Alabama's 2026 Legislative Session: Short, Sweet, and Budget-Focused

Alright, ChumCity citizens, the Alabama Legislature is back in action! But heads up, this year's session is predicted to be quick and (relatively) painless. Why? It's an election year, baby! With every single House and Senate seat up for grabs, history tells us big, controversial issues are usually avoided.

The Budget's the Word

However, there's one thing they can't avoid: the budget. Actually, budgets. Alabama has two: the Special Education Trust Fund Budget (the big kahuna) and the General Fund Budget. Crafting these financial plans isn't glamorous, but it's arguably the most important thing our lawmakers do.

Budget Bosses to the Rescue!

Fortunately, we have some seriously experienced folks leading the charge. Senator Arthur Orr and Representative Danny Garrett are steering the Education Budget, while Senator Greg Albritton and Representative Rex Reynolds are handling the General Fund. Big thanks to these dedicated leaders!

Healthcare Costs: The Elephant in the Room

The biggest challenge this year? Healthcare, particularly the rising cost of health insurance. PEEHIP, the Teachers' Retirement System's health insurance fund, has done an amazing job keeping costs down for nearly a decade. But, due to federal funding cuts and rising costs, they're facing a shortfall.

A National Problem

This isn't just an Alabama issue. Medicare cuts, inflation, and increased healthcare usage are hitting everyone hard. Folks are living longer (yay!), but that also means more healthcare spending. State revenues are struggling to keep up, making this a real uphill battle for our legislators.

Healthcare: America's Top Financial Stressor?

Healthcare costs are a nationwide headache, possibly the biggest one facing American families. Family health insurance plans are approaching $27,000 a year, a trend confirmed by KFF, a leading health insurance analyst. Hospital prices are up, and new, costly therapies are adding to the burden.

Shifting the Burden

Many companies are passing these rising costs onto employees through higher deductibles and copayments. It's a tough situation for everyone, and our lawmakers are wrestling with these problems as they shape the budgets.

Political Fallout Ahead?

Expect this healthcare cost crisis to be a major talking point in the upcoming midterm elections. Millions of Americans are seeing their health insurance premiums skyrocket, thanks to changes in the Affordable Care Act. Voters will likely make their voices heard at the ballot box. Who will take the blame? Time will tell, but history suggests the party in the White House is usually the target.

Until next week, stay informed and engaged, ChumCity!

Level Up Your High School Game with Dual Enrollment!

Heads up, ChumCity high schoolers! Thinking about what's next after graduation? Want a serious edge over the competition? Then let's talk dual enrollment with the Alabama Community College System (ACCS)!

What's the Deal?

Dual enrollment lets sophomores, juniors, and seniors snag college credit while still rocking high school. It's the express lane to workforce training or a four-year degree. Seriously, some students even graduate with an associate's degree BEFORE getting their high school diploma. Talk about a head start!

Real-Life Win!

Take Zade Newton from Andalusia High School. Dual enrollment paved his way to a $70k career straight outta high school! He enrolled at Lurleen B. Wallace Community College (LBW) and ended up loving it. His technical skills landed him a killer job with Reliance Test and Technology, thanks to his associate degree in industrial electronics and that sweet EPA Section 608 Technician Certification.

Another Success Story

Braxton Clines, like 14% of ACCS students, transferred to a four-year school to study health care. He snagged his associate's from Northeast Alabama Community College (NACC) before even graduating high school! He crushed online classes, saved a ton of time and money, and now he's rocking a white coat at Auburn University's Harrison College of Pharmacy - three years ahead of schedule! He calls dual enrollment a "necessary part of my training."

Why Dual Enrollment Rocks:

• Money, Money, Money: Dual enrollment courses are way cheaper than regular college classes!
• Two Birds, One Stone: Get high school and college credit at the same time!
• College Life Preview: Get a taste of college early and make the transition smooth.
• Achievement Unlocked: Dual enrollment students are more likely to enroll in college after high school and score higher GPAs!

Hooked? Get Connected!

Scholarships are available for dual enrollment! You gotta be a 10th, 11th, or 12th grader with a 2.5 GPA and a thumbs-up from your principal.

No matter your goals, building a strong foundation at an Alabama community college is a surefire way to launch your future success!

Alabama Schools Gear Up for America's 250th!

Hey ChumCity peeps! Get this: over 500 schools in Alabama have officially been named "Semiquincentennial Schools!" That's according to the USA Alabama Semiquincentennial Commission and American Village. These schools – public, private, parochial, and even homeschools – have all met special requirements linked to the big 250th birthday bash of the United States!

What's the Semiquincentennial School Program All About?

Basically, it's a way to get schools pumped up about American history, being good citizens, and getting involved in their communities as we inch closer to the big 2-5-0 in 2026.

What Do These Schools Do?

Designated schools are making a pledge to weave American heritage into everything – from math to music! We're talking about lessons that get teachers working together and kids thinking hard. They're also focused on making sure students are healthy, both mentally and physically, so they can build good habits for life. Plus, each school will tackle at least one community service project, helping them become awesome, engaged citizens.

Why It Matters

Col. Alan Miller, CEO of American Village, says it's all about passing down those important civic values to the next generation. As he puts it, our freedoms aren't just handed to us – they're earned through hard work and sticking to our responsibilities. The principles our country was built on need to be taught, understood, and lived!

More Than Just Classwork

The program is encouraging schools to teach American history, democratic ideas, and the responsibilities of being a citizen across all grade levels and subjects. Think cool, interactive lessons about national symbols, historical figures, and the constant pursuit of fairness.

Getting Involved

It's not just about what happens in the classroom. Schools are also encouraged to partner with local veterans, public servants, and community groups, giving students a real-world look at citizenship and public service.

Districts Doing It Big!

Some school districts in Alabama have even gone all-in, becoming "Semiquincentennial School Districts" – meaning every single school in the district has earned the designation! Alabaster City Schools was the first to snag that title.

Building a Better Future, Together

As Alabama gears up for the nation's 250th anniversary, this growing wave of school participation shows a strong commitment to connecting classroom learning with real-world civic responsibility and community engagement. Pretty cool, right?

Alabama Gets Serious About Workforce Development

Forget the buzzwords, Alabama's really putting its money where its mouth is when it comes to jobs and keeping the state competitive! State leaders recently shared their game plan at Yellowhammer News' annual Legislative Preview, and it sounds like some serious moves are being made.

A Department on the Move

Workforce Secretary Greg Reed, heading up the brand-new Alabama Department of Workforce, says the agency's first year has been a whirlwind of progress.

"We've done a ton in one year," Reed exclaimed. He highlighted cutting through red tape and a successful agency transition, plus a total rebrand to highlight the state's commitment to growing the workforce. The agency even managed to train an extra 25,000 Alabamians in 2025!

Career Tech: Starting Sooner for Bigger Impact

House Speaker Nathaniel Ledbetter emphasized that career tech education is still a top priority. But his take? We're getting kids involved way too late.

"Let's be honest, in 11th and 12th grade, I was focused on gas money and Friday night dates!" he joked. He wants to see career paths open up much earlier.

Ledbetter shared a story about a hospital CEO offering a young co-op student a $48,000 starting salary. The student's mom, overcome with emotion, revealed that it was more than she and her husband made combined.

"That's life-changing," Ledbetter said. "We talk about it, and it sounds good, but it's affecting people's lives."

Investing in the Future

The Legislature already poured $100 million into career tech facilities last year, and demand is still soaring. Ledbetter hinted that lawmakers are looking to boost that investment even further this session.

"One size does not fit all," Ledbetter said. "We've got to make sure we do the right things and try to figure it out. But I feel good about what we're doing."

Ivey Pushes for Tougher Penalties on Fleeing Felons

Governor Kay Ivey is calling on Alabama lawmakers to get tough on criminals who try to outrun the cops. She wants a strong message sent loud and clear: Don't even think about it!

Prioritizing Public Safety

Ivey emphasized that public safety is paramount and applauded law enforcement for their service. She highlighted instances of repeat offenders and even tragic losses of life resulting from these dangerous chases.

The Proposed Legislation

The Governor is backing House Bill 37 and Senate Bill 233, companion bills aimed at increasing the penalties for attempting to elude law enforcement. Right now, it's mostly a misdemeanor, but these bills would change that!

Cracking Down on Reckless Behavior

Senator Lance Bell says the legislation will deter criminals and protect citizens. Representative Reed Ingram echoed that sentiment, emphasizing the danger these chases pose to both officers and the public.

What the Bills Would Do

The proposed legislation elevates the base offense of attempting to elude from a misdemeanor to a felony. It also toughens sentences for reckless acts during a chase, like having kids in the car or hitting police vehicles.

Repeat Offenders Beware!

The bills include mandatory jail time for repeat offenders, sending a clear signal that Alabama won't tolerate this kind of behavior. Ivey is making public safety a top priority.

Alabama Political Roundup: Your ChumCity Cheat Sheet!

Money Talks (and Walks):

Q4 fundraising is in! U.S. Rep. Barry Moore (R-Enterprise) is leading the Senate race in cash, and most incumbent Congress folks are swimming in dough, except for Jerry Carl. Looks like some folks are feeling the heat!

Hot Pursuit? Not So Fast!

Gov. Kay Ivey's pushing for tougher penalties for ditching the cops (eluding law enforcement, for you fancy folks). HB37 and SB233 are on the table, aiming for felony status. Senator Arthur Orr's got a bill too, potentially putting the brakes on some police chases.

Trump's Tough Talk:

President Trump's saying blue states and cities need to ask nicely for federal help with protests and... well, you know. He's instructed ICE and Border Patrol to be extra "forceful" protecting federal property.

DHS Cameras Rollin':

DHS Secretary Kristi Noem's announced body cameras for all Minneapolis DHS officers, with plans to expand nationwide! Meanwhile, some on the left are pooh-poohing body cams for ICE, claiming distrust and propaganda. On the flip side, a new poll shows a hefty 67% support handing over illegals in jail to immigration authorities.

School's Out (Maybe):

Madison City Schools are warning students against a Monday walkout protesting ICE, citing safety concerns. But a local lawyer's saying the schools could get sued for squashing the protest. Meanwhile, Irondale Mayor James Stewart's declaring the city won't help ICE raids.

Flat-Earther Flung!

The Alabama Republican Party's steering committee booted Opelika pastor Dean Odle (the flat-earth guy) from the lieutenant governor primary ballot. But they're keeping Tommy Tuberville and John Wahl on the ballot, much to the dismay of Tuberville's opponents.

Shutdown Showdown!

The U.S. House is back in session to end the government shutdown over DHS funding. President Trump wants the bill passed and future fights are planned over ICE reforms. Oh, and the Office of Personnel Management quietly removed back pay language for furloughed feds. Ouch.

This segment brought to you by Dale Jackson, Yellowhammer News and WVNN radio!

Crypto ATMs: A Scammer's Paradise in Alabama?

Alabama families are getting hit hard by a sneaky new scam, and we're talking real money disappearing fast! Crooks are using cryptocurrency kiosks (those "crypto ATMs" popping up everywhere) to rip off unsuspecting folks. But there's hope! House Bill 303, the Cryptocurrency Kiosk Fraud Prevention Act, is a common-sense solution, and Alabama lawmakers need to pass it ASAP.

How the Scam Works

These crypto ATMs look legit, often placed in spots you'd normally see a regular ATM. But scammers are using them to pressure people into depositing cash for fake emergencies – bogus government fines, fake bank issues, even made-up family crises. Once that cash is in the machine, kiss it goodbye.

The Numbers Don't Lie

This isn't a small problem. The FBI says over 12,000 complaints about crypto kiosk fraud were filed nationwide in a recent period, with losses topping $333 million! In Alabama, residents have already lost millions, and the Alabama Securities Commission says cases are skyrocketing.

It's More Than Just Money

Losing hard-earned cash is bad enough, but the emotional toll is devastating. Scam victims feel embarrassed, scared, and totally alone. It's a crime, plain and simple, and the blame lies squarely with the criminals.

What House Bill 303 Does

Sponsored by Representative Russell Bedsole, this bill is a smart approach. It doesn't ban crypto kiosks, but it does put safeguards in place to protect consumers and deter fraud. Think clear fee disclosures, visible warnings about scams, detailed receipts, and limits on daily and monthly transactions.

Key Protections

• Live, U.S.-based customer service with a direct line to law enforcement.
• A way to potentially refund lost funds when possible.
• Preventing crypto kiosks from operating inside banks and credit unions.

Alabama Doesn't Have To Be Alone

Eighteen states have already taken action against crypto kiosk fraud, and others are considering it. They know that without some rules, scammers will keep exploiting the system.

Let's Protect Alabamians!

This isn't a Republican or Democrat issue; it's about protecting our people, families, and communities. It’s time for Alabama to lead and pass House Bill 303, the Cryptocurrency Kiosk Fraud Prevention Act! Every day we wait, scammers are doing more damage.

Candi Williams is the AARP Alabama State Director.

Alabama's Rural Revival: A Roadmap to Success

Alabama's small towns are about to get a major boost! The Alabama Rural Roadmap Initiative, born during the 2025 legislative session, is gearing up to breathe new life into the state's rural heartland. Spearheaded by the Alabama Growth Alliance, this public-private partnership is on a mission to develop a coordinated revitalization plan.

Grant Access Made Easy

Senate President Pro Tem Garlan Gudger spilled the beans at Yellowhammer News' recent Legislative Preview, outlining what rural mayors and county commissions can expect. The big news? A one-stop-shop grant portal! According to Gudger, this portal will be a game-changer, providing easy access to grant opportunities for everything from public safety and fire departments to roads and education.

"People just don’t know how to get to it," Gudger emphasized. The goal is to streamline the process, making it easier for local leaders to find and apply for funding. Imagine a single place where you can type in "workforce" or "Rails-to-Trails" and instantly see available grants, deadlines, and matching requirements. That's the vision!

Leveling the Playing Field

The initiative also aims to standardize the definition of "rural communities." Gudger pointed out that the current code has eight different definitions, leading to confusion and inefficiencies. The plan is to create classifications for rural Alabama, similar to those used for municipalities, taking into account factors like population and economic development. This will ensure that resources are allocated fairly and effectively.

Empowering Local Leaders

The ultimate goal? To equip local leaders with the tools they need to succeed. By simplifying the grant application process and clarifying the definition of "rural," the Rural Roadmap Initiative hopes to unlock federal funding and channel it back into Alabama's small towns.

"There are ambassadors in our counties and cities all over Alabama who want to do the best job they can as elected officials back home—and we need to give them the tools," Gudger said. It's time to unleash the potential of rural Alabama!

Alabama's Missile Defense Sector Set to EXPLODE!

Get ready for some serious rocket power, ChumCity! Lockheed Martin just announced they're QUADRUPLING production of THAAD interceptor missiles right here in Alabama! That's right, folks, the Heart of Dixie is becoming an even BIGGER player in keeping America safe.

THAAD Production Goes Through the Roof!

Lockheed Martin and the U.S. Department of War hammered out a deal to boost THAAD interceptor production from 96 to a WHOPPING 400 per year over the next seven years. Talk about a boom! This move is all about ramping up our defense capabilities and sending a clear message to anyone thinking about messing with us.

Governor Ivey Celebrates Big Win

Governor Kay Ivey is understandably stoked, calling it a "double-win for national security and Alabama manufacturing!" And we couldn't agree more. More jobs, more security – what's not to love?

THAAD: Our Missile-Defense MVP

THAAD is a crucial part of our missile-defense system, designed to knock out incoming ballistic missiles. With Lockheed expanding its operations in Troy, Alabama, we're talking serious firepower.

More Missile Defense Goodness Coming to North Alabama

But wait, there's more! Lockheed is also growing its presence in North Alabama for other missile-defense programs, including work on the Next Generation Interceptor (NGI) in Courtland. Alabama's missile-defense sector is on FIRE, and we're here for it!

Golesh Sounds Off on Offseason Challenges at Auburn

Auburn's new head coach, Alex Golesh, is navigating his first offseason on The Plains, and he's got some thoughts to share.

The Wild West of College Football

Like many coaches today, Golesh faces unique hurdles, especially when it comes to the transfer portal. "Tampering"—opposing coaches poaching players with enticing offers—is rampant. Despite being technically illegal, enforcement is nonexistent, leading to a cutthroat environment.

Golesh's Take on Tampering

During Senior Bowl week, Golesh addressed the impact of tampering and his strategy for dealing with it.

Ethical Boundaries in a Rule-less Landscape

"It's been going on for a really long time, the portal era has only amplified it," Golesh stated. He emphasized the need for regulations, noting the current lack of rules. "So you operate ethically with what you feel like is right."

He questioned the ethics of recruiting players already on another team's roster, trusting that "what goes around comes around" and that the "football gods will find you" if you don't act with integrity.

Doing Things The Right Way

Golesh acknowledged the pressure to win, refraining from judging other coaches. However, he made it clear he intends to run his program with a strong ethical compass, focused on doing right by the players.

Auburn fans, it looks like you've got a coach who's determined to bring the Tigers back to the top, his way!