A state lawmaker says he has enough signatures to re-ignite an impeachment effort against Alabama Gov. Robert Bentley.
Republican Rep. Ed Henry says he’s obtained 23 signatures on impeachment articles.
The announcement came after the House passed a rule change requiring 21 votes to start an impeachment investigation. That thwarted Henry's earlier effort with 11 signatures.
Henry believes Bentley has overstepped his bounds and need to be removed from office. He says there is probable cause to investigate Bentley for possible corruption and neglect of office.
The articles were filed in the wake of a scandal involving Bentley and a former staffer. The governor denied an affair, but admitted making inappropriate remarks.
New work requirements are in place for those who qualify for food benefits. As of January, over thirty two thousand Alabamians were mailed letters stating they would have to be employed in order to continue to receive food stamps. This involves people who receive benefits under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP.
Alabama Department of Human Resources Public Information Manager Barry Spear says individuals can show any form of employment.
“It could be volunteer. It doesn’t have to be a paid position. It can be volunteer work, but they have to show they’ve met that requirement. They cannot meet that requirement for a 3-month period total for three years, but if they’ve already used up those three months and have not met those work requirements then they drop off the SNAP program.”
Dallas, Lowndes, and Wilcox, counties are among those exempt from the requirements because of high unemployment rates.
The UAB football program will be receiving additional funds from the Birmingham City Council. The council voted to approve $2.5 million in funding for the reinstatement of the UAB program.
The city of Birmingham will give the program five yearly installments of $500,000 each.
Johnathan F. Austin is the President of the Birmingham City Council. He says this could be a major stepping-stone in reviving the partnership with UAB.
“We have been certainly committed to partnering and strengthening our partnership with UAB and I think this is just another example of how public and private entities along with the other school all sold in support of UAB football and UAB program period, to come together for a common cause.”
The council is expected to vote on the donations at their economic development and budget and finance meeting next week.