With wife Polly at his side, Dan Ireland presented his final Alabama Citizens Action Program (ALCAP) report at the Nov. 13–14 annual meeting of the Alabama Baptist State Convention. Ireland said Joe Godfrey has been working with ALCAP for several months and will succeed him when he retires as executive director June 1, 2008.
Ireland reported that ALCAP monitored more than 130 bills in the last legislative session. The Book of Reports lists the six gambling bills from the session that were defeated.
“There will be a major push for casino-style gambling in the 2008 session, and there will be a major push from us to you,” Ireland warned. “We don’t need casino-style gambling in Alabama.”
He also warned of efforts to put liquor in Alabama’s state parks and an attempt to increase the level of alcohol allowed in drinks but promised continued resistance from ALCAP. Ireland reported telling the liquor interests, “Well, you’ve got the big bucks, but I work for the Big Boss.”
In addition to working with the Legislature, ALCAP works with students in Alabama schools. According to the Book of Reports, ALCAP presented the message of abstinence and a healthy, drug-free lifestyle to 96,143 students in the last year.
ALCAP also offers information and support to those who oppose the sale of alcoholic beverages in proximity to day cares, playgrounds and churches, as well as citizens in cities considering wet/dry elections. (TAB)
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