Author: Mary Sell (Mary Sell)

According to preliminary numbers reported to the RSA boards in September, TRS had an investment income of $5.7 billion for the 12 months ending that month. For ERS, it was $2.8 billion.

The State House was never officially closed in 2020 at the onset of the pandemic, but access was limited. In the spring 2021 regular session, distancing requirements meant there weren’t many places for the public to gather. 

Current law lists several places where firearms aren’t allowed even with a concealed carry permit, including law enforcement offices and courthouses.The law also says firearms aren’t allowed “at any facility hosting an athletic event” including K-12 schools or colleges, unless the gun owner has a permit.

According to AARP, more than 334,000 incidents of elder financial exploitation are reported to authorities in the U.S. each year, causing an estimated $6.3 billion in losses. And those figures are likely lower than the true problem because abuse is underreported.

November’s rate represents 68,673 unemployed persons, compared to 67,860 in October and 105,558 in November 2020.

Currently in Alabama, retirement incomes from 401(k)s and other defined contribution plans are subject to state income tax, paying between 2 and 5%. But Alabamians who have defined benefit plans — including pensions from the state or federal government and the Tennessee Valley Authority — are not taxed on their retirement income. 

The association of counties has complained for several years that the state’s 2015 “dips and dunks” law put a financial burden on local jails.

A trio of bills toughening sentences for convicted criminals will be sponsored by three Shoals-area lawmakers in response to the killing of Sheffield Police Sgt. Nick Risner.

Jim Hood, ACHE’s deputy director of financial and information systems, said leaders realize recent significant revenue increases are not sustainable moving forward and at least some of the it should be considered one-time money, including for capital expenses.

Approved unanimously by the state board, including board leader Gov. Kay Ivey, the resolution says the board believes local school systems are in the best position to make informed decisions on what is best for their community and that “certain matters of health and safety policy should be reserved for LEAs to determine.”

By MARY SELL, Alabama Daily News The Alabama Community College System is requesting a 14.8% state funding increase in fiscal 2023. The ACCS board approved on Wednesday the request that would bring the 24-college system’s allocation in the state education budget to $539.9 million. The proposed increases include $31.5 million for colleges’ operations and maintenance...

In total, the IIJA contains about $5.5 billion for Alabama roads and transportation, spread across 12 categories. Harris said in the road and bridge categories, the new act represents an increase of about $170 million in federal funding per year, about 17 percent higher than the previous five-year period.

It's another way the national supply chain and inflation issues are hitting home in Alabama. Instead of being able to order parts for quick delivery, farmers are having to wait weeks, or spend valuable time traveling to get a needed piece.