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Continued Attention and Action Needed
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As the Alabama Legislature continues today, with only 10 legislative days, your continued follow up and contact with members of the Alabama Senate will be needed to insure passage of the local bill pending in the Senate that would provide the right to vote for the citizens of Tuscaloosa on seven day sales.
It is essential that our members email and/or call members of the Alabama Senate to urge support and passage to give the citizens of Tuscaloosa the ‘right to vote’. In addition, encourage your associates and employees to also make contact .
Government closest to the citizens should have the ability to call a referendum on issues, such as seven day sales. Whether you’re ‘for’ or ‘against’ the issue, allowing citizens to have a voice and make the decision is the right thing to do.
This is important and your follow up action is essential!
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Next Chamber in Session Set for May 26
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Mark your calendars now for the next Chamber in Session on Wed, May 26 at Hotel Capstone for a special program featuring Governor Bob Riley. Watch for more details coming soon, but schedule now to be involved. |
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Reaction to Passage of Health Care Reform Package in Congress
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It will be very difficult for businesses and employers to really understand and know what the impact of the vote on health care means. This $900 billion piece of legislation contains over 2800 pages, much of which was not even read by Congressmen voting for the bill. It really is not health care reform. It fails to fix what is broken and risks breaking what already works.
It will drive up health care costs and make coverage less affordable for businesses and families. It marks a major step toward to a government-run health care system. It will further expand entitlements and explode the deficit, and raises taxes by a half a trillion dollars at the worst possible time. Jobs and growth are at risk thanks to the decision by the House.
While most businesses and employers want to provide quality health care to its employees, this Congressional decision will make that task more difficult and expensive, businesses and our Chamber desire real reform that curbs costs, improves wellness, expands consumer choice, and removes the inefficient heavy hand of government from decisions that should only be made by doctors and patients.
Stay in touch with and thank our two US Senators as well as members of our Congressional Delegation for their consistent opposition to this legislation and their strong voices of reason and common sense. |
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Other State Legislative News
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Transportation Road Bill of Interest
Senator Lowell Barron has announced that he will bring back SB 121 for debate and consideration. The bill fell one vote short on a cloture vote several weeks ago. SB 121 authorizes the expenditure of $1 billion on road and bridge construction over a 10-year period.
Charter School Legislation
Alabama missed out on round #1 of federal “race to the top” funds recently because Alabama does not allow charter schools. State Superintendent, Dr. Joe Morton, has announced he will move ahead with an application for the second round of funding. Meanwhile, Senator Steve French of Birmingham has introduced town new bills that would authorize charter schools – SB 484 and SB 508; and State Representative Mary Sue McClurkin has introduced HB 677 in the House. |
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About The Agenda
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The Agenda is a service of the Governmental Affairs Division of The Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama. The objective is to keep you, our members, informed about public policy and legislative issues at local, state and national levels; and to encourage our members to get involved in issues that impact business and our overall community. We trust this will be helpful to you and request that you let us know the issues and concerns that you have concerning public policy.
The Chamber’s Public Affairs Council is the key volunteer-driven committee that assists and coordinates our efforts to influence public and legislative agendas and provides the leadership to stay informed and in-touch with elected officials at all levels of government. The Public Affairs Council meets each month on the 2nd Mon at 4pm at The Chamber. You are invited to join us.
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