The state has seen revenue growth in both the General Fund and the Education Trust Fund over the past several years, with the last three years setting records for spending in both budgets. That has come from a growing sales, property and income tax, which sustains the ETF, and online sales tax, a relatively new factor that has led to General Fund growth.
The annual report looks at 16 indicators of child well-being related to education, health care, economic factors and community and family. Data points come from 2016 through 2020.
Nonpartisan analysts have said the 755-page "Inflation Reduction Act" would have a minor effect on surging consumer prices.
Republicans said the new measure would undermine an economy that policymakers are struggling to keep from plummeting into recession. They said the bill's business taxes would hurt job creation and force prices skyward, making it harder for people to cope with the nation's worst inflation since the 1980s.
The estimated $740 billion package — passed Sunday by the Senate and heading to the House — is full of party priorities. Those include capping prescription drug costs at $2,000 out of pocket for seniors, helping Americans pay for private health insurance and what Democrats are calling the most substantial investment in history to fight climate change, some $375 billion over the decade.
The ban, which takes effect Sept. 15, includes some exceptions. Abortions would be permitted in cases of rape and incest, before 10-weeks post-fertilization; to protect the life and physical health of the mother; and if a fetus is diagnosed with a lethal anomaly. Victims of rape and incest would not be required to sign a notarized affidavit attesting to an attack, as had once been proposed.
U.S. employers added an astonishing 528,000 jobs last month despite flashing warning signs of an economic downturn, easing fears of a recession and handing President Joe Biden some good news heading into the midterm elections.
State Treasurer Young Boozer discusses inflation and the state's financial situation, Graham Champion of the Rotary Club talks about polio eradication, and Steve Flowers offers analysis on the election cycle.
A federal appeals court will hear arguments in November over Alabama's efforts to outlaw the use of gender transition medications to treat transgender minors.
The Shelby County Sheriff's Office on Friday condemned the two officers' actions and said it stands with the city "in providing emergency law enforcement related service to the citizens (of Vincent) at this time."
Before debate began Saturday, the bill's prescription drug price curbs were diluted by the Senate's nonpartisan parliamentarian. Elizabeth MacDonough, who referees questions about the chamber's procedures, said a provision should fall that would impose costly penalties on drug makers whose price increases for private insurers exceed inflation.
Taiwan said Saturday that China's military drills appear to simulate an attack on the self-ruled island, after multiple Chinese warships and aircraft crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait following U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's visit to Taipei that infuriated Beijing.
The Alabama Department of Environmental Management is reviewing cities’ applications for potential federal funding, including $225 million in American Rescue Plan Act money allocated by state lawmakers earlier this year to water and sewer projects and about $765 million from last year’s $1 trillion federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
Besides leading the state’s highest court, the chief justice is the administrative head of Alabama’s judicial system. The court can make rules about the administration and procedures in all courts, according to the court system’s website.
Reyes, who is from Mexico, was in the country illegally after being deported and returning without proper documentation, Abbett said. It wasn't clear when he last entered the United States, said the sheriff, but the group had been living in the mobile home since February.
Sen. Kyrsten Sinema, D-Ariz., a centrist seen as the pivotal vote in the 50-50 chamber, said in a statement that she had agreed to revamping some of the measure's tax and energy provisions and was ready to "move forward" on the bill.
