More counties in Alabama began issuing same-sex marriage licenses Tuesday. Another ten probate courts joined those following a federal judge's order that found the state's ban on same-sex marriage unconstitutional. The confusion stems from Alabama Chief Justice Roy Moore's declaration that probate judges shouldn't give out the licenses to gay couples. Governor Bentley reiterated his stance Tuesday that he will allow probate judges to make their own decisions. Bentley also said he doesn't want the state to be seen as it was 50 years ago when a federal law was defied.
Strategic Plan
Members of the Alabama Agriculture and Forestry Steering Committee presented a strategic plan to Governor Robert Bentley Tuesday. The plan sets five year goals of adding 7 billion dollars to the economy and adding 58,000 new jobs. In order to reach those goals, Gary Lemme, Director of the Alabama Cooperative Extension System, says Alabama needs to develop its workforce, maintain a viable transportation infrastructure, expand markets and trade anMord strengthen the state's land grant mission, among other objectives.
Ross Comments
Alabama Senate Minority Leader Quinton Ross Jr. is weighing in on local lawmakers' calls to reschedule President Barack Obama's planned visit to Selma next month. Local leaders are continuing to petition President Obama to move his visit to Sunday, March 8th rather than the Saturday before the 50th anniversary of the Selma to Montgomery march. Ross says it's important that everyone enjoy this moment and keep the significance of the commemoration at the forefront of anything that's planned.