New Legislative Session Officially Kicks Off

by WAKA Action 8 News

Lawmakers from across the state returned to the capital city today to kick off the 2014 legislative session. 

Things are already moving fast for what some are expecting to be a short session.

And with that the 2014 session was off to a quick start.

While members of the house were only on the floor for about 30 minutes, members of the senate were there much longer.

Democratic State Senator Quinton Ross of Montgomery says they’re taking their time so they aren’t surprised by any bills this year. 

“We need to be able to deliberate and dialogue so we don’t get any unintended consequences from legislation that we’ve passed because we’re in a rush to get home for our re-election. I don’t think that should be at the forefront of this session,” said Sen. Ross.

After an entire day of budget hearings, Senator Bryan Taylor of Prattville has funding for the state at the forefront of his mind. 

“I think what we heard yesterday is there’s going to be 83 million dollars less in the general fund than there was last year. So I don’t see anybody getting increased funding. What we’re going to have to do is continue to find ways to cut wasteful spending,” said Sen. Taylor.

But the day wasn’t all serious. Senators took time to congratulate Auburn on its BCS national championship appearance, as well as alabama for an exceptional season.

Senator Taylor is also concerned that since it’s an election year, the budgets will be the only items to get a vote.

“But I think there’s going to be a lot of pressure to pass the budgets, do our constitutional duty, pass the budgets. I think a lot of these folks are going to want to go home and run for re-election. I don’t feel that time pressure. I’m here to make sure we get the job done and we do it right.”