The Alabama Legislature has given final approval to sweeping changes to sentencing and probation standards on an effort to relieve crowding in state prisons. The Alabama House passed the bill on a 100-5 vote Thursday. The state Senate went along with House changes. The bill now goes to Governor Robert Bentley for his signature. The bill aims to steer low-level offenders away from prison and creates a new Class D of felony. It also seek to increase supervision of former inmates.
Budget Proposals
Republicans in the Alabama House have backed away from proposals to furlough state employees for two days and suspend longevity bonuses for a year. The proposals drew criticisms from Democrats who say they're pleased to see the ideas dropped. Representative John Knight of Montgomery says the state shouldn't balance the budget on the backs of state employees.
MPS Students Honored
Forty-three students enrolled in the Montgomery Public School's technical education program were honored last night for individual achievements. Johnny George of the the Law and Safety Academy at Lanier High School was named the Career Tech Teacher of the Year. Also, Trenholm State Technical College awarded scholarships to 14 students. The 12th annual Career Tech Extravaganza was held at the Alabama Activity Center on Dexter Avenue.
Graduation Ceremonies
Two nationally known figures will give the commencement addresses at Tuskegee and Alabama State universities. First Lady Michelle Obama will deliver remarks Saturday at 11 a.m. in the General Daniel James Arena. Also on Saturday, the chief executive office and president of Hyundai Motor America, Dave Zuchowski will deliver the keynote address at ASU's 2015 Spring Commencement ceremony at 10 a.m. at Dunn-Oliver Acadome.