Current Weather

Currently on MIX 106.5

Don't Stop
Fleetwood Mac

CURRENTLY ON KiX 100.3

I'm In A Hurry (And Don't Know Why)
Alabama

Alabama Senator Jim McClendon hosts a morning of coffee and conversation

SHARE NOW

SYLACAUGA, Ala. – Alabama Senator Jim McClendon hosted a Coffee and Conversation Event at the B.B. Comer Memorial Library on Tuesday, Oct. 25. Mike Landers, executive director of the Sylacauga Chamber of Commerce, introduced the Senator following a warm welcome.

McClendon shared two handouts with members of the crowd. On the first, two questions were asked. First, do you believe voters in Alabama should be allowed to vote on a lottery, and second, would you vote for a lottery in Alabama? After tallying the votes, in both cases, the answer “yes” was the majority.

McClendon then opened the floor to discussion on a lottery in Alabama. Many asked about where the money would come from and the possibility of Medicaid funding from its proceeds.  He explained how his background in the healthcare field allows him to understand the importance of funding for Medicaid, but his main purpose in pushing for a lottery is to prevent Alabamians’ money from going to bordering states.

In the second handout, McClendon went over the 14 changes to Amendments that will be voted on in the upcoming election. Many are directed towards specific counties, but the most controversial is the the new revenue process for state parks. Though McClendon will be voting against this change for various reasons, its purpose is to protect up to $50 million of annual revenue generated from state parks for the parks and their facilities. Many members of the audience questioned this change and his stance on the subject.

To conclude the event, McClendon spoke briefly on funding for prison systems and his current initiatives to move from textbooks to technology in all classrooms across the state of Alabama.

Following the event, Coosa Valley Medical Center’s Hickory Street Cafe provided brunch for all who attended.

“It is great to see everyone come out, take time off from their day, and come to discuss politics,” said McClendon. “Our discussion on the amendments coming up was very good and helpful. I look forward to coming back to Sylacauga for another visit soon.”

The event was an opportunity for members of the Sylacauga community to ask questions and gain more knowledge about the upcoming vote in November.

Caitlyn McTier for SylacaugaNews.com | © 2016, SylacaugaNews.com/Marble City Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.


Click here to e-mail the reporter.© 2016-2023, SylacaugaNews.com/Marble City Media LLC/RadioAlabama. All Rights Reserved. RadioAlabama’s network -- MIX 106.5 (& 98.3 HD2), WSGN, KiX 100.3 (& 1290 AM), 105.1 WRFS, KiX 96.3 (& 1050 AM), RadioAlabama Sports, and RA Digital -- along with SylacaugaNews.com reports local news around the clock and will keep you up-to-date during breaking news and weather. For real-time alerts from SylacaugaNews.com, text NEWS to 59925. Standard text message rates may apply. By signing up, you agree to receive ongoing text message alerts from RadioAlabama. Consent not required for purchase. Up to eight messages per month. Reply STOP to cancel. Reply HELP for help. Message & Data rates may apply. Terms and Conditions/Privacy Policy @ www.optspot.com/tnc.