One on the slowing economy and what can be done in Alabama to help low- and middle-income residents:
Here is where the governor, legislators and lobbyists must face reality and make hard choices. More revenue will have to be raised. They can start by eliminating the federal income tax deduction. From there they can look at the other sales tax breaks and exemptions that special interests have written into our tax code.Another on the need for U.S. lawmakers to pass a bill calling for tougher mining safety regulations:
Think of it this way: There were 33 U.S. mining deaths last year, and the year before that saw 47 mining deaths. So why else would our leaders vote against a bill that aims to increase fines for non-compliance in safety regulations, requires more oxygen supplies for miners, employs safety measures to make it less likely for explosive gases to accumulate inside mine shafts, and strengthens oversight of the federal Mine Safety and Health Administration?And a third on the Southern drought that's still with us:
In this cycle, the next two months are critical. If the winter rains come before the ground begins to heat and dry, we could enter the summer with full reservoirs. But if the rains don’t come, and the climate forecast is for below-normal precipitation through March, we will again face a crisis.Oh, and remember Monday's post about the letters to the editor about the salary of Oxford High's new football coach? Well, we got 'em in Wednesday's edition.
We've also got a package of op-ed items on the 35th anniversary of the Roe v. Wade abortion decision.
