Governor Robert Bentley spend much of the last week or so making speeches across the state to drum up support for his $541 million dollar tax proposal. House budget chairman Steve Clouse said legislators are responding negatively to Bentley's ideas. Clouse said Bentley's proposed tobacco tax increase has the most favorable outlook, but he doubted legislators would approve the 82 cents per pack increase Bentley is seeking. The Alabama Legislature returns from spring break Tuesday.
Water Wars
The governors of Alabama and Georgia quietly met this month to discuss a long-running water dispute. That meeting came as the U.S. Supreme Court prepared to hear a challenge from Florida seeking to limit Georgia's withdrawals from the Chattahoochee River. Alabama officials have similar concerns. Governor Robert Bentley met with Georgia Governor Nathan Deal in Montgomery on March 16th for a general discussion of water issues.
Vigil Planned
A candlelight vigil is planned at 7 p.m. Monday night at Alabama A&M University for three of its students who were wounded by gunfire during a spring break in the Florida Panhandle. Bay County Sheriff's officials said a total of seven people were injured, some critically, during an early morning shooting spree Saturday in Panama City Beach. A Mobile man, 22-year-old David Jamichael Daniels, is charged with seven counts of attempted murder. A judge set his bond at $525,000 on Sunday. An Alabama A&M spokesman said three students 20-year-old Kearria Freed, Anesia Powell and 21-year-old Kelli Curry were in the Panama City area for spring break. Investigators said the students were innocent bystanders.
Greenville Shooting
Authorities in Greenville say a male suspect is behind bars charged in connection with a drive-by shooting death that occurred Saturday afternoon about 3 p.m. Greenville Police Chief Lonzo Ingram said 18-year-old Jerome Watkins was shot multiple times on Field Street. Chief Ingram said officers arrested 24-year-old Terrance Marsh and charged him with murder and possession of illegal drugs. Authorities said Watkins was a former quarterback at Greenville High School.