Alabama lawmakers just finished their first legislative session under a new pay structure that gives them a salary equal to the median household income in the state
Voters approved the change in 2012 with the prediction that it would save the state money and would be a fairer way to set legislators’ pay.
However, Alabama Senate numbers show that, so far, the new system costs about the same. The legislator who sponsored the idea said it is premature to judge.
Legislators are now paid a $42,849 salary and can file for reimbursement for job-related travel at the same rate as other state employees.
Republican Representative Mike Ball said the savings will kick in later when lawmakers aren't traveling back and forth to Montgomery for the legislative session.
Alabama played host to a World Boxing Council Heavyweight title match over the weekend.
WBC Heavyweight Champion Deontay Wilder of Tuscaloosa defended his title for the first time since winning the belt in January. Wilder defeated Eric Molina with a knockout in the ninth round at Birmingham’s Bartow Arena.
The Alabama Athletic Commission regulates sports like boxing and mixed martial arts in the State. Vice President Casey Sears says some recent changes have made it possible for the state to host these fights.
“The difference is in the past, we didn’t have a commission that allowed the fights to be held in the state of Alabama, and now we can do that. Now we can host these Vegas style championship fights in the state whereas before we could not do that.”
Sears says this event has already opened the doors for future WBC fights to come to Alabama. The commission has already been contacted by MMA organizations to bring some of their events to Alabama in 2016.
A former member of the Alabama Crimson Tide may soon be receiving a prestigious award.
Rolando McClain is a nominee for the George Halas Award from The Professional Football Writers Association. The honor goes to an NFL player who overcame the most adversity to succeed. McClain was arrested three times before retiring from the Baltimore Ravens. He later signed a one year deal with the Dallas Cowboys and helped that team to its first playoff victory since 2009.
Association spokesman Howard Balzer says McClain’s story impressed him…
“He came in determined to show he could still play. And the bottom line obviously, he had a very productive year. You put all those things together, and I think it’s a great story of overcoming a lot of adversity.”
McClain also won the Dick Butkus award during his years playing for Alabama.
2016 Republican presidential hopeful Rick Santorum will be making a campaign stop in Montgomery today.
The former U.S. senator from Pennsylvania will be meeting with employees of MMI Outdoor, a company that designs and manufactures tents and backpacks.
A runner-up to Mitt Romney in 2012, Santorum launched his second bid for the presidency last month during a rally in Pennsylvania.
His visit to Alabama brings him back to the site of one of his successes four years ago. Santorum won the 2012 GOP primary in Alabama, taking 35 percent of the vote.