Find Your Legislative District Under the House and Senate Plans

Whose house and senate districts are you likely to be in under the house and senate plans?  Find out at the Alabama Policymaker's Dashboard (www.policymaker.alabama.gov).

"The State Reapportionment Office is currently working on new plans for the redistricting of the State Legislature. This site has added the ability to view the current legislative districts and compare them with potential plans currently under consideration by the legislature."

From the site's home page, click 'Legislative Redistricting'.  This will take you to a side-by-side comparison (pictured below) showing current districts on the left and proposed districts on the right.  A small drop-down box at the upper-right (just under the three seals) lets you choose between the senate and house plans.

Side-by-side comparison at www.policymaker.alabama.gov

Pan or zoom one side, and the other side pans and zooms to the same spot.  You can zoom in to see a street-level comparison of the districts.  Click on a district label and the bottom panel changes to show age, race, and gender demographics for the current and proposed districts.

ALGOP: A Better Alabama for All

We thought we'd pass along this message from T.J. Maloney, executive director of the Alabama Republican Party.

Dear Fellow Republicans,

Our legislators wrapped up the special session this week after focusing on the reapportionment maps for future state House and Senate Districts. After the census is taken every 10 years, states are required by law to redraw the maps so that population changes are reflected, being distributed evenly amongst Alabama's 105 House seats and 35 Senate seats. Legislators in Alabama have strict guidelines to follow per the U.S. Department of Justice, and the two Republicans in charge of this process, Representative Jim McClendon of Springville and Senator Gerald Dial of Lineville, did a fantastic job of taking everything into consideration and creating maps that will pass judicial scrutiny.

The Democrats were less than thrilled with the new lines and one in particular, Senator Marc Keahey of Grove Hill, threw a temper tantrum and demanded that the Senate version of the bill be read, word for word, before being voted on. While it was certainly within his right to do so, this display of petty petulance cost the taxpayers thousands of dollars, and accomplished absolutely nothing. He knew that there were enough votes in the Senate to pass the legislation, but any legislator can request that a bill be read word for word at any time.  Only the legislator who requested the bill be read can stop the reading. This move on his part was nothing more than political posturing.

I'm also happy to announce that the General and Education Trust Fund Budgets were passed and signed by the Governor on Thursday. Governor Bentley signed into law House Bill 658, sponsored by Representative Mickey Hammon of Decatur in the House and Senator Scott Beason of Gardendale in the Senate. This legislation makes revisions on House Bill 56, the anti-illegal immigration bill that was passed year, making the bill tougher on lawbreakers and easier to be enforced.

Governor Bentley also signed Senate Bill 477, sponsored by Senator Gerald Dial of Lineville. This bill, that would bar the state from taking over private property without due process, is intended to shelter Alabamians from the United Nations Agenda 21, a sustainable development initiative that some conservatives see as a precursor for the creation of a world government.

Over the last few weeks, I hope I have done a good job of keeping you updated on the happenings in Montgomery. There was no way to cover every bill, so I tried to focus on the more important bills that were key to the Republican legislative agenda. Now that the season has officially ended, I'd like to give a quick recap of the past 3 months and give some credit where credit is due.

Purpose and Party Unity

Republicans entered the 2012 Session of the Alabama Legislature on the heels of what proved to be one of the most productive Legislative Sessions in Alabama history in 2011 when Republican lawmakers fulfilled the “Republican Handshake With Alabama.” Our Republican leadership began the 2012 Legislative Session with the same sense of determination, purpose and Party unity seen in 2011.

As a result of continued strong Republican leadership from Governor Bentley’s office, our Republican legislative leadership, and others, the 2012 Legislative Session was another year of major legislative progress for our state. Republican lawmakers fought tirelessly this session to pass legislation that will benefit our state for years to come, including bills that will help promote major job growth in Alabama, bills that improve our children’s education, and reforms that will reign in wasteful government spending and debt and cut bureaucratic red tape.

At Republican Party headquarters, our staff worked hand-in-hand with Republican leadership throughout the 2012 session to help carry out the legislative agenda and achieve the goals of the Republican Party. We commend Gov. Bentley, Lt. Gov. Ivey, and our House and Senate leadership for their continued leadership and commitment to work together to maintain a strong, cohesive Party focused on accomplishing a common mission: a better Alabama for all. Without their leadership and the hard work of our dedicated Republican legislators across the state, we would not have been able to achieve a second year of unprecedented legislative progress and reform in Alabama.

Jobs, Jobs, Jobs
The Governor’s office and Republican leadership in the House and Senate made it clear from day one that the top priorities for the 2012 Legislative Session would be job creation and economic growth. Our Republican legislators delivered, wasting no time to pass a number of pro-growth job bills already signed into law by the Governor and have already begun to make an impact on our state. Combined with 2011 Legislative measures that have resulted in Alabama leading the nation for more than a year in decreased unemployment, these new bills will ensure that our state will continue to create new jobs, attract more businesses, and continue to put Alabamians back to work.

Students First
Another primary focus of Republican leadership entering the 2012 session was improving the quality of education in our state. Republican legislators passed bills that offer a financial bonus for all teachers who become National Board Certified and a bill that will provide much-needed funding to every teacher in the state to spend in their classrooms for important supplies. They also passed a bill that will make our schools more accountable by rating every public school in the state from A-F based on various performance indicators, and then releasing each school’s grade to the public so that parents and members of every community know how their schools are performing.

We are very proud of our Republican lawmakers for all of their hard work and tireless efforts to achieve our legislative goals this session. We made significant strides and worked diligently to reach the goals of our Governor and Republican leaders.

It has been exciting to watch new leaders emerge this year as our freshman Republican legislators follow the leadership and guidance of their senior counterparts in the House and Senate and become more confident in themselves and in the legislative process. With experienced leadership and legislators in place as guides, I have no doubt that the future of our party is in good hands. But we must remember the efforts of the hundreds of Republican legislators who fought for more than a century against insurmountable odds, men and women  who scratched and clawed not for yards, but for inches, who knowingly and unselfishly sought victory not for themselves, but for those who would follow in their footsteps generations later.

As we wrap up the 2012 Legislative Session, it is an exciting time to be a Republican in Alabama. We have the momentum in our favor as we move closer to November elections, but we must not become complacent. For the first time in more than a century, the Republican Party is poised to gain control of elected offices on every level of government, from the Court House all the way to the White House. By working together, we can ensure victory for conservatives in November and enter 2014 as an even stronger party positioned to defend our majority in the legislature. It took us 136 years to get where we are today. We must continue to work together and never forget what it took to get us here.

For the Party,

T.J. Maloney
Executive Director
Alabama Republican Party

P.S. - Don't forget to purchase your tickets for the Summer Dinner, featuring Florida Congressman, Allen West. Time is running out and seats are selling fast. Purchase your tickets online or by calling 205-212-5900!

ALGOP: He Was Only 22

Thomas and Charon Rivers lost their only son, Lance Corporal Thomas Rivers, Jr., while he was serving in his second tour of duty in Afghanistan. This young Marine had known for years that he wanted to serve his country in this way and he bravely faced his fears and our enemies, joining the Marine Corp. after graduating from Briarwood High School.

He was a leader amongst his fellow soldiers and proudly shared his faith with those he came in contact with, often carrying his Bible with him as he went about his duties. One of the last things he did before embarking upon the patrol during which he lost his life was to pray for the safety of a fellow soldier.

(Full Story at ALGOP.org)

Event Roundup for this Week

This Week:

  

Monday, May 28:

Memorial Day

Let us take a moment today to pause and remember our military men and women  who paid the ultimate price.  Our freedom to be Republicans, to vote and to have a voice is because of the lives they gave so we may be free.  Thank you.

Tuesday, May 29:

Montgomery County Republican Executive Committee

Precinct Organization Meet

When:  6 p.m.

Where:  GOP  Headquarters

Details:  Join us as we meet to develop ideas and strategies for the next few months.

Tuesday, May 29:

River Region Republicans

What:  Regular monthly meeting

When:  12 noon

Where:  Downtown Farmers' Market

Thursday, May 31:

Fundraising Reception for Judge Reese McKinney, Jr. 

What:  Fundraiser

When:  5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. 

Where:  Home of Heather Coleman, 239 Daleshire Place, Montgomery, AL 36117

 

Congratulations to our  graduating seniors - both high school and college!  We encourage our high school graduates to join a college Republican club and our college graduates to join a local Republican organization as we all work to make the future better.  Best wishes for continued success!

Take a Moment to Remember

Day is done,

gone the sun,

From the hills,

from the lake,

From the skies.

All is well,

safely rest,

God is nigh.

Go to sleep,

peaceful sleep,

May the soldier

or sailor,

God keep.

On the land

or the deep,

Safe in sleep.

Love, good night,

Must thou go,

When the day,

And the night

Need thee so?

All is well.

Speedeth all

To their rest.

Fades the light;

And afar

Goeth day,

And the stars

Shineth bright,

Fare thee well;

Day has gone,

Night is on.

Thanks and praise,

For our days,

'Neath the sun,

Neath the stars,

'Neath the sky,

As we go,

This we know,

God is nigh.

(unofficial lyrics to 'Taps')

Event Roundup for this week

This Week:

  

Monday, May 21: Montgomery County Republican Club What: A Working Session With the Judge When: 6:45 p.m. Where: Faulkner University Cafeteria Details: This month's meeting will be devoted to Probate Judge Reese McKinney's re-election campaign. Judge McKinney will discuss his duties and accomplishments and explain why his re-election is so important for Montgomery County. Come show your support for the judge and learn what specific, easy steps you can take to help ensure victory in November. Nominations are being accepted for the club's board of directors and will be presented at this meeting. The election is June 18. For more information and to submit your name for consideration, call Michael Quattlebaum at 334-328-5982. Thursday, May 24: Capital City Republican Women What: May luncheon meeting When: 11:30 a.m. Where: Capitol City Club Details: Executive Director Jannah Morgan Bailey of Child Protect, Children's Advocacy Center to our May luncheon meeting.This center offers a non-threatening environment for abused children. A multidisciplinary team works together to minimize any further trauma by allowing the child to tell his or her story one time.That information is then shared with a team of professionals that works together to minimize any further trauma during the justice and restoration process.In addition to its day-to-day management, Mrs. Bailey is responsible for fundraising and public awareness for this much-needed non-profit agency.

Lunch is $22 and reservations should be made by noon Tuesday, May 22 to 288-0098. We will collect funds for Child Protect as part of our Caring for America program. Thursday, May 24: Montgomery County Republican Executive Committee  What:  Monthly Meeting  When:  6:00 p.m.  Where:  GOP Headquarters  Details:  Don't miss it!  This month, we have a special guest dropping by to give us a  legislative update.  Next Week: Tuesday, May 22: River Region Republicans What:  Meeting When:  12 Noon Where:  Downtown Farmers' Market Details:  Regular monthly meeting

Monday's MCRC Focuses on Critical Montgomery Race

Fellow Republicans,

Monday night’s meeting will be devoted to the Reelection of Judge Reese McKinney

We hope to get normal club business over quickly and move on to helping the Judge in his reelection campaign.  His Campaign Manager, Carrie Blanton, will accompany the Judge as will others on his campaign staff, including Wells Robinson.

Come and find out who the Father is of the Judge's competition, then you will understand why this is such a serious and critical race for us and Montgomery County.

We intend to put everyone to work for the Judge in one form or another.  Be prepared to come and help.  We need every member and your family and friends on the team. 

The Judge will explain what this race is all about, what happens to critical tasks and duties of his position if he is not reelected, and what the consequences will be to you and the county.  You will be motivated beyond belief.  Carrie will discuss the campaign strategy and where the campaign needs your help.  You will then get a chance to ask questions and work directly with the staff in choosing a task for which you are best suited.  We need everyone’s help no matter what  -  we have broken the tasks into small pieces and everyone can then do their bit for the Judge!!

Let’s try for a 100% turn-out.  There is no more urgent need in this County.  It’s a four alarm drill!  If you could ever help, now is the time!!

Chuck Carver

President

Montgomery County Republican Club

MCRC - May 21st: "A Working Session with the Judge"

This month's meeting will be devoted to Probate Judge Reese McKinney's re-election campaign.  Judge McKinney will discuss his duties and accomplishments and explain why his re-election is so important for Montgomery County.  Come show your support for the judge and learn what specific, easy steps you can take to help ensure victory in November.

Visit Judge McKinney's website at www.judgemckinney.com.

Visit the event page on Facebook.

Please share this post on Facebook and Twitter, and invite a friend to the meeting.

Nominations are being accepted now for the Montgomery County Republican Club's board of directors and will be presented at this meeting.  The election is June 18.  For more information and to submit your name for consideration, call Michael Quattlebaum at 334-328-5982.

DETAILS:
When: Monday, May 21st, 6:45 p.m.
Where: Faulkner University Cafeteria (see map below)
Cost: NO charge for admission; Dinner costs $7.50 and is optional.

View Larger Map

REMINDER: McKinney Kickoff Event Tuesday, May 15th

Montgomery County has a number of critical county-level races to be decided in November: Board of Education, Place 2, County Commission Districts 1 and 3, and Probate Judge.

The Probate Judge's office is responsible for many functions that touch our lives every day: driver's licenses,  license plates, adoptions, conservatorships, and more.  The Probate Judge is also responsible for keeping Montgomery County's elections honest and fair.  One only has to look at Judge Reese McKinney's accomplishments over his two terms as Probate Judge to see how important this race is and how valuable Judge McKinney's leadership is to Montgomery County.

The Keep Judge Reese McKinney Campaign will be holding its Campaign Headquarters Grand Opening on Tuesday, May 15th. We urge you to stop by, get a yard sign and bumper sticker, and find out what else you can do to help re-elect Judge McKinney.

Come enjoy the food and live entertainment, and show your support for Montgomery County's outstanding Probate Judge, Reese McKinney.

Campaign Headquarters Grand Opening

5:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

Keep Judge Reese McKinney Headquarters

           Zelda Place on Zelda Road - Across from Moes and Tangs (map)

 

Event Roundup for Week of May 7

This Week:    Monday, May 7: Capital City Republican Women What:  Board meeting When: 1 p.m. Where:  GOP Headquarters, Vaughn Road   Monday, May 7: Fundraising Reception Honoring Demetri Polizos County Commissioner, District 3 When: 5:30 p.m. - 7 p.m. Where: Goodwyn, Mills and Cawood Patio, 2660 East Chase Lane Details: Come show your support for Commissioner Demetri Polizos. Everyone is welcome!

Coming Soon:

  

Tuesday, May 15:

Keep Judge Reese McKinney Kickoff Party

What:  Campaign Kickoff Party 

When: 5 p.m.to 7:30 p.m. 

Where: Keep Judge Reese McKinney Headquarters - Zelda Place on Zelda Road - Across from Moes and Tangs

Details:  Live Music and Food;  Come Volunteers and Supporters!

Event Roundup for This Week

This Week:   Tuesday, May 1: Montgomery County Teenage Republicans What:  Dinner & Meeting When:  6:30 p.m. Where:  GOP Headquarters on Vaughn Road Details:  Local teens are invited to dinner and a talk by Representative Terri Collins of Decatur.  She was elected to the Alabama House of Representatives in 2010 and serves District 8.  Rep. Collins is a member of three House Committees:  Education Ways and Means, Economic Development and Tourism, and Technology and Research.  She is subcommittee chair of Biomedical and Manufacturing for the Technology and Research Committee.  Come find out about what's happening in the Legislature at this informal gathering.  Dinner is free, but reservations are encouraged.  RSVP to montgomerycountyteengop@gmail.com   Thursday, May 3: Montgomery County Republican Executive What:  Steering Committee meeting When: 6 p.m. Where: GOP Headquarters on Vaughn Road Details: Regular committee meeting   Coming Soon:   Monday, May 7: Fundraising Reception Honoring Demetri Polizos, County Commissioner, District 3  When:  5:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Where:  Goodwyn, Mills and Cawood Patio, 2660 East Chase Lane Details:  Come show your support for Commissioner Demetri Polizos. Everyone is welcome!   Tuesday, May 15: Keep Judge Reese McKinney Kickoff Party When: 5:00 p.m.to 7:30 p.m Where: Keep Judge Reese McKinney Headquarters - Zelda Place on Zelda Road - Across from Moes and Tangs Details:  Live Music and Food;  Come Volunteers and Supporters!