By Alabama Public Radio
Montgomery, AL – A Montgomery attorney is appealing a ruling that cleared the way for legislators to spend 11-point-seven million dollars on community service projects. Mark Montiel has appealed to the Alabama Supreme Court. He represents Hugh McInnish, who filed the original suit. It challenges the constitutionality of the legislature's community service grants program. The program provides each legislator with money to fund educational projects of his or her choice. Critics call the process "legislative pork" and say the money is sometimes used inappropriately.