In the Weeds with Alabama Daily News

Mary and Todd preview the upcoming week in the Alabama Legislature. With just seven meeting days remaining, some big ticket items are still yet to be resolved, namely the budgets, the $2.8 billion supplemental education package, the grocery sales tax cut and school choice legislation.

We are talking about the budget & supplemental, where the grocery tax is headed, the Rep. Givan situation and other issues, all with a little perspective and history from me thrown in.

This week, Mary and I welcome State Sen. Chris Elliott, whose police jurisdiction legislation recently caused quite a stir with 128 municipalities statewide forced to end collecting taxes and fees in those areas. PJs, get it?

This week, Mary and I host Alabama Department of Commerce Secretary Greg Canfield to go in depth on the economic development incentives bills currently before the Legislature.

Mary and Todd visit with State Rep. Rex Reynolds, chairman of the House General Fund budget committee. They talked budgets, obviously, but also hit on other issues: the Huntsville police shooting, prisons, a possible grocery sales tax cut and much more!

Todd and Mary review the week that was in the Alabama Legislature. No guests, just informed commentary about what happened and curiosity about what's next as Spring Break comes.

Todd and Mary talk with House Minority Leader Anthony Daniels of Huntsville about the Democrats' agenda for the upcoming legislative session. Among the topics discussed are un-taxing groceries and overtime income, school choice and economic development incentives.

House Speaker Nathaniel Ledbetter comes "in the weeds" to discuss what the upcoming session might look like. We talk some issues, but mostly stick to process and how the House of Representatives will be different under his leadership. What will it mean to empower committees more? Will there be a difference in the way the floor operates? How are new members getting acclimated and is there any truth to this idea of a state-level "freedom caucus?" These questions and more get explored in the weeds!

Mary and Todd welcome State Rep. Terri Collins, who chairs the House Education Policy Committee and who is known for being a subject matter expert on the issue of education. They talk about what the Legislature might tackle education wise this session, from literacy and numeracy to choice and the budget surplus. A very "in the weeds" discussion if we don't say so ourselves!