Anniston, AL – Senator Keith Kelley recently addressed a legislative review at the Calhoun County Chamber of Commerce, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to represent his constituents in the Senate. He emphasized the importance of surrendering to service and seeking guidance from a higher power in decision-making processes. Reflecting on the challenges faced during the recent session, Kelley highlighted the multiple contentious issues that arose, some of which garnered threats toward him and his staff. He acknowledged the complexity of legislative matters and the difficulties in conveying the complete story to the public. Kelley praised the collaborative efforts of the local legislative delegation and stressed the significance of regional cooperation in fostering economic growth and development. Touching upon various projects aimed at workforce development and education, Kelley underscored the diverse needs and opportunities within his district. Throughout his address, Kelley emphasized the interconnectedness of neighboring counties and the importance of collective efforts in uplifting the entire region.
Senator Kelley delved into the complexities surrounding the gaming legislation discussed during the legislative session. He clarified the confusion between the lottery bill and the broader gaming bill, emphasizing that the latter encompassed much more than just a lottery. He outlined the legislative process, detailing how the bill passed through the Senate and the House, encountering various amendments and disagreements along the way.
One of the major concerns with the legislation was the establishment of two gaming commissions with significant autonomy, potentially leading to lack of accountability and transparency. Kelley highlighted the potential for corruption and the preferential treatment of certain entities, such as existing dog tracks, which stood to benefit immensely from the proposed legislation without undergoing a competitive bidding process.
Furthermore, Kelley expressed concerns about the lack of punishment for illegally operating casinos until a certain date, after which they would potentially be legalized and granted licenses without judicial oversight. He criticized the provisions that allowed casino owners to serve on the commission governing their operations, further exacerbating the accountability issues.
Kelley addressed the misinformation surrounding the legislation, particularly regarding public perception of what the bill entailed compared to its actual contents. He stressed the need for transparency and clarity in such legislative matters, especially when it comes to initiatives like a state lottery, which enjoys widespread public support but can be undermined by interests favoring full-scale casino gambling.
Finally, Kelley shed light on the extensive lobbying efforts surrounding the gaming legislation, with lobbyists from various entities, including international ones, vying for influence. He emphasized the economic impact of such lobbying activities while underscoring the need for informed decision-making and public discourse on complex legislative issues like gaming.
Senator Kelley provided an overview of Alabama’s dual budgets for this year, highlighting the general fund budget and the education budget. The general fund budget, set at a record $3.4 billion, includes significant increases for key state agencies. The Medicaid agency received a $95 million increase, bringing its total to $955 million, reflecting an 11% rise. The Department of Mental Health saw an 11.3% increase, amounting to $24.1 million, for a total of $238 million. Kelley emphasized his strong advocacy for mental health issues, noting his ongoing local efforts to support related programs. The budget also included a 2% pay raise for state employees for the second consecutive year. Kelley cautioned about potential economic challenges due to the lingering effects of COVID-19 on the economy and stressed the importance of conservative fiscal planning.
The education budget reached a historic $9.35 billion, an increase of $550 million. This budget provides a 2% pay raise for educators and support staff. K-12 schools received an increase of $196 million, totaling $4.68 billion, while community colleges saw a $36 million boost. Higher education institutions received a $110 million increase, bringing their total to $1.66 billion. Additionally, a one-time $1 billion appropriation was allocated for capital improvements, allowing schools to apply for funding for necessary infrastructure projects. Kelley also highlighted the successful passage of the Parents’ Right to Know legislation, which mandates that school curriculums be available online for parents to review, ensuring transparency in education.
Kelley further mentioned his appointment to the Military Affairs and Veterans Mental Health Task Force, acknowledging his work on veterans’ affairs and public safety. He underscored the importance of collaborative efforts in securing funding and addressing the diverse needs of educational institutions while emphasizing the significance of transparency and parental involvement in education.
Senator Kelley discussed the passage of a controversial bill in Alabama that prohibits funding for “divisive concepts” in public universities, schools, and state agencies. The legislation bans the use of taxpayer resources for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs that require students or employees to attend or participate in any activities related to such concepts. This includes prohibiting the enforcement of beliefs that suggest inherent racism, sexism, or oppression based on race, color, religion, ethnicity, or national origin. Kelley noted that similar measures have already been enacted in Oklahoma, Florida, and Texas, with pending legislation in 22 other states.
Additionally, the bill mandates that individuals on college campuses must use restrooms corresponding to their birth identity, which sparked considerable debate and required numerous amendments and negotiations between different political factions. Despite minimal issues in his own district, Kelley acknowledged parental concerns and emphasized that the legislation does not restrict private businesses from implementing their own DEI programs.
Moreover, Kelley highlighted the introduction of an education savings account (ESA) program aimed at expanding school choice. This program allocates approximately $7,000 per student for private schooling and $2,000 for homeschooling, capped at $4,000, initially targeting families earning up to 300% of the federal poverty level, with plans to expand eligibility by 2027. Funded with a minimum of $100 million annually, the program includes provisions for special needs students and military families in lower-graded schools, ensuring priority support for those with specific educational needs.
Kelley also mentioned the passage of the Teachers’ Bill of Rights to address classroom safety, requiring written reports on disciplinary actions against unruly students before they return to class. This measure aims to protect teachers and ensure administrative accountability.
In workforce development, Kelley discussed various legislative efforts to enhance Alabama’s economic environment. These include the Alabama Growth Alliance and the Workforce Transformation Act, aimed at streamlining efforts between the Department of Labor and the Department of Commerce, as well as the Alabama Workforce Pathways Act, which provides high school students with workforce certificates alongside their diplomas. Additional initiatives include a workforce housing tax credit and a childcare tax credit to support employees with housing and childcare needs, respectively. These efforts reflect Alabama’s commitment to being a business-friendly state and addressing workforce challenges post-COVID-19.
Senator Keith Kelley emphasized his commitment to military, veterans, and public safety, highlighting several legislative efforts. Kelley mentioned the annual tradition of passing a package of veteran-friendly bills on “Veterans Day” in the legislature. He described his work over the past two years on a bill to help spouses of veterans in the medical field, which has faced significant bureaucratic hurdles. Although progress has been made, further refinements are needed before it can be successfully enacted.
Kelley proudly noted that Alabama has risen to number two in the nation for veteran benefits programs, aiming to surpass Florida. This achievement reflects the state’s dedication to supporting its veterans. He also mentioned a bill that established a comprehensive plan with the Alabama Department of Mental Health and the Department of Veterans Affairs to address mental health issues among veterans, helping them reintegrate into civilian life. This initiative is crucial for veterans dealing with challenges like brain injuries, which can lead to substance abuse and other problems.
In terms of energy policy, Kelley highlighted a bill that ensures Alabamians can choose their preferred energy sources for appliances, be it gas or electric, asserting states’ rights to defend this choice against potential federal challenges. He also discussed a pressing health issue related to a Supreme Court ruling on in vitro fertilization (IVF), which had significant implications for liability and the operation of IVF clinics. The legislation passed to address these concerns allows clinics to resume their services, although further legislative refinement is anticipated in the next session.
Kelley touched on property rights, specifically addressing recent significant increases in property tax bills. To mitigate this, a bill was passed capping annual property reappraisals at 7% for residential, commercial, and certain agricultural properties. This measure aims to stabilize tax increases due to inflation, with a three-year sunset provision to evaluate its impact. He expressed concern that the cap might lead to automatic 7% increases, but emphasized that the cap is intended to limit, not guarantee, tax hikes.
On the issue of squatters, Kelley described legislation aimed at empowering law enforcement to address this growing problem more effectively. The new law provides stronger legal actions against squatters, especially those presenting false leases or deeds, categorizing such actions as a Class C felony. This should help property owners reclaim their properties more efficiently and deter fraudulent occupation.
Overall, Kelley’s comments reflect a broad commitment to supporting veterans, ensuring energy choice, addressing health and property tax issues, and protecting property rights.
Senator Keith Kelley addressed several legislative efforts focused on public safety and personal rights. He emphasized the passage of a bill requiring age verification for access to pornographic material online, and another bill criminalizing AI-generated pornographic content. Kelley illustrated the urgency of the latter by recounting an incident where schoolchildren used AI to place classmates’ faces on nude bodies, creating a significant issue for law enforcement due to the realistic appearance of the images.
Additionally, Kelley highlighted a new law preventing child predators from receiving gubernatorial pardons. He also discussed legislation prohibiting credit card companies from tracking gun purchases without the cardholder’s consent, addressing concerns about privacy and personal rights.
Kelley mentioned an incident in Birmingham where a false abduction report led to extensive law enforcement resources being diverted. The new legislation increases the penalties for such false reports and allows law enforcement to recoup the costs incurred during the search.
In closing, Senator Kelley encouraged constituents to sign up for his newsletter for detailed updates on legislative matters. He emphasized his dedication to serving the community and his commitment to responding to the high volume of communications he receives. Kelley reassured constituents of his accessibility and invited them to reach out with any concerns or questions.
