The governor has challenged legislators to be leaders as they address the state's budget crisis next year. Robert Bentley, in a speech to first year legislators Thursday, said he wants to make significant changes instead of putting a band-aid on the state's budgets in 2015. The governor also said he is somewhat open to the idea of expanding Medicaid, but the plan would have be designed by the state and would have to participate in a job training program. Robert Bentley used to occasion to remind legislators of his reservations about expanding Medicaid program under the Affordable Care Act.
Plunging Prices
Oil prices continue to drop, benchmark U.S. crude settled just below $60 dollars a barrel in New York City yesterday and its resulting in lower prices at the gas pumps. According to AAA Alabama, the statewide average price for regular gas is $2.45 a gallon today. The national average price for regular unleaded is $2.60 a gallon. The feds say cheaper gas and an improving job market are helping to get the holiday shopping season off to a promising start.
Combat Challenge
Firefighters from across the U.S. and overseas will return to the Capital City next October for the World Firefighter Combat Challenge. The 6-day event featuring several rounds of competition in downtown Montgomery is expected to attract nearly 600 firefighters and have an economic impact of $650,000. Montgomery Fire Rescue won first place honors at this year's event and set world record times in two events.