State Legislature Begins Today

Alabama lawmakers are beginning the 2016 legislative session on Groundhog Day to familiar budget woes, but could see some new debates this session as well.  Legislators will hear a budget briefing that is expected to include a bleak outlook for the state's address tonight at 6:30 and has said that he is not going to be proposing tax increases or other revenue measures.  Republicans and Democrats have introduced rival proposals to establish a state lottery.  Lawmakers are also expected to debate a teacher pay raise and tenure changes for teachers.  What's more, there might be consideration of a gasoline tax to pay for road and bridge construction and a bond issue to replace aging prisons.