Dialog, UA Faculty and Staff News

February 9, 2004

Advisory

State Politics Heating Up, Mark Calendars for Higher Ed Day Feb. 26

The 2004 Alabama Legislative session opened last week, marking the beginning of the annual legislative process that directly affects funding for UA and all of higher education. Reps. Gerald Allen and Dr. Robert Bentley of the Tuscaloosa delegation recently attended the first Legislative Agenda Committee breakfast of the semester to address their positions on some issues and to give an overview of what to expect in this session. Issues topping the list included the status of Alabama's Education Trust Fund (ETF), the state employees' DROP program (a deferred retirement option plan to which some 4,000 employees belong), funding Medicaid, the potential for a state lottery, and government accountability.

Bentley says that the ETF looks "okay," being up by about 10 percent, but he said that does not mean increases. It only means no cuts are likely.

Both representatives agreed that the state cannot balance its budget (as prescribed by the state's Constitution) on the backs of state employees and retirees. The DROP program, however, will likely be eliminated, according to Allen, although current members would be grandfathered in. Bentley said he would have to look closely at the cost of the program before deciding how to vote.

Bentley was adamant that Medicaid MUST be funded, as it directly affects one in three Alabamians. Both agreed that taking care of patients with no medical insurance is more costly than funding Medicaid.

A state lottery? Allen said quickly, "I'm against it!" Bill Jones, UAS's director of government relations, explained that although he supported the last lottery proposal several years ago, he is also against the current proposal. "The bill is trying to open the door to casino gambling," he said, adding that lotteries are a disastrous way to fund education.

The House accountability in government package will likely sail through, but rumors indicate the Senate will be more contentious, Allen said. He believes accountability must come first, to gain the public trust.

In closely reading the ETF budget, Bentley cited the existence of 1,800 line item accounts, which he called "slush money," equaling $1.6 million as a perfect example of why Alabamians don't trust their Legislators. He also cited legal corporate loopholes that must be closed to make the tax burden on businesses more fair.

Why Get Involved?

According to Jones, the answer lies in the fact that Paul Hubbert, executive director of the AEA, was able to hand off $10,000 and $25,000 contributions to representatives and senators, respectively, in the last election. "We can't compete with the AEA in this," he said. But, he noted, UA and higher ed can have a voice and deliver votes.

He joined with LAC co-chairs Margaret Garner, assistant professor in family medicine in the College of Community Health Sciences, and Scott Bridges, professor in the School of Music, in urging UA faculty and staff to join the Higher Education Partnership and to contribute to the UAS PAC. "The days of cheap campaigns and no involvement with the legislative process are over," he said. Support can be accomplished through payroll deduction for as little as $1 a month. For information on HEP, contact Garner at mgarner@cchs.ua.edu or Bridges at sbridges@music.ua.edu. Visit the web sites at www.higheredpartners.org and www.governmentrelations.ua.edu.

Higher Ed Day in Montgomery, to be held on the steps of the State House, is Thursday, Feb. 26. UA students plan to play a large role in this event, with three busloads of student advocates taking part. The Business Council of Alabama will sponsor a career fair after the 11 a.m. rally. Garner urges UA faculty to enable students to attend by building the event into their course work. For details about times and locations for boarding buses and attending the career fair, contact Garner, Bridges or Carolyn Benton in the UA government relations office at 334/242-2262.

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