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March is Women's History Month!

Failing Schools List

The Alabama Department of Education has announced the new list of failing public schools, where student can transfer to other non-failing public schools or to private schools.  The department said five schools were added to the new list.  They are Barbour County Intermediate School, Lafayette High School, Abbeville High School, Jeremiah A. Denton Middle School in Mobile County and Bessemer High School.  Four Schools dropped of the list: Samson Middle School in Geneva County, Brighton Middle School in Jefferson County; Robinson Elementary School in Birmingham; and Martin Luther King Jr.  Elementary School in Tuscaloosa.  Three schools came off the list because they closed.  The new list applies to transfers for the 2014-2014 school year. 

Ordinance Update

Several new ordinances were discussed at Montgomery Mayor Todd Strange's briefing Thursday.  The city's new towing ordinance states if a driver is involved in an accident and does not have proof of insurance and/or a driver's license the vehicle is towed and impounded at the owner's expense.  Police Chief Kevin Murphy says getting one's vehicle out of impoundment will pose a new set of obstacles.  The ordinance goes into effect next month. 

Tax Bills

The Alabama House of Representatives has approved a slate of tax bills that are part of Republicans' election-year agenda.  One proposal approved Thursday would create an independent body to oversee taxpayer disputes.  Current law allows the Department of Revenue to appoint administrative judges to settle disagreements.  Lawmakers say that system gives the agency too much power.  Another bill would let the Revenue Department suspend tax collections if the collection cost exceed the revenue generated.  Two other bills are aimed at small businesses.  One would let some small businesses bypass estimated sales tax payments, instead allowing them to wait and make payments based on actual revenues.  A second would allow businesses with less than $10,000 in movable property pay a flat fee rather than submit an itemized property tax filing. 

MLK Convocation

Faculty, staff and students at Alabama State University gathered Thursday in the Leila Barlow Theatre to celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.  Nationally recognized actress Starletta Dupois served the guest speaker.  The program also included live music from ASU's Theater program.