Corporate Jet Tax Break Grounded in Alabama House!

Hold your horses, folks! The Alabama House Ways and Means General Fund Committee just threw a wrench in the plans of some corporate jet owners. They voted down HB185, a bill that would have exempted certain fancy corporate aircraft from property taxes.

What Was the Deal?

Rep. Brock Colvin (R-Albertville) sponsored the bill, aiming to give companies based in Alabama a break on taxes for their general aviation aircraft and related equipment, starting in October 2026. Excluded? Commercial airliners, military planes, and drones.

The Price Tag? Ouch!

The state figured this would cost about $11.34 million a year in lost tax revenue, with a $4.73 million hit to school funding. Counties, cities, and the state would also feel the pinch.

Schools Said "No Way!"

Education groups weren't having it. With budgets already tight, they argued that schools couldn't afford to lose that money. Jason Barnett of the School Superintendents of Alabama put it bluntly: "We simply cannot afford new tax breaks or policies that put our progress at risk." St. Clair County Superintendent Rusty St. John also spoke out, emphasizing the millions at stake for schools.

Senate Bill Still in the Air

Meanwhile, a Senate bill (SB223), sponsored by Sen. Josh Carnley (R-Elba), wants to limit how aircraft flight tracking data is used to charge aircraft owners fees. It's parked in the Senate State Government Committee for now, awaiting a hearing. Carnley's said he'll chat with airports and the Department of Revenue before pushing it forward.

Time's Ticking...

With only 16 legislative days left, the clock is ticking on these bills. Stay tuned to ChumCity for the latest!

Moore Rips Voter ID Critics: "Hypocrites!"

U.S. Rep. Barry Moore (R-Enterprise), who's also vying for a Senate seat, is NOT buying what the other side is selling when it comes to voter ID laws. He's calling out what he sees as blatant hypocrisy.

Moore was a key player in pushing the SAVE America Act through the House, a bill designed to beef up election security. This includes requiring a government-issued photo ID to vote and demanding proof of U.S. citizenship for voter registration. But so far, the Senate's dragging its feet.

Moore on WVNN: "It's About Power!"

He didn't mince words during a recent appearance on WVNN's "The Yaffee Program."

"Hey, they didn’t mind you having to get a vaccine ID to go out and eat," Moore exclaimed. "They didn’t mind everybody having to have a vaccine ID to live free in America. So how come that wasn’t discriminatory or restricting people?" He went on to accuse critics of prioritizing power over principles, suggesting they fear the consequences of secure elections.

Can the Senate Save SAVE?

Moore's been urging Senate Republicans to get serious and even consider ditching the filibuster to get this thing passed. U.S. Sen. Mike Lee (R-Utah) has floated the idea of a "talking filibuster" to force a vote.

"Mike knows the rules in the Senate," Moore said. "He’s a brilliant guy, good friend, if he can figure out a way to work through it, I think we need to encourage him to press on." He pointed out that the House passed it with bipartisan support (one Democrat!). Plus, Moore emphasized broad public support, citing polls showing strong backing from Hispanic, Black, and white Americans alike.

The Hypocrisy is Real!

Moore echoed a sentiment shared by a colleague about the irony of requiring IDs for voting in Congress but not for voting in elections.

"It’s amazing that Democrats actually use voter ID or IDs to vote to make sure you didn’t need an ID to vote in U.S. elections," he quoted. "Man, you can’t get a fishing license without an ID!"

DeBoer's Hot Seat? Not So Fast!

Crimson Tide fans are passionate, no doubt. But are some ready to toss Coach Kalen DeBoer after just a hiccup or two? Apparently so, which has SEC Network analyst Marty Smith fired up!

Smith's Strong Defense of DeBoer

Smith recently went off on those already calling for DeBoer's head, labeling the idea "completely and utterly ridiculous and asinine." He praised DeBoer for forging his own path in Tuscaloosa, refusing to be a "baby Saban."

Who Else Would They Get?

"They didn't get it done in 2025. To try to run him out the door, to me, is completely and utterly ridiculous and asinine. You tell me, if it's not him, who will they get that will come to Tuscaloosa right now?" Smith rhetorically asked.

Context Matters, Folks!

Smith stressed that college football has changed since Nick Saban's era. "Nobody is looking at context, everyone is looking at outcome." He pointed out that DeBoer inherited a different landscape, and deserves time to adapt. Is there really a clear upgrade available? Probably not. Maybe Alabama fans need a reality check: the grass isn't always greener.

Local Dems and the National Brand: A Tough Sell?

Every election, we see it. Local Democratic candidates nationwide attempt that delicate dance: firing up their base while calming swing voters, promising they're nothing like those D.C. talking heads.

The Progressive Pushback

But this year? That might be a steeper climb. Policies long championed by progressive heavyweights, like Zohran Mamdani, are hitting the streets in major cities. What was once theory is now reality.

Can They Escape the Label?

The question is: Can these candidates actually distance themselves from the national Democratic brand? Or is that label a sticky one, following them no matter what?

Alabama House Passes SB71: Environmental Regulation Debate Rages On!

The Alabama House just gave SB71 a thumbs-up (68-34!), sending it straight to Governor Ivey's desk. The Senate already approved it back on Feb. 3 (27-7). What's the buzz?

What's SB71 About?

Spearheaded by State Sen. Donnie Chesteen and championed in the House by State Rep. Troy Stubbs, this bill puts the brakes on state environmental rules. Basically, Alabama agencies can't get stricter than the feds when it comes to things like water, air, and waste.

The Argument FOR SB71

Stubbs argues this brings stability to businesses and farmers. He says the goal is to give Alabama businesses continuity, so they know what to expect. No more surprising regulations! If there's NO federal rule, the state can step in, but it has to be based on "best available science".

Diving Deep into the "Science"

SB71 gets picky about what counts as legit science. To protect human health, there needs to be a direct, provable link between exposure to something nasty and a diagnosed disease or injury. Just finding traces of something or increased risk isn't enough.

EPA's Risk Info Under Fire

The bill also bans agencies from using the EPA's Integrated Risk Information System as the go-to for water quality standards. If they're using it now, they've got nine months to change things.

The Opposition Speaks Up

Of course, not everyone's thrilled. State Rep. Chris England worries this could hamstring the Alabama Department of Environmental Management (ADEM), making it harder to react to new threats quickly. He wants ADEM to be "nimble" and ahead of the curve. State Rep. Juandalynn Givan even admitted confusion, praising ADEM's thoroughness and questioning the need for the bill.

Loopholes and Exceptions

Don't panic too much. The bill has carve-outs for rules required by federal law, rules that are LESS strict than federal ones, rules that get rid of old regulations, and emergency situations.

Tigers Tamed in Starkville: Another Missed Opportunity

Auburn suffered a painful 91-85 road loss to Mississippi State Wednesday night. A furious comeback from an 18-point deficit saw the Tigers briefly take the lead late, but it wasn't enough.

Hubbard's Historic Night Haunts Auburn

Bulldogs star Josh Hubbard had a night for the ages, dropping a staggering 46 points and grabbing nine rebounds. Hubbard's offensive explosion, including a blistering 10-of-16 from beyond the arc, proved to be Auburn's undoing.

Pearl Laments "Worst Loss"

A visibly frustrated Coach Steven Pearl didn't mince words after the game, calling it the "worst loss" of his Auburn tenure. The loss marks the Tigers' fifth straight, putting their NCAA Tournament hopes in serious jeopardy.

Pearl's Post-Game Reflection

"It's not great," Pearl admitted, acknowledging the disappointment in the locker room. He emphasized the need for quicker starts, stating, "We can't wait until we're down 18 to start playing desperate. We've got to play desperate when it's 0-0."

Must-Win Matchup Against Kentucky Looms

Auburn's upcoming home game against Kentucky has become a critical, must-win situation. With the season winding down, this game represents a crucial opportunity to bolster their tournament resume. A win against the Wildcats is paramount if Pearl hopes to avoid missing the tournament this year.

Alabama Could Drop Co-Pays for Cancer Screenings!

Great news, ChumCity citizens! Alabama lawmakers are pushing to make crucial cancer screenings more affordable! Two bills aiming to eliminate pesky out-of-pocket costs like deductibles and co-pays for certain breast and prostate cancer screenings are gaining serious traction in the state legislature. Supporters say it's all about boosting early detection and making healthcare more accessible.

Breaking Down the Bills

First up, House Bill 300, championed by Rep. Frances Holk-Jones, wants to ax cost-sharing for supplemental or diagnostic breast exams. We're talking MRIs, ultrasounds, and contrast-enhanced mammography for those at higher risk. Basically, if your doctor thinks you need it, you shouldn't have to worry about a big bill! This applies to most health plans in Alabama, excluding those super limited ones. HB300 has already sailed through the House and is now headed to the Senate!

Prostate Cancer Screening Gets a Boost

Then there's Senate Bill 19, led by Senator Steve Livingston. This one focuses on prostate cancer screenings, especially for high-risk men (African American men and those with a family history). SB19 would mandate coverage without any cost-sharing for these men over 40, and for all men over 50. Plus, insurers can't cut coverage or penalize doctors for following the rules! SB19 is a winner, having passed both the Senate and the House, now just needs a signature from the big boss, Governor Ivey.

What's Next?

If signed into law, both bills would kick in on October 1, 2026. This bipartisan effort shows Alabama lawmakers are serious about expanding access to vital cancer screenings! Let's keep our fingers crossed for smooth sailing!

Alabama AG Takes Aim at Federal Funding for Youth Sex-Change Procedures

Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall is turning up the heat, calling for a halt to federal funding for sex-change procedures performed on minors.

Marshall, who's also vying for a U.S. Senate seat, spearheaded a coalition of 24 states in a strongly worded letter to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The goal? To convince the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to pull the plug on taxpayer dollars subsidizing what he calls "radical transgender practices."

"Funding the Harm" Must Stop, Says Marshall

"Medicaid and Medicare should never have been allowed to use taxpayer cash to bankroll these dangerous and extreme sex-change procedures for kids," Marshall stated emphatically. He throws his support behind the Trump administration's plan to reverse course, citing firsthand knowledge of the alleged dangers from Alabama's legal battles. He claims to have uncovered a "political and medical scandal" surrounding guidelines recommending hormone treatments and surgeries for children experiencing gender dysphoria.

Controversy Over Medical Guidelines

The letter, addressed to Secretary Kennedy, challenges proposed rules that would limit federal funds being used for these procedures under Medicare, Medicaid, and the Children's Health Insurance Program. Marshall insists that the guidelines are fueled by "ideology and politics, not science," resulting in "untold harm" to children and their families. "Children deserve better," he asserts, "and the first step is to stop funding the harm.”

Scrutiny of WPATH Standards

The Alabama-led letter dives into evidence from litigation regarding the "Standards of Care 8" (SOC-8) by the World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH). According to the letter, WPATH allegedly used SOC-8 to push political goals, altered treatment recommendations based on politics, strayed from established medical guideline practices, and hampered the publication of evidence reviews. Shockingly, it even deemed castration "medically necessary" for males identifying as "eunuchs."

A History of Parental Rights Advocacy

Marshall has consistently championed parental rights on this issue. He previously filed amicus briefs defending President Trump’s executive order that banned federal agencies from funding sex-change procedures for minors. He also led the defense of Alabama's Vulnerable Child Compassion and Protection Act.

Joining the Fight

The effort is supported by the attorneys general of Alaska, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, West Virginia, and Wyoming.

New Alabama Veterans Resource Center Opens Doors in Montgomery!

Big news for Alabama's veterans! The Alabama Veterans Resource Center (AVRC) just celebrated the grand opening of its Montgomery office on Dexter Avenue with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. And that's not all – they've also announced Alex Karagas as their first-ever executive director!

Star-Studded Ceremony

The event was packed with prominent figures, including Governor Kay Ivey, Senate President Pro Tem Garlan Gudger, House Speaker Nathaniel Ledbetter, U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville, and a host of other state leaders. Clearly, Alabama is serious about supporting its veterans.

A Promise Kept

Gudger emphasized the center represents "a debt being paid and a promise being kept" to those who served. It's all about giving back to the heroes who defended our nation.

A Hub for Support

Established through SB70 and backed by $5 million in state funding, the AVRC aims to be a one-stop shop connecting Alabama's 400,000+ veterans and their families with vital resources. Think benefits navigation, job training, education support, and referrals to health and housing services – everything our vets need to thrive.

Making a Difference

Greg Reed, AVRC Board Chair, highlighted the importance of a personal touch. "It helps to have a place where someone will look you in the eye, hear your story, and help you move forward," he said. The Montgomery office is just the beginning of a statewide support system.

A Leader at the Helm

Karagas brings over 13 years of experience supporting military students to her new role. She's passionate about providing veterans with the resources they need to succeed.

Online Access Too!

Can't make it to Montgomery? The AVRC has also launched an online resource hub to provide statewide access to information.

Merrill Eyes ALGOP Chairmanship

Former Secretary of State John Merrill, a familiar face in Alabama politics, has officially announced his candidacy for chairman of the Alabama Republican Party (ALGOP). This news throws another prominent name into the already buzzing race following John Wahl's departure to pursue the Lieutenant Governor position.

The Race is On!

Joan Reynolds, ALGOP Vice Chair and a long-standing conservative activist, is currently holding the fort as interim chair and is vying to keep the position. Merrill is pitching himself as the man to "restore trust, transparency, integrity, and confidence" to party operations across all 67 Alabama counties.

Merrill's Vision

"For over two decades, I’ve dedicated myself to serving Alabamians and championing conservative values," Merrill stated. "The strength of our party hinges on the confidence of its members, and I'm committed to rebuilding that confidence through openness, accountability, and proven leadership."

Merrill's platform focuses on:

• Restoring confidence in the Republican Party.
• Ensuring transparency among members of the Executive Committee.
• Strengthening financial integrity.
• Rebuilding trust in leadership at every level.

The Process

The ALGOP chair is elected by the party’s State Executive Committee, comprised of county party GOP chairs, members elected in Republican primaries, and party officers. This committee also handles filling sudden vacancies, like the one created by Wahl's exit.

The vote is scheduled for March 7th, during the State Executive Committee's winter session.

A Crowded Field

Merrill joins a growing list of candidates, including State Rep. Scott Stadthagen (R-Hartselle), who recently stepped down as Alabama House Majority Leader to throw his hat in the ring.

Merrill's Track Record

Merrill is a well-known figure. He served as Secretary of State after winning elections in 2014 and 2018. Before that, he was a member of the Alabama House of Representatives representing Tuscaloosa County. He highlighted that during his time as Secretary of State, Alabama achieved record voter registration and participation, conducted secure elections, and gained national recognition for transparency.

Merrill says he will ensure every county has a voice and every member has access to information about how the party operates. He also chaired the National Commission on Election Integrity following the 2020 election.