Joe Turnham: 2008 session not all bad

When you look for the worst in something, you usually find it. Public angst with the Alabama Legislature’s high profile failures in 2008 is understood. However, on this patriotic weekend, I want to share with you some positive successes the Alabama Legislature had in the 2008 session. Even amid the disappointments of 2008, many members worked diligently and crossed party lines to enact positive and meaningful legislation.

There were 953 bills (including local bills) introduced in 2008 in the Alabama House. Of those 953, a remarkable 452 passed the House. The more contentious Alabama State Senate had 653 total bills introduced with 267 passing the Senate. This incredible production was achieved even in the midst of numerous filibusters by caucuses and various members.

Here are some of the highlights:

For years, the Alabama Juvenile Justice Code has been outdated. Local judges, DA’s and child advocates have cried for reform. In the 2008 Regular Session, Democratic State Rep. Tammy Irons successfully ushered a full revision of Alabama’s Juvenile Justice Code, Act 2008-277. Jurists across Alabama hailed this action to be one of the most important in decades.

Responding to America’s energy crisis, the Alabama Legislature passed the Alternative and Renewable Energy Act 2008-275 by Democrat William Thigpen. This Act will make tax incentives available for the production of renewable energy in Alabama like bio-fuels made from the cellulose of kudzu and pine tree waste.
Acts 2008-391 and 2008-392 were enacted with bi-partisan support. They set up mechanisms for coastal residents in Alabama to gain greater access to affordable insurance in the aftermath of Katrina.

Act 2008-336 passed with both a Democratic and Republican sponsor and facilitates the Department of Public Safety and our State Troopers’ ability to continue receiving federal funds for law enforcement activities.

For the first time in Alabama history, Alabama Act 2008-279 was passed that allows for legally regulated mobile dental clinics designed to serve the poor in un-reached, rural communities throughout Alabama. This Act opens the door for dental care to thousands of children and adults in places like Alabama’s Black Belt.

A Water Policy and Management Commission was established. It recently held its first meeting with local State Sen. Kim Benefield nominated as its first chairperson. This legislative commission will bring accountability and oversight to the substantive threats of drought and water war litigation with the State of Georgia. It will also bring constituents more closely into the debate over scarce and threatened water resources in East Alabama.

Unemployment benefits were raised by Act 2008-500, sponsored by Democrat Jack Page, which helps laid-off workers struggling in this uncertain economy. Act 2008-501 by Democrat Frank McDaniel funded the operations of Alabama’s Unemployment Offices.

The legislature passed a $2 billion General Fund Budget which fully funded Medicaid and Nursing Home beds. Children and seniors were top priority by Democratic Leadership. Under this budget, more children are covered with health insurance, while no senior lost a nursing home slot.

While a Senate filibuster caused the Education Budget to fail in the last minutes of the regular session, the Alabama Legislature came back and passed a thrifty, but solid budget in record time and adjourned. Many great bills died waiting approval in the Senate like removing the sales tax on food and will come back next year for passage.

The Alabama Legislature had some tough moments, but much was still accomplished. Even amid the most partisan and divisive political battles in decades, the process still worked. Budgets were passed and some good government was set into place. Let us continue to remain vigilant and actively involved in our legislative process.

Joe turnham serves as Chairman of the Alabama Democratic Party.