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

WELCOME TO "CAPITOL JOURNAL."

WE ARE JUST DAYS AWAY FROM THE 2023 REGULAR LEGISLATIVE SESSION, AND WE HAVE A FULL SHOW OF PREVIEW COVERAGE FOR YOU.

BUT LEADING THE NEWS IS PRESIDENT JOE BIDEN'S VISIT TO SELMA SUNDAY FOR THE BRIDGE CROSSING JUBILEE.

THIS YEAR MARKS THE 58TH ANNIVERSARY OF "“BLOODY SUNDAY,"” WHEN WHITE POLICE BEAT BLACK CIVIL RIGHTS MARCHERS AS THEY ATTEMPTED TO CROSS THE EDMUND PETTUS BRIDGE.

THE EVENT WAS A TURNING POINT IN THE CIVIL RIGHTS MOVEMENT AND LED TO THE PASSAGE OF THE CIVIL RIGHTS ACT OF 1964.

THE VISIT COMES SELMA IS STILL RECOVERING FROM A JANUARY TORNADO THAT DAMAGED MUCH OF DOWNTOWN.

LOOKING ELSEWHERE NATIONALLY, U.S.

SENATOR KATIE BRITT MADE ANOTHER VISIT TO THE MEXICAN BORDER THIS WEEK.

SHE'S URGING PRESIDENT BIDEN AND HIS ADMINISTRATION TO MAKE IMMIGRATION AND BORDER ENFORCEMENT A GREATER PRIORITY.

SHE CALLED THE SITUATION AN HUMANITARIAN AND NATIONAL SECURITY CRISIS.

>> IT'S NOT ONLY A HUMANITARIAN CRISIS, IT'S A NATIONAL SECURITY CRISIS.

IT'S BOTH.

WE GOT TO SEE THAT LAST NIGHT AS WE WALKED UP AND DOWN THE BORDER, GOT TO SEE PEOPLE TRYING TO CROSS.

A WOMAN WITH A 6-MONTH-OLD BABY, AND A COUPLE WITH A 6-YEAR-OLD LITTLE BOY.

WHEN WE LOOKED AT THAT AND THOUGHT THEY MADE IT, THEY TOLD US ABOUT THE KIDS WHO DON'T.

THEY TOLD US ABOUT FINDING A 15-YEAR-OLD WHO DROWN IN THE RIVER.

THE COST OF THE CRISIS IS REAL.

WE WERE ABLE TO PUT A FACE WITH IT LAST NIGHT.

>> ON TUESDAY, STATE LAWMAKERS WILL CONVENE THIS YEAR'S REGULAR SESSION OF THE ALABAMA LEGISLATURE.

THE ANNUAL SESSION CONSISTS OF 30 LEGISLATIVE DAYS WITHIN 105 CALENDAR DAYS.

THAT MEANS THE SESSION WILL PROBABLY LAST UNTIL JUNE.

EACH YEAR, THE LEGISLATURE'S PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITY IS TO PASS BUDGETS FUNDING THE RANGE OF STATE SERVICES.

BUT THIS YEAR, THERE IS MORE MONEY THAN USUAL TO DOLE OUT.

THE STATE STILL HAS THE SECOND TRANCHE OF ITS AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN ACT MONEY, WORTH ABOUT $1.1 BILLION.

GOVENOR KAY IVEY IS EXPECTED TO CALL A SPECIAL SESSION TO FOCUS LAWMAKERS ATTENTION SOLELY ON THAT ISSUE, JUST AS SHE DID WITH THE FIRST HALF OF THE ARPA MONEY.

SENATE PRESIDENT PRO TEM GREG REED SAID RECENTLY THAT'S A GOOD IDEA.

>> I THINK THERE'S BEEN BENEFIT IN ISOLATING THE DISCUSSIONS OF ARPA FROM THE REGULAR BUDGET PROCESS.

WE SAW THAT IN THE LAST ROUND OF THE ARPA MONEY THAT WE DID AND I THINK IT WAS BENEFICIAL TO DO I WOULD BE SUPPORTIVE IN MANAGING THE ARPA FUNDS IN A SPECIAL.

>> ANOTHER BIG FISCAL DECISION FACING THE LEGISLATURE IS WHAT TO DO WITH A $2.7 BILLION SURPLUS IN THE EDUCATION TRUST FUND.

THERE IS TALK OF A ONE-TIME TAX REBATE THAT WOULD OFFER ALABAMIANS ANYWHERE FROM $200 TO $500 DEPENDING ON THEIR STATUS.

I SPOKE WITH HOUSE EDUCATION BUDGET CHAIRMAN DANNY GARRETT RECENTLY WHO SAID THE SIZE OF THAT REBATE WILL BE A BIG TOPIC OF DISCUSSION IN THE SESSION.

>> I THINK WE'RE IN A GOOD SPOT.

WE'RE NOT ALONE IN HAVING THE SURPLUS.

THE QUESTION IS WHAT DO WE DO WITH THAT SURPLUS?

THERE'S A LOT OF TALK ABOUT DOING A TAX REBATE, WHICH IS MANAGE WE WILL TALK ABOUT.

THE GOVERNOR INDICATED SHE WOULD LIKE TO DO THAT.

A LOT OF SUPPORT FOR THAT.

WE ARE BEGINNING TO HEAR PEOPLE PUSH BACK ON THAT SAYING WHY DON'T WE REDIRECT IT TO AREAS UNDERPERFORMING IN THE STATE.

WE WILL HAVE THAT DISCUSSION.

MY SENSE IS WE WILL PROBABLY DO A REBATE OF SOME SIZE.

SOME PEOPLE TALKED ABOUT PERMANENT TAX CUTS BUT WHEN YOU LOOK AT THE STATE'S TAXES, WE HAVE IT ALL TOGETHER AND WE ARE THE LOWEST TAX PER CAPITA IN THE COUNTRY.

WHEN YOU ARE TRYING TO LOOK AT HOW WE PERFORM AND COMPETE AGAINST OTHER STATES AND THE SERVICES WE PROVIDE, YOU HAVE TO CONSIDER THAT.

>> ONE KEY PRIORITY FOR GOVERNOR IVEY AND LEGISLATIVE LEADERS IS RE-AUTHORIZING AND REVISING THE STATE'S ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT INCENTIVES LAWS, WHICH ARE USED TO RECRUIT INDUSTRY TO THE STATE.

MOST EXPECT THAT TO BE AN ISSUE TAKEN UP QUICKLY WHEN THE SESSION BEGINS.

>> I'VE CARRIED THOSE LEGISLATIVE ITEMS IN THE SENATE FOR THE JOBS ACT, THE GROWING ALABAMA, THE AMAC, THE RENEWAL OF JOBS ACT.

THOSE THINGS I HAVE BEEN FOCUSED ON FOR THE BETTER OF MY CAREER IN THE LEGISLATURE.

I THINK THEY ARE HUGE.

THEY HAVE PAID BIG DIVIDENDS TO THE PEOPLE OF ALABAMA.

WE HAVE HAD HUGE JOB GROWTH AS A RESULT.

WE HAVE GOTTEN TO RENEW THEM.

DO THEY NEED TO BE DIFFERENT AND TWEAKED SOME?

YES.

THE LANDSCAPE OF THE COMPETITIVE ENVIRONMENT WE FIND OURSELVES COMPETING AGAINST LOUISIANA OR MICHIGAN OR NORTH CAROLINA, WHATEVER IS CONSTANTLY CHANGING.

SO, WE NEED TO BE VIGILANT IN MAKING SURE THAT WE ARE LOOKING AT THE DETAIL OF HOW WE BEST PUT ALABAMA'S FOOT FORWARD TO BE ABLE TO RECRUIT THE INDUSTRY WE WANT IN OUR AREA, AND NOT JUST RECRUITMENT ON TOPICS ASSOCIATED WITH TRADITIONAL, INDUSTRIAL AND MANUFACTURING GROWTH.

THOSE ARE IMPORTANT AND WE HAVE HAD GREAT SUCCESS THERE, BUT ALSO IN MAKING SURE, AS WE LOOK AT INNOVATION AND THE KNOWLEDGE-BASED ECONOMY AND THE STARTUPS AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP THAT WE ARE DOING OUR PART IN FOCUSING ON THOSE, AS WELL BECAUSE THOSE ARE THE BIG BUSINESSES OF THE FUTURE.

>> ON THE DEMOCRATIC SIDE, SENATE MINORITY LEADER BOBBY SINGLETON SHARED WHAT HIS CAUCUS' TOP PRIORITIES FOR THE SESSION WOULD BE AT A RECENT APPEARANCE.

>> MEDICAID EXPANSION, MORE JOBS IN OUR COMMUNITY.

MAKING SURE WE GET A GOOD JOBS ACT, BROADBAND WILL BE CRUCIAL IN TERMS OF MAKING THE EXPANSION OF BROADBAND ACROSS OUR DISTRICTS IN RURAL AREAS AND UNSERVED URBAN AREAS.

THOSE WILL BE OUR TOP PRIORITIES, AND WE ARE ALSO A TOP PRIORITY ON EXEMPTIONS TO THE ABORTION RULE.

LET'S BRING IT UP AND PUT ON THE EXEMPTIONS AND WE WILL TALK ABOUT PRE AND POST-NATAL CARE FOR WOMEN THAT THE STATE OF ALABAMA DOESN'T PROVIDE.

>> ON REVISITING ALABAMA'S ABORTION LAW, SINGLETON WANTS RAPE AND INCEST TO BE CONSIDERED AS TWO EXCEPTIONS TO THE ABORTION BAN.

GAMBLING IS ANOTHER ISSUE THAT SENATOR SINGLETON HAS ADVOCATED FOR BUT WITH LIMITED SUCCESS.

ASKED WHETHER WE MIGHT SEE A SERIOUS GAMBLING BILL THIS SESSION, HERE WAS HIS RESPONSE.

>> GET MY VIOLIN OUT.

I REALLY DON'T KNOW.

IT'S GOING TO BE -- I THINK THE MEMBERSHIP AND THE SENATE WANTS TO SEE A GAMBLING BILL IN THE HOUSE.

WE PASSED IT IN THE SENATE LAST TIME.

WITH NEW MEMBERS THIS THE HOUSE, I DON'T KNOW WHERE THEY ARE COMING FROM.

I DON'T KNOW WHAT THEIR THINKING IS OR IF ANYONE SAID ANYTHING.

IT WILL BE INTERESTING TO SEE WHERE WE ARE.

I THINK THERE WILL BE A GAMING BILL BUT WILL IT GET OUT OF THE HOUSE, I'M NOT SURE.

>> SPEAKING OF NEW MEMBERS, THERE ARE 31 NEW LAWMAKERS IN THE HOUSE AND 6 IN THE SENATE.

THAT MEANS THAT ALMOST A FOURTH OF THE ENTIRE LEGISLATURE WILL BE FRESHMEN.

"CAPITOL JOURNAL" RECENTLY SPOKE TO A HANDFUL OF THESE NEW MEMBERS ABOUT INITIATIVES THEY ARE WORKING ON.

>> AT THOUGH END OF THE FOUR YEARS I WANT TO SEE -- I WANT PEOPLE IN MY DISTRICT TO SEE SUBSTANTIAL CHANGES, RIGHT?

SO, FOR EXAMPLE, I AM ON THE INFORMATIONAL TECHNOLOGY OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE.

I'M ALSO BROADBAND OVERSIGHT.

I'M EXCITED TO BE ABLE TO MAKE STRIDES IN SOME OF THOSE AREAS.

I'M ON THE HEALTH COMMITTEE, AS WELL AS THE GENERAL FUND BUDGET COMMITTEE.

IT'S REALLY IMPORTANT FOR ME TO STEER RESOURCES TO THE COMMUNITIES IN WHICH I SERVE.

>> I'D LOVE TO BE A PART OF THE INCENTIVES COMMITTEE AND PEOPLE THAT ACTUALLY RECRUIT.

I'M A CPA BY PROFESSION.

SO I CAN TALK THE BUSINESS LANGUAGE AND I HOPE I HAVE A CHANCE TO WORK IN THAT REGARD GOING FORWARD.

I LIKE RECRUITING INDUSTRY.

I BELIEVE AN EMPLOYED FAMILY IS THE MOST LIBERATING FAMILY YOU CAN HAVE BECAUSE IT IS THEIR WORK, THEIR MONEY, THEIR CHOICE ON HOW TO SPEND IT AND IT WILL GIVE THEIR CHILDREN A CHANCE TO REMAIN AT HOME OR CLOSE BY NOT HAVING TO MOVE ACROSS THE COUNTRY TO FIND GOOD EMPLOYMENT.

I'M ALL ABOUT INDUSTRY AND RECRUITMENT EMPLOYMENT.

>> EDUCATION, BEING A FORMER TEACHER, SPECIAL EDUCATION TEACHER, EDUCATION IS HUGE.

ALSO COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT, ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, AS WELL.

>> THE STATE MAY BE SEEING SURPLUSES IN THE BUDGETS, BUT FOR SOME CHRONICALLY UNDER FUNDED STATE AGENCIES THE DEMAND STILL FAR OUTWEIGHS THE AVAILABLE RESOURCES.

"CAPITOL JOURNAL'S" RANDY SCOTT CAUGHT UP WITH ONE STATE AGENCY THAT HAS LAWMAKERS' SPECIAL ATTENTION THESE DAYS.

>> LAWMAKERS GOT AN EARLY FILL OF A REGULAR SESSION, THANKS TO BUDGET HEARINGS.

NOW IT'S TIME FOR THE REAL THING.

HAVING MANY ISSUES TO DEAL WITH, FUNDING FOR AGENCIES IS NEAR THE TOP.

THE DEPARTMENT OF MENTAL HEALTH HAS SEEN ITS WORKLOAD INCREASE DUE TO MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES AROUND ALABAMA.

>> THE ISOLATION THAT HAPPENED DURING COVID, ONE OF THE THINGS WE LEARNED THROUGH THAT PROCESS IS ISOLATION IS ACTUALLY THE WORST THING IN THE WORLD WE CAN DO FOR OUR MENTAL HEALTH.

SO, WE SAW A LOT OF INCREASE IN ANXIETY AND DEPRESSION, NOT ONLY AMONG ADULTS BUT ALSO WITH OUR KIDS.

>> COMMISSIONER KIM BOSWELL, LIKE OTHER AGENCY HEADS, WILL CLOSELY MONITOR THIS SESSION.

SHE ASKED LAWMAKERS DURING THE BUDGET HEARINGS FOR HELP TO DEAL WITH MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES.

>> OUT OF OUR BUDGET, REQUEST FOR 41 MILLION, 30 MILLION OF THAT, 30.6, WAS AROUND WORKFORCE ISSUES.

TRYING TO GET AHEAD OF SOME OF THE WORKFORCE ISSUES THAT ARE OUT THERE RIGHT NOW IS A HUGE TASK FOR US.

>> COMMISSIONER BOSWELL SAID PROGRESS HAS ALREADY STARTED BUT OTHER ITEMS ARE IN NEED.

>> WE HAVE BEEN BUSY BUILDING THE ALABAMA CRISIS SYSTEM OF CARE AND OPENING CRISIS CENTERS AND DEPLOYING MOBILE CRISIS TEAMS.

SO PEOPLE HAVE ACCESS TO CARE 24/7.

THERE IS SUCH A SHORTAGE OF MENTAL HEALTH PROFESSIONALS THAT EVEN IF YOU HAVE THE BEST COVERAGE IN THE WORLD, SOMETIMES YOU ARE TOLD YOU HAVE TO WAIT 6, 8, 12 WEEKS TO SEE A PSYCHIATRIST OR THERAPIST.

>> BUSY WELL ADDS LAWMAKERS ARE CONSIDERING THE REQUEST.

>> WE CERTAINLY HOPE TO RECEIVE THE FUNDING WE HAVE IN OUR REQUEST BUT WE ARE GRATEFUL THAT WE HAVE LAWMAKERS WHO REALLY ARE LOOKING AT THE ECONOMIC CONDITIONS, LOOKING AT, YOU KNOW, IS THIS REVENUE THAT'S GOING TO CONTINUE?

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

>>> MORE BROADLY, ALMOST EVERY STATE AGENCY IS REPORTING DIFFICULTY KEEPING UP WITH THE HIGHER COSTS OF INFLATION AND TROUBLE FINDING AVAILABLE, QUALIFIED WORKERS.

"CAPITOL JOURNAL'S" KAREN GOLDSMITH REPORTS.

>> THE AGENCIES RESPONSIBLE FOR MANAGING THE DAILY FUNCTIONS OF STATE GOVERNMENT ARE NOT IMMUNE FROM THE CURRENT SHORTAGE OF EMPLOYEES AND THE RISING COSTS OF INFLATION.

ALABAMA'S BUREAU OF PARDON AND PAROLES.

>> ON GAS PRICES, YOU CAN SEE IN 2020, WE WERE AT ROUGHLY MONTHLY COST OF 46,900 AND NOW 98600.

THAT'S A CHALLENGE AND PART OF OUR BUDGET INCREASE IS TO PAD OURSELVES SO WE DON'T GET HIT IF GAS CRISIS COMES INTO EFFECT.

>> THE STATE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION.

>> WE HAVE TO BUY TIRES FOR BUSES.

WE RUN 83 MILLION MILES A YEAR ON OUR BUSES AND THAT'S A LOT OF TIRES AND TIRES COST MORE THAN LAST YEAR.

>> ALABAMA'S DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS HAS BEEN HISTORICALLY PLAGUED BY THE SHORTAGE OF CORRECTIONS OFFICERS.

SO MUCH SO THAT A FEDERAL JUDGE MANDATED THE NUMBERS INCREASE.

THEY CURRENTLY HAVE 1732 SECURITY STAFFERS, YET THEY HAVE A NEED FOR 688 MORE.

BUT THERE'S A GLIMMER OF HOPE FOR THE STATE'S DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS.

THEY SAY A SILVER LINING IS STARTING TO FORM AROUND THAT DARK CLOUD.

>> WE HAD ABOUT EIGHT QUARTERS OF DECLINE IN STAFFING.

WE WERE LOSING MORE PEOPLE THAN WE WERE BRINGING IN.

LAST QUARTER, THAT NUMBER LEVELED OFF.

THAT DOESN'T SOUND LIKE A LOT BUT IT IS A HUGE VICTORY FOR US.

WE WANT TO CONTINUE TO LEVEL OFF AND GO UP.

>> THE COMMISSIONER NOTED THAT THE RETENTION BONUSES HAVE MAINTAINED 65% OF CORRECTIONS OFFICERS.

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

>>> AND MAKE A NOTE: GOVERNOR KAY IVEY WILL DELIVER HER STATE OF THE STATE ADDRESS TUESDAY NIGHT AT 6:00 FROM THE STATE CAPITOL.

WE WILL BE BROADCASTING THE SPEECH LIVE HERE ON APT, AND IN FACT WILL HAVE TWO HOURS OF LIVE COVERAGE THAT NIGHT, WITH ANALYSIS FROM JOURNALISTS.

WE'LL ALSO FEATURE THE OFFICIAL DEMOCRATIC RESPONSE DELIVERED BY STATE REPRESENTATIVE BARBARA DRUMMOND RIGHT HERE IN STUDIO.

AND STARTING MONDAY, "CAPITOL JOURNAL" WILL BE ON THE AIR EVERY WEEKDAY THROUGHOUT THE LEGISLATIVE SESSION.

WE'LL HAVE A BREAKDOWN OF THE DAILY ACTIVITIES FROM THE HOUSE AND SENATE, PLUS A FEW INTERESTING AND INFLUENTIAL GUESTS.

THAT'S MONDAY THROUGH THURSDAY AT 10:30 PM AND FRIDAY AT THE USUAL 7:30 TIME.

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

>> YOU CAN WATCH PAST EPISODES AT VIDEO@APTV.ORG AND ON APTV'S FREE MOBILE APP.

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

AND YOU CAN LISTEN TO PAST EPISODES OF "CAPITOL JOURNAL" WHEN YOU ARE DRIVING OR ON THE GO WITH "CAPITOL JOURNAL" PODCASTS.

>> JOINING ME NEXT IS STATE REPRESENTATIVE SCOTT STADTHAGEN, MAJORITY LEADER FOR THE ALABAMA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

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

>> THANK YOU FOR HAVING ME, TODD.

>> THIS IS THE FIRST CONVERSATION WE HAVE HAD AFTER YOU HAVE BEEN ELECTED MAJORITY LEADER.

THAT WAS -- TOOK PLACE AFTER THE ELECTIONS -- AFTER THE STATEWIDE ELECTIONS.

YOU ARE NOW THE MAJORITY LEADER FOR THE HOUSE.

CONGRATULATIONS ON THAT.

WHAT CAN WE EXPECT FROM YOUR LEADERSHIP IN THE HOUSE CAUCUS?

>> WELL, THANK YOU, TODD.

VERY, VERY THANKFUL FOR THE OPPORTUNITY, BLESSED TO SERVE IN THIS CAPACITY FOR THE HOUSE.

WE'RE GOING TO HIT THE GROUND RUNNING.

WE'RE GOING TO MAKE SURE THAT WE ARE THERE FOR OUR MEMBERS.

THAT'S MY NUMBER ONE JOB AS HOUSE MAJORITY LEADER AND GOING TO GIVE THE TOOLS AND RESOURCES THAT'S NEED TO BE SUCCESSFUL AND CROSS THE FINISH LINE TO MAKE OUR STATE BETTER.

>> SO, WALK ME THROUGH A LITTLE OF THAT.

MAYBE OUR VIEWERS COULD USE A REFRESHER.

WE HAVE THE SPEAKER, RIGHT?

HE IS ALWAYS THERE WITH THE GAVEL AND THAT KIND OF THING.

BUT THEN EACH CAUCUS HAS ITS MAJORITY LEADER.

IN YOUR ROLE, IS IT PARTLY LEGISLATIVE AND PARTLY POLITICAL UNDERSTANDING YOU ARE TALKING ABOUT JUST THE REPUBLICANS.

>> JUST THE REPUBLICANS.

WE ARE THE SUPERMAJORITY THE THOUSAND.

77 MEMBERS IN OUR CAUCUS AND ARE A TEAM AND WE HAVE OUR PERSON POLICIES THAT MEAN A LOT TO US.

THROUGHOUT DIFFERENT PIECES OF LEGISLATION THAT WE WORK TOGETHER ON AND WE DECIDE WHICH IS BEST FOR OUR STATE AND SUPPORT IT AND GO FORWARD.

>> WE JUST GOT FINISHED WITH AN ELECTION.

FOUR YEARS TO GO MAY SEEM LIKE A LONG TIME BUT EVERYBODY WANTS TO THINK AHEAD AND MAKE SURE THEY ARE DOING THE THINGS IN THE STATEHOUSE, IN THE LEGISLATURE TO PREPARE THEMSELVES FOR RE-ELECTION.

IS THAT ALSO A COMPONENT OF WHAT YOUR ROLE IS?

>> ABSOLUTELY.

IT IS MY JOB TO EDUCATE THE CONSTITUENTS IN THE DISTRICT OF THEIR MEMBERS AND MAKE SURE THEY HAVE THE TOOLS AND RESOURCES AND DO LIKE TOWN HALL MEETINGS.

WE JUST GOT DONE WITH A ROUND OF TOWN HALL MEETINGS IN MY TOWN PERSONALLY AND PROVIDED A PACKAGE FOR THE MEMBERS THAT WOULD GIVE A GUIDE TO GO THROUGH PREVIOUS SESSION AND WHAT WE HAVE ON THE HORIZON, TOO.

>> IT IS INTERESTING BECAUSE PEOPLE MAY NOT REALIZE, UNLIKE THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT, CONGRESS, AND EVEN OTHER MAYBE WEALTHIER STATES, WE DON'T HAVE A TON OF STAFF TO REALLY HELP WITH MEMBERS.

THEY MIGHT LOOK TOWARD THE CAUCUS FOR SOME OF THOSE RESOURCES AND EVERYTHING.

IN THE HOUSE, THEY ARE PROBABLY SHARING ASSISTANTS AND SECRETARIES AND THINGS.

>> THEY ARE.

THEY ARE SUPPOSED TO MEET THEIR CLERKS IN THE NEXT WEEK.

>> MOVING TO THE SESSION, IT WILL BE HERE IN A FEW DAYS.

LOTS OF TALK ABOUT ISSUES ON THE AGENDA.

I WAS WONDERING FROM YOU, IS THERE GOING TO BE AN OFFICIAL AGENDA?

I KNOW WE'VE SEEN THAT IN YEARS PAST.

IS IT GOING TO BE MORE INFORMAL?

WHAT'S YOUR PLAN GOING FORWARD WITH THE CAUCUS.

>> WE ARE JUST STARTING OUT THIS OUR FIRST YEAR, IN THE QUADRIENNIUM AND IT IS FOR US TO BUILD OUR TEAM.

WE HAVE 26 NEW MEMBERS IN THE HOUSE, REPUBLICAN SIDE.

THAT'S A THIRD OF OUR CAUCUS.

SO, I THINK WE NEED TO BUILD RELATIONSHIPS, GET TO KNOW ONE ANOTHER, AND PRIORITIZE WITHIN OUR CAUCUS AND WHAT'S IMPORTANT TO OUR STATE THIS YEAR.

I KNOW FENTANYL WILL BE A HUGE, NUMBER ONE AGENDA FOR US.

SOMETHING THE SPEAKER AND I AM PASSIONATE ABOUT.

>> THIS IS ESSENTIALLY INCREASING PENALTIES FOR THOSE WHO TRAFFIC IN FENTANYL, ESPECIALLY OVER A CERTAIN AMOUNT.

>> ABSOLUTELY.

WE HAVE A TOWN HALL MEETING LAST NIGHT AND WE TALKED TO MY SHERIFF AND POLICE CHIEF AND THEY ARE TALKING ABOUT CLASS D FELONIES.

WE REALLY NEED TO KEEP THE BAD GUYS OFF THE STREET AND THEY ARE STRUGGLING RIGHT NOW DOING THAT.

>> WE'RE ALSO HEARING A LOT ABOUT -- WELL, SOMEWHAT OF A RELATED ISSUE AND THAT IS MENTAL HEALTH.

THIS ISSUE HAS REALLY INCREASED IN MAYBE PRIORITY OR FOCUS OVER THE LAST FOUR OR FIVE YEARS.

GO BACK 15 OR 20 YEARS, NOBODY WANTED TO TALK ABOUT MENTAL HEALTH, BUT THEY CERTAINLY DO NOW.

YOU MENTIONED THE SPEAKER.

IT'S ONE OF HIS TOP PRIORITIES, GOVERNOR, AS WELL.

WHAT DO YOU THINK WE MIGHT SEE ON THE MENTAL HEALTH FRONT IN THE SESSION, HAVING JUST HEARD FROM THE COMMISSIONER?

>> SO, THE SPEAKER WAS OUR MAJORITY LAST QUADRIENNIUM.

HE KIND OF LED THE CHARGE ON THAT AND DID A PHENOMENAL JOB.

SO, WE HAVE BEEN NEGLECTING MENTAL HEALTH, FINANCIALLY OVER A DECADE AND WE ARE SEEING THE RESULTS OF THAT.

SO, WE ARE PLAYING CATCH UP.

WE HAVE DONE A LOT OF WORK IN THE PAST COUPLE OF YEARS.

WE NEED TO CONTINUE TO DO THAT.

IT'S HITTING OUR SCHOOLS.

IT'S HITTING FAMILIES.

IT IS HITTING OUR PRISON SYSTEMS AND HOSPITALS.

EVERYBODY IS IMPACTED BY MENTAL HEALTH IN OUR STATE.

I THINK IT IS SOMETHING THAT HAS TO BE IN THE TOP LIST OF OUR PRIORITIES.

>> I FOUND IT INTERESTING THE OTHER DAY AT BUDGET HEARINGS WHEN THE COMMISSIONER, KIM BOSWELL, WHEN SHE WAS TALKING ABOUT, LOOK, WE HAVE SET UP THESE NEW CRISIS CENTERS AND EVERYBODY IS HAPPY ABOUT THAT, BUT THEY ARE HAVING TROUBLE STAFFING THE FACILITIES THEY HAVE.

SO, THAT COMPOUNDS THE PROBLEM.

>> THAT'S RIGHT.

JUST LIKE OUR HOSPITALS, YOU KNOW, OUR HOSPITALS AND NURSING HOMES RIGHT NOW, WE HAVE BEDS AVAILABLE B BUT WE DON'T HAVE THE STAFF TO CARE FOR THOSE BEDS.

WE HAVE THE FACILITIES.

WE HAVE THE SPACE.

NOW WE NEED THE EMPLOYEES TO BE DOING THE JOB, AND THAT'S A STRUGGLE ACROSS THE BOARD.

>> YEAH.

THAT FEEDS INTO WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT.

THAT FEEDS INTO -- I'VE HEARD A LOT OF LAWMAKERS REPUBLICAN AND DEMOCRAT, FRANKLY, TALK ABOUT GETTING FOLKS OFF THE SIDELINES.

FINDING PATHWAYS TO FOLKS WHO AREN'T PARTICIPATING IN THE WORKFORCE TO PARTICIPATING IN THE WORKFORCE.

LOOK, IT'S NOT -- THERE'S NO SILVER BULLET THERE BUT MAYBE A VARIETY OF WAYS.

BUT IT SEEMS LIKE WE KEEP HEARING ABOUT WORKFORCE SHORTAGES, NOT JUST IN THE PRIVATE BUT IN THE PUBLIC SECTOR.

>> THAT'S RIGHT.

JUST IN MY DISTRICT ALONE, WHEN I DRIVE THROUGHOUT THE INDUSTRIES I SEE HELP WANTED SIGNS ON EVERY SINGLE DOOR.

I THINK IT IS TIME FOR US TO TALK TO THESE KIDS THAT ARE FIXING TO GRADUATE HIGH SCHOOL AND LET THEM KNOW HOW IMPORTANT IT IS TO LEARN A TRADE AND TO BECOME A MACHINIST OR WELDER WITHIN YEARS AFTER GRADUATING HIGH SCHOOL.

YOU CAN REALLY MAKE A GOOD LIVING.

BACK WHEN WE WERE GROWING UP, OUR PARENTS INSTILLED COLLEGE, COLLEGE.

THAT'S ALL WE HEARD.

NOW THAT IS NOT SO MUCH THE CASE.

YOU CAN REALLY LEARN A GOOD TRADE AND YOU CAN GET OUT AND START TO MAKE AN IMPACT IN YOUR COMMUNITY RIGHT OFF THE BAT.

PEOPLE WHO ARE GRADUATING HIGH SCHOOL ARE GOING TO STAY IN THAT COMMUNITY.

THAT'S THE NUMBER ONE THING WE ARE WORRIED ABOUT IS RETAINING THE KIDS THAT WE HAVE THAT ARE GRADUATING HIGH SCHOOL WITHIN OUR COUNTY THAT WE LIVE IN.

ANOTHER THING IS WE ALSO HAVE KIDS THAT GO TO OUR COLLEGES THAT ARE NOT STAYING IN AND INVESTING IN ALABAMA.

THEY ARE LEAVING AFTER THEY GRADUATE.

THAT'S ANOTHER THING WE ARE DEALING WITH, TOO.

WITH TEACHERS, THEY ARE RETIRING EARLY AND GOING TO TEACH ACROSS STATE LINES.

IT'S JUST SOMETHING WE HAVE TO ADDRESS ACROSS THE BOARD.

WE ARE SEEING IT ALL OVER THE PLACE.

IF YOU WANT A JOB RIGHT NOW, YOU CAN GET A JOB.

>> I THINK THAT IS PRETTY FAIR TO SAY.

AND ANYTHING WITH A HISTORICALLY LOW UNEMPLOYMENT RATE.

YOU TOUCH ON EDUCATION.

I KEEP GETTING TOLD -- I HAVEN'T SEEN A COPY OF THE GOVERNOR'S SPEECH YET.

SHE IS GIVING IT TUESDAY NIGHT, BY HEAR WHISPERS THERE WILL BE A LOT OF EDUCATION STUFF.

WE HEARD SOME OF IT IN HER INAUGURAL ADDRESS BUT NOT A LOT OF SPECIFICS.

I'M CURIOUS WHAT Y'ALL HAVE BEEN HEARING AND WHAT YOU THINK THE SESSION WILL LOOK LIKE EDUCATION WISE, UNDERSTANDING THERE IS A SURPLUS OF EDUCATION DOLLARS.

YOU HAVE TALK OF SCHOOL CHOICE.

YOU HAVE TALK OF LITERACY AND NUMERACY.

AS A CAUCUS, ARE YOU ALL TALKING THROUGH THESE EDUCATION ISSUES OR MAYBE WAITING TO SEE WHAT THE GOVERNOR SAYS TUESDAY NIGHT?

>> WE ARE WAITING TO SEE BUT WE WILL BE DISCUSSING IT.

I THINK EVERYBODY IN THE STATE OF ALABAMA CAN AGREE THAT WE HAVE TO DO SOMETHING WITH OUR EDUCATION SYSTEM.

WE ARE AT THE BOTTOM OF THE BARREL AND WE HAVE BEEN THAT WAY FOR A WHILE.

YOU TALKED EARLIER ABOUT SILVER BULLET, THIS IS NOT A SILVER BULLET AND I DON'T THINK THAT MONEY WILL FIX IT.

IT IS A COMBINATION OF DIFFERENT THINGS IN DIFFERENT COMMUNITIES.

LEADER DANIELS AND I HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO SIT WITH THE STATE SCHOOL BOARD AT THEIR LAST MEETING AND IT WAS VERY INFORMATIVE FOR BOTH OF US TO TALK TO THEM.

I THINK IT WAS A VERY SMALL STEP IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION, BUT WE HAVE TO GET A GRIP ON OUR EDUCATION AND WHERE WE ARE GOING AND WHAT WE ARE DOING TO FIX IT BECAUSE WHAT WE HAVE BEEN DOING IS NOT WORKING.

ON THE FLIP SIDE OF THAT, WITH OUR PRE-K PROGRAMS, I THINK THOSE ARE BENEFICIAL.

WE HAVEN'T DONE THOSE LONG ENOUGH TO SEE THE REWARDS FROM IT YET.

I THINK SOME OF THE BILLS WE HAVE PASSED IN THE PAST ARE GOOD BUT WE STILL HAVE TO SEE, YOU KNOW, IN THE FUTURE.

SOME OF THE THINGS WE HAVE DONE YOU ARE NOT GOING TO SEE THE RESULT FOR SEVERAL YEARS NOW BUT THERE ARE COMMUNITIES IN THE STATE THAT ARE HURTING FINANCIALLY, HURTING IN POVERTY AND IN THEIR SCHOOL NUMBERS AND WE NEED TO ADDRESS THOSE SITUATIONS.

>> YEAH.

TOUGH TO TURN THAT AIRCRAFT CARRIER AROUND.

DOESN'T HAPPEN OVERNIGHT.

>> THAT'S RIGHT.

>> I WAS GOING TO ASK ABOUT YOUR CONVERSATIONS WITH THE SCHOOL BOARD.

I FOUND IT REALLY INTERESTING.

I WOULD SAY OVER THE LAST FIVE, SIX YEARS, THERE'S BEEN A LOT OF MAYBE MISCOMMUNICATION, MAYBE A LITTLE BIT OF BUMPING HEADS BETWEEN THE LEGISLATURE AND SCHOOL BOARD.

REALLY DIDN'T SEEM TO BE ON THE SAME PAGE ON SOME ISSUES.

IS THAT WHAT Y'ALL ARE TRYING TO REMEDY IS BETTER COMMUNICATION?

>> ABSOLUTELY.

THE NUMBER ONE OBJECTIVE IS EVERYBODY ACROSS THE STATE WANTS TO MAKE HOUR STATE BETTER IF YOU ARE IN PUBLIC OFFICE AND IF YOU DON'T, YOU NEED TO GO BACK HOME.

I THINK EVERYONE ON THAT SCHOOL BOARD WANTS TO SEE THEIR NUMBERS BE WHERE THEY NEED TO BE.

EVERYBODY IN THE STATE LEGISLATURE WANTS TO DO THE SAME, AS WELL.

I THINK YOU HAVE TO WORK TOGETHER TO OBTAIN THE GOAL THAT WE NEED TO OBTAIN FOR OUR STATE, BUT IF WE DON'T WORK TOGETHER, WE'RE NOT COMMUNICATING, YOU ARE NOT GOING TO BE SUCCESSFUL.

IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO BE SUCCESSFUL WITHOUT COMMUNICATION.

THAT WAS -- I THINK THEY ARE MEETING WITH LEADERSHIP IN THE STATEHOUSE.

I'M HAPPY FOR THAT.

I THINK THAT'S A SMALL STEP IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION.

I THINK WE REALLY NEED TO TALK POLICY.

WE ALSO NEED TO TALK ABOUT WHAT IS TAKING PLACE IN THESE SCHOOLS THAT ARE FAILING.

IT'S A LOT BIGGER PICTURE THAN JUST GRADES ON A PIECE OF PAPER.

>> YEAH.

INTERESTING, YOU MENTIONED THE SILVER BULLET POINT.

I HEAR THAT MORE AND MORE.

IF YOU GO BACK YEARS AND EDUCATION ISSUES NO MATTER WHAT SIDE YOU ARE ON, WHETHER IT IS ALL WE NEED TO DO IS RAISE TEACHERS' SALARIES, WE ARE LEADING THE SOUTHEAST IN SALARIES.

OR SCHOOL CHOICE.

I HEAR IT IS NOT ONE THING BUT A MENU OF DIFFERENT THINGS.

I'M CURIOUS TO HEAR THE GOVERNOR'S SPEECH.

YOU MENTIONED SO MANY NEW FRESHMAN.

YOU SAID 27.

>> 26 REPUBLICANS.

>> THAT'S A LOT.

A PERCENTAGE OF YOUR CAUCUS.

I HAVE MET A LOT, IF NOT ALL OF THEM.

I'M CURIOUS, HOW DO YOU THINK THEY ARE SETTLING IN IN TERMS OF THE LEGISLATIVE PROCESS.

I KNOW YOU HAD A MOCK SESSION.

>> WE DID.

THE SPEAKER AND I AND THE LEADER WORKED ON HAVING A MOCK SESSION.

I THINK IT WAS GOOD.

IT GAVE THEM THE OPPORTUNITY TO SEE THE PROCESS.

WE EVEN DID THE PLEDGE, THE PRAYER, CLERK CALLED THE ROLL.

LITERALLY IT WAS A MOCK SESSION.

I THINK IT WAS GOOD FOR ME, AS WELL, AS FIRST TIME AS BEING THE HOUSE MAJORITY LEADER, BUT SITTING AND WATCHING AND OBSERVING BUT IT GAVE THEM AN OPPORTUNITY TO SEE IT NOT ON STAGE.

YOU COULD ASK A QUESTION IN THE MIDDLE OF IT IF YOU HAD A QUESTION, YOU COULD ASK A QUESTION.

WE NEED TO GIVE THEM THE TOOLS THEY NEED TO BE SUCCESSFUL AND MAKE THEM FEEL AS COMFORTABLE AS THEY CAN.

I REMEMBER GOING THROUGH THOSE DOORS AS A FRESHMAN FOR THE FIRST TIME.

>> I WAS GOING TO ASK, IT HASN'T BEEN THAT LONG.

>> IT HASN'T BEEN THAT LONG AND IT IS INTIMIDATING.

I HAD REPRESENTATIVE SHEDD WHO MENTORED ME AND SHOWED ME WHERE THE RESTROOMS ARE.

YOU DON'T EVEN KNOW WHERE THOSE ARE.

I THINK WE ARE DOING THE SAME MENTORING PROGRAM RIGHT NOW WITH THE NEW MEMBERS.

I THINK IT'S BENEFICIAL TO HAVE SOMEBODY TO CALL AND SAY, HEY, I DON'T WANT TO ASK THIS QUESTION IN FRONT OF THE WHOLE BODY BUT WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THIS?

THEY NEED THAT PERSON.

BUT THEY BRING A LOT OF PROFESSIONALISM TO THE TABLE.

I MEAN FROM ALL KIND OF DIFFERENT FIELDS.

IT'S GOING TO BE INTERESTING TO WATCH.

>> IT REALLY WILL BE AND I'M GLAD WE TOUCHED ON THAT.

WE ARE LOOKING FORWARD TO HAVING AS MANY AS WE CAN ON THE SHOW.

WE ARE ABOUT TO BE A NIGHTLY SHOW DURING THE SESSION.

SO HOPEFULLY IT AN OPPORTUNITY TO HAVE THE BRAND NEW LAWMAKERS AND HEAR FROM THEM WHAT THEY ARE SEEING WITH THESE FRESH EYES.

>> ABSOLUTELY.

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

>> THANK YOU, AS ALWAYS, TODD.

>> ALL RIGHT.

WE'LL BE RIGHT BACK.

>> YOU ARE WATCHING ALABAMA PUBLIC TELEVISION.

JOINING ME NEXT IS STATE REPRESENTATIVE DANIELS, MINORITY LEADER FOR THE ALABAMA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

MR. LEADER, THANK YOU FOR COMING ON THE SHOW.

>> THANK YOU FOR HAVING ME, TODD.

ALWAYS FUN TO BE WITH YOU.

>> YOU HAVE A DOUBLE DOSE THIS WEEK, YOU WERE ON MY PODCAST AND NOW ON "CAPITOL JOURNAL."

WE ARE GOING TO KEEP THE CONVERSATION GOING BUT IT'S FOR A REASON.

WE HAVE A COUPLE MORE DAYS BEFORE THE SESSION BEGINS.

I KNOW Y'ALL HAVE A PRESS CONFERENCE SCHEDULED FOR MONDAY WHERE YOU WILL ANNOUNCE YOUR AGENDA OFFICIALLY BUT I WONDERED IF YOU COULD GIVE THE HIGH POINTS OF WHAT WE CAN EXPECT FROM HOUSE DEMOCRATS INTO THE SESSION?

>> OF COURSE, TODD.

YOU KNOW THERE ARE A NUMBER OF ISSUES THAT REPEAT THAT WE FEEL ARE STILL UNRESOLVED.

THE HEALTHCARE ACCESS TO QUALITY HEALTHCARE AND MEDICAID EXPANSION AND THE GROCERY TAX.

IT IS AN IMPORTANT ISSUE TO OUR CAUCUS AND HAS BEEN FOR A NUMBER OF YEARS BEFORE REPRESENTATIVE JOHN KNIGHT AND MEDICAID EXPANSION HAS BEEN A TOPIC OF DISCUSSION SINCE 2010.

WE ARE JUST TRYING TO KEEP PRESSING THOSE ISSUES A LOT FURTHER AND FIGURE OUT WAYS TO GET SOME OF THAT DONE.

>> LET'S TALK ABOUT THE GROCERY TAX.

YOU ARE RIGHT, HERE WE ARE AGAIN.

I THINK IT IS BASICALLY EVERY YEAR FOR THE PAST 20 YEARS THIS HAS COME UP AS AN ISSUE.

SOMETIMES IT COMES UP AND EVERYBODY KNOWS IT'S NOT GOING TO PASS.

I'D SAY THAT IS PROBABLY THE SITUATION BACK IN WHEN MR. KNIGHT WAS DOING IT.

BACK THEN IT WAS IT TOUCHES THE EDUCATION TRUST FUND.

YOU TOUCH ONE PENNY OF IT BACK THEN AND IT IS A NO-GO.

THESE DAYS THERE ARE OTHER COMPLICATIONS.

TALKING ABOUT HOW TO TREAT LOCAL TAXES AND THINGS LIKE THAT.

BUT READING MARY'S STORY AND THE DIFFERENT PROPOSALS, IT SEEMS LIKE THESE ISSUES, THESE COMPLICATIONS ARE BEING ADDRESSED IN A REAL WAY BY PEOPLE WHO ACTUALLY WANT TO PASS THE LEGISLATION.

>> ABSOLUTELY.

REPRESENTATIVE PENNI MCCLAMMY HAS BEEN WORKING EXTREMELY HARD.

PRIOR TO HER, THERE WERE OTHER INDIVIDUALS THAT INTRODUCED VARY VARIATIONS OF THE GROCERY TAX.

I THINK WE ARE TO THE POINT WHERE WE CAN HAVE REAL CONVERSATIONS.

OFTENTIMES YOU HEAR FROM INDIVIDUALS THAT TALK ABOUT THE IMPACT IT WILL HAVE ON THE EDUCATION TRUST FUND BUDGET.

HOWEVER, WHEN WE TALK ABOUT THE SAVINGS FOR FAMILIES IN ALABAMA, AND HAVING THE ABILITY TO SPEND MORE MONEY, NOT NECESSARILY JUST AT THE GROCERY STORE, BUT ALSO IN OTHER AREAS, WE WILL RECOUP THAT TAX REVENUE ANYWAY.

I THINK IS A HAPPY MEDIUM TO REACH BECAUSE OF THAT FEAR.

LIKE A GROCERY TAX HOLIDAY FOR A MONTH LONG SO THAT THEN YOU CAN HAVE A REAL ASSESSMENT OF THE IMPACT.

SO, IF YOU TAKE JUNE, FOR EXAMPLE, 2023, AND AT THE END OF JUNE, THE FULL MONTH OF JUNE, YOU DO A GROCERY TAX HOLIDAY FOR THE MONTH OF JUNE AND PROBABLY BY AUGUST 1st HAVE A REPORT DONE AFTER ALL OF THE RECEIPTS ARE RECEIVED AND YOU LOOK AT JUNE OF 2023 AND LACK AT JUNE OF 2022.

THEN YOU, AT THAT POINT, SAY IS THERE A SIGNIFICANT DIFFERENCE IN THE REVENUE GENERATED TO THE EDUCATION TRUST FUND AND I THINK WHEN YOU SEE THAT YOU'LL SEE THAT PEOPLE ARE SPENDING MONEY.

THEY ARE USING THAT ADDITIONAL MONEY AND SPENDING IN OTHER AREAS THAT STILL BENEFITS THE EDUCATION TRUST FUND.

I THINK WHEN WE USE THOSE ARGUMENTS, WE ARE NOT NECESSARILY DIGGING DEEP ENOUGH TO REALLY UNDERSTAND THAT ON THE SURFACE THAT SOUNDS GOOD BUT IN REALITY I DON'T THINK IT IS ACCURATE.

>> WELL, IT'S INTERESTING BECAUSE YOU HARDLY EVER MEET A REPUBLICAN WHO DON'T LIKE A TAX CUT AND CUTTING TAXES ON EVERYDAY GROCERIES IS A SIGNIFICANT TAX CUT.

I'M CURIOUS BECAUSE THEY ARE THE MAJORITY AND THE GOVERNOR ARE TALKING ABOUT TAX REBATE POSSIBILITIES.

$2.7 BILLION SURPLUS IN THE EDUCATION TRUST FUND, TAKING A PORTION OF THAT.

WE'LL SEE WHAT'S PROPOSED AND GIVING IT BACK TO THE PEOPLE IN THE FORM OF A TAX REBATE CHECK, $200, $500, WHAT HAVE YOU.

I'M CURIOUS.

DO YOU THINK REPUBLICANS WHO WANT TO CUT TAXES WITH THIS SURPLUS WOULD BE OPEN TO A GROCERY TAX ALTERNATE OR A HYBRID THEREOF?

>> I THINK THERE ARE A NUMBER OF THINGS THAT THEY HAVE PROBABLY NOT HEARD ME TALK ABOUT BESIDE YOUR PODCAST, TALK ABOUT A GROCERY TAX HOLIDAY FOR A MONTH LONG.

I THINK THEY WOULD ENTERTAIN THAT IDEA.

BECAUSE AT THE END OF THE DAY FOR ME, I DON'T NEED A REBATE.

I'M -- I DO OKAY.

THERE ARE A LOT OF PEOPLE LIKE ME IN THE ENTIRE STATE OF ALABAMA ESPECIALLY IN THE LEGISLATURE.

I THINK FOR US YOU WANT TO MAKE INVESTMENTS IN THINGS THAT WILL MAKE A DIFFERENCE AND HELP THE PEOPLE OF ALABAMA .

YEAH, THAT'S A SMALL, A TOKEN OF APPRECIATION AS I WOULD CALL IT BUT LONG-TERM IT IS NOT NECESSARILY SOLVING THE PROBLEM.

>> IT IS ONE CHECK, RIGHT?

>> EXACTLY.

SO IT IS NOT SOLVING THE PROBLEM.

BUT WHEN FOLKS ARE ABLE TO SAVE AT THE GROCERY STORE, THEY ARE ABLE TO SPEND MONEY IN OTHER AREAS, WHETHER IT IS A STORE FRONT IN RETAIL OR ANY OTHER ITEM THAT IS NOT SNAP DEFINITION OF WHAT GROCERIES ARE.

WE HAVE TO DO THINGS LIKE THAT TO OPEN OUR MINDS AND REMOVE THE FEAR.

>> I WANT TO GO TO ANOTHER PROPOSAL OF YOURS THAT YOU BROUGHT UP RECENTLY.

THAT IS BASICALLY TAKING AWAY REPEALING OR WHAT HAVE YOU THE INCOME TAXES ON OVERTIME WORK.

>> YES.

>> THIS IS INTERESTING.

YOU BROUGHT IT UP AT THE BCA FORUM THE OTHER DAY.

WE ARE TALKING ABOUT ECONOMIC INCENTIVES.

WE ARE TALKING ABOUT WHAT IS AUTHORIZED AND REVISED OF THE ECONOMIC INCENTIVES WE OFFER COMPANIES TO RECRUIT THEM HERE.

YOU BROUGHT IT UP AS RELATED TO ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT.

YOU SUDDENLY DID NOT HAVE THE TAX ON OVERTIME THAT MAYBE EMPLOYEES WOULD BE MORE LIKELY TO WORK IT AND THAT COULD BE AN ECONOMIC INCENTIVE TO ITSELF.

>> ABSOLUTELY.

I THINK ANY PERSON OUT THERE WORKING FULL TIME AND GO HOME AT THE 40-HOUR MARK THAT HAVE PROBABLY WORKED OVERTIME AT SOME POINT IN THEIR CAREER ARE NOT AS ENTHUSIASTIC ABOUT IT BECAUSE THE TIME AND A HALF IS FINE BUT THE 5% TAXES FROM THE STATE AND FEDERAL LEVEL AND OTHER TAXES THAT ARE INCORPORATED IN IT DOESN'T NECESSARILY MAKE IT AS WORTH IT, ESPECIALLY IF YOU ARE MAKING LIKE $15 AN HOUR.

BUT IF A PERSON MAKING $15 AN HOUR WAS ABLE TO WORK -- AVERAGE INDIVIDUAL WORKS TEN HOURS OF OVERTIME.

SO IF YOU HAVE FOUR EMPLOYEES WHO WORK TEN HOURS OF OVERTIME, AT THIS POINT, THE PRODUCTIVITY ASPECT FOR THE BUSINESS, FOUR INDIVIDUALS ARE PRODUCING AT THE RATE OF FIVE AND THEY ARE SAVING ON THE GNA AND OTHER COSTS AND THE EMPLOYEES THEMSELVES ARE TAKING HOME, THEY ARE MAKING $15 AN HOUR, THEY ARE TAKING HOME $111 MORE ON A 50 HOUR -- DURING THAT PARTICULAR WORK PERIOD.

IT'S A NO-BRAINER.

IT PUTS MORE MONEY IN THE POCKETS OF THE INDIVIDUALS.

WE KNOW WE DON'T NECESSARILY HAVE THE VOTES TO PASS ANY LAWS AROUND MINIMUM WAGE, RIGHT?

SO THE MARKET WORKS ITSELF OUT IN THAT PARTICULAR MANNER.

SO IN ORDER TO BE ABLE TO DO SOMETHING TO HELP INCREASE PRODUCTIVITY, AS WELL AS PUT MORE MONEY IN THE POCKET OF THE INDIVIDUAL THAT'S WORKING THE OVERTIME, IT HELPS.

YOU SEE NOW HIRING SIGNS ACROSS THE STATE OF ALABAMA.

THERE ARE MORE HIRING SIGNS THAN POLITICAL BILLBOARDS WHEN YOU RIDE DOWN 65, UP AND DOWN 65.

I THINK, FOR ME, BEING ABLE TO GET THOSE DOLLARS TO THE PEOPLE THAT ARE WORKING HARD EACH AND EVERY DAY.

AND THEN LOOKING AT OTHER CREATIVE IDEAS LIKE CHILD CARE AND OTHER THINGS TO HELP DRIVE THINGS.

I THINK LONG TERM WHAT YOU ARE BEGINNING TO SEE IS EGGS WERE $2, PROBABLY $2 A YEAR AND A HALF AGO.

THEY ARE PROBABLY $8 NOW IN SOME PLACES OR A LITTLE MORE THAN THAT.

>> THEY ARE A LOT.

>> IF THE TAX ON THAT POINT ON EGGS THAT WE ARE COLLECTING IS 8 OR 10% TAX.

SO ON THE $2 YOU PAY 20 CENTS BUT ON $8 YOU PAY 80 CENTS.

THEREFORE, THE REVENUE FOR THE EDUCATION TRUST FUND, THE SAME PRODUCT YOU GET 80 CENTS ON THAT PRODUCT WHEREAS YOU WERE ONLY GETTING 20 CENTS BEFORE.

THAT IS MORE MONEY GOING TO THE EDUCATION TRUST FUND.

SO THE OVERTIME TAX, WHATEVER ITEM IT IS, IT DOESN'T HAVE TO BE EGGS BUT ELIMINATING THE OVERTIME TAX WILL INCREASE THE SPENDING POWER FOR INDIVIDUALS WHICH YOU WILL SEE AN 8-2 RETURN ON THE DOLLARS TO THE EDUCATION TRUST FUND BUDGET.

SO IT IS A NO-BRAINER.

IT WILL INCREASE THE REVENUE GOING TO THE EDUCATION TRUST FUND BUDGET BECAUSE THE WORKING-CLASS PEOPLE ARE SPENDING MONEY.

THEY KNOW THEY ARE GOING TO MAKE MONEY.

SO THEY WILL BE SPENDING MONEY.

YOU LOOK AT THE CONSUMER BEHAVIOR, IT TELLS YOU.

THERE'S DATA OUT THERE THAT SHOWS THE SPENDING HABITS OF WORKING CLASS PEOPLE.

THEREFORE YOU ARE GOING TO SEE THAT MONEY BACK AND THEN SOME.

I CAN ASSURE YOU THAT WILL INCREASE THE AMOUNT OF REVENUE WE ARE BRINGING IN.

SOME SAY IT WILL TAKE A LITTLE HIT IN THE EDUCATION TRUST FUND.

WELL, YOU ARE GETTING THE 40 HOURS ALREADY.

YOU ARE ALREADY TAXES THAT.

THIS IS AN INCENTIVE FOR PEOPLE TO WORK MORE, INCREASE PRODUCTIVITY AND GIVE THE EMPLOYEE MORE MONEY TO TAKE HOME.

>> SWITCHING GEARS, EDUCATION.

WE ARE EXPECTED TO HEAR A LOT ABOUT THE GOVERNOR'S EDUCATION PLANS IN HER SPEECH COMING UP ON TUESDAY NIGHT.

SHE FORESHADOWED SOME THINGS IN HER INAUGURATION ADDRESS BUT NOT A LOT OF SPECIFICS.

HEARING ABOUT LITERACY AND NUMERACY ACT.

AND THE NEBULOUS ISSUE OF SCHOOL CHOICE.

EVERYBODY MEANS SOMETHING DIFFERENT WHEN THEY TALK ABOUT SCHOOL CHOICE.

FROM YOUR CAUCUS' PERSPECTIVE, WE HEAR THESE PROPOSALS COME OUT, WHERE ARE YOU IN TERMS OF WHETHER YOU WANT TO USE YOUR INFLUENCE TO PUSH THAT CONVERSATION.

>> I HAPPEN TO BE A PROPONENT OF CRADLE TO BIRTH TO PRE-K.

WHEN YOU LOOK AT COMMUNITIES IN ALABAMA WHERE THERE'S BEEN UNDER PERFORMANCE IN A LOT OF SCHOOL SYSTEMS ACROSS THE STATE, YOU WANT TO LOOK AT THE INFRASTRUCTURE.

I CAN ASSURE YOU THAT MANY OF THOSE, EVERY CHILD BORN IN THAT COMMUNITY DOESN'T HAVE ACCESS TO AN EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION PROGRAM.

WE KNOW THAT EVERY DOLLAR SPENT IN EARLY CHILDHOOD SAVES $7 IN CORRECTIONS.

IF WE KNOW THAT IT RAISES THE BAR FROM AN EDUCATION STANDPOINT FOR THOSE THAT HAVE THAT PIPELINE FROM BIRTH TO PRE-K AND THEN CONTINUES THROUGHOUT THE K-12 EXPERIENCE.

WE NEED TO MAKE CERTAIN THAT TYPE OF INFRASTRUCTURE IS AVAILABLE IN ALL OF OUR COUNTIES AND COMMUNITIES ACROSS THE STATE OF ALABAMA.

AND THEN YOU LOOK AT MIDDLE SCHOOL.

WHEN YOU LOOK AT MIDDLE SCHOOL, THE READING SCORES IN THE MIDDLE SCHOOL LEVEL IN PREPARATION FOR NINTH GRADE, THEY DON'T NECESSARILY ADVANCE MUCH HIGHER FROM A READING STANDPOINT.

SO, WE HAVE TO PLACE AN EMPHASIS ON THE SCIENCE OF READING IN THE MIDDLE SCHOOL AREA, PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT IN THE MIDDLE SCHOOL AREA AND INTRODUCE PATHWAYS, PATHWAYS FOR STUDENTS TO BECOME INTERESTED AND EXPOSED TO WHAT DO YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU GROW UP AND THE HIGH SCHOOL EXPERIENCE SHOULD BE MORE ABOUT PATHWAYS.

WE HAVE SEEN PATHWAYS SO IF YOU HAD A PUBLIC HEALTH TRACK OR ENGINEERING TRACK.

SO THAT STUDENT WOULD BE ABLE TO GO AND MATRICULATE TO THE TRACK MOST INTERESTING TO THEM.

THEREFORE, IT WILL SPARK THEIR INTEREST AND EXCITEMENT ABOUT LEARNING AND HELP THEM TO HAVE AN IN-DEPTH KNOWLEDGE OF THAT PATHWAY, REGARDLESS WHAT THE PATHWAY IS.

THOSE ARE THE TYPE OF THINGS WE HAVE TO THINK OUTSIDE OF THE BOX IN PREPARATION FOR THE WORKFORCE.

WE NEED THAT IN PUBLIC HEALTH, ENGINEERING AND THOSE AREAS WE WILL NEED WORKERS BECAUSE OF THE TYPE OF RECRUITMENT THAT THE SECRETARY AND GOVERNOR OF ADMINISTRATION ARE DOING A TREMENDOUS JOB ON THE RECRUITMENT OPPORTUNITIES BUT WE HAVE TO MAKE CERTAIN THE BASELINE IS STRONG.

RIGHT NOW THE FOUNDATION IS NOT AS STRONG AS IT NEEDS TO BE OR CAN BE, BUT I THINK WE ARE MOVING IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION.

>> INTERESTING.

THERE'S THIS KIND OF EXPERIMENT GOING ON HERE IN MONTGOMERY.

AT A LOCAL THEATER SYSTEM.

TALKING ABOUT ELEMENTARY AND JUNIOR HIGH, AND IT IS A CONVERSION CHARTER MODEL -- IT'S NOT A NEW SAY SCHOOL, SAME SCHOOL, AND IN MANY WAYS, SAME BUILDING AND STUDENTS BUT STARTING TO SEE DRAMATIC IMPROVEMENTS ON -- JUST FROM MORE ACCOUNTABILITY, DIFFERENT SORT OF FOCUS AND ALL OF THAT KIND OF STUFF.

THE MORE THAT GOES ON, I'M WONDERING IF THE LEGISLATURE TAKES MORE OF A FOCUS ON THAT TYPE OF STUFF THAT IS NOT A BROAD STROKE.

IT IS INDIVIDUAL COMMUNITIES ADDRESSING INDIVIDUAL PROBLEMS.

LIKE YOU SAID, ATTACKING AN ACUTE STRUGGLING SCHOOL.

>> ABSOLUTELY.

I THINK YOU OFFER THE SAME THINGS FOR SCHOOLS THAT ARE PERFORMING ON AVERAGE OR AT LEVEL, AS WELL SO THAT YOU DON'T LOSE ANYTHING.

YOU FOCUS OVER HERE.

YOU TAKE AWAY -- YOU HAVE TO BE ABLE TO BUILD.

YOU FOCUS ON THE WEAKNESSES AND BUILD ON THE STRENGTHS.

THAT'S THE APPROACH YOU HAVE TO TAKE IN EDUCATION, MAKING CERTAIN THE OPTIONS ARE THERE AND THE OPPORTUNITIES ARE THERE.

THIS WHOLE CONVERSATION ABOUT SCHOOL CHOICE, GOING BACK TO THAT FOR A MOMENT, IT MEANS DIFFERENT THINGS TO DIFFERENT PEOPLE.

FOR ME, I HAVE A CHOICE ALREADY.

I CAN CHOOSE TO SEND MY CHILD TO THE PUBLIC SCHOOL, OR I CAN SEND MY CHILD TO PRIVATE SCHOOL WHERE I PAY FOR IT AS A PARENT.

THERE'S ALREADY A CHOICE.

WHEN INDIVIDUALS ARE TALKING ABOUT THESE SAVINGS ACCOUNTS AND I HAVE HEARD, IT IS BASICALLY VOUCHERS.

WHEN THEY TALK ABOUT VOUCHERS, I HAVE SEEN IN FLORIDA AND OTHER PLACES WHERE THEY HAVE VOUCHERS BUT THE SCHOOLS INCREASE THEIR TUITION.

SO IF A CHILD HAS $6,000 MAX PER STUDENT AND THE TUITION WAS $6,000 BEFORE AND THEN THE -- WE CAN'T CONTROL THE COST OF TUITION AT THESE INSTITUTIONS.

SO MANY INCREASE THEIR TUITION.

SO IT IS $8,000.

SO A POOR KID AT OR RIGHT ABOVE THE FEDERAL POVERTY LEVEL THE FAMILY CAN'T AFFORD TO SEND THAT CHILD TO A PRIVATE SCHOOL.

IS IT ABOUT SOLVING THE EDUCATION, CLOSING THE ACHIEVEMENT GAP AND SOLVING THE EDUCATION ISSUES THAT WE ARE NOT MEETING THE MARK ON OR PROVIDING A TAX CUT FOR HOME-SCHOOL PARENT OR FOLKS THAT REALLY DON'T NEED IT?

WE HAVE TO FIGURE OUT WHAT DO WE WANT TO DO?

WHAT ARE WE LOOKING TO DO?

AND RIGHT NOW IT SOUNDS LIKE THE LATTER OPPOSED TO REALLY CLOSING THE ACHIEVEMENT GAP.

>> SOUNDS LIKE QUESTIONS WE MIGHT HEAR ON THE HOUSE FLOOR COMING UP IN A COUPLE OF MONTHS.

>> MR. LEADER, THANK YOU FOR COMING ON THE SHOW.

WE'LL SEE YOU VERY SOON AS THE GAVEL SOUNDS ON THE REGULAR SESSION IN 2023.

>> THANK YOU FOR HAVING ME.

ALWAYS FUN TO BE WITH YOU.

>> ALL RIGHT.

>> WE'LL BE RIGHT BACK.

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

>> JOINING ME NEXT IS MARK FOWLER, COMMISSIONER OF INSURANCE FOR THE STATE OF ALABAMA.

COMMISSIONER, THANK YOU FOR COMING ON "CAPITOL JOURNAL."

>> THANK YOU, TODD.

I APPRECIATE BEING HERE.

>> WE ALWAYS LIKE TO HAVE NEW CABINET MEMBERS ON TO I GIVE YOU AN OPPORTUNITY TO INTRODUCE YOURSELF TO THE STATE AND STATE GOVERNMENT AND YOU ARE ONE OF THE NEWEST MEMBERS OF GOVERNOR IVEY'S CABINET.

TAKING OVER ON -- DID THAT START INAUGURATION DAY?

>> SURE DID.

>> CAN YOU SHARE MORE ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT OF INSURANCE ITS ROLE AND YOUR ROLE AS COMMISSIONER.

>> I'D BE GLAD TO DO THAT.

IT IS AN HONOR OF THE LIFETIME TO SERVE THE GOVERNOR AND THE PEOPLE OF ALABAMA IN THE ROLE.

I HAVE BEEN WITH THE DEPARTMENT TEN YEARS.

I CELEBRATED TEN YEARS TWO WEEKS AGO AT THE DEPARTMENT.

I CAME ON AS RELATIONS MANAGER.

I HAD A LOT OF OTHER DUTIES TOO ON TOP OF THAT, A LEGISLATIVE LIAISON FOR THE DEPARTMENT AND THEN CHIEF OF STAFF AND DEPUTY COMMISSIONER CHIEF OF STAFF AND LONG-TIME COMMISSIONER JIM RIDLING DECIDED TO RETIRE AND I HAD BEEN WITH HIM FOR 9 1/2 YEARS WHICH WAS AN AMAZING PRIVILEGE.

WHEN HE DECIDED TO RETIRE, GOVERNOR IVEY ASKED ME TO STEP IN AND SERVE AS ACTING COMMISSIONER.

THAT STARTED IN JULY OF LAST YEAR.

I WAS VERY HONORED WHEN GOVERNOR IVEY CALLED ME AND ASKED ME TO BE THE PERMANENT COMMISSIONER OF INSURANCE STARTING IN JANUARY.

>> TALK ABOUT THE ROLES OF THE DEPARTMENT OF INSURANCE.

THE WAY I SEE IT -- OKAY, IT IS PROBABLY NOT UNCOMMON FOR FOLKS TO HAVE DISAGREEMENTS WITH THEIR INSURANCE COMPANIES, WHETHER THAT IS ON THE HEALTH, AUTOMOBILE, HOME, YOU KNOW, DISAGREEMENTS CAN CROP UP.

DOES YOUR DEPARTMENT PLAY A ROLE IN MITIGATING THOSE DISPUTES?

>> WE SURE DO.

LET ME BACK UP A LITTLE BIT AND TALK ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT IN GENERAL.

IN THE UNITED STATES INSURANCE IS REGULATED A THE STATE LEVEL.

WE ARE ALABAMA'S.

OUR PRIMARY MISSION IS POLICY HOLDER PROTECTION.

WE CALL OURSELVES SOMETIMES A CONSUMER PROTECTION AGENCY.

EVERYTHING WE DO, EVERYTHING WE DO, WE LOOK THROUGH THE LENS OF POLICY HOLDER PROTECTION.

IN THE MIDDLE OF THAT, WE ALSO HAVE A ROLE IN MARKET STABILITY AND PROMOTING COMPETITION IN OUR STATE.

THAT'S PARTICULARLY IMPORTANT WHEN YOU THINK OF HURRICANE SEASON AND COASTAL INSURANCE.

WE ALSO INVESTIGATE ARSON AND ENFORCE THE FIRE CODES, AS WELL.

I KNOW A LOT OF PEOPLE DON'T REALIZE THIS BUT THE STATE FIRE MARSHAL'S OFFICE IS A PART OF THE DEPARTMENT OF INSURANCE.

WE INVESTIGATE ARSON, WE ENFORCE THE FIRE CODES THROUGH THE STATE FIRE MARSHAL'S OFFICE AND A BIG PART OF THE ROLE IS INVESTIGATING INSURANCE FRAUD.

WE TYPICALLY HAVE 400, 500 CASES OPEN ALL THE TIME ON INSURANCE FRAUD.

WE MADE 30 ARRESTS LAST YEAR AND MADE A PRETTY BIG ONE THIS WEEK IN BLUNT COUNTY WHERE AN AGENT HAD FRAUDED HIS CLIENTS FOR OVER $600,000.

THAT GUY RIGHT NOW IS IN THE CORRECTIONAL FACILITY.

BUT YOU ARE RIGHT, CONSUMERS HAVE DISPUTES WITH THE INSURANCE COMPANIES ALL THE TIME.

SO, PROBABLY I THINK ALMOST 7,000 -- WE RECEIVED ALMOST 7,000 COMPLAINTS AND INQUIRIES LAST YEAR ALONE FROM INSURANCE CONSUMERS.

WE HAVE A TEAM OF PEOPLE AT THE DEPARTMENT AND ALL THEY DO IS SIT IN FRONT OF COMPUTERS AND WEAR HEAD SETS AND TAKE COMPLAINTS AND INQUIRIES FROM INSURANCE CONSUMERS.

WE CAN'T MAKE ANYBODY, ANY COMPANY DO ANYTHING OUTSIDE OF THE POLICY.

THAT'S A CONTRACTOR BETWEEN THE CONSUMER AND THE COMPANY.

OFTENTIMES, THERE'S DISCRETIONARY DECISIONS THAT CAN BE MADE AT A COMPANY.

AND SOMETIMES WE CAN STEP IN AND HELP THEM MAKE A DIFFERENT DECISION THAT MIGHT BENEFIT THE CONSUMER A LITTLE MORE OR A CONSUMER HAS A QUESTION ON WHAT IS IN THE POLICY?

WE ANSWER TONS OF QUESTIONS JUST LIKE THAT.

WE HAVE AN 800 NUMBER THAT CONSUMERS CAN CALL US ON IF THEY WANT TO.

THAT IS 800-433-3966.

WE HAVE A WEBSITE WHERE WE HAVE A LIVE CHAT.

YOU CAN CHAT LIVE WITH A CONSUMER SERVICES REPRESENTATIVE FROM OUR DEPARTMENT AND PEOPLE DO IT ALL THE TIME.

I ACTUALLY SECRET SHOPPED IT ONE TIME.

THEY DID A GREAT JOB WITH IT.

>> LITTLE UNDERCOVER BOSS.

>> LITTLE UNDERCOVER THERE.

>> WE WILL PUT THE NUMBER AND THE WEBSITE SO VIEWERS CAN SEE IT.

YOU TALK ABOUT INSURANCE FRAUD, THIS IS WHERE WE SEGUE INTO THE MURDAUGH MURDERS.

WE REALLY WANT RATINGS.

JUST KIDDING.

THE OTHER INITIATIVE ON THE ROOF FORTIFICATION PROGRAM, STRENGTHEN ALABAMA HOMES.

TELL ME HOW IT GOT STARTED.

>> THIS IS AN INTERESTING DEPARTMENT PROGRAM AT THE DEPARTMENT OF INSURANCE.

IT IS CALLED STRENGTHEN ALABAMA HOMES.

WE MAKE GRANTS UP TO $10,000 TO FORTIFY YOUR ROOF AGAINST STORM DAMAGE THIS STARTED AFTER HURRICANE IVAN AND KATRINA CAME THROUGH AND INSURANCE RATES WERE SKYROCKETING.

PEOPLE WERE HAVING ALL KIND OF TROUBLE.

LEGISLATORS WERE WANTING US TO REGULATE RATES MORE THAN WE DO AND SET RATES.

IT WAS TERRIBLY CHAOTIC.

COMMISSIONER RIDLING WAS HELPING GOVERNOR RILEY THROUGH THAT.

HE SAID HERE'S THE DEAL, YOU CAN'T LEGISLATE INSURANCE RATES AND YOU ARE NOT GOING TO CHANGE INSURANCE RATES IN THAT AREA UNDER THOSE CIRCUMSTANCES UNTIL YOU CHANGE THE ECONOMICS OF WHAT HAPPENS AFTER THE STORM PASSES BECAUSE THE STORMS ARE GOING TO COME.

THERE'S NOTHING WE CAN DO ABOUT THAT.

WE WERE BLESSED TO HAVE ALMOST 12 YEARS OF NO HURRICANE DOWN THERE.

SO WE HAD AN OPPORTUNITY TO WORK ON THIS.

WHAT WE DID WITH THAT PHILOSOPHY IS DEVELOP A PROGRAM AFTER JIM RIDLING BECAME THE COMMISSIONER OF INSURANCE TO FORTIFY HOMES AGAINST STORM DAMAGE AND WE PARTED WITH IBHS, THE INSURANCE INSTITUTE FOR BUSINESS HOME SAFETY.

THEY ARE THE CRASH TEST DUMMY PEOPLE FOR HOME BUILDING CONSTRUCTION AND HOME FORTIFICATION.

THEY HAVE A GIANT WIND TUNNEL AND RESEARCH FACILITY IN SOUTH CAROLINA WHERE THEY CAN SET UP -- THEY BUILD A HOME TO NORMAL STANDARDS AND FORTIFIED STANDARDS AND TURN ON THE FANS AND CREATE A HURRICANE INSIDE OF A BUILDING AND YOU WILL SEE THE UNFORTIFIED HOME BLOW OUT THE BACK DOOR.

>> THAT'S A COOL JOB.

>> YEAH.

>> WE PARTNERED WITH THEM AND ESTABLISHED STANDARDS FOR ALABAMA, CREATED THIS PROGRAM.

SO IF YOU ARE A RESIDENT OF THE STATE OF ALABAMA WITH A SINGLE-FAMILY HOME ON A FOUNDATION, AN INSURABLE HOME, YOU CAN APPLY FOR A GRANT UP TO $10,000 FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF INSURANCE TO FORTIFY YOUR ROOF.

NOW WE ONLY HAVE SO MUCH MONEY TO DO THAT BUT WE HAVE BEEN ABLE TO DO A LOT.

SINCE THE PROGRAM STARTED I THINK WE GAVE OUR FIRST GRANT OUT IN 2018 AND SINCE THAT TIME WE HAVE DISTRIBUTED $40 MILLION TO ALABAMA RESIDENTS AND WE HAVE FORTIFIED A LITTLE OVER 5,000 HOMES IN OUR STATE.

ALABAMA IS UNIQUE IN THIS.

ACCORDING TO IBHS, THERE'S 50,000 HOMES WITH THOSE ROOFS FORTIFIED TO IBHS STANDARDS, 36,000 IN THE STATE OF ALABAMA.

SO WE HAVE MORE THAN ANY OTHER STATE.

IN FACT, WE HAVE MORE THAN ANY OTHER STATE, OUTSIDE OF FLORIDA.

THEY HAVE A DIFFERENT SITUATION DOWN THERE.

WE HAVE MORE THAN ANY OTHER STATE AND ALL OF THE OTHER STATES COMBINED IN THE STATE OF ALABAMA.

GOVERNOR IVEY HAS BEEN A HUGE SUPPORTER OF THE PROGRAM AND IS A BIG SUPPORTER OF STRENGTHEN ALABAMA HOMES.

THIS HAS BEEN DONE UNDER HER LEADERSHIP AND APPRECIATE HER SUPPORT IN THAT.

>> IT IS IMPRESSIVE THAT MUCH ADVANTAGE COMPARED TO OTHER STATES.

WE WANT TO PUT UP THE WEBSITE TO STRENGTHEN ALABAMA HOMES.COM.

>> IT IS AN IMPORTANT PROGRAM IN OUR DEPARTMENT BECAUSE WE CAN REGULATE INSURANCE ALL DAY.

WE CAN LOOK AT RATES AND FORMS AND WE DO.

WE ISSUE 241,000 LICENSES, COMPANIES, ACTS AND BROKERS AND ALL OF THAT BUT THIS PROGRAM WE CAN AFFECT THE LIVES OF ALABAMIANS.

WE HAVE MADE GRANTS IN 26 COUNTIES ACROSS THE STATE.

IT STARTED ON THE COAST.

WE HAVE MOVED ACROSS THE STATE.

WE ENTER IN SPECIAL PROJECTS.

WE HAVE A GREAT ONE RIGHT NOW IN BIRMINGHAM THAT WE HAVE PARTNERED WITH PROTECT LIFE, HABITAT FOR HUMANITY, WHICH WE PARTNER WITH QUITE A BIT IN THIS AND IBHS AND WE ARE FORTIFYING OVER 100 HOMES AND FIVE HISTORIC NEIGHBORHOODS AROUND PROTECTIVE STADIUM AND IT CHANGED LIVES.

ONE OF THE RECIPIENTS SAID IT DOESN'T RAIN IN MY HOUSE ANYMORE.

>> WOW.

>> IT'S BEEN AN AMAZING PROGRAM.

>> LOOK, I HATE THAT WE ARE OUT OF TIME BUT THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR COMING AND EXPLAINING SOME OF THESE THINGS.

I LOVE WHEN I LEARN THINGS ABOUT STATE GOVERNMENT AND I CERTAINLY DID TODAY.

>> IT'S BEEN MY PLEASURE TO BE HERE TODAY.

>> COMMISSIONER MARK FOWLER, THANKS AGAIN.

>> THANK YOU.

APPRECIATE IT.

>> WE'LL BE RIGHT BACK.

>> OLYMPIAN JESSIE OWENS DOMINATED THE 1936 OLYMPICS WITH FOUR TRACK AND FIELD GOLD MEDALS.

THE LAWRENCE COUNTY NATIVE DOMINATED TRACK AND FIELD FROM A YOUNG AGE.

WHILE IN COLLEGE AT THE BIG TEN CHAMPIONSHIPS OWENS SET THREE WORLD RECORDS AND TIED A FORTH IN LESS THAN ONE HOUR.

OWENS IS WIDELY REMEMBERED AS THE NATION'S GREATEST OLYMPIAN.

>> THAT'S OUR SHOW FOR TONIGHT.

THANK YOU FOR WATCHING.

REMEMBER, ON MONDAY, WE RETURN TO A NIGHTLY SCHEDULE.

THAT'S MONDAY THROUGH THURSDAY AT 10:30 P.M. AND FRIDAYS AT 7:30 RIGHT HERE ON ALABAMA PUBLIC TELEVISION.

FOR OUR "CAPITOL JOURNAL" TEAM, I'M TODD STACY, WE'LL SEE YOU