By Slade Blackwell
Trussville has always been a special place to visit in my district. There is a sense of community and friendliness in Trussville that is hard to find anywhere else in Alabama. I had the privilege to speak at the Trussville Rotary Club meeting a few weeks ago about the recent 2013 legislative session. A few of the highlights from the session we discussed included budgets, the Red Tape Reduction Act, Medicaid and the 21st Century Workforce Act.
On the last day of the legislative session, Gov. Robert Bentley signed the $5.77 billion education budget and the $1.75 billion general fund budget. A few major items discussed for the education budget include a 2 percent pay raise for teachers and additional pre-K funding. I was proud to see an additional $9.4 million added to fund the state’s pre-K program. I believe a strong foundation in education must start at an early age and additional funding for the state’s highly rated pre-K program will provide many more 4-year-olds with access to this program.
The Red Tape Reduction Act is a major milestone in making it easier to do business in Alabama by relieving businesses from inefficient government regulations. As a small business owner, I am happy to see this legislation pass the House and Senate. Businesses in Alabama should spend time growing their business, not dealing with bureaucratic red tape.
SB340, sponsored by Sen. Greg Reed (R-Jasper), restructures the Medicaid system in Alabama by offering quality health care and creating regional care organizations. This new system eliminates the current model of fee-for-service care. It will not only save the state an estimated $250 million to $350 million from 2015-2019, but will also improve the quality of care for Medicaid recipients throughout the state.
HB102 strengthens the state’s investment in career technical education by making sure high school students across the state have access to updated technology and equipment. The 21st Century Workforce Act will help prepare tomorrow’s workforce with the skills needed for a successful career in whatever field they choose, ensuring that Alabama businesses have the tools and employees they need to succeed in the 21st century.