Eye on Politics
Paul DeMarco
The Alabama Legislature returned to the Statehouse this week for the 2025 regular session with a full agenda.
This past month all of the headlines were from Washington, D.C., but there is plenty of hometown business to attend to right here in Alabama.
Alabama lawmakers have rightly said they plan on making public safety one of their top priorities. Deservingly so considering how much violent crime rocked the state in 2024. Gov. Kay Ivey herself has said this is her most important focus for the session.
Alabama state representatives and senators will be watching President Donald Trump’s actions on the border, so bills related to immigration enforcement will be on the table, as well.
Education will also be at the top of the list of reform-minded legislators who are both looking at the funding formula for public education, as well as implementing more school choice alternatives. There will be a lot of eyes watching how legislators decide how to distribute tax dollars to the state schools around the state.
Add to the mix the big debate on how to pay for Alabama state agencies, while ensuring the state maintains a balanced budget, will be more hard work for legislators. With federal COVID-19 funding come to an end, essential state services will be what makes the cut.
Finally, there is the possibility of the always controversial issue of gambling, which may come back up for a vote and will create a lot of intrigue for state representatives and senators.
So as the doors open up at the Alabama Statehouse, gear up for a busy few months as the legislature is back in session.
Paul DeMarco is a former member of the Alabama House of Representatives and can be found on X, formerly Twitter, at @Paul_DeMarco.
