Last week we discussed the Alabama House of Representatives and focused on the House leadership.
This week, we're going to talk about a prominent member of the very powerful Alabama State Senate.
First, the state senate is made up of 35 members. The parent group is overwhelmingly Republican. There are 27 Republicans and only 8 Democrats. This qualifies for a so-called supermajority Republican state Senate.
Our Alabama Constitution is very outdated and all powers, including local powers, are vested in the Legislature. This means a huge amount of time is spent developing local legislation. For legislators in rural areas and small counties, passing local bills is not a big issue. But that's not the case in Imperial-Jefferson County, Alabama's most populous county.
Because the state's largest county is so diverse, this Congressional delegation is also diverse and polarizing. It has been my observation that for the past 60 years, there has been infighting in Jefferson County over local issues that has spilled over into the House and Senate chambers. During my 16 years in Congress, Jefferson County legislators were embroiled in a heated debate over whether alcohol could be served on Sundays in the county, while a very important state issue stalled. It was not uncommon for an entire day in Congress to be consumed by the presence of such people.
For the first time in my memory, two legendary Jefferson County state senators, Jaybo Wagoner and Roger Smitherman, have forged a bipartisan partnership to create a harmonious working relationship for the benefit of Jefferson County and the state. I built it.
State Sen. Jabo Wagoner (R-Vestavia) is the Senate president. He is one of the most respected and accomplished state senators in Alabama history. In fact, he has the longest tenure in Congress in state history at 50 years. Jaybo Wagoner also chairs the Senate Rules Committee, which sets the Senate's agenda.
Jabot is part of an elite leadership group in the Senate that includes Pro-Tem President Greg Reed (R-Jasper), Education Budget Chairman Arthur Orr (R-Decatur), and General Fund Budget Chairman Greg – Includes Albritton (R-Escambia). The new majority leader in the Alabama Senate is Sen. Steve Livingston, R-Scottsboro. He is well-respected and works well with pro tem Greg Reed.
State Sen. April Weaver (R-Bibb/Shelby) is doing a great job as chair of the Health Committee. Sen. Tom Butler (R-Huntsville) is a veteran lawmaker who, along with Sen. Weaver, has been in the spotlight on health issues.
Sen. Will Barfoot (R-Pike Road) is doing a great job as chairman of the Judiciary Committee. Sen. Dan Roberts (R-Jefferson) has become a go-to leader and leading senator on business issues. Sen. Tim Melson (R-Florence) is a highly popular and respected physician. He is talented and a good team player.
Sen. Garlan Gudger, R-Cullman, is doing a great job. He is young and has a bright future. Sen. Sam Givan (R-Huntsville) is a quiet, effective leader who gets things done without fanfare. He heads the Legislative Council of the entire parliament. Sen. Andrew Jones (R-Cherokee/Etowah) and Sen. Randy Price (R-Lee County) are the district's leading representatives.
Sen. Clyde Chambliss (R-Autauga) is an outstanding leader in the Senate. He is a favorite of Gov. Kay Ivey. Chambliss has sponsored most major bills in recent years, including on prisons and roads. Sen. Gerald Allen (R-Tuscaloosa) continues to represent Tuscaloosa's strong conservative wing. Sen. Donnie Chestin (R-Geneva/Houston) is a distinguished senator. He, like Givan, is quietly effective. He gets things done for the Wiregrass.
Republican freshmen Josh Carnley (R-Coffee), Jay Hovey (R-Auburn) and Keith Kelly (R-Anniston) are quick learners and popular team players.
Sen. Bobby Singleton, D-Greensboro, is a very likable and effective minority leader. He joins the aforementioned Sen. Roger Smitherman (D-Birmingham), as well as respected and respected Senate leaders, Sen. Vivian Figures (D-Mobile) and Sen. Billy Beasley (D-Barbour). is receiving support from
Newcomers to the Senate, Merica Coleman, D-Bessemer, and Kirk Hatcher, D-Montgomery, previously served in the House and are sworn in immediately. The state senate is full of leaders.
see you next week.
