Alabama Week in Review: Protests, Legislature Advances $6M+ Economic Growth and Broadband Expansion

In Alabama this week, twenty-one cities including Mobile, Birmingham, Huntsville, and Tuscaloosa hosted No Kings protests against the Trump administration, drawing demonstrators with signs highlighting policy concerns, according to APR News. The state legislature advanced key bills in its tenth week of session, with the House approving Public Service Commission reforms to mandate rate hearings every three years, bar utilities from passing lobbying costs to customers, and align returns with national averages, as reported by JD Supra. Lawmakers also passed measures for closed party primaries requiring voter party registration and a 60-day affiliation blackout, alongside reinstating a capped $1,000 overtime tax deduction through 2028. Other progress included outdoor dog care standards banning inhumane tethering, camp safety enhancements via Sarah Marsh Heavens 27 Act, and health insurer reorganization for competitiveness, while a Gulf of America naming bill stalled amid Democratic opposition. Alabama became the 24th state prohibiting foreign nationals from funding ballot measures, effective October 1, per Ballotpedia. On the economic front, Associated MetalCast announced a $6.24 million expansion in Oxford creating 50 jobs at over $49,000 average pay, supported by AIDT training, Made in Alabama reports. Construction Partners plans a $20 million Dothan headquarters, Calhoun County secured over $2 million in SEEDS funds to grow Oxford West Industrial Park to 530 acres, and Congressman Shomari Figures landed $3 million-plus for Montgomery infrastructure along I-65 and a tech innovation hub. Governor Kay Ivey approved $460 million in BEAD grants for broadband to 92,000 unserved locations, mostly via fiber. Communities saw Trussville leaders, including Mayor Ben Short, prepare to unveil growth plans addressing school capacity, density reduction, and infrastructure contributions, per ABC3340. No major weather events disrupted the state recently. Looking Ahead: With six legislative days left before spring recess ending March 31, budgets remain pending alongside data center and large-load facility reviews; Trussville Council eyes residential proposals in April or May. Thank you for tuning in, listeners—please subscribe for more. This has been a Quiet Please production, for more check out quietplease.ai. Some great Deals https://amzn.to/49SJ3Qs For more check out http://www.quietplease.ai This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.