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@kiraincongress Feb 26 I planned to plant tulips and daffodils on my backyard today. Instead, I learn to fire arms and get ready for the next night of attacks on #Kyiv. We are not going anywhere. This is our #city, our #land, our soil. We will fight for it. So next week I can plant my flowers. Here. |
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Governor Kay Ivey applauded the state’s schools and universities that have ended face mask requirements, in keeping with her commitment to getting back to “normal.” At the height of the pandemic, Ivey encouraged mask-wearing but allowed her statewide mask order to expire in April 2021. She said wearing masks, social distancing and good hygiene practices have been instrumental in keeping more people from getting sick or dying during peak times of virus surge. According to reports from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, just over 50 percent of the state’s residents are fully vaccinated.
A bill to require Alabama public school students to use restrooms and locker rooms designated for the sex shown on their birth certificates passed the House of Representatives. The bill’s sponsor said the purpose of the legislation was to protect the safety and privacy of girls. Opponents of the bill said it would add to the ostracization of students already facing difficulties because of gender dysphoria. The Republican majority passed the bill over the opposition of Democrats by a vote of 74-24. During the debate, it was stated the Alabama State Board of Education does not have a policy that regulates bathroom use by transgender students but local districts are providing accommodations in some instances.
The Alabama House of Representatives approved a bill to repeal the state’s requirement for a permit to carry a concealed handgun. Sheriffs and police have urged lawmakers to keep the permit requirement, saying it is important tool for preventing and solving crimes. The House changed its normal rules for the day, limiting debate on two bills to two hours, after which, the gun bill passed 65-37. The very next bill was one to create mandatory jail terms for people arrested and convicted on charges of rioting. The sponsor of that bill says stronger laws are needed to stop organized efforts to cause violence at otherwise peaceful protests. This measure was also vigorously debated for approximately two hours before passing along partisan lines.
Governor Ivey recognized seven Alabama companies for success in selling their goods and services in markets across the globe, helping to sustain robust export activities that create jobs and spark economic growth across the state. She also recognized William Cummins, executive state director of the Alabama Small Business Development Center Network, for excellency in trade advocacy. Recipients of this year’s Governor’s Trade Excellence Awards are:
The Alabama Senate passed a bill by Sen. Rodger Smitherman of Birmingham to delay the implementation of the Literacy Act by a 20-12 vote. The bill pushes a reading proficiency requirement for third graders to move to fourth grade from the current school year to the 2023-24 school year. A similar bill by Rep. Terri Collins proposes to delay the implementation of the requirement to the 2022-23 year. The Literacy Act law contained a provision to hold back third grade students who do not score above the lowest achievement level on a state test; get an unacceptable score on an alternate test; or fail to show mastery of minimum standards. That provision will kick in at the end of this year if it is not delayed. Educators have pushed for a delay in the retention provision due to the impacts COVID has had on education in the last two years.
With the highly dangerous drug fentanyl playing a role in four out of every five drug overdose deaths in Jefferson County last year, that area’s Public Health Department is encouraging the legislature to make tests that can detect fentanyl legal in the state. The Senate has already passed a bill to make the cheap and easy-to-use test strips legal, and the legislation is now on its way to the House. Read more here.
Last week, Senator Del Marsh made the argument for more parental choice and more accountability in schools, encouraging his counterparts to pass legislation this session that makes it clear state leadership is unhappy with Alabama’s lower national education rankings. His school-choice bill was sent to a study commission, signaling its not likely to pass this session. During the floor discussion, Sen. Bobby Singleton said that he hopes the commission looks at some of the environmental factors in low-income school systems that lead to poor student performance. Singleton is a member of a bipartisan commission of Representatives and Senators that met for the first time on Wednesday outside the presence of non-commission members.
More than 10,000 Alabama childcare workers are receiving bonuses totaling $12.6 million. These bonuses come after the first round of Child Care Workforce Stabilization grants from the Alabama Department of Human Resources (DHR). The second round will run from February 28 through March 18. The DHR awarded grants to 1,278 child care providers who applied in December 2021 and January 2022. These grants are composed of bonuses that total $1,500 for full-time employees and $750 for part-time employees. According to DHR Commissioner Nancy Buckner, “These bonuses will help recruit much-needed reinforcements and reward current employees for their dedicated service to the children and families of Alabama.” Eligible employees may receive up to eight quarterly bonuses before the two-year grant period ends in September 2023. Funding for the grants comes from the American Rescue Plan Act.
