A look at the upcoming session

By Staff
Jerry Fancher
What can we expect the Alabama Legislature to accomplish when it convenes on Feb. 5? If history is an indicator of the future, then we can expect another session of quibbling over the issues.
House Minority Leader Mike Hubbard recently commented on the past sessions. Hubbard noted in recent years, the Democrats have often tried to misappropriate Republican legislation and issues by having members of their party sponsor bills that are identical to Republican measures they have killed time and time again.
"The Democrats are simply playing a legislative shell game with their constituents and hoping they don't notice the game is rigged," Hubbard said.
He noted that a package of bills sponsored by Rep. Micky Hammon (R-Decatur) and designed to combat illegal immigration is just one example of how the Democrats talk tough on an issue while working feverishly to kill the legislation. Among the bills in Hammon's package was legislation that banned illegal immigrants from voting and another that demanded proof of citizenship before accessing public benefits.
"The Democrats say they want to stop illegal immigrants from setting roots in Alabama, yet they indefinitely postpone every tough bill that Rep. Hammon and other Republicans offer to address the issue," Hubbard said. Another example of legislation the Democrats claim to support but prevent from passing is returning property tax reappraisals to a four-year cycle.
"If Republicans support four-year reappraisals and Democrats claim to support them, then why didn't we pass the legislation when it was first introduced several years ago," Hubbard asked. "It's simple. The Democrat leadership, which controls the flow of legislation, is hoping their tough talk will mask their total inaction on this and other important issues."
Senator Bedford and Representative Morrow work for the citizens of their districts and your tax dollars pay their salaries and expenses of their office. Call them and express your opinion on the important issues of the upcoming Legislative Session. Your voice can make a difference.
Jerry Fancher is Chairman of the Franklin County Republican Executive Committee. He can be reached via email at fancherjd@yahoo.com