>> GOOD EVENING.

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

THANKS FOR JOINING US!

TOPPING OUR BROADCAST TONIGHT, THE LEGISLATURE HAS WRAPPED UP ITS SECOND SPECIAL SESSION OF THE YEAR.

GOVERNOR KAY IVEY CALLED THIS ONE TO DEAL WITH REAPPORTIONMENT, AFTER LAWMAKERS COULDN'T REDRAW DISTRICT MAPS IN THE REGULAR SESSION BECAUSE OF PANDEMIC-DELAYED CENSUS DATA, AND BECAUSE ELECTIONS ARE LOOMING NEXT YEAR.

THAT WORK GOT DONE THIS WEEK WITH THE USUAL PARTISAN DISAGREEMENTS, BUT IT WAS A BILL THAT PUSHES BACK ON THE LOOMING FEDERAL VACCINATION MANDATE THAT ULTIMATELY TOOK CENTER STAGE.

IT SETS UP AN EASY WAY FOR THOSE WHO WORK IN ALABAMA TO CLAIM CERTAIN EXEMPTIONS.

SOME BUSINESS LEADERS EXPRESSED SERIOUS RESERVATIONS ABOUT THE LEGISLATION THAT THEY CONTENDED WOULD CAUSE CONFUSION AND SET UP CONFLICTING FEDERAL AND STATE LAWS.

BECAUSE THE ISSUE WASN'T RELATED TO REAPPORTIONMENT, IT SPARKED A LOT OF DEBATE ON THE FLOOR.

>> HOW DID WE GET TO THIS POINT?

>> I'VE OFTEN ASKED MYSELF THAT SAME QUESTION.

BUT WE'RE HERE.

SO, IT'S AN ISSUE BEFORE.

IT'S AN ISSUE WE NEED TO TAKE UP.

>> I'M ANGRY AS HELL RIGHT NOW BECAUSE THIS IS A JOB KILLER.

THIS HAS -- POLITICS -- PUT POLITICS TO THE SIDE.

I'M SICK AND TIRED OF THIS.

>> STILL, THE BILL TO ALLOW FOR CERTAIN VACCINE EXEMPTIONS AT ALABAMA BUSINESSES MUSTERED THE SUPPORT IT NEEDED TO BE CONSIDERED IN THIS WEEK'S SPECIAL SESSION AND IT PASSED.

GOVERNOR KAY IVEY TODAY SIGNED IT INTO LAW, AS WELL AS ANOTHER BILL THAT WOULD REQUIRE PARENTAL CONSENT FOR MINORS TO BE VACCINATED.

IN A STATEMENT, THE GOVERNOR SAID... ALABAMIANS, INCLUDING THOSE LIKE MYSELF WHO ARE PRO-VACCINE, ARE ADAMANTLY AGAINST THIS WEAPONIZATION OF THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT, WHICH IS WHY WE SIMPLY MUST FIGHT THIS ANY WAY WE KNOW HOW.

THAT IS EXACTLY WHY I HAVE SIGNED SENATE BILLS 9 AND 15 INTO LAW.

THIS IS ANOTHER STEP IN THE FIGHT, BUT WE ARE NOT DONE YET."

THE GOVERNOR, OF COURSE, HAS JOINED A LAWSUIT WHICH IS CHALLENGING THE FEDERAL VACCINE MANDATE.

THE LEGISLATION WHICH WILL ALLOW FOR THOSE WHO WORK IN ALABAMA TO CLAIM CERTAIN VACCINATION EXEMPTIONS, NATURALLY, DIDN'T MAKE IT OUT OF THE SPECIAL SESSION WITHOUT A LOT OF PASSIONATE DEBATE.

THE BILL WILL SUNSET IN 2023 AND COULD BE TWEAKED NEXT YEAR, IF NEEDED.

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

>> FAIRHOPE SENATOR CHRIS ELLIOTT SPONSORED THE MEASURE THAT PROVIDES TWO OPT OUT OPTIONS.

>> AN EMPLOYEE WOULD HAVE TO ONLY CLAIM A MEDICAL OR RELIGIOUS EXEMPTION IN ORDER TO BE EXEMPT FROM THE MANDATE.

I THINK THAT IS CONSISTENT WITH EXISTING LAW.

>> THE SENATE'S MINORITY PARTY SAID IT ENCOURAGES PEOPLE TO BE LESS THAN HONEST ABOUT THEIR EXEMPTION STATUS.

>> BECAUSE THERE'S NO PROOF.

WE DON'T HAVE TO PROVE ANYTHING TO ANYBODY AND THEN WE CAN'T TURN AROUND AND ASK THEM ABOUT IT.

WHAT THIS BILL DOES IS LEGALLY GIVE PEOPLE THE RIGHT TO TELL THE BIG LIE.

EVERYBODY IS GOING TO HAVE A RELIGIOUS OR SOME ILLNESS.

>> THE WHOLE THING OF RELIGIOUS FREEDOM IS THAT YOU HAVE TO HAVE -- ACCORDING TO THE LAW, YOU HAVE TO HAVE A HISTORY OF PRACTICING THAT.

>> ADDITIONAL CONCERNS WERE LIVES ARE BEING PUT IN JEOPARDY.

>> WHAT THIS BILL DOES IS PUT EVERYBODY AT RISK TO SATISFY A HANDFUL OF PEOPLE.

>> OUT OF ALL OF THE THOUSANDS AND THOUSANDS AND THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE WHO HAVE DIED FROM COVID, SINCE EARLY 2020 THAT YOU WOULD HAVE THE AUDACITY TO INTRODUCE A BILL LIKE THIS TO SANCTION THE DEATHS OF SO MANY OTHERS.

>> SENATE MAJORITY LEADER CLAY SCOFIELD HAS A DIFFERENT PERSPECTIVE.

>> IN MY OPINION, WHAT WE ARE TALKING ABOUT IS PEOPLE'S LIVELIHOODS AND THEIR FREEDOM TO MAKE VERY PERSONAL DECISIONS THAT IS BEST FOR THEM AND THEIR BODIES.

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

>> SENATOR CHRIS ELLIOTT OF FAIRHOPE, WHO SPONSORED THE VACCINATION EXEMPTION BILL FOR THOSE WHO WORK IN ALABAMA, WILL JOIN US LATER IN THE BROADCAST TO TALK MORE ABOUT IT.

THE OTHER VAX MANDATE PUSHBACK BILL THAT PASSED DURING THIS WEEK'S SPECIAL LEGISLATIVE SESSION WAS ONE SPONSORED BY SENATOR ARTHUR ORR OF DECATUR.

HE SPOKE ON THE FLOOR ABOUT BOTH CHILDREN AND OLDER STUDENTS GETTING THE COVID VACCINE.

IT TALKS ABOUT A MINOR CANNOT RECEIVE A VACCINE WITHOUT THE WRITTEN CONSENT OF A PARENT AND SENATOR VAN, IT WAS AN ISSUE IN HUNTSVILLE AND HE BROUGHT IT TO THE TABLE N. THE COLLEGE ARENA, IF YOU HAVE A 20-YEAR-OLD OR A 19-YEAR-OLD WHO'S NO LONGER A MINOR, THEY WOULD BE ALLOWED TO GIVE, OF COURSE, CONSENT, EVEN THOUGH THEY ARE STILL A STUDENT TO ANY VACCINATION BECAUSE THEY HAVE REACHED THE AGE OF MAJORITY.

>> SENATOR ORR'S BILL HAD ALSO ORIGINALLY PROPOSED GIVING THE ATTORNEY GENERAL THE AUTHORITY TO ENFORCE A VACCINE PASSPORT BAN IN THE STATE, BUT THAT PROVISION WAS ULTIMATELY REMOVED.

>> MEANWHILE, GOVERNOR KAY IVEY THIS WEEK ALSO SIGNED INTO LAW THE NEW DISTRICT MAPS FOR CONGRESSIONAL, LEGISLATIVE AND STATE SCHOOL BOARD SEATS, AFTER THEY RECEIVED LAWMAKER APPROVAL.

REAPPORTIONMENT, OF COURSE, WAS THE REASON LAWMAKERS WERE CALLED BACK TO MONTGOMERY.

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

>> ALABAMA'S NEW SPECIAL SESSION FOR REDRAWING DISTRICTS IS IN HIGH GEAR.

THE HOUSE STATE GOVERNMENT COMMITTEE IS CONSIDERING BILLS SETTING LINES FOR CONGRESSIONAL AND STATEHOUSE DISTRICTS.

>> WERE THESE PLANS DRAWN BY THE REAPPORTIONMENT OFFICE OR SOMEONE ELSE AND IF SOMEONE ELSE CAN YOU PROVIDE WHO ELSE?

>> THE MAPS IN THE REAPPORTIONMENT OFFICE.

>> THEY PASSED THE COMMITTEE AND MOVED TO THE HOUSE FLOOR FOR MORE DEBATE.

>> EVERY OTHER SITUATION WE KEPT THOSE COUNTY LINES INTACT BECAUSE -- OF COURSE I'M IN JEFFERSON.

I'M IN ONE OF THOSE COUNTIES THAT'S LARGER.

I HOPE WHEN WE GET TO THE HOUSE MAP THAT WE ACTUALLY TAKE INTO CONSIDERATION THAT WE DON'T HAVE PEOPLE DIPPING DOWN INTO JEFFERSON COUNTY ON THE HOUSE MAP.

>> IT'S DISCOURAGING TO ME BECAUSE WE ARE HURRYING UP EVERY STEP AND WE REALLY DON'T HAVE ADEQUATE, ACCURATE INFORMATION TO MAKE THE MOMENTOUS DECISION THAT WE ARE ASKED TO MAKE.

>> THE PROPOSED A CONGRESSIONAL MAP IS APPROVED.

UP NEXT, THE MAP FOR STATEHOUSE DISTRICTS.

>> OVER THE WEEKEND, WE PROCESSED ALL OF THAT DATA.

WE PUT EVERYTHING TOGETHER.

ON MONDAY WE E-MAILED IT TO YOU BECAUSE WE HAD TO MEET ON TUESDAY.

I GOT IT TO YOU FAST AS I COULD.

>> WHEN WE COME DOWN TO THE FLOOR AND WE HAVE A WHOLE -- MINOR CHANGES HERE AND THERE WHICH CAN CHANGE MASSIVE NUMBERS, DISTRICTS CHANGED, IT'S A STRUGGLE.

>> THE HOUSE DISTRICT MAP IS ALSO APPROVED.

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

>> THE LEGISLATURE'S COMMITTEE ON THE RECOMPILATION OF THE CONSTITUTION THIS WEEK APPROVED A PLAN TO STRIP RACIST LANGUAGE FROM THE DOCUMENT.

ALABAMA'S 1901 CONSTITUTION STILL HAS WORDING THAT SAYS SCHOOLS SHOULD BE SEGREGATED AND THAT PEOPLE SHOULD PAY POLL TAXES TO VOTE.

REPRESENTATIVE MERIKA COLEMAN OF PLEASANT GROVE CHAIRED THE RECOMPILATION COMMITTEE AND WAS EXCITED ABOUT THE FINAL VOTE THIS WEEK.

>> VERY HAPPY TO REPORT THAT WE HAD A UNANIMOUS VOTE IN SUPPORT OF THE RECOMMENDATIONS FROM OUR LEGISLATIVE SERVICE AGENCY TO REMOVE VARIOUS PIECES OF THE CONSTITUTION THAT ARE RACIST AND IMPACT IN RACIST IN LANGUAGE IN ADDITION TO RECOMPELLING THAT DOCUMENT TO MAKE IT MORE USING FRIENDLY.

REALLY EXCITED WHAT WE DID AS A COMMITTEE.

CAN'T GET BETTER THAN UNANIMOUS.

>> THE RECOMPILATION COMMITTEE'S PROPOSAL WILL BE CONSIDERED BY LAWMAKERS IN THEIR REGULAR SESSION NEXT YEAR.

IF APPROVED THERE, GO BEFORE STATE VOTERS NEXT NOVEMBER.

>>> ALCOHOL HOME DELIVERY BEGAN IN ALABAMA THIS WEEK.

THE BIRMINGHAM BASED DELIVERY SERVICE ANNOUNCED TUESDAY THAT IT WOULD BEGIN SAME-DAY DELIVERY OF BEER AND WINE FROM TARGET STORES.

IT'S THE RESULT OF LEGISLATION PASSED THIS YEAR BY REPRESENTATIVE GIL ISBELL OF GADSDEN, WHO PREVIOUSLY SPOKE TO "CAPITOL JOURNAL" ABOUT IT.

>> IT'S ALL ABOUT CONVENIENCE AND AFTER COVID, IT MADE PEOPLE REALIZE HAVING THE CAPABILITY OF ORDERING GROCERIES, WINE, BEER AND NOW SPIRITS I THINK IT IS ABOUT CONVENIENCE.

I HOPE IF THE LONG RUN IT WILL MAKE IT SAFER FOR PEOPLE INSTEAD OF GETTING OUT -- LET'S SAY SOMEBODY HAS HAD A FEW DRINKS AND THEY WANT TO ORDER SOMETHING -- I HOPE IT WILL MAKE IT SAFER.

TIME WILL TELL.

>> ISBELL'S LEGISLATION WENT INTO LAW ON OCTOBER 1ST.

WE'LL BE RIGHT BACK.

>> STAY IN TOUCH WITH "CAPITOL JOURNAL" ONLINE, ON FACEBOOK AND ON TWITTER.

YOU CAN CONTACT US BY E-MAIL AT DDAILEY@APTV.ORG OR BY E-MAIL.

>> NEXT UP ON THE BROADCAST MAYOR SANDY STIMPSON IS WITH US.

>> GOOD TO BE HERE.

>> FIRST TIME ON THE SHOW I BELIEVE.

>> IT IS.

>> WELCOME TO THE A FIRST TIMER HOPEFULLY ONE OF MANY VISITS.

YOU WERE REACHING WITH OTHER MAYORS.

GENERALLY A SPEAKING WHAT ARE THEY MOST INTERESTED IN?

>> CRIME IS ALWAYS AT THE TOP OF MY LIST OF THINGS THAT HOPEFULLY THE LEGISLATURE WILL ADDRESS.

SO, THAT TOOK UP A LOT OF OUR CONVERSATION OF THINGS WE NEED TO DO GOING FORWARD THERE.

IT WILL BE HELPFUL SHOULD IT PASS A REFERENDUM IN 2022.

SO WE TALKED ABOUT OUR STRATEGY TO MAKE SURE IT IS PASSED.

IT GIVES A JUDGE AN OPPORTUNITY TO HOLD WITHOUT BAIL A PERSON THAT'S BEEN ARRESTED FOR A VIOLENT CRIME THAT'S THOUGHT TO BE A REPEAT OFFENDER.

>> I'M GLAD YOU BROUGHT THAT UP BECAUSE A LOT OF PEOPLE MAY REMEMBER IT PASSING IN THE LEGISLATURE THE LAST YEAR BUT FORGET IT IS A CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT THAT GOES UP FOR A VOTE OF THE PEOPLE.

THIS WAS A NORTH ALABAMA CASE BUT A SOUTH ALABAMA LAWMAKER, REPRESENTATIVE CHIP BROWN FROM YOUR AREA SPONSORED THIS LEGISLATION IN THE HOUSE.

>> ABSOLUTELY.

EARLY ON, WE WERE WORKING WITH REPRESENTATIVE BROWN TO CREATE THE LEGISLATION AND REALLY JUST HAD NO NAME UNTIL THE SITUATION IN ALBAN AND IT WAS AN UNFORTUNATE SITUATION AS YOU KNOW.

BUT ALL OF A SUDDEN THE AWARENESS OF THE LAW ESCALATED.

SO IT PASSED FINALLY BY AN OVERWHELMING MAJORITY AND NOW GOES TO THE PEOPLE FOR A REFERENDUM.

SO THE TEN MAYORS WILL BE PUSHING THAT VERY HARD OF COURSE.

>> ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT IS ALWAYS RIGHT UP THERE WHERE PRIORITIES ARE CONCERNED.

MOBILE HAS A LOT TO BE SMILING ABOUT THESE DAYS WHERE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT IS CONCERNED.

THERE'S THE LOOMING RETURN OF AMTRAK, FOR INSTANCE, THE RESUMPTION OF CRUISE SHIP OPERATIONS.

TELL ME ABOUT THE MOOD OVER THESE THINGS.

>> WE'RE EXCITED ABOUT BOTH OF THOSE BUT ONE THAT IS A LITTLE AHEAD OF THAT.

THAT IS THE RELOCATION OF THE COMMERCIAL AIR TRAFFIC TO THE DOWNTOWN AIRPORT.

WE FEEL THAT IS THE NUMBER ONE OPPORTUNITY RIGHT NOW AND THAT WE ARE FOCUSING A LOT OF OUR ENERGY AND RESOURCES ON THAT, COLLABORATING WITH PARTNERS TO MAKE SURE THAT IT IS PROPERLY FUNDED.

WHAT THAT WILL DO IS IT CREATES A SYNERGY BETWEEN ONE OF THE TOP TEN PORTS IN AMERICA AND HAVING WHAT WILL BE AN INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT REALLY WITHIN A ROCK THROWING DISTANCE OF IT, OR A SPIT DISTANCE OF IT.

THAT DOESN'T EXIST EVERYWHERE IN AMERICA, WHERE THEY ARE SIDE BY SIDE.

SO WE THINK FROM THE STATE OF ALABAMA'S PERSPECTIVE AND THE CITY OF MOBILE IT IS A HUGE ECONOMIC IMPACT.

>> TELL US FOR THOSE THAT DON'T LIVE IN THE MOBILE AREA AND MAY NOT UNDERSTAND THE LOGISTICS OF WHAT IS HAPPENING.

>> SO, MOBILE HAS TWO AIRPORTS AND THEY HAVE HAD FOR A LONG PERIOD OF TIME.

BERKELEY, WHICH IS DOWNTOWN ON THE BAY AND AN OLD AIR FORCE BASE AND REGIONAL AIRPORT IN WEST MOBILE.

TO GET TO REGIONAL AIRPORT, YOU GO THROUGH 23 TRAFFIC LIGHTS DOWN AIRPORT BOULEVARD.

IT'S INCONVENIENT AND NOT AT THE EPICENTER OF THE POSSIBLE CUSTOMERS.

SO BY MOVING IT, THE COMMERCIAL AIR TRAFFIC TO DOWNTOWN THEN WE START TO REACH INTO BALDWIN COUNTY WHO ARE CURRENTLY GOING TO PENSACOLA.

AS WE TRACK THE NUMBER OF EMPLACEMENTS FROM THE CITY OF MOBILE THE LAST 30 YEARS HAS BEEN ON THE DECLINE AND THIS IS A MULTIGENERATIONAL OPPORTUNITY TO TAKE OUR AIRPORT AND PUT IT WHERE IT NEEDS TO BE AND ALSO TO BENEFIT FROM THE SYNERGIES CREATED FROM THE PORT.

>> YOU COUPLE THAT WITH WHAT I MENTIONED EARLY ON, THE LOOMING RETURN OF AMTRAK, THE RESUMPTION OF CRUISE SHIP OPERATIONS.

>> FROM THE CRUISE PERSPECTIVE, CARNIVAL IS VERY INTERESTED IN COMING BACK TO MOBILE.

WE HAVE HAD NUMEROUS CONVERSATIONS.

FROM A NATIONAL PERSPECTIVE, CRUISING IS CONTROLLED BY THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT, THE CDC, THE COAST GUARD AND SO FORTH.

WELL, THEY REQUIRE A VACCINE PASSPORT.

THEY HAVE NO IDEA YOU HAVE BEEN TREATED AND ALABAMA DOES NOT ALLOW THAT.

SO WE HAVE ACTUALLY ASKED FOR A WAIVER FOR CRUISING SO THAT WE CAN RESUME CRUISING.

THAT IS SCHEDULED TO COME BACK IN JANUARY.

WE ARE HOPEFUL THE LEGISLATURE WILL ADDRESS THAT ISSUE.

IF THEY DO I THINK CARNIVAL WILL BE BACK QUICKLY AS THEY CAN.

WHEN IT COMES TO AMTRAK WE ARE STILL IN CONVERSATIONS BETWEEN AMTRAK AND THE FREIGHT CARRIERS AND THERE'S A LOT OF CONVERSATION HAVING TO DO WITH THE IMPACT THAT AMTRAK WILL HAVE ON THE COMMERCIAL FREIGHT CORRIDOR.

ALL OF THAT IS NOT RESOLVED YET BUT WE WILL SEE HOW IT UNFOLDS.

>> IN THE MEANTIME A BAYWAY PROJECT IS MAKING WAY IN YOUR PART OF THE STATE.

IT WAS CONTROVERSIAL THE FIRST TIME AROUND.

HOW WOULD YOU CHARACTERIZE IT THIS I'M AROUND?

>> WE HAVE LEARNED A LOT AND RECOGNIZE THAT SOME INDIVIDUALS ARE REALIZING EVEN THOUGH THERE MIGHT BE AN INFRASTRUCTURE BILL THE STATE OF ALABAMA MAY NOT BE THE RECIPIENT OF A HALF BILLION DOLLARS FOR THIS BRIDGE.

SO WHAT ARE YOU DOING FOR FUNDING MECHANISMS AND HOW DO YOU GET THE INFORMATION OUT TO THE PUBLIC SO IT IS ACCEPTABLE?

SO, THE MECHANISMS FOR THAT ARE THE TWO METROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATIONS, ONE IN SHORE AND ONE IN MOBILE COUNTY.

THERE'S BEEN A LOT OF CONVERSATION OF WHAT DOES THIS LOOK LIKE AND WHAT IS THE LOCAL OBLIGATION, STATE AND FEDERAL OBLIGATION AND I THINK WE ARE VERY CLOSE TO UNDERSTANDING WHAT WE NEED TO DO GOING FORWARD.

AND ALDOT HAS WORKED STRATEGICALLY AND DILIGENTLY TO KEEP THE CONVERSATION GOING.

WE ARE RUNNING OUT OF TIME.

IN SEPTEMBER OF '22, WE LOSE THE $125 MILLION INFRA GRANT SET ASIDE FOR THAT.

IT CAN BE PULLED ANYTIME IF THERE IS NOT PROGRESS MADE.

MY HOPE IS WITHIN THE NEXT 60 DAYS THAT THERE WILL BE FORTHCOMING INFORMATION FOR THE PUBLIC, FOR THEM TO BUY INTO THE PROCESS OF THE POSSIBLE SOLUTIONS WE ARE TALKING ABOUT.

>> WE WILL BE WATCHING CLOSELY.

BEFORE WE CLOSE, YOU WERE ELECTED TO THIRD TERM THIS SUMMER.

THERE WAS SOME SCUTTLEBUTT IT MIGHT BE YOUR LAST TERM.

IS IT TOO SOON TO SAY AT THIS POINT.

>> YOU HAVE TO BE CAREFUL AS AN ELECTED OFFICIAL BECAUSE PEOPLE START TO THINK YOU ARE A LAME DUCK AND I DON'T WANT TO GIVE THEM THAT IMPRESSION.

I'M NOT DONE YET AND THERE ARE SOME THINGS WE WANT TO GET DONE.

THAT'S LIKE THE AIRPORT, THE -- WHETHER IT IS CRUISING, COUNTLESS PROJECTS WE WILL BE WORKING ON AND ROLLING OUT 100-DAY PLAN FOR THE NEXT TERM AND I'M THINKING ALL OF THE CITIZENS OF MOBILE AND SOUTHWEST ALABAMA WILL BE EXCITINGED ABOUT IT.

>> MOBILE MAYOR SANDY STIMPSON.

THANK YOU FOR BEING ON THE SHOW AND FOR ALL YOU DO.

>> YEP.

>> AND "CAPITOL JOURNAL" WILL 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.

>> NEXT UP ON THE BROADCAST SENATOR CHRIS ELLIOTT OF FAIRHOPE IS BACK IN THE STUDIO WITH US.

>> GREAT TO BE HERE.

>> WELCOME BACK TO "CAPITOL JOURNAL."

>> THANK YOU.

>> YOU HAD ONE OF THE MORE CLOSELY WATCHED BILLS IN THE SESSION THIS WEEK.

IT WAS PUSHING BACK AGAINST THE FEDERAL VACCINE MANDATE.

YOU HAD PROPOSED THE STATE GRANTING EXEMPTIONS TO THOSE THAT DON'T WANT THE SHOT ON MEDICAL OR RELIGIOUS GROUNDS AND SETTING FORTH A PATH FOR APPEAL FOR EMPLOYERS THROUGH THE STATE LABOR DEPARTMENT.

YOUR BILL UNDERWENT SOME CHANGES.

HOW DO YOU FEEL ABOUT THE FINAL PRODUCT?

>> THE INITIAL THING IS USUALLY THE ONE YOU LIKE THE MOST BUT THAT WAS NOT THE CASE HERE.

THE BILL GOT BETTER AS IT WENT.

MY COLLEAGUES AND I WORKED ON IT THE ENTIRE WEEK TO REALLY GET TO WHERE WE ARE RIGHT NOW.

I THINK IT'S PROBABLY BETTER FOR HAVING GONE THROUGH THE PROCESS.

SO, I'M PRETTY PLEASED WITH THAT.

IT IS INNOVATIVE APPROACH.

IT IS DIFFERENT THAN SIMPLY TRYING TO BAN A MANDATE THAT THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT IS ISSUES BUT RATHER LET'S SEE HOW TO WORK WITHIN THE MANDATE BECAUSE OF THE SUPREMACY CLAUSE THEY ARE GOING TO WIN.

HOW TO WORK WITHIN THE MANDATE TO CAREFULLY CRAFT BROADER EXEMPTIONS AND EXCEPTIONS HERE IN ALABAMA SO PEOPLE CAN EFFECTIVELY DO WHAT WE NEED TO DO AND KEEP JOBS.

>> YOU HAVE SAID YOU WERE REACTING TO A LOT OF CONSTITUENT CONCERNS IN BRINGING THIS BILL AND I ASK THAT IN THE CONTEXT OF MANY BUSINESSES THAT HAVE PUSHED BACK AGAINST YOUR LEGISLATION.

>> THEY HAVE AS A WHOLE.

I WOULD SAY THAT IS BY AND LARGE BIG BUSINESSES, FEDERAL CONTRACTORS, AND THOSE -- THE REST OF THEM ARE LOOKING FOR TOOLS TO GET AROUND THIS.

I HOPE WE HAVE PROVIDED THOSE TOOLS.

SO IF YOU HAVE THE BUSINESSES THAT ARE MORE THAN 100 EMPLOYEES, THEY ARE SAYING WE HAVE TO DO THIS.

WELL, NOW THEY HAVE TOOLS TO SAY, WHY DON'T YOU LOOK AT SOME OF THESE EXEMPTIONS AND IF YOUR CONCERNS APPLY.

IF SO, THERE'S AN AVENUE HERE.

WE WANT TO KEEP YOU.

WE HAVE A LABOR SHORTAGE AS IT IS.

MY HOPE IS BUSINESSES AROUND ALABAMA WILL AVAIL THEMSELVES OF THE TOOLS PROVIDED HERE AND THEY CAN KEEP PEOPLE ON WITHOUT FEAR OF THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT.

THEY CAN STILL CERTIFY TO THE FEDS THEY ARE COMPLIANT.

>> FEDERAL CONTRACTORS YOU BROUGHT UP, DEFENSE CONTRACTORS IN THE HUNTSVILLE AREA HAD EXPRESSED CONCERNS AND LAWMAKERS FROM THE AREA EXPRESSED SERIOUS CONCERNS.

>> I HAVE DEFENSE CONTRACTORS THAT BUILD SHIPS FOR THE NAVY AND DO AEROSPACE WORK IN MY AREA AS WELL.

AND I UNDERSTAND THEIR CONCERNS, I REALLY DO.

BUT THEY ARE CONSTITUENTS OF MINE AND AT THE END OF THE DAY MY FIRST RESPONSIBILITY IS TO MY CONSTITUENTS WHO ARE HURTING RIGHT NOW AND TRYING TO DECIDE WHETHER OR NOT THEY NEED TO DO SOMETHING THEY EITHER MORALLY OBJECT TO, RELIGIOUSLY OBJECT TO OR THINK IS NOT HEALTHY FOR THEM FOR ONE REASON OR ANOTHER.

WE HAVE HEARD OF BUSINESSES DENYING RELIGIOUS EXEMPTIONS WHOLESALE.

THAT'S NOT THE RELIGIOUS FREEDOM WE ENJOY IN ALABAMA.

I THOUGHT WE NEED TO FOCUS ON THAT AND MAKE SURE WE BROADLY DEFINE THOSE EXEMPTIONS.

>> MEDICAL AND RELIGIOUS EXEMPTIONS ALREADY EXISTED UNDER FEDERAL STATUTE.

YOU HAVE SAID IN BRINGING THIS STATE BILL YOU WANT TO MAKE IT AS SIMPLE AS POSSIBLE FOR THOSE IN ALABAMA THAT WANT TO CLAIM SUCH EXCEPTIONS.

>> I DO.

THE FEDERAL REQUIREMENTS ARE BROAD, THE MEDICAL MAY NOT BE SO MUCH.

AND YOU'LL SEE IN THE BILL AN EXAMPLE FOR EMPLOYERS AND HOW TO PREPARE THIS FORM, HOW TO PROVIDE EXAMPLES TO DIFFERENT EMPLOYEES THAT SAY, IS IN THE REASON YOU ARE CONCERNED ABOUT TAKING THIS VACCINE.

IS THERE SOMETHING THEY CAN CHECK A BOX ON OPPOSED TO HAVING TO GO TO THEIR DOCTOR, GO TO A MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL.

AND THAT OPTION IS IN THERE, AS WELL BUT MAKE IT EASY AS POSSIBLE FOR EMPLOYEES TO CLAIM THE EXEMPTIONS AND EXEMPTIONS THAT ARE AVAILABLE UNDER FEDERAL LAW BUT NOW ARE AVAILABLE UNDER STATE LAW AS WELL.

>> THE DEBATE WAS EXTENSIVE.

ONE THING WE HEARD DURING THE DEBATE IS WHETHER PEOPLE COULD LIE ABOUT THESE EXEMPTIONS, CLAIM A RELIGIOUS EXEMPTION FOR INSTANCE AND NOT BE SINCERE ABOUT IT?

>> I HOPE THEY DON'T.

YOU ALWAYS HOPE PEOPLE TELL THE TRUTH.

IN THE LEGISLATION, THERE'S A PROVISION FOR THEM TO SWEAR OR ATTEST.

THEY ARE TELLING -- THEY ARE SAYING THEY ARE TELLING THE TRUTH.

SHORT OF THAT I DON'T KNOW HOW TO DO ANY BETTER THAN THAT.

IF SOMEBODY IS SAYING THEY HAVE A MEDICAL CONDITION, ESPECIALLY IF THEY ARE CHECKING A BOX, ATTESTING THAT I HAVE THIS MEDICAL CONDITION IN PARTICULAR, I THINK WE OUGHT TO TAKE THEM AT THEIR WORD FOR IT, ESPECIALLY IF THEY ARE TRYING TO GET AWAY FROM SOMETHING THAT THEY FEEL THIS STRONGLY ABOUT.

ON THE RELIGIOUS SIDE, I DON'T THINK IT IS THE RESPONSIBLE OF THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT, STATE GOVERNMENT OR YOUR EMPLOYER TO DETERMINE HOW DEVOUT OR DEEPLY HELD YOUR RELIGIOUS BELIEFS ARE.

THAT'S NOT THE PURVIEW OF THE GOVERNMENT.

WE SHOULDN'T BE ANYWHERE AROUND IT.

THERE IS A BROAD RELIGIOUS EXEMPTION.

>> THE BUSINESS COUNCIL HAS COME OUT STRONGLY THIS WEEK SAYING WE MIGHT BE REPLACING A MANDATE WITH A MANDATE THAT THIS COULD BE A CONFLICTING, CONFUSING LAW FOR STATE BUSINESSES.

>> WELL, I DISAGREE WITH THAT.

THIS IS NOT A MANDATE.

IT'S ACTUALLY THE OPPOSITE OF THAT.

IT IS DEFINING EXEMPTIONS.

IT IS TELLING EMPLOYERS IF THEY CLAIM THESE EXEMPTIONS, YOU CAN'T FIRE OR TERMINATE THEM.

I'M NOT COMFORTABLE TELLING EMPLOYERS WHAT TO DO.

I'M A GOOD CONSERVATIVE REPUBLICAN AND A BUSINESSMAN.

IT'S UNFORTUNATE THAT THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT HAS PUT US IN THIS SPOT.

I WAS TALKING TO MY COLLEAGUES ON THE FLOOR AND THEY WERE LAMENTING, YOU KNOW, JUST HOW AWKWARD THIS WAS TO WORK THROUGH.

WE WANT TO PROTECT THE INDIVIDUALS, THE CONSTITUENTS IN OUR COMMUNITIES AND WE WANT TO PROJECT OUR BUSINESSES AND WE FEEL THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT HAS PUT IT AT ODDS BECAUSE OF REQUIREMENTS AND UNREASONABLE MANDATES.

MY HOPE IS THE LEGISLATION ISN'T NEEDED IN 10, 20, 45 DAYS, MY HOPE IS THE ATTORNEY GENERAL IS SUCCESSFUL IN HIS SUIT AND THE ATTORNEY GENERALS ACROSS THE COUNTRY ARE SUCCESSFUL IN ROLLING BACK THIS MANDATE AND THIS ENTIRE THING IS MOOT.

I'D LOVE NOTHING MORE FOR IT TO GO AWAY.

I THOUGHT IT WAS IMPORTANT TO STAND IN THE GAP WITH MY COLLEAGUES TO DO WHAT WE COULD FOR OUR CONSTITUENTS.

>> SPEAKING OF HOPING THIS MAY NOT BE NEEDED IN THE LONG TERM, THERE IS A SUNSET CLAUSE.

>> IT HAD BEEN DISCUSSED EARLY ON.

I DISLIKE THIS LEGISLATION SO MUCH THAT I WANT IT TO GO AWAY.

I HOPE IT IS NO LONGER NECESSARY.

THERE ARE PROVISIONS OF IT I'M UNCOMFORTABLE WITH, LIKE TELLING BUSINESSES WHAT THEY CAN AND CAN'T DO EVEN FOR A SHORT PERIOD OF TIME BUT I WANT IT TO BE UNNECESSARY AND GO AWAY AND I HOPE THAT HAPPENS SOON.

BUT IN THE MEANTIME, I THINK THIS LEGISLATION WILL PROVIDE AN AWFUL LOT OF GOOD FOR THE INDIVIDUAL THAT'S IT HELPS AND THE BUSINESSES THAT CAN BENEFIT FROM THE EXAMPLES THAT ARE PLACED IN FRONT OF THEM ON HOW TO USE THE EXEMPTIONS TO GET AROUND THE FEDERAL MANDATE.

>> REMIND US WHEN IT WILL SUNSET.

>> IT WILL BE MAY OF 2023.

>> AND YOU WILL STICK WITH A DATE CERTAIN DESPITE THE MANDATE MAY BE STRUCK DOWN.

>> WE CAN ALWAYS COME BACK IN JANUARY IF THIS IS NO LONGER NECESSARY BECAUSE THE MANDATE HAS BEEN STRUCK DOWN IN THE COURTS.

I MAY WELL LEAD THE CHARGE TO REPEAL THIS ACT BUT I WANTED TO GO AHEAD AND GIVE MY FRIENDS IN THE BUSINESS COMMUNITY, MY FRIENDS IN THE LEGISLATURE THAT WERE UNCOMFORTABLE WITH THE MANNER IN WHICH WE ARE DOING THIS AND UNCERTAINTY THIS WILL GO AWAY.

>> THIS WASN'T ON THE GOVERNOR'S CALL FOR THIS SPECIAL SESSION BUT YOU MUSTERED THE TWO-THIRDS VOTE TO GET IT ADDED TO THE AGENDA.

WAS THAT SURPRISING TO YOU?

>> THAT WAS TOUGH.

WHEN THE CALL CAME OUT AND DID NOT INCLUDE THAT I WAS DISHEARTENED.

IT SETS AN INCREDIBLY HIGH BAR TO GET TWO-THIRDS IN THE HOUSE AND SENATE.

I WOULD SAY I JUST THINK THERE ARE ENOUGH OF MY COLLEAGUES IN THE HOUSE AND SENATE THAT ARE SEEING THE SAME THING PLAY OUT IN THEIR DISTRICTS WITH THEIR COMMUNITIES.

SO WHILE I WAS CONCERNED EARLY ON THAT WOULD BE A HIGH HURDLE TO GET OVER, LEADERSHIP IN THE HOUSE CAME AROUND.

MY SENATE LEADERSHIP, SENATOR REID AND SCOFIELD WAS THERE FROM DAY ONE AND I'M PRETTY PROUD THAT WE WERE ABLE TO GET IT OVER THAT HIGH HURDLE.

>> FINAL QUESTION ON THIS SUBJECT.

THERE WAS ANOTHER BILL DEALING WITH THIS ISSUE, SENATOR ORR'S BILL THAT SAID MINORS MUST HAVE CONSENT.

>> A LOT OF WHAT SENATOR ORR WAS LOOKING AT ENDED UP COVERED BY LEGISLATION THAT I PASSED.

I'LL TELL YOU SENATOR DeVAN SAW ALL OF THIS COMING A LONG TIME AGO WHEN WE PASSED HIS VACCINE PASSPORT BILL.

I DON'T THINK THIS WAS EVER GOING TO HAPPEN.

HE SAW IT COMING AND ACTED QUICKLY.

HE WAS VERY HELPFUL IN THIS LEGISLATION AS WELL.

>> SPEAKING OF THE BAN ON VACCINE PASSPORTS THAT SENATOR ORR PASSED IN THE REGULAR SESSION HE SOUGHT TO PUT MORE TEETH IN THAT LAW BY GIVING ATTORNEY GENERAL ENFORCEMENT POWERS.

>> UNFORTUNATELY, IT DIDN'T GO LIKE WE WOULD HAVE LIKED TO.

I'M HOPEFULLY THAT WE REVISIT THAT IF WE CONTINUE TO SEE THIS ISSUE.

I THINK IT IS IMPORTANT TO ADDRESS THAT AND I THINK THE ATTORNEY GENERAL IS READY TO DO THAT.

I HOPE THAT'S SOMETHING WE CAN LOOK AT IN JANUARY AND TAKE ANOTHER SHOT AT.

>> LET'S TALK ABOUT REAPPORTIONMENT.

THAT WAS THE REASON YOU WERE BROUGHT BACK TO MONTGOMERY THIS WEEK.

I KNOW THE VACCINE MANDATE ISSUE SORT OF CLOUDED THINGS A LITTLE BIT BUT YOU GOT THE DISTRICT MAPS PASSED FOR CONGRESSIONAL LEGISLATIVE AND STATE SCHOOL BOARD SEATS, SOMETHING YOU HAD TO GET DONE BEFORE THE ELECTIONS NEXT YEAR AND DELAYED IN GETTING DONE BECAUSE YOU DIDN'T HAVE THE CENSUS DATA YOU NEEDED UNTIL LATE IN THE GAME.

THE GOVERNOR SIGNED THE BILLS INTO LAW QUICKLY.

LET'S BEGIN WITH YOUR DISTRICT.

YOU HAD CONCERNS IN YOUR OWN DISTRICT, BALDWIN COUNTY SAW TREMENDOUS GROWTH.

>> IT IS THE FASTEST GROWING COUNTY IN THE STATE AND HAD TO LOSE MORE PEOPLE THAN ANYWHERE ELSE.

AND THEN, DON, IF YOU THINK WHERE IT IS LOCATED IN SOUTH BALDWIN COUNTY IS SOUTH OF I-10 IT PROVIDES GEOGRAPHIC CONCERNS AS FAR AS HOW DO YOU LOSE POPULATION AND WHERE DO YOU LOSE POPULATION?

FOR INSTANCE, TO THE EAST OF MY DISTRICT IS FLORIDA.

TO THE SOUTH OF MY DISTRICT IS THE GULF OF MEXICO.

THE WEST OF MY DISTRICT IS MOBILE BAY.

THE ONLY WAY TO LOSE, TOC CLEAVE, IF YOU WILL, THAT MANY FOLKS FROM MY DISTRICT MEANT THE NORTHERN LINE HAD TO COME SOUTH AND SIGNIFICANTLY.

I HATE LOSING FOLKS THAT I'VE REPRESENTED, GROWN UP WITH, THAT MY KIDS PLAY BALL WITH AND THAT'S FRANKLY WHAT HAPPENED.

WHERE I LIVE IS BARELY IN MY DISTRICT NEAR I-10 AND I CAN HIT A GOLF BALL IN WHAT WILL BE SENATOR FIGURE'S DISTRICT AND IF I GO FURTHER SOUTH TO ORANGE BEACH AREA, THOSE AREAS DOWN THERE YOU HAVE SENATOR ALBRITTON REPRESENTING ALL THE WAY DOWN TO THE BAY WITH THE CONDOS ON THE COAST.

IT LOST A LOT OF PEOPLE.

I WILL GIVE CREDIT TO SENATOR McCLENDON AND HIS TEAM IF YOU HANDLE REAPPORTIONMENT, IF YOU LOOK AT HOW THE LINES WERE DRAWN, THEY WERE FAIR AND THEY WERE FAIR FOR INDIVIDUALS AND FOR US, AS WELL.

WHEN I LOST POPULATION, I LOST IT PRECINCT BY PRECINCT.

IT WASN'T A LITTLE ROAD AND YOU HEAR WORDS LIKE GERRYMANDERING OUT, IT WAS THE WHOLE PRECINCT, THE WHOLE TOWN.

I LOST THE ENTIRE TOWN OF SEVERAL TOWNS AND THAT'S A LOT OF PEOPLE AND IT'S A LOT OF PRECINCTS TO LOSE, AS WELL BUT IT WAS DONE FAIRLY.

>> ONE OF THE MAJOR CRITICISMS, ONE OF SEVERAL, WAS PROTECTING INCUMBENTS AND AT WHAT PRICE.

DID YOU HAVE ANY CONCERNS ALONG THOSE LINES?

>> I LEFT MOST OF IT UP TO THE REDISTRICTING ARE COMMITTEE.

THEY WANTED TO KNOW WHERE YOU LIVED.

I LIVE AT THE NORTH PART OF THE DISTRICT.

SOME MAY SAY THAT, YOU KNOW, BECAUSE I LIVED THERE THAT THE DISTRICT -- THE WAY IT MOVED WAS A LITTLE BIT INTERESTING, BUT IF YOU LOOK AT THE NORTH BOUNDARY LINE, IT MOVED UNIFORMLY BY PRECINCT OF COURSE.

I THINK, AGAIN, WE HAD A GOOD OUTCOME THERE.

>> FINALLY, THIS VERY LIKELY IS NOT OVER.

THESE THINGS USUALLY END UP IN THE COURTS.

THERE'S A LAWSUIT OVER CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICTS AND MAY BE OTHERS FORTHCOMING.

IS THAT THE NATURE OF THE BEAST?

>> I THINK IT IS.

THERE WILL BE LAWSUITS ON EVERY REDISTRICTING PLAN WE MAKE EVER.

I'M CONFIDENT IN THE WORK SENATOR McCLENDON HAS DONE.

TO GO THROUGH IT LIKE I SAID, PRECINCT BY PRECINCT, IT IS VERY DEFENSIBLE.

I THINK WE WILL BE IN A GOOD PLACE.

WE'LL SEE WHAT THE COURTS DECIDE BUT AT THE END OF THE DAY SENATOR McCLENDON WAS KEEN ON MAKING SURE IT WAS DEFENSIBLE AND I THINK HE DID A GOOD JOB OF DOING THAT.

>> THERE IS THE COMPACTED TIME PERIOD IN WHICH THEY HAD TO DO IT.

USUALLY THEY HAVE MORE TIME.

>> THAT'S MY ONE CONCERN WAS FROM THE PUBLIC'S STANDPOINT.

SOME FOLKS IN THE PUBLIC ARE SUSPICIOUS OF HOW WE DO THINGS IN MONTGOMERY.

WHEN YOU HAVE A TIME FRAME THAT IS SO QUICK, IT ALMOST LENDS ITSELF TO THAT.

BUT I WILL SAY I'M GLAD WE GOT IT DONE.

I'M GLAD WE WEREN'T POSTPONING ELECTIONS FOR LONG PERIODS OF TIME AND I LOOK FORWARD TO BEING ON THE BALLOT IN A PRIMARY IN MAY.

>> YOU AND MANY OF YOUR COLLEAGUES, I GUESS, ARE BREATHING A SIGH OF RELIEF NOW THAT YOU CAN RUN FOR RE-ELECTION NEXT YEAR AND KNOW WHERE THE LINES WILL FALL, AT LEAST AS THEY STAND NOW.

>> ABSOLUTELY.

AND I THINK WE WILL SEE SOME FOLKS THAT ARE WAITING TO SEE WHERE THE LINES ARE, AM I IN THE DISTRICT OR NOT.

>> YOU SAID YOU WERE BARELY IN YOUR OWN DISTRICT.

>> JUST BARELY, A GOOD GOLF SWING AWAY.

>> ALWAYS A PLEASURE TO HAVE YOU ON THE SHOW.

>> THANK YOU FOR BEING HERE.

>> YES, SIR.

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

>> YOU ARE WATCHING ALABAMA PUBLIC TELEVISION.

NEXT UP ON THE BROADCAST HOUSE MINORITY LEADER DANIELS FROM HUNTSVILLE IS BACK IN THE STUDIO WITH US.

NICE TO SEE YOU AGAIN.

>> YOU TOO.

>> WELCOME BACK TO "CAPITOL JOURNAL."

>> THANK YOU FOR HAVING ME BACK AGAIN.

>> YOU REASSEMBLED WITH YOUR COLLEAGUES FOR REAPPORTIONMENT.

GOING IN DEMOCRATS HAD A LOT OF CONCERN WITH THE MAPS AS PROPOSED BUT THEY PASSED AS PROPOSED.

YOUR THOUGHTS?

>> I THINK IT IS UNFORTUNATE.

I UNDERSTAND WE HAVE TO DEAL WITH THIS PROCESS.

HOWEVER, IT WAS A PROCESS THAT WE FELT -- WE HEARD FROM OUR CONSTITUENTS AND THEY DIDN'T HAVE TIME TO BE ABLE TO GET ENGAGED IN THE PROCESS.

WE WENT THROUGH THE REDISTRICT HEARINGS THAT WAS SCHEDULED ACROSS THE STATE.

THE TIME OF THE HEARINGS WAS DURING MOST WORK HOURS.

SO A LOT OF OUR CONSTITUENTS HAVE PUSHED BACK AND SAID WE DIDN'T GET A CHANCE TO GET INVOLVED IN THE PROCESS AND THEY WOULD HAVE LIKED TO HAVE HAD MORE TIME TO EXPLAIN THE PROCESS.

BECAUSE MANY OF THEM WERE CONFUSED ABOUT THE PROCESS.

SO THAT'S A PART THAT WE CERTAINLY REGRET THAT DIDN'T HAPPEN.

WE HAVE ASKED ABOUT THAT, MEMBERS OF THE COMMITTEE, REPRESENTATIVE SAM JONES, CHRIS ENGLAND, AND BARBARA BOYD FROM THE DEMOCRATIC HOUSE SIDE HAVE ASKED SOME OF THOSE QUESTIONS AS WELL.

>> YOU ARE TALKING ABOUT THE JOINT COMMITTEE ON RE APPORTIONMENT AND ALL OF THE PEOPLE YOU MENTIONED SERVE ON THE COMMITTEE.

>> AND SENATOR SINGLETON AND ROGER SMITHERMAN THAT SAT ON THAT COMMITTEE FROM THE DEMOCRATIC SENATE SIDE.

YOU HAVE OF COURSE CHAIRMAN McCLENDON WHO IS CO-CHAIR OF REAPPORTIONMENT AS WELL AS CHAIRMAN CHRIS PRINGLE ALSO CO-CHAIR OR CHAIR OF THE PROCESS AS WELL.

THEY WERE CO-CHAIRS.

>> SPEAKING OF SENATORS SMITHERMAN AND SINGLETON THEY WERE IN A LAWSUIT FILED TO THE PROCESS CONCERNING HOW CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICTS HAVE BEEN DRAWN PRIOR TO THE NEW MAPS THAT WERE DRAWN.

DO YOU AGREE WITH THE SENTIMENT REPEATED DURING THIS DEBATE THAT THIS WILL END UP IN THE COURTS?

>> I BELIEVE IT WILL END UP IN THE COURTS.

NOT NECESSARILY UNDERSTANDING THE FATE WITHIN THE COURT.

I UNDERSTAND THE ARGUMENTS PLACED THUS FAR BY THE -- IN THE CASE YOU WERE MENTIONING RELATIVE TO SENATOR SINGLETON AND SMITHERMAN, I THINK THEY HAVE A LEGITIMATE ARGUMENT IN THAT PARTICULAR CASE.

I WOULD SAY THERE MAYBE MULTIPLE COURT CASES RELATIVE TO THE CONGRESSIONAL LINES AND MAYBE TO THE HOUSE AND SENATE LINES.

>> SPEAKING OF THE CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT LAWSUIT, IT SEEKS TO DISTRIBUTE MINORITY VOTERS IN DISTRICT SEVEN AS IT IS CURRENTLY DRAWN INTO ANOTHER DISTRICT AND CREATE THE OPPORTUNITY FOR A SECOND MINORITY TO BE ELECTED TO CONGRESS.

I KNOW THIS IS ONE OF THE MORE STRINGENT DEBATES THIS WEEK.

THE REPUBLICANS CONTENDED THAT DOING THAT MIGHT PUT CURRENT CONGRESSWOMAN TERRI SEWELL IN JEOPARDY, HOW DID YOU FEEL ABOUT THAT?

>> WHEN WE HAVE CONVERSATION ABOUT MINORITY WE HAVE TO BE CLEAR.

MINORITY IS NOT JUST A TERM OF ENDEARMENT TO JUST ONE RACE.

WE HAVE TO BE SPECIFIC WHEN WE ARE MAKING THESE CLAIMS.

WHEN YOU LOOK AT VOTERS AND COMMUNITIES OF INTEREST, I THINK, IF THE COMMITTEE HAD DONE THEIR DUE DILIGENCE TO DO AN INVESTIGATIVE AND FACT-FINDING MISSION YOU WOULD HAVE BEEN ABLE TO DRAW DISTRICTS WHERE COMMUNITIES WILL BE ABLE TO ELECT THEIR REPRESENTATIVE.

SO I DO BELIEVE REPRESENTATIVE SEWELL HAS THE ABILITY BECAUSE OF HER POSITION IN CONGRESS.

WHO WOULDN'T WANT TO SUPPORT SOMEONE ON THE APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE?

WHO WOULDN'T WANT TO SUPPORT A PERSON WHO IS INTELLIGENT AND POLITICALLY SAVVY AS CONGRESSWOMAN SEWELL.

I THINK DOING A RACIAL POLARIZATION STUDY WOULD HAVE RULED OUT THE PROCESS OF THOSE INDIVIDUAL COMMUNITIES THAT MAY VOTE BASED ON RACE AND NOT REALLY LOOKING AT RACE.

WE HOPE TO AT SOME POINT TO GET TO THE POINT WHERE RACE IS NOT INCLUDED BUT YOU HAVE TO DO YOUR DUE DILIGENCE ON THE RACIAL POLARIZATION STUDY.

TO SAY THAT BLACK PEOPLE JUST VOTE FOR BLACK PEOPLE AND WHITE PEOPLE JUST VOTE FOR WHITE PEOPLE, I DON'T THINK THAT IS ACCURATE.

YOU ARE SEEING AREAS ACROSS THE STATE WHERE THE REPRESENTATION BEGS TO DIFFER.

I THINK THE LAWSUIT THEY ARE IN HAS A GREAT POINT AND I THINK THERE ARE OTHER LAWSUITS THAT MAY OCCUR THAT WILL SHARE SIMILAR SENTIMENT AS WELL.

>> As HOUSE MINORITY LEADER, HOW DID YOU FEEL I ABOUT THE HOUSE DISTRICT MAPS?

>> I THINK THE HOUSE DISTRICT MAPS SHOULD HAVE FOCUSED ON MAKING COUNTIES WHOLE.

WHAT YOU SAW IS A MAP THAT HAD ABOUT 20 SOMETHING COUNTIES THAT WERE WHOLE.

WE INTRODUCED A MAP THAT MADE 48, CREATED 48 DISTRICTS AND TAKEN -- YOU DON'T HAVE TO GO OUT OF -- INTO NINE COUNTIES.

AND THEN THERE ARE OTHER COUNTIES YOU COULD HAVE COMBINED TO GIVE AND NOT ADD A THIRD COUNTY THAT COULD HAVE GOTTEN US TO 28 TO 36 MORE DISTRICTS.

ONE OF THE THINGS I THINK WE HAVE BEEN IGNORING DURING THIS TIME THAT WE SHOULD HAVE PAID CLOSE ATTENTION TO, THE CONSTITUTION DOES NOT SAY THAT WE MUST PROTECT INCUMBENTS.

IT URGES US TO MAKE COUNTIES WHOLE.

THAT IS SOMETHING THE LEGISLATURE HAS COME UP WITH IN A PART OF AN UNWRITTEN PROCESS OF PROTECTING AN INCUMBENT BUT THE CONSTITUTION DOES NOT PROTECT INCUMBENTS.

WHEN WE LET INCUMBENTS CHOOSE THEIR CONSTITUENTS INSTEAD OF CONSTITUENTS CHOOSING THEM IT IS A SLIPPERY ROAD.

WHEN YOU LOOK AT SECTION 199 OF THE CONSTITUTION IT SAYS EACH COUNTY SHALL HAVE A REPRESENTATIVE, RIGHT?

WHILE WE SAY, OH, EACH COUNTY DOES HAVE A REPRESENTATIVE BUT IF A COUNTY THAT HAS 45,000 TO 47,000 PEOPLE IN IT OR TO 50,000 BASED ON THE 5% PLUS OR MINUS, THAT COUNTY SHOULD HAVE THEIR OWN REPRESENTATIVE BECAUSE, GUESS WHAT, WHEN YOU ARE MAKING DECISIONS IN SHELBY COUNTY, OR IN ANY OTHER SAINT CLAIRE, ANY OTHER COUNTY, THOSE CONSTITUENTS WANT SOMEONE THAT ACTUALLY UNDERSTAND THEIR COMMUNITY.

IT DOESN'T MATTER THE PARTY THAT THE PERSON IS IN.

THEY WANT SOMEONE THAT UNDERSTANDS THEIR COMMUNITY.

RIGHT NOW THE WAY THE LINES HAVE BEEN DRAWN, ESPECIALLY THE HOUSE MAP, WE DON'T SEE MUCH OF THAT.

WE SEE INDIVIDUALS COMING INTO A COUNTY AND, A VERY SMALL POPULATION DOESN'T REALLY JUSTIFY HAVING THAT PERSON COME INTO THAT COUNTY.

FOR EXAMPLE JEFFERSON COUNTY.

JEFFERSON HAS ENOUGH POPULATION TO DO 14 HOUSE DISTRICTS WITHOUT GOING OUTSIDE OF THE COUNTY, BUT THEY HAVE 17.

SO THAT WAY THE THREE INDIVIDUALS COMING TO THAT COUNTY FROM OUTSIDE OF THAT COUNTY HAS JUST AS MUCH INFLUENCE AS THOSE THAT LIVE INSIDE THE COUNTY.

WHEN IT COMES TO LOCAL LEGISLATION AND IMPACT ON THE LOCAL COMMUNITY AND THAT'S NOT FAIR.

>> I KNOW YOU PUSHED BACK ON THAT PREMISE FOR A NUMBER OF YEARS AND EVEN MORE SO THIS YEAR, RIGHT?

>> ABSOLUTELY.

AT THE END OF THE DAY THE DECISIONS WE ARE MAKING SURE FOR THE BEST INTEREST OF THE PEOPLE WE ARE REPRESENTING, NOT FOR OUR BEST INTEREST.

FOR ME, I'M GOING TO PUSH BACK ALL THE TIME ON THE IDEA THAT A PERSON THAT LIVES FOUR OR FIVE COUNTIES AWAY FROM ME AND I LIVE IN A COUNTY WILL HAVE JUST AS MUCH INFLUENCE ON THE VOTE OF A LOCAL PIECE OF LEGISLATION THAT I HAVE, IT'S JUST NOT FAIR.

>> THAT WAS HOUSE MINORITY LEADER ANTHONY DANIELS OF HUNTSVILLE WHO JOINED US TO TALK ABOUT THE REAPPORTIONMENT MAPS APPROVED THIS WEEK.

AFTER OUR INTERVIEW, HE GAVE AN IMPASSIONED SPEECH ON THE HOUSE FLOOR CONCERNING THE BILLS ON THE FEDERAL VACCINE MANDATE.

HE WAS SPEAKING OF REPRESENTATIVE JONES, THE HOUSE SPONSOR OF ONE OF THOSE BILLS AND REPRESENTATIVE DANIELS RAISED ALARM BELLS ABOUT FEDERAL CONTRACTORS IN THE STATE, SPECIFIC LIVE DEFENSE CONTRACTORS IN HIS DISTRICT AND IN OTHER PARTS OF ALABAMA.

>> FOR THE STATE OF ALABAMA TO STICK HIS FINGER IN THE FACES OF THESE DEFENSE CONTRACTORS THAT OVER 90% OF THEIR REVENUE IS COMING FROM FEDERAL FUNDS AND FEDERAL CONTRACTS AND WE'RE NOT PROVIDING THEM ANYTHING BESIDES A PLACE TO RUN THEIR BUSINESS.

FOR US TO GET INVOLVED IN THIS PROCESS, TO TELL THEM THEY HAVE TO MAKE A CHOICE WHEREAS, OR FORCING THEM TO HAVE MORE RED TAPE AND REGULATIONS, FOR THEM TO BE ABLE TO OPERATE IN THE STATE OF ALABAMA IS A SHAME.

THEN YOU HAVE A DEPARTMENT OF LABOR.

THEN PUTTING SOMETHING ELSE ON TOP OF ALL OF THE THINGS THAT ARE GOING ON IN THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR THUS FAR, THEY ARE ALREADY DEALING WITH UNEMPLOYMENT CLAIMS AND THEY HAVE DONE A PHENOMENAL JOB ON THAT BUT WE ARE PUTTING MORE BURDENS ON A DEPARTMENT -- I'LL WAIT UNTIL YOU GET BACK.

WE ARE PUTTING MORE BURDEN ON A DEPARTMENT THAT IS ALREADY UNDER STAFFED, SEVERELY UNDER STAFFED.

MOST OF OUR AGENCIES AND DEPARTMENTS ARE BUT WE ARE PUTTING SOMETHING ELSE ON THEM.

I THINK THIS PARTICULAR PIECE OF LEGISLATION IS GOING TO KILL JOBS IN ALABAMA.

THOSE OF MY COLLEAGUES IN MADISON COUNTY, YOU NEED TO THINK ABOUT THIS.

I RECEIVED CALLS, I KNOW TOUGH RECEIVED CALLS FROM A LOCAL GOVERNMENT OFFICIAL, FROM DEFENSE CONTRACTORS AND SAYING TO SUPPORT SOMETHING LIKE THIS THAT WILL CREATE, KILL JOBS IN NORTH ALABAMA AND THROUGHOUT THE STATE OF ALABAMA THEN SHAME ON YOU.

THERE'S NO WAY IN THE WORLD THAT ANYBODY WITH A GOOD, RIGHT MIND WILL SUPPORT THIS PIECE OF LEGISLATION.

I'M REALLY SHOCKED, MIKE, YOU WOULD BRING SOMETHING LIKE THIS TO THE FLOOR.

HOW ARE WE SUPPOSED TO BE PRO BUSINESS AND PRO GROWTH AND BRINGING SOMETHING THAT WILL STIFLE BUSINESS AND GROWTH AND ECONOMIC ACTIVITY IN THE STATE OF ALABAMA?

THIS PUTS AN UNDUE BURDEN ON THE DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE AS WELL.

I DON'T UNDERSTAND THIS.

CAN YOU HELP ME UNDERSTAND THIS?

ANY INDIVIDUAL IN THIS CHAMBER -- >> DO YOU WANT ME TO FINISH?

>> GO AHEAD.

>> ANY INDIVIDUAL THAT DOESN'T HAVE A RELATIONSHIP WITH THE DEFENSE INDUSTRY THAT UNDERSTANDS HOW MUCH ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY IT PROVIDES FOR THE ENTIRE STATE OF ALABAMA, YOU SHOULD NOT EVEN BE DEALING WITH A PIECE OF LEGISLATION LIKE THIS.

I'M JUST -- I'M ANGRY AS HELL RIGHT NOW.

BECAUSE THIS IS A JOB KILLER.

THIS HAS -- POLITICS -- LET'S TAKE PUBLICS TO THE SIDE.

I'M SICK AND TIRED OF THIS.

THIS, RIGHT HERE, IS GOING TO CAUSE A LOT OF PROBLEMS FOR A LOT OF US.

>> THAT WAS HOUSE MINORITY LEADER DANIELS SPEAKING ON THE HOUSE FLOOR WITH REPRESENTATIVE MIKE JONES WHO WAS CARRYING THE HOUSE VERSION OF LEGISLATION THAT WILL ALLOW FOR THOSE THAT WORK IN ALABAMA TO CLAIM MEDICAL OR RELIGIOUS EXEMPTIONS TO GETTING A COVID-19 VACCINE.

THE LEGISLATION UNDERWENT CHANGES IN A CONFERENCE COMMITTEE AND REPRESENTATIVE DANIELS SAID HE WAS PLEASED WITH SOME OF THE CHANGES BUT STILL HAD CONCERNS ABOUT DEFENSE CONTRACTORS AND OTHERS LIKE THOSE IN HIS OWN DISTRICT.

WE APPRECIATE REPRESENTATIVE DANIELS JOIN US IN THE STUDIO.

AND "CAPITOL JOURNAL" WILL BE RIGHT BACK.

>> STAY IN TOUCH WITH "CAPITOL JOURNAL" ONLINE, ON FACEBOOK AND ON TWITTER.

YOU CAN ALSO CONTACT US BY E-MAIL AT DDAILEY@APTV.ORG OR BY MAIL.

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

WELCOME BACK TO THE PROGRAM.

>> THANK YOU, DON.

>> ALWAYS NICE TO SEE YOU.

>> THANK YOU.

>> I WANT TO BEGIN WITH PUSH BACK ON THE FEDERAL VACCINE MANDATE.

IT TOOK A LOT OF ATTENTION AT THE STATEHOUSE.

LEADERS GOT TWO BILLS ON THE AGENDA BECAUSE THEY HAD THE TWO-THIRDS MAJORITY VOTE TO ADD THEM TO THE GOVERNOR'S CALL.

ONE DEALT WITH EXEMPTIONS FOR PEOPLE, MEDICAL AND RELIGIOUS EXEMPTIONS AND ANOTHER DEALT WITH GIVING THE ATTORNEY GENERAL'S OFFICE MORE ENFORCEMENT POWER WITH A VACCINE PASSPORT BAN IS CONCERNED.

GENERALLY SPEAKING, HOW DID YOU FEEL ABOUT WHAT WAS ON THE TABLE?

>> I WOULD SAY THINGS ARE COMING FAST AND FURIOUS AND WE ARE TRYING TO MAKE SENSE OF IT.

THE VACCINE MANDATES ISSUED BY THE FEDS ARE HIGHLY CONTROVERSIAL, CERTAINLY IN THIS PART OF COUNTRY.

WE ARE DOING OUR BEST WHAT IT MEANS FOR US.

THE LANGUAGE OF THE FEDERAL MANDATES IS SO BROAD IT REALLY DOES APPLY TO A LOT OF AGENCIES LIKE OURS, OUR OWN STATE AGENCY BUT OBVIOUSLY THE RULES APPLY TO MOST BUSINESSES IN THE STATE.

THERE ARE A LOT OF PEOPLE AFFECTED BY THAT.

GIVEN THE STATE IS ACTUALLY LITIGATING THIS, AS WELL, YOU KNOW, THE GOVERNOR AND THE ATTORNEY GENERAL HAVE BEEN PARTY TO THAT LAWSUIT ALONG WITH OTHER STATES, WE ARE STILL A LITTLE UNSURE WHAT OUR STANDING IS RIGHT NOW.

WE DO HAVE THIS LEGISLATION THAT WE HAVE BEEN TALKING ABOUT THIS WEEK BUT THEN WE ALSO HAVE THIS LAWSUIT GOING ON.

THERE'S A LOT THAT IS NOT KNOWN AND I THINK WE NEED MORE TIME TO SORT THROUGH IT.

>> SPEAKING OF THE LITIGATION OVER THIS ISSUE, OF COURSE, THE GOVERNOR IS A PARTY TO THE LITIGATION THAT THE ATTORNEY GENERAL DID FINALLY FILE LATE LAST WEEK AFTER WE SPOKE LAST.

THE ALABAMA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH IS ALSO A PLAINTIFF IN THIS LAWSUIT.

>> WE WERE ONE OF THE PLAINTIFFS ALONG WITH A COUPLE OF OTHER STATE AGENCIES AS WELL.

I WASN'T ASKED DIRECTLY ABOUT THAT BUT MY UNDERSTANDING IS WE ARE ONE OF THE STATE AGENCIES THAT WOULD BE PERCEIVED TO HAVE SOME HARM FROM A MANDATE IN THAT WE DO A LOT OF TESTING, A LOT OF TESTING THAT IS FREE TO THE PUBLIC.

SO, FOR EXAMPLE, IF THERE WERE EMPLOYEES IN A BUSINESS THAT HAD, THAT OPTED TO TEST INSTEAD OF BEING VACCINATED WE MIGHT BE ON THE HOOK FOR SUPPLYING THAT TESTING.

I THINK IT IS A WAY TO HAVE STANDING WITH THE CASE AS WE WOULD BE PERCEIVED AS AN INJURED PARTY IF THAT IS THE RIGHT TERMINOLOGY.

I'M NOT REALLY GOOD WITH LEGAL TERMINOLOGY BUT THAT IS MY UNDERSTANDING OF THAT.

>> AS WITH OTHER AGENCIES ADPH OF COURSE DOES HAVE EMPLOYEES WHO HAVE PUSHED BACK AGAINST BEING REQUIRED TO GET THE SHOTS BUT YOU ARE A FEDERAL CONTRACTOR, RIGHT?

THAT FALLS UNDER THE AUSPICIOUS OF THE PRESIDENT'S EXECUTIVE ORDER.

>> WE HAVE EMPLOYEES THAT ARE PROBABLY UNVACCINATED AND IN THAT ASPECT I DON'T THINK WE ARE DIFFERENT FROM ANYBODY ELSE IN ALABAMA, ANY OTHER EMPLOYER IN ALABAMA.

BUT THAT'S RIGHT.

WE ARE A FEDERAL CONTRACTOR.

ONLY, LESS THAN 10% OF OUR MONEY IN PUBLIC HEALTH COMES FROM THE STATE.

ALMOST ALL OF IT COMES FROM THE FEDS THROUGH CONTRACTS, GRANTS OR BILLING MEDICARE AND MEDICAID FOR THE CLINICAL SERVICES WE PROVIDE.

WE ALSO, BECAUSE WE SEE PATIENTS AND BILL MEDICARE AND MEDICAID, THAT'S ANOTHER SET OF REGULATIONS AND OSHA HAS A FEDERAL MANDATE AS WELL.

THEY LEFT VERY LITTLE WIGGLE ROOM THERE.

THEY JUST PUBLISHED THE PROPOSED RULE SEVERAL HOURS AGO.

>> THE FEDS DID.

>> THE FEDS DID.

IT LOOKS LIKE UNLESS YOU ARE 100% TELEWORK PERSON WHO NEVER ENCOUNTERS ANOTHER EMPLOYEE YOU WILL BE SUBJECT TO THAT MANDATE.

AT THE SAME TIME WE HAVE THE LITIGATION GOING ON.

WE ARE STUCK BETWEEN A ROCK AND HARD PLACE RIGHT NOW.

>> LET'S TURN, DR. HARRIS, TO COVID-19 SHOTS FOR YOUNG CHILDREN.

THEY GOT THE GO-AHEAD THIS WEEK.

IT IS A PFIZER SHOT FOR KIDS 5-11.

THEY ARE AVAILABLE IN ALABAMA.

>> THEY ARE AVAILABLE.

THAT WAS FINALLY APPROVED BY THE ADVISORY COMMITTEE TO THE CDC A COUPLE OF DAYS AGO.

THE CDC DIRECTOR FOLLOWED A FEW HOURS LATER, SIGNING OFF ON THAT WHICH IS WHAT GIVES US OUR GUIDANCE IN PUBLIC HEALTH.

THOSE VACCINES HAD BEEN PREORDERED BY HUNDREDS OF PROVIDERS IN THE STATE AND WERE IMMEDIATELY SHIPPED.

WE ARE GIVING THOSE VACCINES IN MANY LOCATIONS.

IN OUR PUBLIC HEALTH DEPARTMENTS IT WILL PROBABLY BE NEXT WEEK BEFORE THEY ARE AVAILABLE TO US, BUT MANY PEDIATRICIAN PRACTICES HAVE ALREADY STARTED TO DO THAT.

THE PFIZER VACCINE FOR THE 5-11 GROUP IS A THIRD THE STRENGTH OF THE OTHER VACCINE BUT OTHERWISE IS THE SAME VACCINE.

THE DATA LOOKS VERY GOOD, VERY EFFECTIVE AND SAFE.

WE ARE EXCITED TO HAVE IT.

>> I WAS GOING TO SAY LET'S ELABORATE ON WHAT THIS COULD MEAN.

BECAUSE CHILDREN ARE A LARGE SEGMENT OF OUR UNVACCINATED POPULATION, ARE THEY NOT?

>> ABSOLUTELY.

IN A STATE LIKE ALABAMA WHERE WE HAVE HAD DIFFICULTY GETTING PEOPLE VACCINATED WE HAVE OTHER LARGE SEGMENTS, AS WELL, PARTICULARLY THE 20-TO 30-YEAR-OLD GROUP.

NOW IT IS AUTHORIZED FOR 5-11, IT'S NOT CLEAR WHAT THE UPTAKE WILL BE BUT THERE ARE SEVERAL HUNDRED THOUSAND KIDS IN THE STATE IN THAT GROUP AND THEY THEMSELVES ARE AT RISK FOR ILLNESS AND LONG-TERM ILLNESS FOR LONG COVID AS WELL.

EVEN THOUGH THEY DON'T GET HOSPITALIZED AND DIE BUT THEY ARE A BIG PART OF HOW THE DISEASE CAN BE TRANSMITTED.

WE WANT THEM VACCINATED TO PROTECT THEMSELVES AND EVERYONE ELSE AS WELL.

>> YOUNG ADULTS ARE LARGELY UNVACCINATED IN THE STATE BUT THAT MIGHT ALLUDE THAT YOUNG CHILDREN MAY NOT FLOCK TO THIS RIGHT AWAY AND ADOLESCENT CHILDREN MAY NOT AS WELL BECAUSE THE YOUNG PARENTS ARE MOMS AND DADS TO THESE KIDS.

>> BY AND LARGE THE KIDS WILL REFLECT WHAT THEIR PARENTS BELIEVE AS TO WHETHER THEY ARE VACCINATED OR NOT.

WE HEARD FROM A LOT OF YOUNG PARENTS WHO SAID I'M VACCINATED AND I'M NOT SURE ABOUT MY 5 OR 7-YEAR-OLD AND THOSE ARE GOOD QUESTIONS TO ASK.

WE BELIEVE THE VACCINES ARE SAFE IN THAT GROUP BUT AS ALWAYS WE ENCOURAGE PEOPLE TO REACH OUT TO THEIR CHILD'S DOCTOR TO DISCUSS THAT.

>> WE ARE TWO WEEKS INTO THE MODERNA AND J.J.

BOOSTERS ADDED TO THE ROSTER.

PFIZER WAS ALREADY ON THE MARKET.

WHAT ARE YOU HEARING ABOUT BOOSTER RESPONSE?

>> WE HAVE HAD A LOT OF DEMAND FOR THAT.

IN FACT, I'M NOT HAPPY TO SAY THAT ALMOST ALL OF THE SHOTS WE ARE GIVING IN ALABAMA ARE BOOSTER DOSES.

THOSE PEOPLE WHO ORIGINALLY CAME OUT TO GET VACCINATED ARE THE SAME GROUP MOTIVATED TO GET BOOSTERS.

WE ARE NOT GIVING A LOT OF PRIMARY SERIES RIGHT NOW UNFORTUNATELY.

WE HAVEN'T QUITE REACHED THE GROUP THAT HAVEN'T COME AROUND TO US YET.

>> WITH THE HOLIDAYS LOOMING, THANKSGIVING WILL BE HERE BEFORE WE KNOW IT AND CHRISTMAS, THERE'S THE WORRY OF LARGE GROUPS GATHERING TOGETHER.

THERE IS REASON TO BE MORE OPTIMISTIC GIVEN THAT 2 MILLION ARE VACCINATED NOW AND EVEN MORE HAVE HAD COVID.

>> WE ARE HOPING FOR THAT.

WE DON'T KNOW THE DURATION YOU GET FROM INFECTION.

WE HAVE A GOOD IDEA THAT YOU GET FROM VACCINE.

HAVING THAT MANY PEOPLE VACCINATED IS A GOOD THING.

WE ENCOURAGE PEOPLE TO USE COMMON SENSE IF YOU ARE A SENIOR, HAVE CHRONIC HEALTH PROBLEMS.

BE CAREFUL HOW MUCH TIME YOU SPEND AROUND LARGE GROUPS OF PEOPLE, PARTICULARLY IF YOU DON'T KNOW THEIR VACCINE STATUS.

>> AND TALK TO YOUR DOCTOR OR HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONAL THAT YOU TRUST ABOUT THIS.

>> THAT'S THE BEST WAY TO GET INFORMATION ABOUT YOU.

WE MAKE RECOMMENDATIONS FOR POPULATIONS IN GENERAL BUT TO LEARN ABOUT YOU, YOURSELF, TALK YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER.

>> DR. HARRIS, ALWAYS A PLEASURE.

>> THANK YOU, DON.

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

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

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

COMING UP NEXT FRIDAY NIGHT AT 7:30, WE'LL HAVE THE LATEST FROM THE STATEHOUSE AND WE'RE HOPING TO BE JOINED BY, AMONG OTHER GUESTS, SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE MAC MCCUTCHEON OF MONROVIA, WHO'LL TALK ABOUT THE PASSAGE OF REAPPORTIONMENT AND VACCINE MANDATE PUSHBACK LEGISLATION, AND WILL ALSO LOOK AHEAD TO PRIORITIES IN THE REGULAR LEGISLATIVE SESSION EARLY NEXT YEAR.

OUR GUESTS ARE ALSO SET TO INCLUDE JEFFERSON COUNTY HEALTH OFFICER DR. MARK WILSON, WHO WILL TALK WITH US ABOUT HOW THE FIRST FULL WEEK OF VACCINATING YOUNG KIDS WENT AND ABOUT HOW HIS COUNTY IS FARING IN THE MIDST OF THE PANDEMIC.

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

I'M DON DAILEY.

GOOD NIGHT.