If predictions prove correct, this year’s regular session of the state Legislature should be one of smooth sailing compared to last year’s storms of controversy such as the yet unresolved video gambling issue.
And political analysts don’t expect this volatile topic, nor any other ones dealing with controversial issues, to claim the legislative limelight during 2002.
That’s because there are 140 state legislators who are running for office in November and any issues that could arouse disgruntledness with voters back home will in all likelihood be avoided.
“I don’t think the Legislature will take on any new initiatives including tax reform and constitutional reform,” said Sen. Bill Armistead, R-Columbiana.
Sharing this same viewpoint is Dan Ireland, executive director of Alabama Citizens Action Program (ALCAP). “This will be a soft-pedal session because of it being an election year,” Ireland said. “I don’t think there will be any decisions made on tax or constitutional reform.
“The legislators are only going to deal with grass roots issues. They’ll deal with the general fund and the education trust fund because they (the funds) are critical and the legislators will want to do a good job on them,” he added. “I’ve heard some talk that they (the legislators) may want to get the session over with ahead of schedule so they get home and start campaigning.”
Still, Ireland plans to keep his eye on several bills, including an abortion bill and an alcohol bill. The alcohol bill would allow liquor into dry counties without the vote of the people. He also feels confident a bill dealing with smoke-free environments will pass.
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