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March is Women's History Month!

Bentley Warns Lawmakers

Governor Bentley is giving lawmakers what he called an "unvarnished" view of the cuts to state government that will occur without new revenue.  The governor last night sent a memo to each member of the Alabama Legislature.  The memo describes the emergency operation plans state agencies produced in response to a draft budget before lawmakers.  The reductions include the layoff of more than 1,000 state employees, including 600 court employees and 132 law enforcement officers.  Legislators have not acted on the governor's tax proposal.  

Expansion Push

The Alabama Senate bogged down in partisan disagreement as GOP senators pushed through a resolution urging the governor to not expand Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act.  Senators approved the resolution on a 22-8 party line vote.  Democrats have named Medicaid expansion a priority and voted against the bill.  The state Senate immediately adjourned after the vote.  Greensboro Senator Bobby Singleton said the disagreement will spill over into the rest of the session.  

Council Meeting

Montgomery's mayor says he's concerned the city could develop a reputation as being anti-business.  Todd Strange made the comments at Tuesday night's City Council meeting.  The issue arose after District 4 Councilman David Burkette said he plans to introduce an ordinance that would establish a moratorium on private package stores.  Mayor Strange said recent debates to put moratoriums on pay day loan businesses and big box grocery stores could result in private businesses filing lawsuits against city.  

Kia Shooting

An employee at the Kia Motors plant in West Point, Georgia, was shot in the leg and a suspect is in custody in connection with the incident Tuesday afternoon at the auto plant.  Troup County, Georgia, sheriff's officials said 38-year-old Gabriel Rains of Newnan, Georgia, was charged with aggravated assault and possession of a firearm.  Rains is accused of shooting Gary Swanson, a co-worker, in the leg.  The victim is listed in stable condition at a Columbus, Georgia hospital. All shifts at the Kia plant near the Alabama-Georgia line have resumed operations.  

Counterfeit Cash

CrimeStoppers of Central Alabama need your assistance in helping Wetumpka police and the Secret Service find two men responsible for passing counterfeit $100 bills in several area communities.  CrimeStoppers has posted surveillance video on its website showing one of the two male suspects in a retail store in Wetumpka.  Authorities said counterfeit $100 bills were passed in Clanton, Calera, Elmore, Montgomery and Thorsby.  If you can identify or know the whereabouts of the suspects, call police or CrimeStoppers at 215-STOP.  Your tip may lead to a cash reward.