Anticipated death for the proposals in the Legislature did not fail due to lack
of effort on the part
of lawmakers, but only because there was not sufficient time to steer the bill
through the proper channels in Montgomery.
Approved by members of the House of Representatives in early May, the
legislation was forwarded to the Senate for approval. Such approval was
expected, but by the time the measure cleared the House, there was not
sufficient time in the Senate.
Gov. Bob Riley has the authority to veto or kill any bills passing in the waning
days of the regular session without fear of lawmakers overriding the veto.
Upon approval of the bill by the House, Riley sharply criticized lawmakers for
the attempt to circumvent state school board policy on the issue.
“This bill is a double-dipper’s dream,’’ Riley said in a prepared statement. “It serves to reverse bipartisan reforms that are clearing up the two-year
college system.
“The people of Alabama are disgusted with all these scandals. The legislators are
sticking their fingers in the eyes of the taxpayers and saying,
‘if you don’t like corruption, tough luck.’ This was only a good day for those who want the two-year system to return to
the cesspool of scandal it once was.
’’
If approved, the bill would have allowed public employees to serve in the
Legislature and other local government agencies.
The legislation would have also eliminated the state school board policy which
prohibits two-year college employees from serving with the Legislature while
holding other elected positions.
Chancellor Bradley Byrne has been an outspoken opponent of allowing state
lawmakers to serve in dual roles.
He developed the policy prohibiting such overlapping duties in an effort to
cleanup the system, which has been reeling as state media reports have
continued to uncover the unethical and illegal actions by lawmakers serving in
the Legislature and the two-year college system.
Rep. Ken Guin, D-Carbon Hill, was one of the most high profile names associated
with the practice. In addition to his legislative salary, Guin was earning
almost $100,000 per year for consultative duties at Shelton State Community
College in Tuscaloosa and the Bevill State Community College System.
Riley has joined Byrne in his efforts to prevent such practices, saying
lawmakers earning two state salaries are undermining public trust in state
government.
Proponents of the practice are expected to return to the Legislature next spring
with a new plan to override the state school board policy.
Opponents of the plan are already promising efforts to battle such efforts.
