Money grab
The special legislative session to handle ARPA funds we told you about last week is off and running. However, as many of us might have expected, legislators’ trying to figure out how to get more for their favored projects is already leading to dust-ups. You see there’s a game in Montgomery called obstruction, where the players hold up something else to try and get what they want. One political player put it like this, “They may win this battle but they’re not going to win the war.” Before adding a warning, “It’s a long session.”
DeSantis dinner
We noticed quite a few Trump supporters in the 1600 strong crowd at Florida Gov. Ron Desantis’ ALGOP- hosted dinner last night. After a very warm introduction from Gov. Kay Ivey, one very vocal, apparently former Trump supporter was overheard saying, “This is the next President, he just needs to announce.” Even at $250 a ticket, the room was overflowing with glowing Republican support. We hear the ALGOP might have even bigger plans to heighten Alabama’s profile in the coming 2024 race.
Rebate regrets
Some legislators are not happy about the proposed $800 in rebates coming back to taxpayers. While there had been some support for a rebate in area of $200 per person and $400 per couple, Gov. Ivey’s proposal announced at the State of the State is more than double what many lawmakers were expecting. Some might even be dialing back their support for rebates all together.
More coffee perking up
It seems our region is still underserved with coffee spots and the new push is coming from the drive through-only operations. Dutch Brothers “coming soon” signs have popped up in a few places and local brokers say they are working on additional sites. They will soon be joined by Seven Brew, another drive through coffee concept based in Arkansas and growing regionally. They will both join Scooters, a Nebraska-based chain, and Creme Brew Lait, a local family-owned coffee drive through on Wall-Triana in Madison.
Sledgefest 2023
After in the inaugural event last year, Sledgefest 2023 will be back this September in historic Leighton to celebrate the legacy of legendary soul singer Percy Sledge. The all-day event features music, food and history. Be sure to check out the historic town museum housed inside the original Bank Independent building.
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