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

WELCOME TO "CAPITOL JOURNAL."

IT WAS ANOTHER BUSY WEEK IN THE ALABAMA LEGISLATURE.

LAWMAKERS MET FOR THE 16TH, 17TH, AND 18TH LEGISLATIVE DAYS.

THAT MEANS THERE ARE TWELVE MEETING DAYS REMAINING IN THE 30 DAY SESSION.

ONE OF THE MOST HOTLY DEBATED BILLS - THE CONCEALED CARRY BILL IS CLOSE TO FINAL PASSAGE.

HOUSE BILL 272 FROM STATE REPRESENTATIVE SHANE STRINGER WOULD REMOVE THE REQUIREMENT THAT GUN OWNERS PURCHASE A PERMIT FOR CARRYING A CONCEALED HANDGUN.

THE ISSUE HAS BEEN AROUND FOR SEVERAL YEARS, BUT THE LEGISLATURE HAS NEVER COME THIS CLOSE TO ACTUALLY PASSING THE BILL.

STRINGER SAYS THE DIFFERENCE HAS BEEN A LAW PASSED LAST YEAR CREATES A LAW ENFORCEMENT DATABASE SHOWING WHICH INDIVIDUALS ARE PROHIBITED FROM OWNING FIREARMS.

>> THE 2ND AMENDMENT DOES NOT SAY ANYTHING ABOUT YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO CARRY A FIREARM AS LONG AS YOU GET PERMISSION FROM THE SHERIFF OR PAY A TAX TO THE SHERIFF IN THE FORM OF A PERMIT FEE.

IT IS THE ONLY RIGHT THAT IS TAX TAXED AND IT DOES NOT NEED TOOK TAXED.

IF THIS PROHIBITIVE TO PERSON DATABASE WILL REPLACE THE TOOL FOR THE LAW ENFORCEMENT INSTEAD OF HAVING A PERMIT, WHICH IS A SYSTEM OF LAW-ABIDING CITIZENS WE WILL HAVE THE DATABASE THAT WILL GIVE OUR LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS THIS HOURS A DAY 7 DAYS A WEEK ACCESS TO WHO IS PROHIBITED FROM HAVING GUNS >> DEMOCRATS HAVE VOCALLY OPPOSED THE BILL, SAYING IT WILL ONLY ADD TO GUN TRAFFICKING PROBLEMS AND PUT OFFICERS AT RISK.

STATE SENATOR LINDA COLEMAN MADISON ARGUED THAT REPUBLICANS ARE MISINTERPRETING THE SECOND AMENDMENT.

>> THE SUPREME COURT HELD THAT THE 2ND AMENDMENT PROTECTS AN INDIVIDUAL'S RIGHT TO POSSESS A FIREARM UNCONNECTED WITH SERVICE IN THE MILITIA 123 TO USE AT LAUNDRY ROOM SUCH AS SELF-DEFENSE WITHIN THE HOME -- SELF-DEFENSE WITHIN THE HOME -- AND THE WAY IT IS BEING USED IN THIS BILL -- PEOPLE KEEP TALKING ABOUT I HAVE A 2ND AMENDMENT; RIGHT.

WE'RE GETTING THE EMAILS FROM PEOPLE SAYING PROTECT THE 2ND AMENDMENT.

WE'RE ALL FOR 2ND AMENDMENT RICE.

I'M FOR 2ND AMENDMENT RIGHTS.

BUT LET'S GET IT STRAIGHT.

WHEN YOU WANT TO TALK ABOUT WHAT OUR FOUNDING FATHERS INTENDED, THIS TELLS YOU.

IT'S LET'S NOT TAKE IT AND STRETCH THE TRUTH IS.

>> THE BILL PASSED THE SENATE AS AMENDED AND NEEDS ONE MORE VOTE IN THE HOUSE FOR FINAL PASSAGE.

TURN THE STATE'S EDUCATION BUDGET IS THROUGH COMMITTEE AND READY FOR THE HOUSE FLOOR.

THE RECORD SETTING $8.17 BILLION DOLLAR EDUCATION TRUST FUND CONTAINS A FOUR PERCENT PAY RAISE FOR TEACHERS, PLUS ACROSS THE BOARD BUDGET INCREASES FOR PROGRAMS AND AGENCIES FUNDED THROUGH THE ETF.

STATE REPRESENTATIVE DANNY GARRETT SAID THE BUDGET WILL BE ON THE FLOOR TUESDAY.

>> I THINK WE'RE LASER FOCUSED ON WHAT CAN WE DO TO LASER IMPROVE THE AREAS WHERE WE CAN'T GET TEACHERS AND CAN'T GET THE RESOURCES.

WE DON'T HAVE BROADBAND IN THE HOMES.

SO LUKE THIS PILOT WE'RE DOING IN BIRMINGHAM, THE VIRTUAL HUB, WHICH IS A PILOT PROGRAM RIGHT NOW, SO FAR IT'S WORKING WELL.

WE HOPE TO ECK PANNED THAT.

THAT MIGHT BE AN ANSWER.

WE LOOK AT A DIFFERENT APPROACH AS HOW WE APPROACH TEACHERS AND HOW YOU TEACH THE PROGRAM HAS BEEN SUCCESSFUL IN GETTING TEACHERS WHERE IT'S DIFFICULTY TO GO SO WE'RE TRYING TO FOCUS ON THAT AS WELL.

>> ON THE ISSUE OF EDUCATION, ONE BILL THAT HAS PICKED UP STEAM LATELY IS THE PROPOSED ALABAMA NUMERACY ACT.

SENATE BILL 171 WOULD TARGET ALABAMA'S LOWEST PERFORMING SCHOOLS WITH RESOURCES AND PERSONNEL TO HELP STUDENTS LEARN BETTER MATH SKILLS.

CAPITOL JOURNAL'S KAREN GOLDSMITH HAS THE FULL STORY.

THAT.

>> THE ACT IS A 52-PAGED BILL DESIGNED TO 22 THINGS, 1ST, RECALL THE CORE STANDARDS WHICH BECKY GARRISON SAYS IS NOT TRUE.

>> IT'S VERY DISINGENUOUS THAT THIS BILL GETS RID OF COMMON CORE WHEN IT DOESN'T DELETE THE STANDARDS.

>> THE OTHER THING IT TALKS TALK ABOUT A ONGOING SESSIONS OGAP AND THEY SAY WHAT THEY DO IS STANDARDS.

>> THE WEBSITE SAYS THEIR STANDARDS REPRESENT 80 PERCENT ASP OF MUCH THE STANDARDS.

THE BILL IS NOW IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES BECAUSE THIS WEEK 24 REPUBLICAN AND DEMOCRATIC SENATORS VOTED FOR FOR THE MEASURE THAT THAT ALSO INCLUDES AN INTENSIVE APPROACH AT HELPING PRINCIPLES, TEACHERS AND THE MORE THAN 80 PERCENT OF ALABAMA 4TH THROUGH 8TH GRADE STUDENTS WHO ARE NOT PROFICIENT IN MATH.

>> WE WILL NOT GET 100%.

BUT BY GOLLY, YOU CAN DO BETTER THAN 11 PERCENT ON 12 PERCENT OR 20 PERCENT.

SO IF WE'RE SHOWING GROWTH, THAT'S WHAT IT IS ALL ABOUT.

MOVE THE NEEDLE UP.

>> THE WORK STARTS WITH STUDENTS IN 1ST GRADE AND CONTINUES THROUGHOUT THEIR EDUCATION.

IF A STUDENT PERFORMANCE BELOW GRADE LEVEL IN MATH THEY'RE NOT MADE TO REPEAT THE GRADE.

BUT IF A STUDENT FINS FOB A ROW APOSTLE PERFORMER AFTER THREE YEARS -- >> THEN THERE'S ACCOUNTABILITY THAT ALLOWS FOR EITHER THOSE SCHOOLS TO BE RECONSTITUTED MEANING THEY BRING IN NEW LEADERSHIP AND BUILD SUPPORT OR THEY CAN CONVERT THE SCHOOL TO A CHARTER SCHOOLS BUT THOSE DECISIONS ARE LEFT TO THAT SCHOOL.

>> I'M KAREN GOLDSMITH.

>> A NEW REPORT SHOWS JUST HOW IMPORTANT IT IS FOR ALABAMA TO IMPROVE ITS EDUCATION PERFORMANCE.

IN ITS STUDY, FORGING ALABAMA'S FUTURE, THE BUSINESS EDUCATION ALLIANCE SAYS YEARS OF THE STATE FAILING TO OFFER ADEQUATE EDUCATION HAS LED TO LOW LEVELS OF WORKFORCE PARTICIPATION AND HIGH LEVELS OF POVERTY.

DR. JOE MORTON, WHO LEADS THE GROUP, SAYS IT THREATENS ALABAMA'S ABILITY TO COMPETE FOR JOBS.

>> THE FUTURE OF ALABAMA'S ECONOMIC GROWTH IS TIED DIRECTORY TO THE QUALITY OF THE EDUCATION OUR STUDENTS RECEIVE.

SO IF PUBLIC EDUCATION HAS HAS STRUGGLES IN READING OR MATH WHEN WE'RE GOING TO HAVE STRUGGLES IN LANDING THE RIGHT KIND OF INDUSTRIES OR EXPANSION OF STREETSES IN THE FUTURE BECAUSE THEY WANT THE HIGHEST QUALITY OF WORKER THEY CAN GET AND THAT WOULD MOST LIKELY BE SOMEONE WITH A HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA AND MOSTLY A TWOY OR FOUR YEAR COLLEGE DEGREE.

>> BILL MOVING IN THE SOMEWHAT WOULD STOP ALABAMA'S STUDY'S AND TOWNS FROM COLLECTING OCCUPATIONING OPTIONTA COUNTY TAKESES OF THE BILL FROM AN CREW JONES DREW QUESTIONS FROM CITY OFFICIALS WHO SAY THEIR POUNDS DEPEND ON THAT SOURCE.

SENATOR GARLAN GUDGER, WHO PREVIOUSLY SERVED ON THE CULLMAN CITY COUNCIL, SAID HE UNDERSTANDS THE LOCAL GOVERNMENTS' PERSPECTIVE.

>> I'M HERE REPRESENTING MY DISTRICT.

7 OF 26 A HAVE AN OCCUPATIONAL TAX THAT THEY'RE USING TO HELP.

SO MY QUESTION TO YOU IS, I KNOW YOU'RE WANTING THIS VOTE TO GET OUT OF COMMITTEE BUT I WANT TO OPPOSE THIS ON THE FLOOR IF THIS DOES NOT -- IF THIS WAS AFFECTS MY MUNICIPALITY OF THE SO MY QUESTION IS THIS: ARE YOU GOING TO WORK WITH ME ON THIS TO MAKE SURE THAT SOMEHOW SOME WAY THAT MY MUNICIPALITIES ARE NOT -- ARE NOT GOING TO BE UNDERNEATH THIS AND TAKING AWAY THEIR LOCAL FUNDING.

>> TO ANSWER YOUR QUESTION, YES, I COMMIT TO ADDRESS YOUR CONCERNS.

THAT'S ALL I'M ASKING IS TO PLAY BALL.

I HAVE BEEN STALLED IN DELAYED ON THIS BILL -- >> THE LEGISLATURE TOOK ANOTHER STEP TO IMPROVE ACCESS TO HIGH-SPEED BROADBAND INTERNET THIS WEEK.

IT'S A MAJOR PRIORITY IN THE STATE HOUSE.

CAPITOL JOURNAL'S RANDY SCOTT REPORTS.

>> WE IN THE STATE OF ALABAMA CAN BE PROUD AND THANKFUL THAT WE ARE IN POSITION TO LEAD THE SOUTHEAST IN BROADBAND EXPANSION.

>> AT THE HOUSE, THE BILLS 123 AND 124 WHICH GIVE MORE ACCESS TO BROADBAND SERVICES.

>> THIS BILL TODAY MAKES SOME CHANGES TO THE BILL THAT WE PASSED LAST YEAR THAT SENATOR MARSH AND REPRESENTATIVE GARRETT SPONSORED AND ESTABLISHED THE ALABAMA DIGITAL EXPANSION AUTHORITY.

SO THIS CONNECT ALABAMA ACT OF 2021 -- >> THERE'S LENGTHY DISCUSSION ON THE BILLS AND LAWMAKERS SAY THIS MAKES THEM BETTER.

>> WHEN WE COULD THAT WE WILL DEFINITELY ENSURE THAT PEOPLE GET THEIR BROAD BAND AS NEEDED.

THAT'S WHAT IS THE MOST SIGNIFICANT THING ABOUT THIS BILL FROM YOUR INSERT.

>> WELL, THERE'S A NUMBER OF THINGS.

THE MOST SIGNIFICANT IS THAT IT ALLOWS THE IDEA BORED THE FLEXIBILITY TO DO WHATEVER WE NEED TO DO TO GET IT OUT TO EVERYBODY.

>> EVERYBODY.

>> IT HAS NOT BEEN AN EASY TASK AND WE'RE NOT NEAR THE FINISH LINE BUT I BELIEVE THIS KIND OF LEGISLATION AND THE WORK THAT YOU HAVE PUT FORTH, I THINK WE'RE GOING TO SEE THE BENEFIT ONE DAY FOR ALL OF OUR KIDS -- THE POOR KIDS, THE RURAL KIDS IN ALABAMA ARE FINAL GOING TO GET BROADBAND.

>> SENATE BILLS 123 AND 124 ARE APPROVAL.

I'M RANDY SCOTT.

STATE SENATOR GREG ALBRITTON THIS WEEK INTRODUCED HIS LONG-ANTICIPATED GAMBLING LEGISLATION.

THE BILL IS SIMILAR IN SCOPE TO A PLAN PROPOSED LAST YEAR.

IT WOULD ESTABLISH A STATE LOTTERY, EXPAND AND REGULATE CASINO OPERATIONS, AND LEGALIZE SPORTS BETTING.

THE REVENUE FROM THE LOTTERY WOULD GO TOWARD EDUCATION SCHOLARSHIPS, WHILE THE CASINO AND SPORTS BOOK REVENUE WOULD GO TOWARD OTHER NEEDS, SUCH AS BROADBAND, MENTAL HEALTH, RURAL HEALTH CARE AND ROAD AND BRIDGE CONSTRUCTION.

ALBRITTON HAS CALLED ALABAMA “THE WILD WEST” WHEN IT COMES TO GAMBLING BECAUSE OF THE UNEVEN ENFORCEMENT OF GAMBLING LAWS IN RECENT YEARS.

>> WE HAVE THE ONLINE GAMING GOING ON.

WE HAVE SPORTS GAMING.

AND WE HAVE LEGALIZED FANTASY GAMING.

THIS IS AN INDUSTRY THAT NEEDS TO BE REGULATED BY THE STATE.

THIS IS AN INDUSTRY THAT IS RUNNING RAMPANT IN THE STATE OF ALABAMA.

ALABAMA, THE STATE, HAS NO CONTROL OVER ANY OF THESE ACTIVITIES.

ALABAMA HAS NO BENEFIT FROM ALL OF THESE ACTIVITIES.

WE NEED TO TAKE CONTROL OF THIS.

WE HAVE IN ALABAMA 20 CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS, LOCAL AMENDMENTS WHICH REPORTEDLY GIVE AUTHORIZATION SOME OF THESE TO BE FUNCTIONING AND OPERATING YET NONE OF THESE LOCAL CAS GIVE ANY GUIDANCE, NOR IS THERE ANY REPORTS MADE FOR WHAT MONEY IS COMING IN OR HOW IT IS BEING USED.

>> WE'LL BE RIGHT BACK.

>>> I'M I'M JOINED BY STATE SENATOR GREG REED.

PRESIDENT PRO TEM OF THE STATE SENATE.

THANK YOU FOR COMING ON "CAPITOL JOURNAL"?

>> GOOD TO BE WITH YOU.

>> YOU HAVE A BUSY WEEK THIS WEEK WITH THE CONCEAL-CARRY BILL ON THE FLOOR OF THE SENATE THURSDAY, HAD A FILIBUSTER AND A LOT OF DEBATE ON THIS BILL.

HOW DID YOU HANDLE THAT HAS A BODY?

>> A TOPIC VERY, VERY IMPORTANT TO THE SENATE.

WE HAVE PASSED CONSTITUTIONAL CARRY ON THE SENATE IN A COUPLE OF INDICATIONS ALREADY MUCH THE ISSUE WAS A PRIORITY IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, AND THEY QUICKLY ON A PIECE OF LEGISLATION THEY SEND UP TO US.

THEN OUR MEMBERSHIP DOVE INTO THE ISSUE AND BEGAN TO LOOK AT TOPICS.

THERE ARE LOT OF ISSUES THAT ALLOWED STOCKHOLDERS TO BE ON THE IDEA.

A SECOND AMENDMENT ISSUE IS ALWAYS ONE THAT IS VERY POSH TO A LOT OF OUR MEMBERS BUT ALSO CONTROVERSIAL.

THERE WERE ELEMENTS THAT WE TOOK FROM THE HOUSE BILL BEAT FELT GOOD ABOUT AND ALSO SOME AREAS THAT WE ADDED BACK -- FOR INSTANCE SOME RESOURCES FOR SHERIFFS IF THEY LOST DOLLARS IN THEIR DISCRETIONARY FUNDS THAT THEY USED FOR IMPORTANT THINGS IN THEIR DEPARTMENTS THAT THERE WOULD BE RESOURCES AVAILABLE TO THEM IF THEY LOST RESOURCES BECAUSE OF THE REDUCTION OF I APOSTLE PERMITS.

I THINK THERE ARE OTHER ELEMENTS ON PERSONAL PROPERTY RIGHTS MAKING SURE WE HAD DEFINED THAT VERY DISTINCTLY, SO WHETHER YOU HAVE A PROBLEM WITH SOMEONE COMING ON YOUR PROPERTY THAT IS CARRYING HAD A HANDGUN AND WHAT IS THE SIGNAGE THAT SHOULD BE USED IF YOU DON'T WANT THAT TO BE THE CASE, UNDERSTANDING THE RIGHTS THE PERSONALITY PROPERTY AND PROPERTY OWNERS -- THOSE WERE ISSUES DISCUSSED AND DEBATED.

WE HAD SEVERAL MEMBERS OF THE SENATE BODY WOULD 53 PUT IN A SUBCOMMITTEE THAT WORK WITH THE OTHER STAKEHOLDERS TO COUNCILWOMAN UP WITH A GREAT OUTCOME.

FEEL GREAT ABOUT THE EXPRESSION.

I FEEL IT IMPROVED THE LEGISLATION FROM WHETHER WE RECEIVED FROM THE HOUSE, AND I WOULD ENCOURAGE THEM TO CONCUR WITH THE CLAIMS THAT WE WANTED AND IT RESULT WILL BE A STRONG FUN.

>> DID THE GRANT OF RESOURCE IT NULLIFY WHAT THE SHERIFFS AND THE POLICE WERE TALKING ABOUT?

I KNOW THEY HAD COMPLAINTS ABOUT NEVER KNEW.

>> THEY SAY THEY USED THE RESOURCES THEY WERE IMPORTANT AUTHOR THINGS THEY WANTED HAD TO DO WITH THEM IN THEIR DEPARTMENTS AND I THINK WE NEED TO BE COGNIZANT OF THAT.

AND THERE WERE ISSUES RELATED TO PERSONAL SAFETY, SAFETY OF THE LAW ENFORCEMENT 95.

I CAN SAY THAT'S VERY IMPORTANT.

BUT THIS ALSO IS A SECOND AMENDMENT ISSUE.

>> IT'S A SECOND AMENDMENT RIGHT WE HAVE IN THE SECOND AMENDMENT OF THE CONSTITUTION, THE OPPORTUNITY TO BEAR ARMS AND BEING ABLE TO GIVE LAW-ABIDING CITIZENS THE RIGHT TO DO THAT WITHOUT HAVING A PURCHASE A PERMIT OR OR A FEE TO DO THAT WAS IMPORTANT TO THE SENATE BODY.

>> SWITCHING GEARS TO A BIG ONE AND THAT A NUMEROUS SEE OR THE TEACHING OF MATH.

TWO OR THREE YEARS AGO YOUR SAW THE READING -- THE LITERACY ACT.

THIS FOCUSES -- A LOT OF THE SAME SORT OF THE ATTENTION ON MATH SCORES.

Y'ALL PASSED IT OUT OF THE SENATE.

WALK ME THROUGH THIS BECAME A PRIORITY FOR THAT.

>> I THINK IT'S A PRIORITY BECAUSE WHEN YOU LOOK AT THE HIS NUMBERS ON ALABAMA'S RESULT FORCE SCHOOL CHILDREN IN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL RELATED TO THE NUMBERS IN COMPARE SOP TO OTHER STATES WE DON'T DO WELL IN REGARDS TO MATH SCORES.

WE HAD THE SAME ISSUE IN REGARDS TO READING STORIES WHICH WAS THE CULMINATION OF THE LITERACY ACT.

HOW CAN WE BE VERY INTENTIONAL ABOUT WORKING WITH I COULDN'T THINK CHILDREN AND HELPING THEM BE ABLE TO LEARN TO READ AND ALSO UNDERSTAND AND READ MATH.

THAT WAS THE FOUNDATION THAT WE WERE LOOKING FOR WITH THIS.

SENATOR OR HAS DONE A GOOD JOB WORKING WITH SENATOR COLLINS IN THE HOUSES.

I THINK THE ISSUE CAUGHT FIRE BECAUSE OF OTHER DISCUSSIONS THERAPY VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION IN EDUCATION IN THE WAY OF FOCUSING INTENTIONALLY ON AREAS THAT WE FELT LIKE WE'RE MOTORIST IMPORTANT AND AREAS THAT WE'RE NOT PERFORMING WELL IN.

I THINK THIS ELECTION GOT STRONG BIPARTISAN SUPPORT AND IT IS BECAUSE THE ISSUE IS SERIOUS AND WE AS THE LEGISLATURE NEED TO BE OFFERING OPPORTUNITIES AND SUPPORT SO EDUCATORS AND PUTTING FINANCIAL RESOURCES IN PLACE TO HELP CHILDREN, ESPECIALLY IN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL TO SHOW PROFICIENT WITH READING AND ALSO NOW IN MATH.

>> I FOUND IT INTERESTING BECAUSE WHEN THE BILL BEGAN -- AND I HAD SENATOR OR OPEN THE DAILY HE FILED IT, AND MAIN IT WAS BEING CAUTIOUS AND IT WAS LIKE, MAYBE WE WILL PASS IT ONE OF THESE DAYS BUT NOW I'M SEEING A LOFT MONTH MY MEN FULL TIME BIPARTISAN SUPPORT FOR THIS.

I'M CURIOUS HOW IT DEVELOPED.

>> THE EDUCATORS, JUST LIKE WITH OF THE LIT RATHER THAN ACT, EDUCATORS WERE EXCITED TO HAVE ENOUGH TECHNIQUES, THINGS THEY HAD DEVELOPED THERAPY SUCCESSFUL IN OTHER STATES SO WE DIDN'T HAVE A LOT OF PUSH BACK.

THEY JUST WANTED PROPER TRACTION AND THAT THE LEGISLATURE WOULD FURNISHED OPPORTUNITY FOR THESE PROGRAMS APPENDIX QUICKLY.

WORST THINGS IT'S DOING IS IDENTIFYING AREAS OF CONCERN IN SCHOOLS THAT IS HAVE REAL PROBLEMS AND BEING ABLE TO HOLD THEM ACCOUNTABLE AND TO GIVE THEM MORE RESOURCES TO GIVE THEM RESOURCES TO DO WHAT THEY'RE TRYING TO DO.

SO I THINK JAMES FELT THIS WAS THE CALVARY IS COMING, WE HAVE PROBLEMS, AND WE'RE WORKING TOGETHER COLLECTIVELY AND I FELT LIKE THE LEGISLATURE FELT LIKE THIS WAS IMPORTANT, THE HOUSE AND SENATE -- YOU KNOWN EDUCATION IS A HUGE ISSUE FOSTER OUR STATE.

IF WE'RE GOING TO FOCUS ON BETTER OUTCOMES IN THE FUTURE LET'S FOCUS ON KIDS IN LOOM.

I WAS PLEASED WITH THE FEEDBACK.

WE HAD A LOT OF ENGAGEMENT BY MEMBERS OPEN THIS.

THEY WERE EXCITED ABOUT IT, WANTED TO LEARN ABOUT IT AND TO KNOW ABOUT IT.

THAT'S WHY IT HAS CAUGHT FIRE AND MOVING FORWARD.

I HEAR SOME OF THAT ENTHUSIASM COMING FROM THE HOUSE.

>> SWITCHING GEARS, I UNDERSTAND YOU HAVE A SERIES OF TAX CUT REGULATION OR 1LEGILSATION AFFECTING TAXES.

WALK ME THROUGH WHAT YOUR THINKING IS ON ON THIS.

>> WE'RE WORKING TO BE THING FOR SENATE TO FOCUS ON THEIR CONSTITUENTS BACKS HOME, BROUGHT WANT IS AN ISSUE, A PACKAGE OF BILLS ON MILITARY AND MILITARY BASES AND MILITARY SERVICE IN THE EVEN END, MEMBER AND WOULD I MEAN WOMEN COMING TO ALABAMA.

>> AND AN ATTACK ON TAX RELIEF FINDING WAYS -- ALABAMA'S ECONOMY IS STRONG.

OUR LEASTS CONTRIBUTE INCREASED IN THE GENERAL FUND AND EDUCATION BUDGET, SO IS THERE AROUND OPPORTUNITY TO GIVE RESOURCES BACK TO THE PEOPLE?

THIS TOTAL PACKAGE WILL HAVE FIVE BILLS AND IT'S FROM RETIREES TO WORKING FAMILIES TO BILLS THAT ARE GOING TO SHOW IMPACT ASKED AFFECTED.

THE PACKAGE IS GOING TO BE BASED ON ALL OF THE ELEMENT IT WE HAVE, $130 MILLION A YEAR COMING BACK TO THE PEOPLE OF ALABAMA.

THE MOST SIGNIFICANT ABOUT WATTS THIS BEING THERE WAS A BILL SUBMITTED BY SENATOR IN 468.

THE SURE HAS BEEN A HARD UP WITH FOR BUSINESSES TO FEEL GOOD ABOUT.

AND WE HAVE HEARD OVER AND OVER AGAIN, WHY ARE WE PAYING THIS TAX TO BE A BUSINESS OWNER IN THE STATE OF ALABAMA?

IT HAS A PRETTY GOOD PRICE TAG TO IT AS FAR AS THE LOGS OF REVENUE TO THE STATE BUDGET.

>> WHAT IS THAT?

>> I THINK IT'S 25 ORTHOPEDICS 27 UNTIL.

>> OK?

>> IN DOING THAT, WE FELT LIKE THIS IS A THING WE WANT TO SUPPORT OUR BUSINESSES AND SMALL BUSINESSES IN PARTICULAR.

SO IF THERE'S A WAY TO ELIMINATE THIS PRIVILEGED TAX, LET'S WORK ON IT.

>> SO THE LAWYER AND THE -- WE HAD THE BUDGET CHAIRS INVOLVED TRYING TO FIGURE OUT, HOW CAN WE ELIMINATE THIS AND COME UP WITH WAYS TO FILLING THE GOING TO KNOW IN WE'RE GOING TO DO THAT.

IT'S A STRONG EFFORT.

THAT BILL WILL BE INTRODUCED AND I WILL HAVE TO ALLOW IT TO GO THROUGH THE PROCESS.

SORT OF THING WITHIN THAT IMPORTANT PACKAGE OF THE TAX RELIEVE OF THE MEME OF BUSINESS, IN PARTICULAR FOR BUSINESSES.

>> IT'S OPINION ARE A FAST MOVING SESSION HERE THE LAST FEW WEEKS.

WE HAVE 12 MORE LEGISLATIVE DAYS LEFT.

I WILL ASK YOU WHAT THE LAWMAKERS, STAFF, EVERYBODY -- ARE WE STILL GOING TO HAVE THESE THREE-DAY WEEKS.

>> NEXT WE JUST -- THREE-DAY WEEK.

YOU HEARD IT HERE.

WE'RE WORKING HARD.

OUR GOVERNMENT IS WORKING HARD.

WE KNOW THAT WE HAVE A LOT OF TASKS IN FRONT OF US.

WE HAVE ACCOMPLISHED A LOT.

STILL MORE TO BE COVERED, SO WE WILL BE AT IT HARD NEXT WEEK.

>> I APPRECIATE YOU HAVE TAKING THE TIME TO COME UPDATE US AND OUR VIEWERS HERE ON "CAPITOL JOURNAL."

>> THANK YOU, TODD.

GLAD TO DO IT.

>> WE WILL BE RIGHT BACK.

>> NEXT I'M JOINED BY ANTHONY DANIELS OF HUNTSVILLE WHO SERVINGS AS HOUSES MINORITY LEADER.

ALREADY DANIELS THANK YOU FOR COMING ON "CAPITOL JOURNAL."

>> THANK YOU FOR HAVING ME, TODD, ALWAYS GOOD TO SEE YOU.

>> Y'ALL HAD A LOT DO YOU KNOW QUIETER WEEK IN THE HOUSE COMPARED TO LAST WEEK WHEN ALL OF THOSE CONTROVERSIAL BILLS WERE ORPHAN THE FLOOR.

WAS IT NICE TO HAVE THE TEMPERATURE LOWERED BELATED?

>> IT WAS.

THE IDENTITY WAS HIGH THE PREVIOUS WEEKS WITH ALL OF THE RED MEAT BILLS ON THE CALENDAR UNTIL THIS WEEK.

IT WAS.

CALMER.

WE GOT AN OPPORTUNITY TO ADDRESS SOME VERY IMPORTANT ISSUES.

>> REPRESENTATIVE HOLLIS GOT AN OPPORTUNITY TO DEAL WITH AN ISSUE THAT IMPACTS YOUNG WOMEN IN TITLE ONE SCHOOLS IN ALABAMA WITH FOAM ANYONE HYGIENE PRODUCTS.

YOU HAVE THE TWO BROADBAND BILLS ON THE CALENDAR YESTERDAY AND A NUMBER OF OTHER BILLS THAT WHAT'S CARRIED BY MEMBERS.

THIS WAS PRETTY COOL.

NOT A LOT GOING ON.

NOT A LOT OF FILIBUSTERING AND HOLT A LOT OF TALK ON OTHER ISSUES BUT WE'RE EXCITED TO HAVE A CALMER WEEK, AS YOU HAVE DESCRIBED, GOING INTO NEXT WEEK WITH A CALMER WEEK EVEN NEXT WEEK.

>> HERE WE ARE, ALMOST 2/3 THROUGH THE LEGISLATIVE.

WHAT KIND OF GRADE WOULD YOU GIVE THE SESSION JUST INSOFAR AS PRODUCTIVITY?

>> WELL, I WILL TELL YOU BASED ON THE INDUSTRY BILLS THAT WAS SCATTER DISCUSSED AND THE PADS ROOM.

BILL THAT WAS GREATER WEIGHT OF THE EVIDENCE IN THE PREVIOUS WEEK, I THINK THAT TOOK OUR GRADE DOWN BECAUSE THEY WERE ALL ON THE SAME DATE.

SO I THINK RIGHT NOW WE'RE AT A C- >> YOU MENTIONED THE BUDGETS.

THE EDUCATION BUDGET LOOKS LIKE IT'S GOING TO BE ON THE FLOOR ON TUESDAY.

AT LEAST IN COMMITTEE, IT CAME OUT IN HAD A BIPARTISAN WAY.

TO YOU EXPECT THAT TO CONTINUE ON THE HOUSE FLOOR?

>> I DO.

BUT I DO THINK THERE'S GOING TO BE SOME CONVERSATIONS RELATIVE TO THE COLLEGE FUNDS RECOMMENDED BY THE GOVERNOR'S OFFICE THAT KEEPS WITH CATCH IMPROVEMENTS FOR HWCU'S, AND WE BELIEVE THOSE SHOULD BE 15 MILLION AS OPPOSED TO 5 MILLION.

IT'S A GREAT START.

SO YOU MAY SEE CONVERSATIONS AROUND THAT TISSUE ISSUE.

BUT ALL IN ALL, CHAIRMAN GARRETT HAS BEEN VERY REASONABLE AND GOOD ABOUT ENGAGING MEMBERS IN THE PROCESS AND HAVING CONVERSATIONS.

SO YOU KNOW, YOU CAN'T ASK FOR ANYTHING BETTER.

AND I THINK THAT APPARENTLY ON TUESDAY, WE WILL SEE A FAIRLY SMOOTH CARE BUT IS THERE -- >> OVERALL, I THINK IT'S A STRONG BUDGET AND WHAT HAS BEEN RECOMMENDED BY THE GOVERNOR'S OFFICE SO I DON'T SEE A LOT OF THINGS IN THIS TO BE UP IN ARMS ABOUT.

BUT I HAVE A HEALTHY BUDGET AND I'M EXCITED ABOUT OUR PROGRESS.

>> I BECAUSE HE IS IT DOES HEM WHEN THE REVENUES ARE FLUSH; RIGHT?

THERE'S RECORDS ASSESSMENT OF REVENUE TO SPEND NO MATTER WHAT PASSES, THERE WILL BE RECORDS IN TERMS OF SPENDAGE.

DOES THAT IRON OUT THE WRINKLES?

>> IT DOES AND THERE MAZE OTHER OPTIONS.

OF COURSE THIS PARTICULAR PIECE OF LEGISLATION HAS TO BE TO THE SENATE AND THERE COULD BE MOTIVATIONS IN THE SENATE.

SO WE WILL KEEP OUR EYE OWNS THAT AND SEE WHERE WE GO FROM THERE.

BUT I DON'T EXPECT ANYWAY REAL MOVEMENT IN THE HOUSE OR ANY HANGUPS IN THE HOUSE TO PREVENT IT FROM ADVANCING.

BUT FROM THE SENATE WE HAVE TO ANTICIPATE THERE THEREBY WILL BE CHANGES AND FIGURED OUTDOOR HOW TO ADDRESS THE BILL.

>> DIGGING DEEPER INTO EDUCATION, LAST TIME WE TALKED ABOUT YOUR EXPERIENCE AS A FORMER PREACHER -- THERE WAS BEEN A MORE EMPHASIZE RECENTLY ON COACHES ON THE READING SUBJECT AND THE MATH SUGGESTION, AN EMPHASIS ON DEPLOYING COACHES AS EXPERTS TO COACH UP TEACHERS OFTEN THE SCIENCE OF LEARNING TO HELP THEM TO BECOME BETTER TEACHERS FOR OUR STUDENTS.

AS A FORMER ATTORNEY, HOW IMPORTANT IS THAT, TO HAVE AT THAT TIME COACHING A 15-TEACHER INTO A CAREER?

>> I THINK IT'S VERY VALUABLE.

I THINK WHAT WE BEGAN TO SEE, EVEN WITH THE LITERACY IN THE IMPLEMENTATION WE WOULD SEE MORE COACHES INVOLVED IN HELPING THE PRACTITIONERS TEACH THE SIGN OF READING AND TEACHING IT IN A WAY TO WHERE THE INCREASES ARE OUR AND THAT WOULD BE THE SAME THING IN MATH.

ONE OF THE THINGS THAT'S CRITICALLY IMPORANT TO ME IS MAKING TOUR THE 1ST YEAR TEACHERS AND THE EXISTING OF TEACHERS HAVE THE SUPPORT THEY NEED IN BOTH MATH AND READING AND MAKING SURE THAT OUR INSTITUTIONS ARE PREPARING OUR EDUCATORS ARE SOMETHING MORE REFLECTIVE OF WHAT WE'RE IMPLEMENTING SO THAT THE EDUCATORS ARE COMING TO THE ELEMENTARY WITH THAT EXPERIENCE IN REEVING AND MATH AND TEAMING.

>> WELL, TO YOU EXPECT -- SENATOR OR HAS THE AMENDMENT.

DO YOU EXPECTED THAT TO HAVE SPONSORSHIP IN THE HOUSE?

>> I DO.

I THINK THE CONVERSATION HAS BEEN AROUND EDUCATION THIS SESSION, THAN I HAVE BEEN PART OF.

SOD WITH COOL OF SCHOOL CHOICE BUILT THERE HAS.

AT THE TEND OF THE DAY, WE HAVE TO DOVE DO SO.

OUR SALARIES ARE NOT AND WE HAVE AS WE WOULD LIKE FOR THEM TO BE BUT WE THINK WE HAVE THERE BEEN MORE OUTCOME BASED AND MIKE CERN THAT WE ARE TEACHING AND EDUCATING AND THE HIGHEST LEVEL.

AND HOPEFULLY THAT'S THE SAME ATTACK IN ACADEMICS.

>> LET ME SWITCH GEARS AND AS YOU ABOUT GAMBLING.

SENATOR ALBRITTON DROPPED HIS GAMBLING BILL AND IT LOOK LIKE THE BILL LAST YEAR -- CASINO, GAMBLING, AND THE REVENUE MAY BE DIFFERENT BUT THEY WILL DEET DEBATE THIS.

THIS DIED IN THE HOUSE, DIED IN THE HOUSE.

BASED ON THAT EXPERIENCE, DOES THIS HAVE A CHANCE IN THE HOUSES?

>> WE WILL SEE WHAT THIS THEY DO IN THE SENATE.

WE ARE STILL EVALUATING OUR POLICY ATTEMPT.

WE HAD A POLICY CALL -- YOU KNOW WE HAVE A POLICY CALL COMING UP TO FURTHER DISCUSS THE DETAILS OF THAT PARTICULAR PIECE OF LEGISLATION IS.

SO WHAT WE WILL COULD IS BRING THE THINGS THAT WE WERE PUSHING FOR TOWARD THE END OF AND SEE IF ANY OF THOSE M.ED IN THE PRESENTATION.

WE WILL GO FROM THERE.

THERE'S NOT AS MUCH DISCUSSION PUBLICLY ABILITY GAMING THIS SESSION.

THERE'S BEEN SOME CONVERSATION AND HE GOES SHAME GROUP CONVERSATIONS BUTT IN MANY WE'RE LOOKING FORWARD TO LOOKING SHALT LEGISLATION AND GETTING ED AND STATE THE START, IF IT DID YOU SEE MOVED TO THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, NO SURE WHAT IS GOING TO FIGHT AND THE SENATE AND I WISH I KNOW THAT.

BUT WE'RE GOING TO PREPARE IN CASE.

>> I KNOW THAT LAST YEAR IN THE NEGOTIATIONS ONE OF THE STICKINGS POINTS WAS MEDICAID EXPANSION, WITH, WITH YOU IS -- >> I WOULD LIKE TO HOPE WE'RE ACTING BECAUSE THERE ARE A SECOND NEEDS OR OUR HEALTH CARE OPTIONS.

WE HAVE EVEN AS A RESULT OF THE EXPOSURE.

BECAUSE THAT TERMINOLOGY HAS BEEN DEMONIZED, WHAT WE SAW IT AT THE END OF THE DAY.

>> LOTS MUCH ISSUES TO WATCH DO YOU THINK THE EXTREME OF THIS SHRIVEL SESSION.

THANK YOU FOR COMINGS ON "CAPITOL JOURNAL."

>> WE WILL BE RIGHT BACK.

>> NEXT, I'M JOINED BY STATE NOR JIM MCCLENDON FROM SPRINGVILLE.

THANK YOU FOR COMING ON.

>> PLEASURE TO HAVE ME.

>> I HAVE BEEN WANTING TO HAVE YOU ON BECAUSE YOU'RE THE CO-CHAIRMAN OF THE REAPPORTIONMENT COMMITTEE.

BOUGHT THERE WERE LAWSUITS GOING ON AND YOU WERE VERY CAREFUL ABOUT WHAT YOU COULD SAY AND EVERYTHING.

YOU'RE IN A BETTER PLACE NOW BECAUSE WE HAVE HAD DIFFERENT ORDERS ARE.

WE HAVE HAD THE CIRCUIT PANEL ORDER THAT BASICALLY ORDERED THE LEGISLATURE TO DRAW NEW DISTRICTS AND THE AUTHORITY THAT CAME DOWN AND SAID, NO, WE'RE TOO CLOSE TO AN ELECTION.

WALK US THROUGH WHERE WE STAND WITH REDISTRICTING NOW.

>> THE CUSTODY HAS SETTLED SO WE SORT OF STY WHERE WE'RE GOING.

ABOUT OVER EVERY 10 YEARS, WE HAVE TO ENCOUNTER THE PEOPLE IS.

AN INSTITUTIONAL REQUIREMENT AND WE HAVE TO SEE WHERE THEY WERE AND REDRAW THE DISTRICTS TO PERSON THE ONE PERSON ONE VOTE FLAT IS REQUIRED BY THE VOTING RIGHTS ACT.

AND WE DID THAT.

AND THOSE BILLS -- THAT IS TRULY PUT IN THE FORM OF A BILL, LIKE ANY OTHER LEGISLATION, IT HAD A TOSS PASS IS NOT, BE SIGNED FROM THE GOVERNOR BECAUSE OF LAW -- WELL, ONCE THAT HAPPENED, WE DID DO THAT, WE THINK WE WORKED WELL, GENTLY AND FOLLOWING THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE LAWS, THE VOTING RIGHTS ACT, ONCE WE SIGNED THEM INTO LAZY AND THE PLAINTIFF'S CAME FORWARD.

THEY THEN FILED IT WHY A THREE-JUDGE FEDERAL PANEL.

ONE OF THE PARAGRAPH FOR A ONE-YEAR JUDGE, FEDERAL JUDGE IN THE CASE, SO THERE'S TREE DAYS CASES.

AND THAT CO-HURT SAID THEY AGREED WITH THE PLAINTIFFS.

THEY SAID Y'ALL HAVE TO REDRAW THESE MAPS.

YOU DIDN'T DRAW THEM; RIGHT.

IN FACT THEY SAID YOU NEED TO THROUGH AT LEAST TWO MINORITY OR BLACK DISTRICTS OR AT LEAST TWO DISTRICTS THERE ARE CLOSE TO THAT SO THEY MADE A RACIAL DEMAND OF HOW WE DO THIS.

WELL, THE LAW SAYS YOU CAN'T USE RACE.

SO WE CAN'T USE RACE AND WE ENDED UP WITH BE WHAT WE LOOKED AT&T COURT IS HE DOES THAT'S NO GOOD.

THEY PUT US IN A DILEMMA.

I THINK WE WERE FOLLOWING THE RAW.

AND THEY WANT, YOU HAVE TO DOS IT THIS WAY.

MY OPINION IS THEY TOLD US THE WRONG WAY TO DO IT.

SO WE APPEALED THE CASE.

THEN TO THE PATRIOT AND THE U.S. SUPREME COURT CAME OUT, STUDIED THE CASES AND GOT INFORMATION, INFORMATION GO BOTH SIDES AND THE SUPREME COURT'S DECISION WAS WE ARE WAY TOO CLOSE DO ELECTION TIME TO BE CHANGE EVERYTHING, THE RULES NOW.

THE PUBLIC NEEDS TO KNOW WHAT CONTRACTS AND ARE AND WHERE.

THE CANDIDATES NEED TO KNOW THE SHORT ISSUED YOU.

>> THAT HE WILL NOT RULE ON THE CAMPUS AND WE WILL GET TO THAT BUT FROM A LIVED WENT, WHY NOT CREATE MORE COMPETITIVE DISTRICTS.

THEY'RE SOLID READY AND BLUE AND THAT KIND OF THING, WHY NOT JUST MAKE THE CHOICE MAKE THE CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICTS FROM A, YOU KNOW, PARTY.

>> WHAT A GREAT QUESTION.

HERE IS WYOMING REDISTRICTING IN 1990 WHAT IS DONE.

AND IN 1992, THE SUPREME COURT THREW IT OUT.

AND HE SAID, IN ALABAMA, I HAVE TO DRAW AT LEAST ONE DISTRICT THAT HAS A MAJORITY OF BLACKS IN IT.

SO WE DID.

WELL, I WASN'T HERE BUT THEY DID.

>> WHEN THE LEGISLATURE WAS PAYMENT DEMOCRAT AT THE TIME.

>> YEAH.

EXACTLY.

AND THEN IN 2000, THEY DID THE SAME THING.

FOLLOWED THE ORDER OF THE COST, THE SUPREME COURT, THE U.S. SUPREME COURT, FOLLOWED THAT ORDER.

THE DEMOCRATS WERE IN CHARGE THEN.

IN 2010 THE REPUBLICANS BECAME IN CHARGE.

DID EXACTLY THE SAME THING.

FOLLOWED THE SAME PATTERN THAT THE SUPREME COURT HAD SET OUT FOR ALABAMA, AND WE DID IT AGAIN IN 2020?

>> BUT THIS TIME, THE THROUGH JUDGE PANEL SAID, NO, THAT'S KNOT; RIGHT.

SO THAT'S WHY WE DID IT THIS WAY BECAUSE THE COURT ORDERED IT.

A NEW COURT COMES ALONG AND SAYS WELL YOU CAN'T DO IT THAT WAY.

>> I'M SURE WE TALKING ABOUT MORE.

AS IT STANDS THE CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICTS Y'ALL DREW, FAST IS WHAT IS THE GOING TO BE ON THE BALLOT.

WHILE I HAVE YOU, I WANTED TO TALK ABOUT A RELATED ISSUE.

YOU HAVE A BILLING REQUIRING ANY REDISTRICTING LAWSUITS TO BE HEARD BY A NEW THREE-JUDGE STATE PANEL OF JUDGES AS OPPOSED TO LIKING A DISTRICT JUDGE HERE IN MONTGOMERY.

WALK ME THROUGH WHY THAT IS NECESSARY.

>> WELL, THEE ARE STATE READS DISTRICTING CASES.

THE ONES I JUST STALKED ABOUT, THAT'S ALL THE FEDERAL.

>> BUT IT CONDITION TON AT THE STATE LEVEL.

AND RIGHT KNEW, SIPS THE DEFENDANT AT THE STATED LEVEL IS ALWAYS OUR SECRETARY OF STATE THE CASE ARE ALWAYS HEARD HERE IN MONTGOMERY CONDITION.

SINCE THIS IS A STATEWIDE IMPACT, I WANT TO DO HAVE ONE JUDGE, STATE JUDGE, ON THE CASE.

I WANTED THEM GEOGRAPHICALLY SEPARATED, I WANTED A THREE-JUDGE PANEL LIKE WE HAVE IN THE FEDS, ONE FROM THE NORTHERN DISTRICT, ONE INTEREST DISTRICT AND ONE FROM ALABAMA.

WE HAVE SOME DIVERSITY FEE.

WHEN THE WILL WENT THROUGH HAD AN AMENDMENT PUT ON THERE ZERO GIVE US THE DIVERSITY WE SO USED RAJ ALL THE TIME TO MAKE SURE THAT THERE'S A BALANCE?

THESE ARE SEDATE-WIDE ISSUES.

>> SWITCHING GEARS, FENTANYL HAS BEEN A BIG ISSUE THIS SEX AND THAT IS RECORDING TO TO THE CRISES GOING ORPHAN THROUGH THE STATE AND THE NATION.

YOU WILL THE DEALING OF WHAT ARE THE REQUESTING TO THE MILES AN HOUR NIL.

WHAT HAPPENS, THE DRUG DEALERS LACE OUR DRUGS WITH FENTANYL TO GIMP IT AN EXTRA KICK.

MANY PEOPLES OF THE PEOPLE BUYING THE DRUGS ON OR NOT THROUGH LEGITIMATE OUGHT OATS DON'T KNOW THEY'RE GET THEY WANT AND THINK THEY'RE TAKING ONE DRUG AND IT MIGHT BE COCAINE OR SOMETHING TO STAY UP AND STUDY IN COLLEGE AND THEY'RE GETTING FENTANYL AND DYING FROM IT.

HERE IS THE PROBLEM.

THE TEST STRIPS FOR FENTANYL ARE IN THE PARAPHERNALIAS LAW.

WE HAVE A LOT THAT DOES THAT'S WHY YOU GO PARAPHERNALIA TO TEST.

SO IF WANT TOED TO SEE IF THEY YOU TAKE A LITTLE BIT, PUT DRUG IN THERE, AND IT WILL TELL YOU IF YOU HAVE OR HAVE NOT BEEN IF HE WENT WELL.

THIS IS GOING TO HAPPEN A LOT.

>> THERE WERE CRITICS WHO IS HE DOES THIS ENCOURAGES DRUG USE, IF YOU GIVE THEM AN OPPORTUNITY TO USE DRUGS SAFELY.

WHAT WOULD YOU SPEND TO WITH THAT.

WHAT WE'RE TRYING TO DO IS GET IF THERE AND PROTECT THAT PERFECT BEFORE YOU FIND THEM LAYING IN THE COVER AND THE EMERGENCY PERSONNEL RISKS TO GETTING BY A NEEDLE.

THAT'S WHY THEY CARRY TWO, IN CASE THINK GET WITH THIS STUFFED.

>> THANK YOU FOR, IT'S BEEN A PLEASURE.

>> WE WILL BE RIGHT BACK.

>> NEXT I'M JOINED BY MARY MCINTYRE, CHIEF MEDICAL OFFICER FOR THE DEP OF PUBLIC HEALTH.

THANK YOU FOR COMING ON "CAPITOL JOURNAL."

>> THANK YOU FOR INVITING ME.

>> I WAS SEEING THE LATEST FROM OF THE COVID DASHBOARD AND HOSPITALIZATIONS CONTINUE TO DECLINE.

THE LATEST NUMBER WAS 3035 PATIENTS HOSPITALIZED STATED-WIDE.

THAT'S DO YOU HAVE ANY REASON TO BELIEVE FROM ALMOST 3,000 IN JANUARY.

ARE WE BREATHING A SIGHS OF RELIEF HERE.

>> LET'S SAY THAT WE ARE VERY OPTIMISTIC.

THINKS THINGS HAVE BEEN IMPROVING AND CONTINUE TO IMPROVING BUT WE WANT PEOPLE TO REMEMBER THAT WE STILL NEED TO DO THE THINGS THAT WE KNOW TO WORK.

>> IT SEEMS LIKE EVERY TIME WE THINK WE'RE GETTING PAST, ANOTHER VARIANT POPS UP OR ANOTHER MUTATION OR SOMETHING.

I MEAN THE LAST ONE WITH OMICRON INFECTED A LOT OF PEOPLE.

HOW MUCH CAUTION WE SHOULD WE HAVE WITH OPTION?

I THINK PEOPLE NEED TO REMEMBER FROM WHAT WE TALKED ABOUT WITH THE PLEA VEHICLES STANDPOINT, THAT ALSO WORK WITH OTHER THAN VIRUSES THAT WE SAW COME DOWN AND BOOKWORK VON EXISTENT BECAUSE OF THE PROTECTIONS THAT THE EXTRA HAND SIGN SANITIZING AND DISTANCES.

I DON'T THINK WE NEED TO GO BACK TO COMPLETELY BEING NORMAL, AND CERTAINLY FOR THE PEOPLE THAT FALL BALLOT IS HIGH RISK CONSISTS.

WE DON'T NEED TO CONTINUE CONTINUING EVERYTHING THAT HE HAVE PRODUCTS.

>> YES.

>> I REMEMBER IT WAS TWO YEARS AGO TO THE RULE, WITH WHEN IT WASN'T HERE IN THE STATED HOUSES THINGS TO ASK AT TURN THE PAGE AND WE DON'T KNOW ABOUT NERVE WHEN WE YOU WOULD YOU BANG BLACK HERE.

WE HAVE ALSO DEVELOPED VACCINES.

WHAT DO PEOPLE NOME ABOUT VACCINE.

>> THERE'S A LOT OF THIS AND A LOT OF THE INFORMATION IS NOT CORRECT.

I TELL PEOPLE THIS THEIR'S WORRIED ABOUT VACCINE SAFELY THOSE CERTAINLY DON'T KNEAD TONIGHT THE WHOLE FOCUSING EXTREMELY.

THE WHOLE PURPOSE WHEN IT COMES DOWN TO EXPLODE TOO THAT IS THAT WE CAN DO THEM BETTER AND FASTER.

ACTUALLY PEOPLE WHO HAVE HAD THE VACCINATION.

>> THERE'S ALSO JUST THE FRUSTRATION OUT THERE.

IT'S BEEN TWO IT'S GIST AN EMOTIONAL PSYCHOLOGICAL STRAIN ON US AS COUNTRY AND A STATE.

ESPECIALLY FOR PARENTS.

YOU HEAR FRUSTRATION ABOUT PASSING POLICIES.

I THINK AT THIS IS MOMENT ALL OF THE STATE POLICY POLICIES HAVE BEEN DROPPED.

BUST WHAT DO I SAY FOR WHY AM I CONTINUING POLICY AND ALL OF THESE APOLOGIES WHEN THEY'RE TIRED.

I HAVE ENDED UP IN THE HOSPITAL BECAUSE OF IT BEFORE.

I HAD NONE OF THAT OVER THE LAST 82 YEARS.

GORE THAT REASON SOMETHING BECAUSE IT'S NOT JUST PROTECTED ME FROM COVID-19.

IT'S ALSO PROTECTED KNEE FROM OTHER ISSUES AND PROBLEMS THAT SO I'M GOING TO DO CUSTODIAN TO DO IT IN SITUATIONS WHERE GLOM NOT FEELING SAFE IN AND THAT IS WITHIN THOSE AREAS SOMEWHERE, THERE ARE PEOPLE THERE, VAX MADE.

PERSON GIVEN IT BECAUSE THEY HAD HAD MARRIAGE FRACTURES SURGICALLY AND IT'S USUALLY LIVE RECOMMENDED FOR WHEN A FERN HAS CANCER OR OTHER CONDITIONERS LIKE THAT.

BUT FOR THOSE PRODUCTS ANYONE THAT HAS ANY KIND OF E OPIOID MEDICATION, NOVELTY JUST FENCE NIL PRODUCTS, NEEDS TO HAVE BEEN CAREFUL ABOUT ACCESS AND WHO CAN ACCESS THOUGH PRODUCTS.

>> THANK YOU.

>> WE WILL BE RIGHT BACKS.

>> THAT'S OUR SHOW FOR TONIGHT.

THANKS FOR WATCHING.

WE'LL BACK TO OUR NIGHTLY LEGISLATIVE COVERAGE STARTING MONDAY AT 10:30 P.M.

RIGHT HERE ON APT.

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