Senate Week 2
January 26, 2010
On Wednesday January 20th, as chairman of the Senate Fiscal Responsibility and Accountability committee, I held a public hearing on Senate Bill 162 which I introduced the first day of the legislative session. My bill has received a great deal of publicity, including an excellent article printed in the Opelika Auburn News on January 21st. I have scheduled for this bill to receive a committee vote at 1:15pm in room 727 of the Alabama State House on Tuesday January 26th. I believe this bill, as introduced, is the closest answer to resolving the financially challenged prepaid affordable college tuition plan. Should the bill be given a favorable report, it will go to the full Senate for debate.
On Friday January 22nd, I met with DeJarvis Leonard Division Engineer; Robert Camp, Assistant Division Engineer; and Daryl Howard, Transportation Manager all of the 4th Division of the Alabama Department of Transportation pertaining to some much needed safety signals to accommodate the many potential traffic problems that develop at the intersection of Highways 49 and 34 in Tallapoosa County. As we get closer to spring, this intersection will become more congested as the recreational activity on Lake Martin begins to build up. Based on our discussion, I believe that updated precautions will be evident shortly.
Friday night January 22nd, I had an opportunity to attend the Dadeville Chamber of Commerce annual meeting which was held at the Camp ASCCA Civitan Lodge on Lake Martin. The turnout was excellent and the event displayed many downtown Dadeville vendors with ample food. The Dadeville Chamber continues to make superb progress.
On Sunday January 24th, I took advantage of an opportunity to attend the deployment ceremony and reception for the 111th Ordnance Group of the Alabama National Guard home based at the Opelika National Guard Armory and located at 300 Consumer Avenue. This is the second deployment of this group to Iraq since 9/11 and the huge crowd in attendance showed strong appreciation to these fine soldiers, their family and friends. The occasion, held at the Opelika High School basketball gymnasium, was most accommodating. The City of Opelika is to be highly commended for sponsoring this event. In addition to the many highly ranked personnel of the Alabama National Guard present, those in attendance were additionally pleased to hear the supportive remarks of the state’s Adjunct General, Major General Abner C. Blalock.
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