Windom galliher Montgomery update DECEMBER 2016 Topsy-turvy year ends with familiar problems We’re making our list and checking it twice. As we come to the end of another year – where did it go? – let’s take stock of where we are in Alabama, and where we think we’re heading. Clearly, the stunning victory in the presi- dential election by Donald Trump caught even most but his strongest supporters by surprise. President-Elect Trump’s ap- pointment of U.S. Sen. Jeff Sessions is a GOV. ROBERT BENTLEY (LEFT) FACES AN wise step, and it will certainly have a IMPORTANT CHOICE IN ALBAMA’S NEXT major impact on Alabama politics moving U.S. SENATOR; NEW SPEAKER OF THE forward. HOUSE MAC McCUTCHEON SETTLES IN Alabama’s budget issues – primarily thanks to Medicaid and prisons – en- FOR HIS FIRST REGULAR SESSION dure. We’re still arguing about gaming. Haleyville), ADECA Director and former one of the hot-button issues in the up- We’ve had a major change in the lineup Prattville Mayor Jim Byard, Jr., and there coming 2017 regular session. may be more. Former state Rep. Perry card of Alabama politics with the election Gov. Bentley will surely be pushing his Hooper, Jr., (R-Montgomery) is trying of Speaker of the House Mac McCutch- $800 million bond issue to build three hard to get into the mix. He was an early eon after the conviction of former Speak- new men’s “megaprisons” to replace er Mike Hubbard. Trump supporter. existing facilities and a new Julia Tutwiler Gov. Robert Bentley continues to fight Attorney General Luther Strange has Women’s Prison. Gov. Bentley and Cor- off the wolves of investigation as both announced his candidacy for the post in rections Commissioner Jeff Dunn have the federal and state authorities look 2018, but signs are strong that he may insisted that operational costs will be into his administration. For now, the im- not seek the appointment by the Gover- reduced to the extent that they could peachment investigation is on hold. nor, who is under investigation by the cover the debt service on the bond issue. Attorney General’s office. So, off we go. The state’s existing prisons are large Will Gov. Bentley follow the script he employers, and that has legislators from Senator Who? used upon the resignation of Secretary those areas nervous. So are those that Gov. Bentley will conduct interviews for of State Beth Chapman in July 2013? are skeptical that the numbers will work those interested in the appointment to When she resigned about nine months financially. before the primaries, Gov. Bentley opted the U.S. Senate to replace Sen. Ses- Even so, the state is backed into a cor- to appoint the late Jim Bennett, who had sions. ner with a looming investigation from the served in the office from 1993-2003 but U.S. Department of Justice and the law- Sen. Sessions’ appointment is clearly on pledged not to seek the office in the suits. There will be immense pressure to the fast track as his hearing before the election. Senate Judiciary Committee will occur get a deal done this session. prior to the inauguration. Shortly thereaf- Gov. Bentley is closest to Sen. Ward and Medicaid ter, Sen. Sessions will be confirmed. Byard of those seeking the office, but whether that fits into the political calcu- There likely will be no BP settlement Those who are likely to be interviewed lus remains to be seen. money available to help bail out the include Senate Pro Tem Del Marsh (R- Medicaid budget. There is nearly $750 Anniston), state Sen. Cam Ward (R- Prisons million in federal funds available, but Alabaster), state Sen. Trip Pittman (R- As one federal court case plays out and they are attached to a waiver contingent Montrose), state Sen. Dick Brewbaker (R- with another on deck, the state’s over- Pike Road), U.S. Rep. Robert Aderholt (R- crowded prison system will certainly be (Please see FAMILIAR, Page 2) PAGE TWO WINDOM GALLIHER MONTGOMERY UPDATE December 2016

dential election? Get ready. We’re less Familiar than six months from the opening of the fund-raising window for the 2018 (Continued from Page 1) statewide elections. on the state launching the Regional Talk about open season. Gov. Bentley? Care Organizations (RCOs) on Oct. 1. Term-limited. Lt. Gov. Kay Ivey? Her, too. Three different groups have been taking The same applies for Attorney General Strange, Treasurer Young Boozer and steps to get RCOs ready to launch. Agriculture Commissioner John McMil- In 2013, the Legislature passed the lan. sweeping reform bill to transform Medi- caid from “fee for service” to an out- Every legislative seat will be on the bal- come-based model where private enti- lot, as well as several judicial positions, ties would assume the risk for caring for including Chief Justice. Medicaid patients. A lot of people are contemplating their As the 2017 regular session closes in, futures at this point, and you can rest some legislators are getting cold feet assured that there will many jockeying about the start-up costs. Proponents say for position as the legislative session the investments must be made in order unfolds. to get the RCOs off the ground and even- Here’s what we think: the U.S. Senate tually remove much of the risk from the race will bring some new faces into the General Fund. While some legislators Governor’s race. Huntsville Mayor Tom- want to “hit the pause button,” propo- NEW HOUSE RULES CHAIR REP. ALAN my Battle is starting to move around nents counter that “pause means stop,” BOOTHE (R-TROY) more. PSC President Twinkle Cavanaugh and that would mean the federal money has decided to make the leap. Others would go away. Furthermore, it would put the state’s finances, and increased taxes are considering it, including Supreme Medicaid back on track as a “fee for ser- remaining a non-starter, there’s nowhere Court Associate Justice Jim Main, Agricul- vice” program that all agree is financially else to turn. ture Commissioner McMillan and Treas- unsustainable. urer Boozer. State Auditor Jim Ziegler, Speaker McCutcheon What the Trump administration will do who has been Gov. Bentley’s prime polit- with Medicaid – and health care reform New Speaker of the House Mac ical tormentor, appears to be a potential on a global level – also remains to be McCutcheon (R-Monrovia) got high candidate as well. marks from his colleagues for his even- seen. In the race for Lieutenant Governor, handed leadership during the special state Sen. Rusty Glover (R-Semmes) is Gaming session. likely in the race, as will be Rep. Will Gov. Bentley’s Advisory Council on Gam- Undoubtedly, he’ll start taking an even Ainsworth (R-Guntersville). Some of ing has been meeting regularly since larger leadership role as the regular ses- those contemplating a run for Governor being appointed late in the summer. sion arrives. He’s made one important may lower their sights. Sen. Arthur Orr Interested parties have been making decision. Speaker McCutcheon has (R-Decatur), Sen. Ward and Marshall presentations to the panel, which will tapped Rep. (R-Troy) to County District Attorney Steve Marshall continue its work after the first of the serve as chair of the House Rules Com- could be in the race for Attorney General. year. mittee. There is also the vacancy on the Other DAs may take a look at the race as A bill to have a referendum on a state House Insurance Committee to succeed well. former Rep. Mike Hill (R-Columbiana), lottery collapsed just short of the finish Putting a bow on 2016 line in the late summer special session. who resigned to become Superintendent The competing interests – existing bingo of Banks. Rep. (R-Albertville), Thank you for your friendship and your facilities, the Poarch Band of Creek Indi- Vice chair Rep. Jimmy Martin (R-Clanton) trust in us. We’ve said it before and we’ll ans, those who want a lottery only, and and Rep. (R-Dothan) are the say it again: we love what we do. Repre- others – are still circling around ready to primary names being mentioned. No senting your interests is an honor and other major changes are expected in the advance their positions. privilege we don’t take lightly. leadership structure. But it seems legislators and policy mak- We’ve been blessed in many ways, and ers are more willing than ever to consid- Countdown to ‘18 we don’t take that lightly either. Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and a Happy er a leap off the diving board. With pris- Still rubbing your eyes from the presi- ons and Medicaid continuing to choke New Year to you and those you love.

Windom, Galliher & Associates Www.windomgalliher.com 334-241-0078