Alabama lawmakers are facing another grim budget outlook when they return to Montgomery next year and Governor Robert Bentley says he wants their ideas for long-term solutions instead of a one-year money fix. The top Democrat in the Alabama House, State Representative Craig Ford of Gadsden, said the time has come for legislators to consider allowing a statewide vote on the lottery issue. Ford believes lottery proceeds would boost funding for education. It's been 15 years since Alabamians voted and rejected a statewide lottery.
Depression
The death of comedian Robin Williams who often joked about his long-running battles with substance abuse and depression has put a spotlight on the issue. Mental health experts are urging people to seek counseling when personal matters become too much to handle. The same advice comes from Marion Brock III, a counselor at Alabama State University. Brock said depression affects everyone in different ways. Its estimated that nearly 100 people commit suicide every day due to depression.
Alabama Appleseed
The legal director at Alabama Appleseed is applauding a Montgomery judge for a recent ruling that dismissed a lawsuit challenging a regulation requiring a central database to track payday loans made in the state. Attorney Shay Farley tells WVAS the court ruling will be meaningless unless legislators provide better regulation of the payday loan industry. A report issued by the Southern Poverty Law Center, called "Easy Money, Impossible Debt", describes how the industry traps Alabama's poor in a cycle of debt.
Jackson Comments
The Reverend Jesse Jackson says Governor Robert Bentley's refusal to expand Medicaid in Alabama is similar to the late Governor George Wallace's stand in the school house door. Al.com reports the civil rights leader made the remarks last night in a meeting with the Alabama Media Group Editorial Board. Jackson said he believes Bentley is rejecting the new health care law based on race and ideology. The Reverend Jackson is in Alabama this week attending the Southern Christian Leadership Conference Convention in Birmingham.
VA Grants
The Department of Veterans Affairs has awarded more than $6 million dollars in grants to six non-profit agencies in Alabama to combat homelessness among military veterans. One agency is Family Endeavors, which has offices in the Montgomery, Birmingham and Tuscaloosa metro areas. Program Manager Wendy Hicks said 800 veterans received assistance last year. Hicks said Family Endeavors will utilize the $2 million dollar grant to reach 1,000 veterans in Alabama this year. WVAS in partnership with the Corporation for Public Broadcasting is highlighting the various issues facing veterans.