The Alabama Senate has approved a bare-bones General Fund budget that could mean some fundamental changes to the way Medicaid operates in Alabama.
Senators approved the$1.8 billion spending bill yesterday on a 24-10 vote. The budget does not provide any additional money for Medicaid. Medicaid Commissioner Stephanie Azar says the agency needs an additional $100 million to maintain current services and continue its planned transition to managed patient care.
Budget committee chairman Trip Pittman described the spending plan as a work-in-progress intended to spark conversation about a potential funding solution.
Senators rejected a proposal by Gov. Robert Bentley to shift money from the education budget to the general fund.
Sen. Rodger Smitherman, a Democrat from Birmingham, says he fears the Medicaid reductions could become reality.
The $1.8 billion General Fund budget bill with level funding for Medicaid now heads to the House.
Presidential candidates are making their way back to Alabama just days before the SEC Primary.
The majority of the remaining GOP field will be in the Yellowhammer State tomorrow and Sunday.
Terry Lathan is the chairwoman of the Alabama Republican party. She says this election cycle has brought nearly all of the candidates to what was once considered a flyover state.
“We have watched many footprints be laid in the state of Alabama. Since this summer they’ve been coming to Alabama. Now, as we count down toward Tuesday, they’re still coming. So, we are greatly appreciative of their time, but I think the message here is they want our time.”
Republicans Ted Cruz and Marco Rubio will attend a GOP forum tomorrow at Samford University while Donald Trump will be in Huntsville on Sunday. Democratic Presidential hopeful Hillary Clinton will be in Birmingham tomorrow as well.
Alabama’s fifth annual Severe Weather Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday kicks off today in counties across the state.
County retailers are allowing shoppers to purchase certain severe weather items from their businesses without charging them state sales tax, although a local sales tax may still apply. Amanda Collier is the Public Information Specialist for the Alabama Department of Revenue. She says there are many items that qualify.
“It just works like the Back to School sales tax holiday does; so a citizen could go into a store during this weekend, they could buy ice packs, they could buy batteries, they could buy duct tape, and they could buy flashlights, all that type of stuff that is on the list that is under $60, and they won’t be charged state sales tax.”
Collier says this holiday helps remind citizens that natural disasters can occur at any time, and to stock up on necessary materials. The holiday concludes Sunday at midnight, giving everyone two full days of shopping.