Deep budget cuts and a special session is looming after lawmakers failed to reach a revenue agreement. Alabama senators adjourned Thursday before voting on a bill to transfer $100 million from the Education Trust Fund to the cash-strapped General Fund. The leader of the state Senate Del Marsh said Thursday was frustrating. Marsh said the Senate is not willing to pass new taxes and a special session is expected. The Alabama House on Thursday passed legislation that would establish integrated care networks to allow more Medicaid recipients to stay in their homes instead of nursing homes.
Flood Waters
Torrential rain fall resulted in severe flooding late Thursday afternoon in parts of Elmore County. Emergency Management Agency Director Eric Parker said flood waters inundated a pharmacy in the Holtville area and caused soggy mess at a marina and realty company in Slapout. An estimated 3 inches of rain fell over Elmore County in a two-hour period Thursday. In northwest Alabama, EMA officials said the town of Russellville declared a state of emergency after flood waters caused damaged in the city. More than 4 inches of rain fell in the Franklin County town in a three-hour period on Wednesday. There have been no reports of injuries.
Deadly Shooting
Montgomery Police are investigating another fatal shooting. Authorities say a man was hot in the 3800 block of South Court Street. It happened early Thursday afternoon around 12:30 p.m. Police said the unnamed victim died at a local hospital. No arrests were made. Meanwhile, community, parents and religious leaders have been discussing what can be done to stem a recent wave of violence in Montgomery. There have been six homicides in the last seven days and several other incidents involving violence. Montgomery Police Chief Ernest Finley believes more interaction between officers and youth is partly the answer. Chief Finley and others say the city is putting more money into summer jobs and recreation programs to help combat violence.
Hyundai Reaction
Montgomery's mayor said he was caught off guard by comments from the CEO of Hyundai Motor America. Dave Zuchowski told a Montgomery newspaper there aren't enough skilled workers in the River Region to staff a second auto assembly plant for Hyundai. The Korean-based automaker is reportedly considering sites to build pickup trucks. Mayor Strange said Zuchowski's comments are unfortunate.