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  • Alabama Week in Review: Protests, Legislature Advances $6M+ Economic Growth and Broadband Expansion

    Alabama Week in Review: Protests, Legislature Advances $6M+ Economic Growth and Broadband Expansion
    2026/03/29
    In Alabama this week, twenty-one cities including Mobile, Birmingham, Huntsville, and Tuscaloosa hosted No Kings protests against the Trump administration, drawing demonstrators with signs highlighting policy concerns, according to APR News. The state legislature advanced key bills in its tenth week of session, with the House approving Public Service Commission reforms to mandate rate hearings every three years, bar utilities from passing lobbying costs to customers, and align returns with national averages, as reported by JD Supra. Lawmakers also passed measures for closed party primaries requiring voter party registration and a 60-day affiliation blackout, alongside reinstating a capped $1,000 overtime tax deduction through 2028. Other progress included outdoor dog care standards banning inhumane tethering, camp safety enhancements via Sarah Marsh Heavens 27 Act, and health insurer reorganization for competitiveness, while a Gulf of America naming bill stalled amid Democratic opposition. Alabama became the 24th state prohibiting foreign nationals from funding ballot measures, effective October 1, per Ballotpedia.

    On the economic front, Associated MetalCast announced a $6.24 million expansion in Oxford creating 50 jobs at over $49,000 average pay, supported by AIDT training, Made in Alabama reports. Construction Partners plans a $20 million Dothan headquarters, Calhoun County secured over $2 million in SEEDS funds to grow Oxford West Industrial Park to 530 acres, and Congressman Shomari Figures landed $3 million-plus for Montgomery infrastructure along I-65 and a tech innovation hub. Governor Kay Ivey approved $460 million in BEAD grants for broadband to 92,000 unserved locations, mostly via fiber.

    Communities saw Trussville leaders, including Mayor Ben Short, prepare to unveil growth plans addressing school capacity, density reduction, and infrastructure contributions, per ABC3340. No major weather events disrupted the state recently.

    Looking Ahead: With six legislative days left before spring recess ending March 31, budgets remain pending alongside data center and large-load facility reviews; Trussville Council eyes residential proposals in April or May.

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  • Alabama Legislature Wraps 10-Week Session With Public Service, Tax and Primary Election Bills

    Alabama Legislature Wraps 10-Week Session With Public Service, Tax and Primary Election Bills
    2026/03/26
    Alabama's legislative session nears its end after ten weeks, with lawmakers wrapping up the week of March 20 before a spring break recess, set to reconvene March 31, according to the Alabama State Bar. The House advanced key bills, including Public Service Commission reforms requiring rate hearings every three years and barring utilities from passing lobbying costs to customers, as reported by JD Supra. Legislation for closed party primaries, mandating voter party registration, passed the House amid debate, while a capped overtime tax deduction up to $1,000 annually gained traction. Committees tackled bills on doxing, first responder interference, and business code updates.

    In business news, Associated MetalCast announced a $6.24 million expansion in Oxford, creating 50 jobs with wages over $49,000, per Made in Alabama. Construction Partners plans a $20 million headquarters in Dothan, consolidating operations and reaffirming local ties. Calhoun County's industrial park expansion received over $2 million in SEEDS funding, boosting site readiness for manufacturing.

    Governor Kay Ivey secured federal approval for $460 million in BEAD broadband grants, funding 63 projects to connect 92,000 unserved locations, enhancing education and economic growth, as stated in her office's release. Congressman Shomari Figures announced $3.65 million for Montgomery projects, including I-65 infrastructure and a tech innovation hub. Trussville leaders prepare to unveil growth plans addressing school capacity, public safety, and parks. Governor Ivey also announced 35 new Pre-K to 3rd grade classrooms.

    Public safety incidents include a Birmingham shooting leaving one dead, a Tuscaloosa County I-59 crash blocking lanes for 10 hours, and a Moody I-20 chase, per ABC 33/40. No major recent weather events reported.

    Looking Ahead: Watch for legislative return March 31 with six days left, potential closed primaries Senate vote, BEAD project contracts, and Trussville's April or May council proposal on development.

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  • Alabama Legislature Passes PSC Reforms and Tax Deductions While Business Sector Adds 75+ Jobs

    Alabama Legislature Passes PSC Reforms and Tax Deductions While Business Sector Adds 75+ Jobs
    2026/03/24
    Alabama's legislative session advanced key reforms this week, with the House approving bills for Public Service Commission overhauls requiring regular rate hearings and barring utilities from passing lobbying costs to customers, according to Maynard Nexsen's legislative update. Lawmakers also passed measures for closed party primaries and advanced an overtime tax deduction up to $1,000 annually through 2028, while Senate filibusters stalled a "Gulf of America" naming bill. Governor Kay Ivey awarded a $150,000 grant to Luverne for infrastructure supporting a new Cenergy Oil & Gas station expected to create 15 jobs, as reported by ADECA.

    In business news, Dothan-based Construction Partners announced a $20 million headquarters and data center investment, poised to add over 60 jobs and bolster tech infrastructure, per Made in Alabama. The University of Alabama in Huntsville broke ground on a $48 million cybersecurity center renovation, enhancing research and industry ties, according to Tradelineinc.com.

    Community efforts spotlight safety, with One Heart in the Park set for April 25 in Birmingham's East Lake Park to aid crime victims during National Crime Victims' Rights Week, via ABC 33/40. Recent incidents included a multi-vehicle crash shutting down I-65 in Shelby County, now cleared, and a rare mine collapse seismic event in Tuscaloosa County noted by USGS. Infrastructure funding continues, highlighted by Congressman Shomari Figures securing $3 million for Montgomery projects like I-65 upgrades.

    No major weather events disrupted the state recently.

    Looking Ahead: The legislature recesses for spring break, reconvening March 31 to tackle remaining bills amid 1,020 filed. The Children's of Alabama Indy Grand Prix races into Barber Motorsports Park March 27-29.

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  • Alabama Legislature Advances Major Budget and PSC Reform Bills During 2026 Session

    Alabama Legislature Advances Major Budget and PSC Reform Bills During 2026 Session
    2026/03/22
    Alabama's state legislature advanced key priorities this week amid its 2026 regular session. According to the Alabama State Bar, 989 bills have been introduced, with the Senate passing the General Fund budget and the House approving the Education Trust Fund budget. Maynard Nexsen reports the House unanimously approved Representative Mack Butler's Public Service Commission reform bill, mandating rate hearings every three years and barring utilities from passing lobbying costs to customers. The Senate earlier passed Senator Clyde Chambliss's PSC overhaul to expand the commission to seven district-elected members. Other measures gaining traction include closed primaries legislation from Representative Ernie Yarbrough, now headed to the Senate, and data privacy protections advanced in committee.

    In business and economy news, Construction Partners announced a $20 million investment in a new Dothan headquarters and data center, per Made in Alabama. Congressman Shomari Figures secured over $3 million for Montgomery projects, including $2 million for Interstate 65 infrastructure via the Alabama Capital Maxwell Gateway and $1.65 million for tech innovation, according to Alabama Political Reporter. Small businesses can tap grants like Innovate Alabama up to $100,000 for tech and manufacturing, as noted by Wise.com.

    Community developments highlight education and infrastructure. Auburn University plans a $100 million residence hall to replace East Thach Hall, accommodating 680 students, per SPartnerships. Decatur partners with Calhoun Community College on a new athletic complex to boost northeast growth, reports the City of Decatur site. High-dollar permits include Coleman Coliseum expansion at the University of Alabama, via The Bama Buzz.

    No significant recent weather events reported.

    Looking Ahead, lawmakers recess for spring break, reconvening March 31 to tackle remaining bills in their 30-day session. Watch for final budget passage, data center tax reforms, and overtime tax deduction debates.

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  • Alabama Legislature Advances $10.4B Education Budget, School Choice Funding, and Major Utility Reform Amid Economic Growth

    Alabama Legislature Advances $10.4B Education Budget, School Choice Funding, and Major Utility Reform Amid Economic Growth
    2026/03/19
    Alabama's legislative session surges forward as lawmakers near the final weeks, with the Senate passing the General Fund budget and the House approving a $10.4 billion Education Trust Fund plan that includes a 2% cost-of-living raise for state employees and teachers, according to the Alabama Realtors recap. The CHOOSE Act school choice program sees a 38% funding boost to $251.2 million. In a major policy shift, the Senate unanimously approved SB360 to expand the Public Service Commission from three to seven members and create a Secretary of Energy position amid rising electricity rates, reports WBHM. The House also OK'd a bill mandating formal hearings on state electricity prices, per News from the States.

    Economically, Governor Kay Ivey awarded a $150,000 Community Development Block Grant to Luverne for infrastructure upgrades supporting a new Cenergy Oil & Gas station, expected to create 15 jobs, as announced by ADECA. Gulf Distributing plans a $9 million warehouse expansion in Huntsville, enhancing North Alabama distribution. The University of Alabama in Huntsville broke ground on a $48 million cybersecurity center renovation, fostering research and industry ties. Workforce development advances with Vectorply Corporation launching youth apprenticeships in advanced manufacturing via the Alabama Office of Apprenticeship.

    Community headlines include the end of Pinson's 20-year Butterbean Festival tradition, WBMA reports, and a Senate bill protecting against property title fraud gaining approval. Public safety notes Walker County deputies seizing fentanyl and meth in a traffic stop. Recent overnight storms damaged homes and downed trees in Talladega County.

    Weather watchers prepare for strong to severe thunderstorms late Sunday into Monday, with level 2/5 risk north of Reform to Scottsboro, bringing damaging winds and possible tornadoes, according to ABC3340 forecasts.

    Looking Ahead: Legislators eye Spring Break recess March 23-27 before final adjournment around April 8, with utility reforms and budgets in focus; severe weather lingers early next week.

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    3 分
  • Alabama Legislature Advances $14.6 Billion Budget With Teacher Raises, Child Safety Laws, and Economic Expansion

    Alabama Legislature Advances $14.6 Billion Budget With Teacher Raises, Child Safety Laws, and Economic Expansion
    2026/03/17
    Alabama's legislative session presses forward into week nine, with lawmakers convening today for key debates on budgets and reforms. The Senate passed a $3.7 billion General Fund budget, according to the Alabama Reporter, while the House approved a $10.9 billion Education Trust Fund plan featuring a 2% teacher pay raise, $226 million for pre-K expansion, and investments in literacy and numeracy acts, as reported by ABC 3340. Notable enactments include tougher penalties for child sex offenses and a new app age-verification law for minors, per the legislative report. The Senate unanimously advanced the Power to the People Act, overhauling the Public Service Commission by expanding it to seven commissioners and creating a Secretary of Energy position, JD Supra notes.

    In business news, Shinhwa Auto USA announced a $37 million expansion in Auburn, creating 20 jobs at a new tooling facility in Auburn Technology Park, according to Area Development. Data center reforms advanced, tightening tax abatements for future projects, while bills target economic incentives for small towns and rural revitalization. Plans also emerged to repurpose a 420,000-square-foot former AT&T building in Birmingham into a coworking hub, Birmingham Business Journal reports.

    Community efforts shine in education, with supplemental funding allocated for career tech equipment, summer programs, and rural broadband via EdFarm, as outlined in House Ways and Means documents. Public safety measures include the Devinee Rooney Safe Streets Act enhancing penalties for fatal crashes.

    No major weather events have disrupted the state recently, following a brief severe storm risk earlier this month noted by ABC 3340.

    Looking Ahead: Expect budget finalizations, data privacy votes, and SEC Tournament action for Alabama basketball, projected as a No. 3 March Madness seed per USA Today Sports.

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  • Alabama's Economy Surges: $430M Auto Investment, Defense Expansion, and Education Funding Boost Growth

    Alabama's Economy Surges: $430M Auto Investment, Defense Expansion, and Education Funding Boost Growth
    2026/03/15
    Alabama is experiencing significant momentum across multiple sectors this week. Global automotive supplier Minth Group Limited announced a major $430 million investment in Gadsden, transforming a former steelmaking site into its largest-ever campus. According to the Southeastern Economic Development Council, the project will create more than 1,300 jobs with average annual wages exceeding $49,000, marking a major economic renewal for a community that previously lost major employers like Goodyear and Gulf States Steel.

    In defense and aerospace, Raytheon completed a $115 million expansion of its Redstone Missile Integration Facility in Huntsville, increasing the facility's integration and delivery capacity by over 50 percent and bringing the company's footprint in North Alabama to more than 2,200 employees.

    The Alabama Legislature has been actively advancing the state's fiscal priorities. According to legislative updates, the Senate unanimously passed a $3.7 billion General Fund budget for fiscal year 2027, while the House approved a $10.9 billion Education Trust Fund budget that includes a two percent teacher pay raise. The education budget allocates $150 million for regional career technical education centers, $114 million for the Alabama Numeracy Act, and $151.9 million for the Alabama Literacy Act. Additionally, $226 million will support the First-Class Pre-K Program, providing coverage for approximately 47 percent of the state's four-year-olds.

    The legislature also passed significant structural reforms. Senate Bill 360 restructures the Public Service Commission from three statewide elected members to seven commissioners elected from each congressional district, with Governor Kay Ivey appointing four members to begin the transition. Senate Bill 277 authorized the formation of decentralized unincorporated nonprofit associations using distributed ledger technology and smart contracts.

    In corrections reform, a new agreement was announced between Senator Larry Stutts and the Alabama Department of Corrections to launch a pilot oversight program at three to four facilities, including the Julia Tutwiler Prison for Women, delaying a planned committee vote on broader reform legislation.

    A major project is underway to transform a 420,000 square-foot former AT&T Alabama Operations Center into a coworking and innovation hub, according to reporting from the Birmingham Business Journal.

    The legislature has used 22 of its allotted 30 legislative working days, with both chambers set to reconvene March 17 at 1 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. respectively, where lawmakers are expected to use two additional working days.

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  • Alabama Legislature Pushes Forward as $430M Investment Transforms State Economy

    Alabama Legislature Pushes Forward as $430M Investment Transforms State Economy
    2026/03/12
    Alabama is experiencing significant momentum across multiple sectors this week as the state legislature enters its critical final stretch and major economic investments reshape communities.

    The Alabama House and Senate are at the two-thirds mark of their 2026 regular session with nineteen of thirty allotted legislative days completed. According to the Alabama State Bar, 933 bills have been introduced with heavy committee activity ongoing. Several key measures advanced this week. The Talent Readiness and Industry Needs Act, sponsored by Representative James Lomax, passed the House to expand career and technical education by allowing businesses to loan qualified employees as instructors. The Senate also passed legislation prohibiting foreign nationals from contributing to Alabama political campaigns, mirroring federal law with violations classified as a Class C felony. Additionally, the Senate advanced school prayer proposals allowing local school boards to permit voluntary prayer during the school day, with at least one version expected for a full House vote next week. The chamber also passed legislation addressing ambulance services, setting minimum payments tied to Medicare rates and banning balance billing. Meanwhile, the Senate moved forward on restricting SNAP benefits by prohibiting purchases of certain sodas and sugary processed foods, with the bill now heading to the House.

    The state's economy is generating optimism with several major announcements. Taiwan-based Minth Group Limited announced a 430 million dollar investment in Gadsden, transforming a former steel mill site into its largest global campus, according to Made in Alabama. The project will create over 1,300 jobs producing automotive components for manufacturers including Hyundai and Kia. In Auburn, Shinhwa Auto USA is investing 37 million dollars to expand operations and create approximately twenty jobs. Aramark Refreshments also opened its first Alabama facility, a Market Center in Madison serving as a regional operations hub.

    A major defense industry development is underway in Muscle Shoals. According to the Alabama Political Reporter, the United States Navy will hold a ribbon-cutting ceremony March 20 for a 2.2 million square foot defense industrial facility that will anchor shipbuilding and maritime production in Northwest Alabama. Representative Robert Aderholt secured the funding through legislation to bring manufacturing capacity to the region.

    Severe weather impacted the state Wednesday evening. ABC 33/40 reported that a cold front brought a line of storms with damaging winds, large hail, and isolated tornadoes across Central Alabama, with storms expected to exit by Thursday morning. Temperatures dropped significantly after the system passed, with North Alabama highs running about twenty degrees cooler.

    As the legislature reconvenes Tuesday with only eleven possible working days remaining, key votes on education, prayer, and economic regulation are expected. The state continues positioning itself as an automotive and defense manufacturing hub while addressing healthcare and agricultural policy priorities.

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    4 分