Whitt’s bill moves
Rep. Andy Whitt’s bill to require public school students to complete and pass a test on personal financial literacy and money management before graduating high school is moving through the Alabama House. The bill has received a favorable report from committee and has the support of the state treasurer, the lieutenant governor and fellow legislators on both sides of the aisle. The District 6 representative is well-positioned to carry the bill – the North Alabama native has more than 30 years experience as a community banker.
Rigsby impresses
Freshman Rep. Phillip Rigsby is making a name for himself in Montgomery. Despite it being his first term, the Huntsville pharmacist has hit the ground running. The District 25 representative will be carrying a bill in the house next week to extend professional license reciprocity to spouses of military families. This will help military families relocating to the state to work within their occupational field with less red tape. We hear veteran legislators are reportedly impressed with Rigsby’s common sense approach and are eager to work with him.
Two more counties to join SRT
The Singing River Trail is looking to add two more counties to the 200-plus mile trail that winds its way through North Alabama. It’s not been officially announced yet but, from the sounds of it, the Singing River Trail will be moving eastward to DeKalb and Cherokee counties.
Cannabis cases
Alabama’s burgeoning medical cannabis field is off to a sticky start. The Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission, which oversee medical cannabis in the state, is also tasked with awarding the licenses to cultivate, dispense or operate an integrated facility. Hundreds have applied for a total of only 21 licenses across the three categories. Now, the commission is facing legal action from applicants denouncing the application process as unfair and inconsistent. A similar situation occurred in Georgia due to the limited number of licenses available – lawsuits have delayed the availability of medical marijuana there.
Taylor for justice?
Is Brian Taylor eyeing a run for State Supreme Court Justice? The seat is open as Chief Justice Tom Parker is unable to run for another term. Taylor, a former state senator, is rumored to be mulling a run for the court’s top spot. However, Justice Sarah Stewart was first to announce her candidacy for the position and has already garnered quite a bit of support. Meanwhile Judge Chris McCool is favored to take over Justice Stewart’s seat.
Opening Night smooth
Thursday night was the season opener for the Rocket City Trash Pandas and things went pretty well. In particular, the new security screening process to enter Toyota Field eliminated the long lines and fans entered smoothly. The new buffet style of ordering food at Gravity Grille and Dumpster Dive concession stands – they call it “grab and go” – is wonderful but took getting used to by some fans. On the field, unfortunately, after a thrilling comeback to tie the score in the 9th and 10th innings, the Trash Pandas fell to Chattanooga 6-3 in 11 innings.
Madness comes to Huntsville
Thursday’s announcement that Huntsville will host the 2024 and 2025 Conference USA men’s and women’s basketball championships is a major win for the Rocket City. Not only will hundreds of fans descend upon the city – bringing buckets of cash – but the championship games will be carried on ESPN and CBS Sports and the winning teams will play in the NCAA Tournament, aka March Madness. High fives and fist bumps all around!
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