State Schools Superintendent Dr. Tommy Bice says he is willing to work with lawmakers on a plan to fill a shortfall within the General Fund budget, but not at the expense of the Education Trust Fund. Bice spoke to reporters Thursday at the Alabama Board of Education meeting. He says there initially was support for a plan to shift education revenue from the use tax into the General Fund, but only if that money was replaced somehow. The "use tax" shift never made it to the floor in the just completed special session because educators pulled their support after plans to backfill the Education Trust fund through. Governor Robert Bentley is expected to call a second special session before the new fiscal year starts October 1st.
Violation Warning
Federal health officials have warned Louisiana and Alabama they may be violating federal law by ending state Medicaid payments to Planned Parenthood. A spokesman for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, says that the federal Medicaid agency notified the states of the possible violation. Louisiana Republican Gov. Bobby Jindal, who is running for president, announced on Aug. 3rd his administration was ending provider agreements that reimbursed Planned Parenthood for providing health services to Medicaid patients. Alabama Governor Robert Bentley followed with a similar announcement three days later. The governors cited undercover videos released by an anti-abortion group showing Planned Parenthood officials describing how they provide aborted fetus tissue for medical research.
Second Round
Alabama's Black Belt region is being recognized for its aspiring business owners. The Delta Regional Authority is sponsoring its second round of Delta Entrepreneurship Network or DEN; a pitch competition to receive technical assistance and training. Up to 26 companies and business support groups will be selected. More information can be found online at dra.org.
Innovation Award
The city of Montgomery and Infinitus Energy have been singled out for recycling efforts. The award comes from Alabama Launchpad and was announced Thursday morning Mayor Todd Strange. The Alabama Launchpad's 2015 Innovation Award recognizes the state's top innovators for job creation and technology that solves local need. Infinitus Energy operates an advanced waste recovery plant in north Montgomery.