For Immediate Release

Construction Group’s Board of Directors Formally Endorses Luther Strange for Senate
Birmingham, AL - August 1, 2017– Associated Builders & Contractors of Alabama, Inc. (ABC of Alabama) announces its endorsement of Republican Luther Strange for United States Senate. The ABC of Alabama Board of Directors formally voted to endorse Strange in their July 19th board meeting. ABC of Alabama bases their endorsement on proven public service. Most recently as Senator, Luther has been there for our industry. From understanding the craft worker shortage to addressing burdensome regulations and red tape hindering small businesses, Luther has proven himself best for Alabama. David Pugh (Bradley), 2017 Chairman of the Board of ABC of AL added, “Senator Strange is a strong supporter of the construction industry and this Association. His extensive business and economic development background is exactly what our industry, our state and our country need at this moment after several disastrous years of decline and anti-growth policies.”

Allen Harris (Bailey-Harris Construction), 2018 Chairman of the Board stated, "This race is extremely important. At this moment in AL and US History we need Senate leaders that will ensure every vote they cast decreases regulation and removes red tape binding our industry. Congressional decisions impact every business in AL's bottom line and we know Luther understands that. We have endorsed him because he truly wants to better us and literally better AL and America."

"I'm grateful for the endorsement and strong support of the Associated Builders and Contractors of Alabama and their members. These job-creators are valuable members of local communities and are doing great work to drive the Alabama economy throughout the state.” – Senator Luther Strange

Founded in 1950, Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) is a national construction industry trade association representing nearly 21,000 chapter members. Founded on the merit shop philosophy, ABC and its 67 Chapters help members develop people, win work and deliver that work safely, ethically and profitably for the betterment of the communities in which ABC and its members work. Visit us at abc.org.

It’s almost over.

The Legislature met for two long legislative days this week, completing the 25th and 26th days of the constitutionally-allotted 30 legislative days per session. The Legislature is expected to adjourn sine die next week.

Below are some of the highlights from a contentious week in Montgomery.

General Fund Budget Headed to Governor’s Desk

Late Thursday night, the House agreed to the General Fund Budget as passed by the Senate last week. The bill now moves to Governor Ivey’s desk for her signature. The $1.85-billion budget would spend roughly the same amount as this year and would level-fund most agencies. It would include $105 million in excess funds resulting from the BP oil spill settlement and reserve roughly $93 million to hedge against possible changes on the federal level that may affect Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program. The budget would also include a $3.3-million increase for the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency to hire 30 more state troopers.

Education Budget Headed to Conference Committee

The Education Budget has been sent to a conference committee, where legislators will attempt to resolve differences between the House and Senate versions of the bill. The $6.4-billion plan would increase spending by $90 million and would include funding to hire 152 additional teachers in grades 4-6. It would also increase funding for pre-K by $13.5 million. Both chambers must agree to the same version of the bill before it can head to Governor Ivey’s desk.

House Passes Jobs Act Modification

The full House passed HB 574 to modify the Jobs Act, Alabama’s primary economic development incentives. The bill adjusts the aggregate incentives cap in the current law and extends the life of the program to 2020. The Senate Finance and Taxation General Fund Committee also approved the bill this week, and it is expected to be on the Senate floor next week.

House Approves Redistricting Plan; Hurdles Remain

After an automated machine reading of the bill over the course of approximately 17 hours, the House finally approved a redistricting plan in an attempt to satisfy a federal court order. The disagreement stems from the proposed 17 districts in Jefferson County, nine of which are represented by Republicans. The Legislative Black Caucus, which opposes the plan, proposed an 8-8 split down party lines. The plan must still pass the Senate and be approved by a federal court.

Autism Bill to be Debated in Senate Wednesday

Senate President Pro Tem Del Marsh said he expects the full Senate to take up debate on the autism bill next Wednesday. The bill would require many insurance plans to cover applied behavior analysis for people with autism. A Senate committee approved the measure Wednesday with two amendments, limiting the coverage mandate to 1) children 16 and under, and 2) companies with at least 51 employees. Despite concerns about potential costs to taxpayers, Senate budget chairman Trip Pittman said he would report the bill out of committee. The House previously voted 100-0 for the bill mandating coverage, and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama recently committed to providing coverage for applied behavioral therapy for children with autism.

Prison Bill Still Alive

On Wednesday, the House Judiciary Committee held a public hearing on Sen. Cam Ward’s Alabama Prison Transformation Act. The committee is expected to consider a substitute bill next Tuesday. Like the Senate-passed version of the bill, the substitute is expected to allow local authorities to build up to three 3,500 bed regional facilities, which the state would lease from the authorities. However, there are expected to be significant differences in the House and Senate versions.

Governor Kay Ivey, Speaker Mac McCutcheon, and Senate President Pro Tem Del Marsh have all expressed their support for the prison plan.

Governor Ivey Personnel Changes

The Governor’s Office announced the appointment of Vernon Barnett as Commissioner of the Department of Revenue. Barnett is a well-known and respected figure in Montgomery.

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