January 28, 2026
Friends,
Wanted to provide a quick note and overview of the General Fund passed this past week in Montgomery:
We did approve a $2.74 billion General Fund budget, which provides for the largest spending plan for non-education states agencies in Alabama history. The General Fund devotes millions of one-time revenue dollars toward paying off long-term debts, which continues our Republican leadership’s responsible spending practices.
In order to balance the General Fund budget, $437 million was transferred from the Alabama Trust Fund around 10 years ago. (The Alabama Trust Fund collects royalties form offshore drilling rights.)
I am proud to say the Fiscal Year 2023 budget approved on Thursday will make good on the $143 million remainder to the Alabama Trust Fund, COMPLETING repayment on what was owed. This is a good thing!
The General Fund also provides funding increases for the state’s Medicaid and Mental Health agencies - this will include a 4% pay raise for state employees. (Part of the House Republican Caucus’ 2023 “Standing Tall for Alabama” legislative agenda.)
State government retirees are scheduled to receive a one-time bonus based upon years of service. For the math, the amount of each retiree bonus would be determined by multiplying $24 by # of years of service.
City governments, county governments, and local boards that participate in RSA would also be authorized to award identical bonuses if they so choose. (Also part of the “Standing Tall for Alabama” agenda.)
The General Fund also adds an additional $36 million to the Senate’s allocation for the Department of Mental Health - with these funds to be used in funding new crisis centers across the state.
Also within the budget are increases for additional funding for district attorneys, the Alabama Department of Corrections, the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, and the Alabama Board of Pardons and Paroles.
Is this everything that we are trying to do? Of course not, but it’s a great step forward with responsible fiscal management and providing assistance for many areas of need. Still much work to do, and my colleagues and I are determined to continue to work hard for Alabama.
The Camp Safety Act passed the House unanimously, key bills on computer science and arson reform advance, and Trey's Law awaits the Governor’s signature as the session reaches its midpoint.
The Camp Safety Act is first on Tuesday’s House calendar, Trey's Law awaits the Governor’s signature, and key bills on self-defense, computer science graduation requirements, arson reform, and guardianship updates continue advancing with strong bipartisan support.
HB 192 passed the House 104–0, Trey's Law heads to the Governor’s desk, the Sarah Marsh Heaven’s 27 Camp Safety Act advances in committee, and a computer science graduation requirement moves toward a full House vote.
Trey’s Law moves toward final passage, the Sarah Marsh Heaven’s 27 Camp Safety Act will be filed next week, and key legislation continues advancing as the 2026 Session stays on track.
For 4 weeks now, the Legislature has had a weekly conference call with the Governor and some of the State’s top Department and Agency heads.
It was such an honor to be among those involved with the groundbreaking ceremony for the EXPLORE Playground & Splash Pad
State Rep. David Faulkner (R - Mountain Brook) on Tuesday announced he will direct a $15,000 community grant to the Hollywood Boulevard pedestrian bridge project
With the new school year finally set into a groove, it has been PTO meeting season.
Organizing for Action: We’re the people who don’t just support
Organizing for Action: We’re the people who don’t just support
Organizing for Action: We’re the people who don’t just support
