Off The Record: The latest rumors and rumblings in North Alabama
Grudger gets going
For the first time in a while, two North Alabamians are in charge of the Alabama House and Senate. Garlan Gudger of Cullman was elected as Senate President Pro Tem this week, alongside Rainsville’s Nathaniel Ledbetter, who enters his third legislative session as House Speaker. But does the regional dynamic matter with this duo? Gudger emerged victorious in the GOP caucus race last year over Scottsboro’s Steve Livingston, who was reportedly the favorite among North Alabama lawmakers and remained in his spot as Majority Leader. Exiting his first week as Pro Tem, survey says Gudger is an open question mark on a number of fronts. But one thing is certain: He thinks, moves, and talks fast – and seems eager to get after it.
Scofield praises SEEDS
The Business Council of Alabama is showing no signs of slowing down as the legislative session gets underway. Executive Vice President Clay Scofield appeared on “Alabama Politics This Week” touting the Site Evaluation and Economic Development Strategy (SEEDS) Act. Scofield, a former state senator, had high praise for the state’s commitment to identifying and investing in industrial sites throughout the state, including rural areas in need of development. SEEDS grants were first awarded last year and have steered over $30 million in state funding matched by $38 million in local dollars to speed the development of 29 industrial sites around the state.
Bills, bills, bills!
Hundreds of bills (374 to be exact) have been filed in the Alabama Legislature since the regular session kicked off Tuesday. Light reading it is not, however, occasionally you can learn something new. Take HB16, which would make it a crime to give a false date of birth to a law enforcement officer. While it seems that would already be a crime, the bill’s sponsor, State Rep. Ron Bolton (R-Northport), points out under current law it is only a crime to give a false name or address to a law enforcement officer. If enacted the bill would make giving false information to an officer a Class A misdemeanor.
Bellehouse to open
An event venue is set to open in downtown Madison. The Bellehouse is a restored historical building that once served as a church. Located at 4097 Sullivan Street, the Bellehouse is billed as a wedding, event, and performance venue with seating for 75 or space for 225 standing guests, a large indoor room, two outdoor decks and a warming kitchen. Today, the venue is hosting an open house at 3 p.m. for the public to get the first look at the refurbished space. Check out the Bellehouse on socials here and here for more details.
