Capitol Journal

We’re joined by Sen. Del Marsh, who discusses new legislative hope for his big gambling expansion plan. We’re also joined by Sen. Arthur Orr, who talks with us about Senate passage of a record Alabama education budget. State Health Officer Dr. Scott Harris joins us to discuss next week’s eligibility expansion for virus vaccinations. And we have a special segment commemorating the 80th anniversary of the creation of the military unit that became known as the Tuskegee Airmen.

We will report on the Senate today passing a record $7.6 billion education budget. We will also report on the House passing closely-watched rioting and transgender athlete bills. We will be joined by Rep. Chris Blackshear of Phenix City, who will discuss his bill that would make it illegal to vote in Alabama and another state in the same election. We will also be joined by Rep. Steve Hurst of Munford, who will discuss his bill that would designate part of the road leading to Cheaha State Park as a Scenic Highway.

We report on a Senate committee today approving a lottery bill amidst talk that casinos might still be a future option. We also report on another Senate committee further advancing closely-watched bail reform legislation. We’re joined by Rep. Steve McMillan, who will discuss a controversial rioting bill heading to the House floor tomorrow. And MG Jerry Martin, the assistant Adjutant General of the Alabama National Guard, will also join us to talk about helping with mobile virus vaccination clinics starting next week.

Gov. Ivey declares a state of emergency ahead of expected bad weather; Senate committee approves $7.6 billlion education budget; House committees pass transgender youth and riot bills; Rep. Barbara Drummond on her bill to raise the age to buy nicotine products to 21; Rep. Shane Stringer on his legislation that would set up penalties for "doxing" public officials.

We will preview the upcoming legislative week, including expected Senate action on an emergency powers bill and on the education budget, and House action on a bill that would ban curbside voting. We will also report on scheduled committee action on measures dealing with medical marijuana, transgender youth and rioting. We will be joined by Attorney General Steve Marshall, who will discuss his lawsuit accusing the U.S. Census Bureau of delaying and manipulating crucial census data. We will also be joined by Jane Adams with the Cover Alabama Coalition, who will discuss a renewed push for Medicaid expansion in the state.

State Democratic Party Chair Chris England joins us to talk about Joe Biden winning the White House and about his party’s disappointing showing here at home. District 1 Cong.-elect Jerry Carl of Mobile is with us to talk about his victory and about the presidential election controversy. State Health Officer Dr. Scott Harris joins us to discuss worsening Alabama coronavirus numbers. And state Mental Health Commissioner Lynn Beshear talks with us about the recently announced mental health crisis centers around the state.

U.S. Sen.-elect Tommy Tuberville joins us to discuss his decisive win over Doug Jones this week and his thoughts on the presidential race. Cong. Mo Brooks is with us to talk about what he thought was at stake in the election and about his census lawsuit. Alabama Republican Party Chair Terry Lathan will join us to discuss big GOP strides in the election. And State Health Officer Dr. Scott Harris talks with us about this week’s decision to extend the statewide masking ordinance.

Sen. Doug Jones joins us to discuss the final days of his heated re-election campaign. GOP political consultant Angi Horn Stalnaker and Democratic pollster Zac McCrary is with us to offer pre-election analysis. Secretary of State John Merrill joins us to talk about predicted record voter turnout in Alabama next week. Sen. Arthur Orr talks with us about a constitutional amendment he sponsored that would make some changes to the state court system. And State Health Officer Dr. Scott Harris joins us to discuss a continued rise in Alabama coronavirus cases and hospitalizations.

Cong. Gary Palmer joins us to discuss negotiations over a possible new federal coronavirus relief bill. State Health Officer Dr. Scott Harris is with us to talk about a continued uptick in virus cases and hospitalizations. And Rep. Merika Coleman of Pleasant Grove joins us to discuss the amendment she sponsored on next month’s ballot that would remove racist language from Alabama's constitution.

Former Chief Justice Roy Moore joins us to discuss a masking lawsuit, the U.S. Senate race and the new same-sex marriage debate. We’re also joined by Rep. Neil Rafferty of Birmingham, who talks with us about same-sex marriage and about his opposition to a new bill to ban transgender surgeries for minors. And State Health Officer Dr. Scott Harris joins us to discuss a slight uptick in our coronavirus cases and hospitalizations.