Governor Helps Break In New Lawmakers

 

After three days of learning the ropes, these new senators and representatives know just how tough their first term will be.

 

Governor Bentley had some words of wisdom after telling lawmakers the state needs 700 million dollars to fix the budgets.

 

“When you hear that it’s difficult to absorb and it’s hard,” said Gov. Bentley.

 

But he did have some possible solutions, including federal grants to help the medicaid system.

 

“I have never been opposed to block grants, in fact I wouldn’t be opposed for block grants for the entire medicaid system and let us do it on the state level,” said Bentley.

 

One of the new members holding a seat in the house of representatives is Kelvin Lawrence, former mayor of Haynville.

 

It’s been a big week for him.

 

“A little overwhelming cramming everything into a couple of days, but it’s been very informative and I just look forward to getting started with the session,” said Rep. Lawrence.

 

Lawrence is starting to understand the magnitude the state’s budget problem.

 

He has a few ideas of his own, but he’s still getting used to being responsible for the 40 thousand people in his district. 

 

“It was just kind of like wow. Just to be a part of state government and to know that not only are you impacting the people you live with on a day to day basis in your community, but you’re impacting the whole state of Alabama,” said Lawrence.