The 2010 regular session has begun, and your Alabama State Legislature is facing some tough decisions as we look for ways to deal with the effect of national economic crisis. From high unemployment to low sales and income tax collections, the numbers are not encouraging. However, the leadership in the State Senate is focused on finding solutions. Below are some of the issues we will be addressing from now through the end of April.

Roads and Bridges

I have sponsored a $1 Billion Road and Bridge Bill to put Alabamians to work while improving our state's infrastructure. By taking $100 million per year for the next 10 years from the Alabama Trust Fund, we could create some 29,000 jobs while preparing our transportation system to attract industry to our state. Read more about the bill in this Montgomery Advertiser article.

Accountability

We must put an end to no-bid contracts in our state. When our state government awards high-dollar contracts without first putting them out for bid, it is estimated that taxpayers end up paying 10% more for those goods and services. We will work to pass legislation that will provide real transparency to the contract process. This legislation will expand the time the legislative oversight committee can hold a contract for review -- from 45 days to 90 day. It will also require that all payments to contractors and subcontractors be posted online.

Education

Alabama's Education Trust Fund is estimated to be $1.5 billion below the 2007 level. This is due to the loss of sales and income taxes coming into the state government, a result of the recession impacting our country. Much of our attention this session will be on protecting those education programs that are so important to the success of our children, such as the Pre-K program and the Alabama Reading Initiative.

Seniors

It is our society's responsibility to care for our senior citizens. As we face the budget challenges of the 2010 session, we will work to protect the critical programs that protect our senior citizens. These include Medicaid, Meal on Wheels and the highly successful Senior RX program.

Taxes

The people of Alabama pay the lowest taxes in the nation. That is something I am proud of, and the Alabama Senate will work to make sure that remains the same. Will not raise taxes on the hard-working families of Alabama -- especially during these tough economic times.

Other Issues

Your State Senate will consider many other issues in the 2010 session, such as making child predator laws stronger, putting more teeth into our illegal immigration laws, and protecting our nationally-recognized children's health care program. Please sign up for my newsletter to receive occasional updates regarding the session.

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