By Joseph M. Morgan

joseph@southerntorch.com

RAINSVILLE, Ala— State Sen. Steve Livingston gave his State of the State address Tuesday. Livingston is a Republican who represents Senate District 8 including parts of Madison County, Jackson County and DeKalb County.

Livingston delivered the address at Northeast Alabama Community College.  His speech analyzed the regular session of the Legislature as well as the two special sessions that were needed to pass the Alabama Budget.

He summarized the year by saying that the General Fund Budget that was passed was not perfect, but it did pass with much compromise and few tax increases.  And he felt that, most importantly, it was fiscally responsible when combined with the Education Trust Fund that had a surplus.

He was proud that during the sessions there were major conservative accomplishments, including public charter schools, Medicaid reform and prison reform.  He pointed out that the budgeting process was able to provide unchanged funding to Medicaid, Prisons, Mental Health, DHR and the courts thanks to small tax increases, the transfer of $80 million from the Education Fund and a new rolling budget method of dealing with funds. There were even some increases to textbooks, classroom materials, Dual Enrollment programs and Pre-K.

Livingston was particularly proud that the legislature did not agree and did not pass the $541 million tax hikes proposed by Governor Bentley.  He touted what he called the conservative reforms of the Republican controlled legislature.  He included reforms of public charter schools, Medicare, prisons, judicial retirement and campaign finance.

In looking to the future, Livingston said that he thought that the Legislature needed to find ways to cut the “fluff” rather that raise taxes.

To conclude, Senator Livingston pointed out the great opportunities that will come from Google building a hundred acre plant in Jackson County that will provide great opportunities for many people and will give a great boost to the whole area.