Exactly exactly What went well — and the challenges that stay for Alabama

It really is over! Nevertheless it’s possibly perhaps maybe not over yet. The Alabama Legislature finished the 2015 regular session Thursday after approving a wholly insufficient General Fund spending plan that could jeopardize our state’s future. But Gov. Robert Bentley vetoed that investing plan, then he can mobile lawmakers right right back for a session that is special the spending plan later on come early july.

Arise members celebrated some big victories this year, but major challenges nevertheless remain. Here’s a quick breakdown of simply just how Arise problems fared:

Spending plans and fees: None of Bentley’s earnings bills passed on. Without brand name name brand name name brand income that is new vital solutions like Medicaid and average man or woman safety face damaging cuts which could harm Alabama’s total well being for quite some time as time goes on. Simply a few examples:

But there is clearly some news that is good too. Lawmakers overwhelmingly authorized a bill to truly save cash and give Alabamians more options in Medicaid care that is long-lasting. Hawaii might have a highly effective device that is brand brand brand new a “tax spending report” – to determine if https://cartitleloans.biz/payday-loans-nv/ tax breaks may be well worth the purchase price. And a jail this is certainly legislation that is new assist saving money and reduced overcrowding – nevertheless it simply takes effect in case state funds it.

Shutting Alabama’s life time SNAP ban: Alabamians can commemorate a win that is big second opportunities! The prison reform bill includes language shutting the state’s lifetime SNAP and TANF eligibility bans when you have a felony drug conviction that is past. A lot of people can regain eligibility that is SNAP Jan. 30, 2016, in case prison reform legislation receives the bucks required for it to just just take effect.

Alabama Accountability Act: The Legislature authorized major changes to the task. The version this is certainly brand new more money which will have supported basic general public training to go to individual schools instead – but it also includes a number of Arise’s techniques for greater accountability and transparency.

Housing Trust Fund: A bill to buy housing this is certainly affordable Alabama encountered opposition that is effective didn’t emerge from committee. Supporters desire to talk with opponents to prior look for contract to your 2016 session.

Payday and title lending reform: In a large success for clients, the Alabama Supreme Court ruled their state Banking Department makes a solitary statewide database of payday improvements. But much work continues become once you glance at the drive for the 36 percent interest rate limitation: No bills to change payday or auto name loans passed on, but general average man or woman anxiety for reform keeps growing.

The regular session is over, but Arise’s work continues. Keep tuned set for updates as we prepare for this summer’s crucial debates over our state’s future. Together, we’re able to build A alabama that is improved for!

Title financing reform bill gets hearing, but Alabama house committee does n’t vote on it

A car title reform that is lending finally got a hearing that is general general public the Alabama House Financial systems Committee on Wednesday, nearly 2 months after its introduction. But as it’s customary, the committee neglected to vote through the bill when you look at the day this is certainly exact same the hearing. A vote could come a weeks that are few.

HB 400, sponsored by Rep. Rod Scott, D-Fairfield, would cap interest rates on title loans in Alabama at 36 percent per year. State legislation now permits title creditors to charge costs all of the way to 300 % per year.

Supporters testifying in benefit concerning the bill included Arise’s Stephen Stetson, Joe Godfrey when it comes to Alabama Citizens’ Action Program (ALCAP) and Alabama Appleseed appropriate manager Shay Farley. Farley explained the money cost of high-cost vehicle name transactions to committee members. “Anybody can look at the numbers and discover that this really is certainlyn’t right, ” she said.