REALLY BUSY SESSION.

AFTER THE BUDGETS WERE PASSED, YOUR COMMITTEE BECAME KIND OF GROUND ZERO FOR ALL OF THESE TAX CUT BILLS.

11, OR 12 OF THEM, DIFFERENT TYPE OF TAX CUTS, ALL THAT AFFECTS THE EDUCATION TRUST FUND.

YOU ALL HAD TO GO OVER THEM.

YOU BECAME THE GATEKEEPER SAYING, HEY, WE DON'T NEED TO SPEND ALL OF THIS OR WE DON'T NEED TO DEPLETE ALL OF THESE REVENUES.

TALK ABOUT YOUR ROLE THERE.

I KNOW IT PROBABLY FRUSTRATED A LOT OF BILL SPONSORS BUT YOU WERE SAYING IT IS THE RESPONSIBLE PATH.

>> THE PROBLEM IS WHO KNOWS THE FUTURE.

WHO KNOWS WHAT THE ECONOMY WILL DO?

WHAT ARE WE LOOKING AT IN THE NEXT YEAR, THREE, FIVE YEARS BUT WHEN WE GIVE AWAY A LOT OF THESE TAX CREDITS, TAX CUTS, WHATEVER, SOMETIMES IT'S PERMANENT.

IT IS IN PERPETUITY.

ONCE WE GIVE IT, I DON'T SEE THE ALABAMA LEGISLATURE RAISING TAXES ANYTIME SOON.

WE HAVE TO BE CAREFUL WITH HOW MUCH WE CUT AND HOW MUCH WE DO IN THE WAY OF CREDITS TO INCENTIVIZE THE ECONOMY OR CERTAIN SEGMENTS OF THE ECONOMY TO TRY TO BRING MORE INVESTMENT AND JOBS TO THE STATE.

>> ONE OF THOSE WAS THIS OVERTIME INCOME TAX CUT, WHICH IS A NOVEL IDEA.

I'D NEVER HEARD ABOUT IT.

IT GOT A LOT OF MOMENTUM THIS SESSION.

YOU PUT GUARDRAILS ON THAT, TOO AND EVENTUALLY CAME TO COMPROMISE WHERE IT IS AGGREGATE AT 25 MILLION CAP.

TALK ABOUT THAT AND WHY YOU WANTED TO SLOW DOWN THE PROCESS.

>> THE FISCAL NOTE ON IT WAS $45 MILLION A YEAR FOR THE NEXT THREE YEARS.

IT DID HAVE A SUNSET ON IT, WHICH I CERTAINLY APPRECIATED BUT I WANTED TO REIN IT IN A LITTLE.

THAT, TO ME RECOLLECTION WAS THE ONLY NEW TYPE OF TAX CUT LEGISLATION THAT PASSED THIS YEAR OF ANY SUBSTANCE.

IT'S A TIP OF THE HAT TO REPRESENTATIVE DANIELS AND THE LEGISLATION.

THE REST OF THEM, EITHER THEY STAYED THE SAME AS FAR AS THE AMOUNT OR THEIR CAP STAYED THE SAME.

WE DIDN'T GROW THEM, OR THEY ARE STILL LANGUISHING IN COMMITTEE.

>> TALK ME THROUGH THIS PROCESS.

WHEN YOU ARE GOING THROUGH AS CHAIRMAN, YOU ARE GETTING ALL OF THESE BILLS -- ARE YOU TALKING WITH THE LEGISLATIVE FISCAL OFFICER, AND STAFF MEMBERS, THEY ARE THE ONES WHOSE HANDS ARE DIRTY IN THE BUDGETS.

ARE YOU GETTING RECOMMENDATIONS FROM THEM ON THIS WOULD COST THIS MUCH AND FIVE-YEAR OUTLOOK LOOKS LIKE THIS.

WALK ME THROUGH HOW IT HAPPENED.

>> A LOT OF CONVERSATIONS BEGIN IN THE FISCAL OFFICE AND WORKING WITH STAFFERS WHO HAVE SEEN THE TRENDS OVER TIME AND DECADE AND PROVIDE WISE COUNSEL TO BUDGET CHAIRS AND PROVIDE RECOMMENDATIONS.

AT THE END OF THE DAY, IT'S THE ELECTED MEMBERS THAT HAVE TO MAKE THE DECISIONS AND THE CALL.

I DON'T ENJOY THE ROLE OF GATEKEEPER, BUT I DO KNOW SOMEONE AT THE END OF THE DAY HAS TO STAND UP AND SAY, WE CAN'T AFFORD THIS.

FORTUNATELY, WE HAVE A GOOD LEGISLATURE AND BY AND LARGE VERY CONSERVATIVE COLLEAGUES THAT BELIEVE IN THE SAME PHILOSOPHY AND I HAVE TO DO THE HOMEWORK AND MAKE THE CASE OF WHY WE SHOULDN'T OR SHOULD DO SOMETHING AND TAKE IT FROM THERE AS A BODY AND GROUP.

>> LOOK, EVERYBODY WOULD LOVE TO GO HOME AND SAY THEY CUT EVERY TAX BUT NOBODY ELSE WANTS TO GO HOME AND SAY OH, NO, IT IS GOING TO BE PRORATION IN A FEW YEARS.

THE BUDGETS, THEY ARE SIGNED, THEY ARE INTO LAW, NOT JUST THE BUDGETS BUT THESE BIGGER-THAN-EVER SUPPLEMENTAL BILLS.

YOU HAD A LOT TO DO WITH WRITING THESE.

WERE YOU SURPRISED THE GOVERNOR DIDN'T SEND BACK EXECUTIVE AMENDMENTS AND SIGNED THEM OUTRIGHT.

>> NO.

I THINK GOVERNOR IVEY WAS SUCCESSFUL AT THE END OF THE DAY.

MOST OF HER PROPOSALS WERE AFFIRMED AND SUSTAINED IN ONE MANNER OR THE OTHER.

THE PICTURE ON THE OTHER END OF THE SPECTRUM, WHEN IT CAME OUT OF THE LEGISLATURE, A LITTLE BIT DIFFERENT THAN THE ONES SHE SENT OVER BUT NONETHELESS, I HATE TO PUT A PERCENTAGE ON IT BUT I'D ESTIMATE 95% OR BETTER.

STAYED VERY MUCH THE SAME AS SHE HAD IT.

MAYBE EVEN HIGHER THAN THAT PERCENTAGE.

>> THE ONE BIG CHANGE THAT YOU MADE IN THE SENATE WAS TAKING THAT TAX REBATE THAT WAS $800 PER COUPLES AND 400 FOR INDIVIDUALS DOWN AND ENDED UP GOING BACK AND FORTH BUT TAKING THAT MONEY -- IT WAS ABOUT A BILLION DOLLARS AND TAKING IT AND SAVING MOST OF IT.

WHERE DID WE END UP WITH THE MONEY THAT'S GOING IN THE NEW EDUCATION SAVINGS ACCOUNT AND TALK ABOUT WHY YOU WANTED TO CREATE THAT.

>> THE SAVINGS ACCOUNT IS SOMETHING WE WILL BE ABLE TO ACCESS AND MAYBE -- I WOULD TERM AS LOW-REVENUE YEARS.

IN OTHER WORDS, WE'RE NOT IN THE RED OR TRIGGERS PRORATION BUT 1% GROWTH YEAR OVER YEAR, A STAGFLATION, 1970S, IF YOU READ THE BUSINESS PRESS OR "WALL STREET JOURNAL," ET CETERA.

THERE ARE CERTAINLY A LOT OF PREDICATIONS THAT WOULD INDICATE THAT MAY BE WHAT WE ARE LOOKING AT AHEAD.

IN THAT EVENT, WE STILL HAVE EXPENSES THAT ARE GROWING, SUCH AS PHIP, HEALTH INSURANCE PLAN FOR EDUCATORS, PERHAPS THE RETIREMENT SYSTEM.

LAST YEAR WAS A TERRIBLE YEAR FOR STOCKS.

WE HAVE RESPONSIBILITIES WITH THE NUMERACY ACT, THE LITERACY ACT TO CONTINUE TO GROW THOSE AND ROLL THOSE ACROSS THE STATE.

MY POINT IS WE CAN'T JUST PUSH PAUSE AND SAY WELL, WE DON'T HAVE ANY MONEY THIS YEAR, EVERYTHING WILL STAY THE SAME.

WE NEED TO EXPAND THESE PROGRAMS SO THEY TOUCH ALL THE CHILDREN ACROSS THE STATE AND THEY ARE IN THE GROWTH MODE, BOTH OF THOSE PROGRAMS AND YOU NEVER KNOW WHEN YOU WILL GET A CURVE BALL ON THE EMPLOYER EXPENSES AND THINGS LIKE THAT.

IT'S GOOD TO HAVE THAT RESERVE THAT WE CAN PULL ON TO KEEP SUSTAINING OUR PROGRAMS.

>> JUST TO EXPLAIN FOR OUR VIEWERS -- SO, WE ALREADY HAVE THE RAINY DAY ACCOUNT BUT THAT TAKES PRORATION TO GET INTO, RIGHT, THAT'S THE ROLLING RESERVE?

>> CORRECT.

>> PRORATION HAS TO BE TRIGGERED, THE GOVERNOR HAS TO DECLARE IT WHICH IS RARE IF NONEXISTENT ANYMORE AND THE ALABAMA TRUST FUND TAKES THE WILL OF THE PEOPLE.

THEY ARE SIGNIFICANT BARRIERS TO ACCESSING THOSE SAVINGS ACCOUNTS.

THIS WOULD TAKE A LEGISLATIVE ALLOCATION.

>> THAT'S CORRECT.

WE HAVE THE ADVANCEMENT IN TECHNOLOGY FUND AND THE TRUST FUND -- HOPEFULLY NEVER HAVE TO GO THERE BUT WE DO HAVE WHAT I CALL A LETTER OF CREDIT THAT WE CAN GO TO TREASURER BOOZER AND PULL SO MUCH FROM THAT POT OF MONEY BUT WE HAVE TO PAY IT BACK.

IT IS TRIGGERED BY PRORATION, AS YOU SAID.

>> YOU MENTIONED THE LITERACY AND NUMERACY ACT.

NUMERACY ACT IS YOUR BILLS AND FOCUSES ON STRUGGLING SCHOOLS AND GETTING COACHES IN HERE.

BE IN YOUR CONVERSATION HOW IS THE ACT SO FAR.

>> YOU WOULD ALWAYS LIKE TO SEE THINGS MOVE MORE QUICKER AND MORE RAPIDLY ACROSS THE STATE BUT THERE'S A LARGE CURVE IN IMPLEMENTING SOMETHING LIKE THIS AND TRYING TO FIND -- ON NUMERACY ACT, MATHEMATICS COACHES.

WE NEED HUNDREDS AND HUNDREDS BY THE TIME THIS ROLLS OUT ACROSS THE STATE.

THAT'S A CHALLENGE TO FIND THOSE COMPETENT MATH TEACHERS.

NOW WE ARE GOING TO PULL THEM OUT OF CLASSROOMS AND MAKE THEM COACHES.

SO WE HAVE TO DEVELOP THE PIPELINE.

IT'S A MASSIVE UNDERTAKING.

WITH LITERACY, WE ARE PLEASED WITH THE INITIAL RESULTS AND TALKING TO REPRESENTATIVE COLLINS, WHO WORKED ON THIS BILL, WE ARE PLEASED WITH OUR SCHOOLS AND WHERE THEY ARE HEADED AND IF WE CAN GET A BEDROCK FOUNDATION IN THE ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS WITH MATH AND READING, WE WILL PREPARE OUR CHILDREN FOR MIDDLE AND HIGH SCHOOL.

RIGHT NOW, TODD, THE PROBLEM IS WE'RE NOT DOING THAT IN A LOT OF PLACES.

SO, THE KIDS GO ON TO MIDDLE SCHOOL, HIGH SCHOOL, CAN'T READ ADEQUATELY AND CAN'T DO MATH ADEQUATELY.

THEY GET FRUSTRATED, DISINTERESTED AND DON'T BECOME ALL THEY COULD BE BECAUSE WE DIDN'T GIVE THEM THE FOUNDATION IN THE EARLY GRADES.

>> THERE WAS AN ARTICLE THAT CAME OUT ABOUT A WEEK AGO.

IT WAS FOCUSED ON MISSISSIPPI AND THEIR INCREDIBLE GROWTH IN READING BUT IT HAD GOOD NEWS FOR ALABAMA.

IT IS ENCOURAGING TO SEE, OKAY, IT'S POSSIBLE.

YOU HAVE TO HANG IN THERE AND KEEP UP WITH THE PROGRESS.

I WANT TO ASK ABOUT YOUR PRINCIPAL BILL.

ENCOURAGING, INCENTIVIZING FOLKS TO BECOME PRINCIPALS.

WALK ME THROUGH WHAT THIS DOES.

>> THE VISION IS TO PREPARE A PIPELINE FOR PRINCIPALS BECAUSE PRINCIPALS ARE LIKE THE COACH ON THE SIDELINES.

THEY MAY NOT BE ON THE FIELD, BUT THEY CAN CERTAINLY MAKE THINGS HAPPEN IN A LOCAL SCHOOL AND RAISE THE PERFORMANCE AND THE STANDARDS IN EACH SCHOOL.

WE DON'T REALLY HAVE A GOOD PROGRAM FOR THAT IN DEVELOPING A PIPELINE FOR ASSISTANT PRINCIPALS AND THEN PRINCIPALS AND THEN GIVING THEM THE SUPPORTS THEY NEED ONCE THEY GET INTO THAT ROLE.

NOW IN THE 21ST CENTURY, THERE'S SO MUCH THEY HAVE TO DO SUCH AS COUNSELING, FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT, CRISIS MANAGEMENT, THE LIST GOES ON AND ON IN ADDITION TO EDUCATION.

THAT'S WHAT THIS BILL WILL DO.

WHAT IS EXCITING -- ONE OF THE EDUCATORS I WORKED WITH ON THE BILL SAID HE HAD BEEN CONTACTED BY SEVEN OR EIGHT STATES ALREADY WANTING TO REPLICATE WHAT WE HAVE DONE IN ALABAMA.

APPRECIATIVE OF WHO WORKED WITH ME ON THAT BILL AND EXCITED TO SEE THE RESULTS IN THE YEARS TO COME.

>> NICE TO BE COPIED, RIGHT NO BIGGER FORM OF FLATTERY.

>> THERE YOU GO.

>> SENATOR, WE'RE OUT OF TIME.

THANK YOU FOR COMING ON THE SHOW AND WE WILL SEE YOU FOR THE LAST DAY ON TUESDAY.

>> THANK YOU, TODD.

>> WE'LL BE RIGHT BACK.

>> SENATOR, STATESMEN AND U.S. VICE PRESIDENT WILLIAM RUFUS KING OF DALLAS COUNTY SERVED IN THE U.S. SENATE FOR MORE THAN 30 YEARS.

IN 1852, KING WAS ELECTED VICE PRESIDENT ON THE TICKET WITH FRANKLIN PIERCE WHILE RECOVERING FROM AN ILLNESS IN CUBA.

KING BECAME THE ONLY MEMBER OF THE U.S. EXECUTIVE BRANCH TO BE SWORN INTO OFFICE ON FOREIGN SOIL.

HE PASSED AWAY LESS THAN A MONTH AFTER BEING INAUGURATED.

>> THAT'S OUR SHOW FOR THIS WEEK.

THANK YOU FOR WATCHING.

WE WILL BE BACK MONDAY NIGHT AT 11:00 WITH MORE COVERAGE OF THE ALABAMA LEGISLATURE RIGHT HERE ON ALABAMA PUBLIC TELEVISION.

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