>> GOOD EVENING.

FROM OUR STATEHOUSE STUDIO IN MONTGOMERY, I'M DON DAILEY.

THANKS FOR JOINING US!

TOPPING OUR BROADCAST TONIGHT, A SPECIAL LEGISLATIVE SESSION ON NEW STATE PRISON CONSTRUCTION IS JUST AROUND THE CORNER.

GOVERNOR KAY IVEY TOLD LAWMAKERS IN A LETTER TODAY THAT SHE WILL CALL THEM BACK TO MONTGOMERY STARTING SEPTEMBER 27TH.

THEY WILL CONSIDER A BILL THAT PROPOSES BUILDING TWO NEW MEN'S MEGA-PRISONS AND A NEW WOMEN'S FACILITY AND RENOVATING A COUPLE OF EXISTING PRISONS.

IN THE HOUSE, A MAJORITY OF REPUBLICANS ARE REPORTEDLY IN AGREEMENT ON THE BILL.

DEMOCRATS HAVE BEEN TAKING THEIR TIME ADDRESSING SEVERAL CONCERNS.

HOUSE MINORITY LEADER ANTHONY DANIELS OF HUNTSVILLE SPOKE TO "CAPITOL JOURNAL."

>> I AM OPTIMISTIC, BUT I'M NOT COMMITTED.

I'M OPTIMISTIC BECAUSE THE CONVERSATIONS ACROSS THE AISLE, AT THE LEADERSHIP LEVEL HAVE BEEN VERY CONSISTENT WE HAVE NOT SEEN A LOT OF AREAS WHERE WE DISAGREE.

I THINK, FOR THE MOST PART WHEN IT COMES TO REFORM AND REHABILITATION, WE ARE ON THE SAME PAGE.

WHEN IT COMES TO DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION WE'RE ON THE SAME PAGE >> THE LETTING OF CONTRACTS TO BUILD THE PROPOSED NEW PRISONS HAS ALSO BEEN A CONCERN FOR DEMOCRATS DURING THE PRISON CONSTRUCTION NEGOTIATIONS.

ON THE TABLE IS A SO-CALLED ‘DESIGN BUILD' PLAN WHICH WOULD BYPASS NORMAL BID PROCESSES.

THE DRAFT BILL LAYS OUT A PRISON FINANCING PLAN THAT WOULD INCLUDE A MIX OF A $785-MILLION BOND ISSUE, USING AT LEAST $400 MILLION IN FEDERAL STIMULUS FUNDS AND 150 MILLIMETERS IN AVAILABLE CASH FROM THE STATE GENERAL FUND.

BUDGET.

HOUSE SPEAKER MAC MCCUTCHEON OF >> GOVERNOR IVEY HAS BEEN FIRM IN HER OPPOSITION TO PRESIDENT JOE BIDEN'S MANDATE THAT BUSINESSES WITH A HUNDRED EMPLOYEES OR MORE REQUIRE COVID VACCINATIONS OR WEEKLY TESTS FOR THE VIRUS.

THIS WEEK, ATTORNEY GENERAL STEVE MARSHALL JOINED OTHER REPUBLICAN AG'S IN THREATENING TO SUE IF BIDEN DOESN'T BACK OFF THE MANDATE.

MARSHALL SPOKE TO "CAPITOL JOURNAL."

>> WHEN GOVERNMENT GETS ENGAGED IN THIS WAY, I THINK IT CLEARLY VIOLATES, PARTICULARLY THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT, IT VIOLATES THE TENTH AMENDMENT, AND INVADES STATE SOVEREIGNTY TO MAKE THESE DECISIONS AND A ALABAMA LEGISLATURE TO WEIGH IN AS TO WHAT SHOULD BE THE TRUE PUBLIC POLICY OF THE STATE OF ALABAMA IN THIS REGARD.

>> GOVERNOR IVEY THIS WEEK SAID HER CAMPAIGN FACEBOOK PAGE WAS BRIEFLY TAKEN DOWN AFTER SHE POSTED ABOUT HER OPPOSITION TO THE PRESIDENT'S VACCINE MANDATE.

IN A STATEMENT, IVEY LATER SAI•.

‘IF BIG TECH THINKS THEY CAN SILENCE US AND THAT I WON'T FIGHT BACK, THEN HONEY, THEY HAVEN'T MET ME.

THEY HAVE ANOTHER THING COMING.

I'M NOT BACKING DOWN.

I NEVER WILL.

WE'RE FIGHTING WASHINGTON.

WE'LL FIGHT BIG TECH TOO.'

>> AS THE GOVERNOR'S WAR OF WORDS WITH FACEBOOK HEATED UP THIS WEEK, ATTORNEY GENERAL STEVE MARSHALL JOINED OTHER REPUBLICAN AG'S IN SUPPORT OF A FLORIDA LAW THAT ATTEMPTS TO REGULATE HOW SOCIAL MEDIA COMPANIES RESTRICT CONTENT POSTED BY USERS.

MARSHALL TELLS "CAPITOL JOURNAL" THAT HE FEELS GOVERNOR IVEY'S EXPERIENCE IS A CASE IN POINT.

>> IT'S AN EXAMPLE OF BIG TECH SERVING AS A CENSOR, DETERMINING WHAT PEOPLE SHOULD DETERMINE ARE FACTS OR NOT FACTS AND INSTEAD, THEY ARE USING THEIR POWER TO USURP THE AUTHORITY OF OTHERS TO BE ABLE TO BE TRULY HAVE A PUBLIC DIALOGUE ABOUT ISSUES THAT MATTER.

>> FACEBOOK THIS WEEK CONTENDED THAT IT BRIEFLY TOOK DOWN THE GOVERNOR'S CAMPAIGN PAGE AFTER MISTAKENLY FLAGGING IT AS AN IMPOSTER ACCOUNT.

>> TIM JAMES SAID THIS WEEK THAT HE IS CONSIDERING ANOTHER RUN FOR GOVERNOR OF ALABAMA.

THE REPUBLICAN BUSINESSMAN FROM GREENVILLE AND THE SON OF FORMER GOVERNOR FOB JAMES HAS, OF COURSE, RUN UNSUCCESSFULLY FOR THE TOP OFFICE TWICE IN 2002 AND IN 2010.

JAMES TOOK TO THE CAPITOL STEPS THIS WEEK, NOT TO ANNOUNCE HIS CANDIDACY, BUT TO SPEAK OUT AGAINST WHAT HE CALLED THREATS TO INDOCTRINATE STATE SCHOOL KIDS THROUGH CRITICAL RACE THEORY, TRANSGENDERISM AND YOGA.

>> LET ME JUST BE CLEAR, I'M HERE TODAY BECAUSE THIS IS ON MY HEART.

THE QUESTION OF WHETHER I'M GOING TO GET IN THIS RACE IS YET TO BE DETERMINED.

MY FAMILY, MY CHILDREN, MY WIFE, WE'RE PRAYING ABOUT IT AND WE WILL MAKE A FIRM DECISION LATER THIS YEAR.

BUT TODAY, THIS IS ONE OF THOSE THINGS THAT YOU HAVE TO GET OFF YOUR CHEST.

>> JAMES CONTENDED ON WEDNESDAY THAT CRITICAL RACE THEORY, TRANSGENDERISM AND YOGA, WHICH JUST THIS YEAR WAS ALLOWED IN STATE SCHOOLS THROUGH A BILL PASSED BY THE LEGISLATURE, ARE LIKE A ‘BEAST WITH THREE HEADS' AND VIOLATE JUDEO-CHRISTIAN PRINCIPLES.

HE SAID HE EXPECTED TO BE MOCKED FOR HIS POSITIONS, ESPECIALLY ON YOGA, WHICH HE CALLED ‘RELATED TO MYSTICISM.'

BUT JAMES WENT ON TO CLAIM THAT ALL THREE WERE PUTTING STATE CHILDREN IN WHAT HE CALLED ‘THE CROSSHAIRS OF HELL ITSELF.'

>> THEY ARE LIKE A CANCER METASTASIZING OVER TIME, INFECTING THE MINDS OF CHILDREN.

THEY ARE SYMPTOMS OF A CULTURAL TSUNAMI THAT HAS REACHED CRITICAL MASS IN AMERICA AND IF LEFT UNCHECKED IS TOXIC FOR ALABAMA CHILDREN.

>> GOVERNOR KAY IVEY SIGNED INTO LAW THE BILL ALLOWING YOGA IN STATE SCHOOLS, WHICH HAS A NUMBER OF RESTRICTIONS AND FORBIDS RELIGIOUS TEACHINGS WITH YOGA AND SAYING THE GREETING “NAMASTE.” IVEY'S RE-ELECTION CAMPAIGN SAID IN A STATEMENT THIS WEEK THAT SHE ‘APPRECIATED JAMES' UNWAVERING COMMITMENT TO THE IMPORTANT FIGHT ON YOGA.

AS FOR THE GOVERNOR, SHE DOESN'T DO ANY YOGA.'

>> THE DAUGHTER OF THE LATE STATE REPRESENTATIVE THAD MCCLAMMY OF MONTGOMERY ANNOUNCED TODAY THAT SHE WILL RUN FOR HER FATHER'S FORMER LEGISLATIVE SEAT.

DEMOCRAT PENNI MCCLAMMY IS SO FAR THE ONLY ANNOUNCED CANDIDATE FOR THE OPEN DISTRICT 76 OFFICE.

BEFORE HIS DEATH,THAD MCCLAMMY HAD DECIDED NOT TO RUN FOR RE-ELECTION BECAUSE OF ILL HEALTH, AND HAD ENCOURAGED HIS DAUGHTER TO SEEK THE POST.

MEANTIME, REPUBLICAN REPRESENTATIVE CONNIE ROWE OF JASPER ANNOUNCED THIS WEEK THAT SHE WILL NOT RUN FOR RE-ELECTION NEXT YEAR, TO TAKE A NEW JOB AS SENIOR ADVISOR TO LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR WILL AINSWORTH.

ROWE WILL SERVE OUT THE REMAINDER OF HER CURRENT STATE HOUSE TERM.

>> PUBLIC HEARINGS ON REDRAWING ALABAMA'S DISTRICT LINES WRAPPED UP THIS WEEK, AFTER A HOST OF THEM WERE HELD AROUND THE STATE.

NOW, THE JOINT LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEE ON REAPPORTIONMENT WILL FINALIZE PROPOSALS TO GO BEFORE LAWMAKERS IN AN EXPECTED SPECIAL SESSION NEXT MONTH.

"CAPITOL JOURNAL'S" KAREN GOLDSMITH REPORTS FOR US TONIGHT.

>> THE PROCESS OF DRAWING THE DISTRICT MAPS IS NOT A WILLY-NILLY ONE.

THERE'S A METHOD TO THE MADNESS, AND IT ALL STARTS WITH THE CENSUS NUMBERS.

>> THE CENSUS DOES MORE THAN JUST COUNT PEOPLE.

IT LOCATES PEOPLE AND WE USE THIS WHEN IT IS TIME TO REDRAW THE DISTRICTS.

>> THE COMMITTEE WILL REDRAW THE MAPS.

EACH DISTRICT MUST HAVE A SPECIFIED NUMBER OF PEOPLE.

SO POPULATION TRENDS HAVE TO BE CONSIDERED.

>> THERE'S DEFINITELY A TREND, MIGRATORY PATTERN FROM THE AREAS IN THE DIRECTION OF THE URBAN AREAS.

>> REGARDING POPULATION -- >> OVERARCHING EVERYTHING, REQUIREMENTS FOR EQUAL POPULATION AND NONDISCRIMINATION.

>> LAWMAKERS CAN VARY THE POPULATION IN ORDER TO KEEP COUNTIES WHOLE OR NOT SPLIT COMMUNITIES OF INTEREST.

STATE SENATOR JIM McCLENDON SAID SPLITS HAVE BEEN A MAJOR CONCERN VOICED BY ALABAMA RESIDENTS.

>> WHEN THE COUNTY HAS TWO SENATORS THAT SPLIT, THREE SENATORS IT IS STILL SPLIT.

WE ARE WORKING DILIGENTLY ON THE MAPS WE ARE DOING TO REDUCE THE NUMBER OF SPLITS.

YOU CAN'T GO TO ZERO WHEN YOU HAVE 67 COUNTIES AND 105,000 MEMBERS.

THE MATH JUST DOESN'T WORK.

BUT WE ARE WORKING AT THE VERY SAME THING THEY ARE BRINGING TO OUR ATTENTION.

>> FOR "CAPITOL JOURNAL," I'M KAREN GOLDSMITH.

>> LAST WEEK, WE REPORTED THAT INITIAL ALABAMA STUDENT TEST SCORES SHOWED A NOT-UNEXPECTED DROP IN ACHIEVEMENT AFTER THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC INTERRUPTED IN-PERSON CLASSES AND LED TO SIGNIFICANT LEARNING LOSS.

IN OUR IN-DEPTH REPORT TONIGHT, "CAPITOL JOURNAL'S" RANDY SCOTT TAKES A CLOSER LOOK.

>> ANOTHER CASUALTY OF COVID-19 IS ISN'T A PERSON BUT SCHOOL PERFORMANCE OF STUDENTS IN ALABAMA, SPECIFICALLY A DROP IN READING AND MATH SCORES FROM LAST SPRING'S ALABAMA STANDARDIZED TESTING.

THE RESULTS ARE IN AND THE NUMBERS CAME BACK LOW.

>> THESE WERE TESTS GIVEN LAST MARCH AND APRIL.

THE SCORES ARE JUST NOW COMING BACK BUT WE HAVE ALREADY HAD A SUMMER, RECORD NUMBER OF STUDENTS WHO SIGNED UP FOR SUMMER READING CAMPS, SUMMER S.T.E.M.

CAMPS.

WE BELIEVE WE HAVE ALREADY BEGUN TO REMEDIATE THAT.

>> SCHOOL OFFICIALS WERE CONCERNED THIS WOULD BE THE OUTCOME FROM THE PANDEMIC SHAKING UP NORMAL OPERATIONS.

>> I SUPPORT IN-PERSON EDUCATION FOR ALL STUDENTS.

WE ARE A LOCAL CONTROL STATE SO OUR LOCAL SCHOOL BOARDS ARE MAKING THOSE DECISIONS AT THE GROUND LEVEL.

>> COVID-19 DID AFFECT THE FACT THAT PERHAPS STUDENTS DOING AS WELL AS THEY WOULD HAVE IF THEY HAD BEEN IN CLASS GETTING IN-PERSON INSTRUCTION OPPOSED TO HAVING TO HAVE REMOTE LEARNING.

>> THEY ARE OPTIMISTIC THINGS WILL IMPROVE.

>> WE'RE ADVISING THEM AT THE STATE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION.

I BELIEVE IT IS THE GOAL OF EVERY SUPERINTENDENT, EVERY SCHOOL DISTRICT, EVERY TEACHER TO KEEP THEIR CLASSROOMS SAFE FOR ALL CHILDREN, AND I DO BELIEVE WE ARE MOVING FORWARD IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION.

>> ULTIMATELY, BEING ABLE TO SAY WE HAVE OUR ADMINISTRATORS, OUR FACULTY, STAFF AND STUDENTS BACK AT SCHOOL IN A SAFE ENVIRONMENT.

>> FOR "CAPITOL JOURNAL," I'M RANDY SCOTT.

>> YOU CAN WATCH PAST EPISODES OF "CAPITOL JOURNAL" ONLINE AT VIDEO@APTV.ORG.

"CAPITOL JOURNAL" EPISODES ARE ALSO AVAILABLE ON APTV'S FREE MOBILE APP.

YOU CAN CONNECT WITH "CAPITOL JOURNAL" AND LINK TO PAST EPISODES ON "CAPITOL JOURNAL'S" FACEBOOK PAGE.

AND YOU CAN LISTEN TO PAST EPISODES OF "CAPITOL JOURNAL" WHEN YOU ARE DRIVING OR ON THE GO WITH "CAPITOL JOURNAL" PODCASTS.

♪ KEEP UP WITH WHAT'S HAPPENING WITH "CAPITOL JOURNAL."

>> NEXT UP ON THE BROADCAST, THE NEWEST MEMBER OF THE ALABAMA LEGISLATURE, REPRESENTATIVE KENYATTE HASSEL OF MONTGOMERY IS IN THE STUDIO WITH US.

WELCOME TO "CAPITOL JOURNAL."

>> THANK YOU FOR HAVING ME.

>> NICE TO MEET YOU.

>> YOU TOO.

>> CONGRATULATIONS YOU WON THE SEAT IN SPECIAL ELECTION LAST WEEK AND YOU HAVE HAD TO HIT THE GROUND RUNNING GETTING UP TO SNUFF ON THE VARIOUS ISSUES THAT BEFORE YOU AND YOUR COLLEAGUES SOON.

LET'S TALK ABOUT YOU PERSONALLY.

YOU ARE A LIFE-LONG RESIDENT OF HOUSE DISTRICT 78 WHICH YOU ARE NOW REPRESENTING.

>> RIGHT.

I ALWAYS SAY ON THE CAMPAIGN TRAIL, MY MOM MOVED -- AND GOT MARRIED TO BROOKVIEW DRIVE.

I LIVE IN EAST MONTGOMERY, FROM THE WEST TO THE EAST I LIVED THROUGH THE DISTRICT.

>> YOU ARE TAKING OVER A SEAT VACATED LAST YEAR BY FORMER REPRESENTATIVE KIRK HATCHER WHO LEFT THE SEAT AFTER WINNING ELECTION TO THE STATE SENATE.

BEFORE THAT IT WAS HELD FOR SOME 40 YEARS BY THE LATE STATE REPRESENTATIVE ALBERT HOLMES OF MONTGOMERY WHO WAS THE DEAN OF THE ALABAMA STATE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

WITH THAT LEGACY, DOES THAT ADD ANY PRESSURE.

>> OF COURSE IT DOES.

REPRESENTATIVE HOLMES DID A LOT OF GOOD WORK AND I WANT TO MAINTAIN THE WORK HE'S DONE.

I BELIEVE REPRESENTATIVE HATCHER DID A GOOD JOB FOR THE COUPLE OF YEARS HE WAS HERE, TOO.

I WANT TO MAINTAIN THAT WORK.

I'M GLAD THE PEOPLE OF DISTRICT 78 PUT THEIR TRUST AND FAITH TO ME TO COME AFTER THOSE TWO GUYS TO DO THE WORK FOR DISTRICT 78.

>> YOU WORK FOR A FAITH-BASED ORGANIZATION CALLED YOUNG LIFE.

TELL US BRIEFLY ABOUT THAT.

>> I CAME THROUGH YOUNG LIFE MYSELF.

ONE OBJECTIVE IS TO INTRODUCE CHRIST TO HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS.

YOU KNOW, THIS IS THE BIBLE BELT AREA, SO WE ALL HEARD OF CHRIST.

THE THING IS WITH YOUNG LIFE, WE SPECIFICALLY SPECIALIZE IN DEVELOPING RELATIONSHIPS WITH HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS SO THEY CAN HAVE A RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD.

THAT'S WHAT WE BUILD ON.

IT IS MENTORING AND THEY GROW IN THEIR FAITH FROM ONE PLACE TO ANOTHER WITH YOUNG LIFE.

>> I MENTIONED AT THE OUTSET YOU HAVE HAD TO JUMP FEET FIRST INTO THE LEGISLATURE WITH SOME SUBJECTS THAT WILL BE THE TOPIC OF SPECIAL SESSIONS.

REAPPORTIONMENT WILL BE A SUBJECT OF A SPECIAL SESSION IN OCTOBER.

I KNOW YOU ARE WATCHING CLOSELY WHETHER YOUR DISTRICT MAY BE AFFECTED BY THE REDRAWING OF THE DISTRICT LINES.

>> LOOKING AT THE CENSUS REPORTS, A LOT OF AREAS LOST A LOT OF PEOPLE.

I'M LOOKING VERY CLOSELY TO HOW THAT WOULD AFFECT MY DISTRICT TO MAKE SURE THAT, YOU KNOW, WHAT I LOSE AND GAIN.

HOPEFULLY, IT WILL STAY THE SAME BUT WE WILL FIND THOSE NUMBERS WHERE THEY NEED TO BE SO THE DISTRICT WON'T CHANGE SO MUCH, WON'T CHANGE DRASTICALLY.

>> WHERE REDISTRICTING IS CONCERNED, A LOT OF YOUR COLLEAGUES IN THE DEMOCRATIC ARE CAUCUS ARE EXPRESSING CONCERN AS WE MOVE INTO THIS PHASE ABOUT NOT DILUTING MINORITY VOTING STRENGTH WITH THE REDRAWING OF THESE DISTRICTS.

THERE'S LONG BEEN THE DEBATE OVER SO-CALLED STACKING AND PACKING WHERE MINORITY VOTERS ARE PACKED IN TO MAJORITY DISTRICTS AND THAT DILUTES THEIR VOTING.

DO YOU SHARE THAT CONCERN?

>> I DO.

ONE THING ABOUT DISTRICT 78 -- I THINK IN 2015, '14, THEY CHANGED 78 FROM WHEN REPRESENTATIVE HOLMES WAS IN THE DISTRICT.

IT WAS A PACKED DISTRICT BUT NOW IT IS ONE OF THE MOST DISTRICTS YOU WILL SEE COMING FROM WEST MONTGOMERY TO EAST MONTGOMERY BUT IT IS STILL HEAVILY ONE SIDED.

I KNOW IT WILL CHANGE.

I JUST DON'T WANT IT TO CHANGE DRASTICALLY.

YES, I AM CONCERNED ABOUT HOW -- WE SHOULDN'T JUST HAVE PACKED DISTRICTS.

THEY NEED TO BE MORE DIVERSE SO ANYONE WHO WANTS TO RUN CAN BE MORE COMPETITIVE.

>> DO YOU FEEL MORE INFORMED AFTER THE PUBLIC HEARING NEXT WEEK?

I KNOW YOU HAVE TO IMMERSE YOURSELF PRETTY CLOSELY ON THIS ISSUE AS WE GET READY FOR THE SPECIAL SESSION IN OCTOBER.

>> I'M LEARNING A LOT.

I'M STILL TRYING TO FIGURE IT OUT.

I HAVE A LITTLE WAY TO GO ABOUT REDISTRICTING AND THE RULES AND WHAT THESE DISTRICTS WILL LOOK LIKE.

EVERY -- I THINK A LOT OF THE REPRESENTATIVES ARE LOOKING FOR PEOPLE TO -- LOOKING FOR AREAS TO COME TO FULFILL THOSE NEEDS IN CERTAIN AREAS.

I THINK IN MY DISTRICT WE LOST 6,000 PEOPLE.

SO I HAVE TO FIND 6,000 PEOPLE.

YOU MAY HAVE ANOTHER DISTRICT THAT LOST 8,000 PEOPLE.

WE TRY TO FIND OUT WHERE ARE WE GOING TO GET THESE PEOPLE FROM.

WE CAN MAKE SURE WE MAINTAIN WHAT WE HAVE HERE.

>> SPEAKING OF IMMERSING YOURSELF ON ISSUES, PRISONS IS ANOTHER ONE YOU WILL HAVE TO DIG INTO PRETTY QUICK GIVEN THE MOVE TO BUILD NEW PRISONS IN THE STATE.

I KNOW YOU ARE LEARNING ABOUT WHAT'S ON THE TABLE BUT GENERALLY SPEAKING HOW DO YOU FEEL ABOUT BUILDING TWO NEW MEN'S MEGA-PRISONS AND A NEW WOMEN'S PRISON AS OUTLINED.

>> I THINK WE NEED NEW PRISONS.

SOME ARE OUTDATED.

WE HAVE SECURITY PROBLEMS WITH THE OLD PRISON THAT WE HAVE.

IF WE ARE GOING TO LOOK AT CRIMINAL JUSTICE AND PRISON REFORM WE NEED TO LOOK AT THE TOTALITY OF IT FROM THE PAROLE BOARD TO REHAB FOR PRISONS SO WE DON'T HAVE OVERCROWDED PRISONS IN THE STATE.

I WANT TO KNOW -- STILL DOING MY HOMEWORK, ARE WE GOING TO HAVE CLOSURES.

SOME COUNTIES WE ARE IN, THAT'S ALL THEY HAVE IS THE PRISONS.

WE WILL LOOK AT THIS AND MAKE SURE WE CAN MAINTAIN A BALANCE OF WHERE A PRISON IS LOCATED AND WHAT WILL HAPPEN.

>> YOU EXPRESSED A SENTIMENT THAT HAS BEEN EXPRESSED BY OTHER MEMBERS OF THE CAUCUS IN YOUR HOUSE AND THAT IS THE CONTENTION THIS PRISON REFORM NEEDS TO GO HAND IN HAND WITH PRISON CONSTRUCTION.

WE CAN'T JUST DO IT FROM A BRICKS AND MORTAR ASPECT.

>> YOU CAN BUILD A NICE PRISON BUT STILL HAVE THE SAME ISSUES.

LIKE YOU CAN LOOK GOOD BUT SICK ON THE INSIDE.

THAT'S THE THING.

WE DON'T WANT -- WE DON'T WANT -- I DON'T WANT TO BE FILLED PRISONS.

WE HAVE TO REDUCE THE BEST WE CAN AND WE WANT TO KEEP PEOPLE OUT OF PRISON.

PAROLE, WE HAVE SOME GUYS, YOU KNOW, THAT'S PROBABLY NEEDING TO BE ON PAROLE THAT IS NOT GETTING PAROLED AND WE NEED TO WORK ON THAT, TOO.

>> GOVERNOR IVEY SAID SHE FEELS WE NEED TO START WITH NEW PRISONS.

HOW DO YOU FEEL ABOUT STARTING WITH NEW PRISONS AND THEN WORKING THROUGH REFORMS?

>> IF YOU CLEAN THE INSIDE FIRST THE OUTSIDE WILL BE BETTER.

MY POINT IS, IF WE ARE DEALING WITH PRISONERS THAT WE CAN CHANGE THE MIND SET AND REFORM THEM TO A PLACE WHERE WE DON'T HAVE TO DEAL WITH, YOU KNOW, HOMICIDES OR MURDERS THAT'S GOING ON INSIDE OF PRISONS OR REPEAT OFFENDERS, WE MIGHT REDUCE OUR NUMBERS OF PRISONERS INSIDE OF IT THAT'S GOING TO PRISON.

INSTEAD OF BUILDING A PRISON THAT CAN HOLD 5,000 PEOPLE.

WE CAN BUILD ONE TO HOLD 2500.

THAT'S A HYPOTHETICAL NUMBER.

THAT'S WHY WE SHOULD DEAL WITH REFORM FIRST.

THAT'S SOMETHING WE HAVE BEEN DEALING WITH A LONG TIME TOO IS REFORM OF PRISONS.

>> REPRESENTATIVE KENYATTE HASSEL IS THE NEWEST MEMBER OF THE ALABAMA LEGISLATURE.

CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR VICTORY.

LOOK FORWARD TO BEING WITH YOU.

THANK YOU FOR BEING HERE.

AND "CAPITOL JOURNAL" WILL BE RIGHT BACK.

>> YOU CAN WATCH PAST EPISODES OF "CAPITOL JOURNAL" ONLINE ANYTIME AT ALABAMA PUBLIC TELEVISION'S WEBSITE APTV.ORG.

CLICK ON THE ONLINE VIDEO TAB ON THE MAIN PAGE.

YOU CAN CONNECT WITH "CAPITOL JOURNAL" AND LINK TO PAST EPISODES ON "CAPITOL JOURNAL'S" FACEBOOK PAGE.

>>> NEXT UP ON THE BROADCAST, STATE TREASURER JOHN McMILLAN IS BACK IN THE STUDIO WITH US.

>> GREAT TO BE WITH YOU AGAIN.

>> NOT MUCH LONGER AS STATE TREASURER AS JUST ANNOUNCED TODAY BY THE GOVERNOR THAT YOU ARE RESIGNING AT THE END OF THE MONTH TO ACCEPT A NEW JOB AS EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE NEW ALABAMA MEDICAL CANNABIS COMMISSION.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR DECISION TO TAKE THIS NEW JOB.

>> IT WAS A TOUGH DECISION.

WHEN YOU ELECTED AS A CONSTITUTIONAL OFFICER AND YOU HAVE AN OFFICE AND START AT THE STATE CAPITOL IT IS A GREAT PLACE TO WORK AND COME AND GO BUT THE OTHER SIDE OF THE COIN IS IT GIVES ME AN OPPORTUNITY TO GET BACK IN AGRI-BUSINESS WHICH IS WHERE MOST OF MY LIFE HAS BEEN SPENT.

AND THE CHALLENGE OF STARTING UP A NEW STATE AGENCY THAT IS A BIG CHALLENGE BUT I THINK BIG BENEFITS FOR PEOPLE THAT NEED THIS MEDICAL CANNABIS.

>> SPEAKING OF YOUR BACKGROUND IN AGRI-BUSINESS, I WILL REMIND OUR VIEWERS YOU ARE THE FORMER AGRICULTURE BUSINESS COMMISSIONER AND FORMER LEGISLATOR AMONG MANY OTHER POSITIONS YOU HAVE HELD OVER THE YEARS.

YOU REALLY DO BRING A LOT TO THE TABLE.

IT BEARS IN MENTIONING YOUR RESIGNATION EFFECTIVE AT THE END OF THE MONTH AS STATE TREASURER, THAT GOVERNOR IVEY APPOINTED BUSER TO COME OUT AND FULFILL THE REMINDER OF YOUR TERM.

>> WE HAD A CONVERSATION AFTER HE TALKED TO THE GOVERNOR.

I WAS PLEASED TO SEE THAT AND I HOPE HE WILL SERIOUSLY CONSIDER RUNNING NEXT YEAR FOR THE OFFICE.

>> RUNNING FOR A FULL TERM.

>> YES.

>> MR. McMILLAN, LET'S TALK ABOUT THE WORK OF THE MEDICAL CANNABIS COMMISSION.

THEY HAVE MET SEVERAL TIMES OVER THE SUMMER.

ONE OF THE ITEMS BEFORE THE COMMISSION HAS BEEN GROWER PERMITS.

UNDER THE LEGISLATION THAT LEGALIZED THE USE OF MEDICAL MARIJUANA, PASSED EARLIER THIS YEAR, WAS A CAVEAT, IF YOU WILL, THAT GROW PERMITS WOULD NOT BE ISSUED UNTIL NEXT FALL AND THAT WOULD PUT PRODUCT TO THE PUBLIC WHO QUALIFIES FOR IT UNTIL A YEAR AFTER THAT AND THAT'S A CONCERN.

THE MEDICAL CANNABIS COMMISSION AS IT BEGINS ITS WORK AND YOU BEGIN AS ITS EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, IT IS IMPORTANT TO SAY IT WON'T BE IMMEDIATELY AVAILABLE.

>> TWO TO THREE THINGS WE HAVE TO GET STARTED ON IMMEDIATELY.

THE MOST IMPORTANT IS THE RULES AND REGULATIONS FOR THE WHOLE CANNABIS, MEDICAL CANNABIS PROGRAM.

THAT'S GOING TO BE LIKE THIS THICK.

BUT THAT WILL GOVERN AND DICTATE THE RULES AND REGULATIONS FOR LICENSING, INSPECTIONS, SECURITY, THE LIST GOES ON AND ON.

IT'S NOT GOING TO BE JUST APPLY FOR A PERMIT AND GET GO GROWING.

IT WILL BE A MARATHON, RATHER THAN A SPRINT.

WE'RE ALREADY GETTING CALLS FROM PEOPLE WANTING TO KNOW WHEN THEY CAN START GROWING.

IT'S NOT LIKE INDUSTRIAL HEMP, WHICH WE STARTED IN THE LAST FEW YEARS IN ALABAMA WHERE YOU CAN PRETTY EASILY GET A LICENSE AND GET SEED AND GET GOING.

THIS IS GOING TO BE A MUCH MORE IN DEPTH SUBJECT TO WORK ON BEFORE WE WILL HAVE THE RULES AND REGULATIONS, BUT WE WILL DO THEM AS FAST AS WE CAN.

WE WILL HAVE A WEBSITE UP AS SOON AS WE CAN AND ENCOURAGE PEOPLE TO STAY IN TOUCH WITH US THERE.

IT'S GOING TO BE SEVERAL MONTHS BEFORE WE WILL BE READY TO MOVE FORWARD.

>> THE MEDICAL CANNABIS COMMISSION MET A WEEK OR SO AGO HERE AT THE STATEHOUSE AND SAID AT THE TIME IT HOPED THAT MAYBE SOME LEGISLATION THAT WOULD TWEAK THE ORIGINAL LAW COULD POSSIBLY PLACED ON A CALL OF A SPECIAL SESSION.

TWEAKING THE LAW TO MOVE FORWARD THE ISSUANCE OF GROW PERMITS BY AT LEAST A YEAR.

ARE YOU OPTIMISTIC THAT WILL HAPPEN?

>> WE'RE GOING TO GET ON IT.

THAT'S OUR FIRST OBJECTIVE TO GET THE RULES AND REGULATIONS, BUT THERE ARE A LOT OF THINGS THAT AVERAGE FOLKS DON'T THINK OF THAT YOU HAVE TO DEAL WITH WHEN YOU DEAL WITH THE LEGISLATURE WITH CONTRACT REVIEW AND ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES AND PUBLIC HEARINGS AND ALL OF THOSE THINGS ARE TIME-CONSUMING.

WE'LL JUST SEE.

WE WILL DO EVERYTHING HUMANLY POSSIBLE TO GET THEM READY AS SOON AS WE CAN BUT IT WILL BE MUCH MORE IMPORTANT -- WE'RE GETTING ONE SHOT AT DOING IT RIGHT AND IT IS MORE IMPORTANT TO GET IT RIGHT THAN TO GET IT FAST.

>> THE IMPORTANT THING TO REMEMBER IN ALL OF THIS IS WHENEVER GROW PERMITS ARE ISSUED AND CROPS ARE PLANTED, IT WILL PROBABLY BE ANOTHER YEAR BEFORE THE MEDICAL CANNABIS PRODUCT WOULD BE AVAILABLE IN DISPENSARIES IN THE STATES.

>> VERY POSSIBLY.

THAT'S ONE OF MY WEAKNESSES, OF COURSE.

PRETTY MUCH EVERYBODY IN ALABAMA WE HAVEN'T HAD A LOT OF EXPERIENCE.

SO WE HAVE TO SEE WHAT OTHER STATES ARE DOING AND HAVE DONE AND HOPEFULLY THE ATTORNEYS THAT ARE WORKING WITH US ON RULES AND REGULATIONS CAN FIND OUT WHAT OTHER FOLKS DID RIGHT AND WHAT THEY DID WRONG AND THAT IS CERTAINLY ONE OF OUR INTERESTS TO TRY TO GET IT RIGHT AND DO IT RIGHT AND BE READY TO GO.

80% OF ALL MARIJUANA, WHETHER CANNABIS OR WHATEVER, ADULT USAGE AND SO ON IS GROWN INSIDE.

SO, THIS IS NOT SOMETHING LIKE INDUSTRIAL HEMP WHERE YOU GO OUT AND PLANT A CROP FOR THE SECURITY AND A LOT OF OTHER REASONS, BUT IT IS GROWN INSIDE, LIKE IN GREEN HOUSES UNDER LIGHTS AND THE LIGHT EFFICIENCY HAS A LOT TO DO WITH THE GROWTH RATE.

ALL OF THOSE THINGS WE HAVE TO LEARN A LOT ABOUT.

FOLKS THAT ARE GOING TO DO IT WILL HAVE TO MAKE A BIG INVESTMENT WHEN THEY APPLY FOR A LICENSE.

>> TIME IS SHORT BUT ARE PEOPLE REACHING OUT AND INTERESTED?

>> ABSOLUTELY, YEAH.

I HAVE FRIENDS CALLING, PARTICULARLY FRIENDS THAT GOT INTO THE INDUSTRIAL HEMP WHICH WE INITIATED AT AG AND THEY ARE ANXIOUS TO GET INVOLVED IN THIS.

>> I GUESS YOU ARE HAVING TO TELL THEM TO STANDBY, RIGHT?

>> I'M TELLING THEM TO STANDBY AND WE WILL DO EVERYTHING WE CAN TO KEEP THEM INFORMED WHEN IT IS TIMELY TO START TO APPLY FOR APPLICATIONS AND LICENSES.

>> IF THE ORIGINAL LAW ISN'T TWEAKED THESE GROW PERMITS MAY NOT BE ISSUED UNTIL NEXT FALL, RIGHT, NOT THIS COMING FALL.

>> THE DATE IS SEPTEMBER 1 '22.

I'M OPTIMISTIC WE CAN DO IT.

OTHER STATES HAVE AND ARE DOING IT SUCCESSFULLY.

WE CAN LEARN FROM THEM PLUSES AND MINUSES AND GET IT DONE QUICKLY.

THAT'S POSSIBLE.

>> BUT RIGHT.

CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR NEW JOB.

>> THANKS.

WE'RE EXCITED ABOUT IT AND LOOKING FORWARD TO AT THIS TIME.

OUTGOING STATE TREASURER THANK YOU FOR BEING ON THE SHOW.

>> ABSOLUTELY, DON.

>> "CAPITOL JOURNAL" WILL BE RIGHT BACK.

>> YOU ARE WATCHING ALABAMA PUBLIC TELEVISION.

>>> NEXT UP ON THE BROADCAST, THE NEW STATE FINANCE DIRECTOR BILL POOLE IS IN THE STUDIO WITH US.

NICE TO SEE YOU.

IT WILL TAKE A WHILE NOT TO CALL YOU REPRESENTATIVE.

>> I AM GETTING USED TO IT AS WELL.

>> YOU HAVE BEEN ON THE JOB A MONTH NOW.

WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS ON IT?

>> I'VE ENJOYED THE FIRST SIX WEEKS.

IT'S A FAST-PACED POSITION, COVERS A LOT OF AREAS AND I'VE ENJOYED GETTING TO KNOW AND BECOME FAMILIAR WITH THOSE AREAS.

CERTAINLY THANK GOVERNOR IVEY FOR TRUSTING ME WITH THE APPOINTMENT.

IT'S AN IMPORTANT ROLE.

I TAKE THE ROLE VERY SERIOUSLY AND WILL CONDUCT MYSELF ACCORDINGLY.

I'M EXCITED ABOUT IT.

I THINK, OF COURSE, ALABAMA HAS A GREAT OPPORTUNITY.

I THINK WE ARE IN A TIME OF A LOT OF DISRUPTIONS AND STRUGGLES WITH COVID BUT SIGNIFICANT OPPORTUNITY IN TERMS OF THE FUTURE OF OUR STATE.

I'M EXCITED TO WORK ON THE ISSUES.

>> YOU SAID IT WAS A TOUGH DECISION BECAUSE YOU GAVE UP YOUR LEGISLATIVE SEAT IN THE HOUSE TO ACCEPT THIS POSITION.

>> THAT'S RIGHT.

I THOROUGHLY ENJOYED MY TIME IN THE LEGISLATURE.

I MADE WONDERFUL FRIENDS AND COLLEAGUES AND IT WAS A DIFFICULT DECISION.

I'VE ENJOYED THAT TENURE.

I BELIEVE I'VE BEEN ABLE TO WORK ON POLICIES AND ISSUES THAT I FELT WERE IMPORTANT TO THE STATE.

SUBJECTS THAT I'VE TAKEN GREAT INTEREST IN, WHETHER IT WAS EDUCATION ISSUES FROM REFORM TO FUNDING, TO ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ISSUES, SEVERAL -- ALABAMA INCENTIVE MODERNIZATION ACT.

I'M INVOLVED WITH THE STATE'S INNOVATION COMMISSION, SOON TO BE THE INNOVATION CORPORATION FOR THE STATE.

SO INFRASTRUCTURE ISSUES I'VE WORKED HARD ON.

SO, THOSE ARE ISSUES I'VE THOROUGHLY ENJOYED WORKING ON IN THE STATE LEGISLATURE.

I HOPE TO CONTINUE TO WORK ON THOSE AND OTHER ISSUES ON THE EXECUTIVE BRANCH SIDE IN THIS ROLE.

IT WAS A DIFFICULT DECISION.

I LOOK FORWARD TO VISITING WITH MY COLLEAGUES MORE AS THEY RETURN, BUT CERTAINLY HAD GREAT EXPERIENCES IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES AND I'M THANKFUL TO MY DISTRICT FOR TRUSTING ME IN THAT ROLE FOR MANY, MANY YEARS AND I'VE MADE THAT CLEAR, AS WELL.

>> OF COURSE GOVERNOR IVEY CALLED A SPECIAL ELECTION FOR YOUR VACANT STATEHOUSE SEAT.

YOU MENTIONED YOUR SERVICE AS CHAIR OF THE EDUCATION BUDGET COMMITTEE IN THE HOUSE.

YOUR LONG-TIME CO-CHAIR HAS BEEN NAMED CHAIR OF THE COMMITTEE.

WORTHY SUCCESSOR?

>> I'M EXCITED FOR REPRESENTATIVE GARRETT.

HE SERVED IN THE CAPACITY OVER RECENT YEARS.

A RETIRED FINANCIAL OFFICER AND HAS A GREAT FINANCIAL BACKGROUND.

I THINK HE WILL FIT IN THE ROLE NICELY.

I WANT TO RECOGNIZE AND CONGRATULATE JOE LOVERN FOR MOVING INTO THAT POSITION.

I HAVE WORKED WITH THE COMMITTEE AND THAT'S BEEN A GREAT PLEASURE FROM A PROFESSIONAL AND PERSONAL EXPERIENCE.

THAT COMMITTEE IS WELL POSITIONED THROUGH LEADERSHIP AND THROUGHOUT THE COMMITTEE AND THEY WILL WORK TOGETHER AS A TEAM AS WE ALWAYS HAVE AND I'M EXCITED FOR DANNY AS HE ENTERS INTO THAT ENDEAVOR.

>> YOU HAVE HAD TO JUMP FEET FIRST.

A NUMBER OF CHALLENGES HAVE COME ALONG.

YOU WERE INSTRUMENTAL IN HELPING THE GOVERNOR REALLOCATE THE FEDERAL STIMULUS MONEY TOWARD HIRING TRAVEL NURSES IN THE STATE, WHICH ARE OF GREAT NEED RIGHT NOW.

>> IT IS.

WE HAD EXTENSIVE CONVERSATIONS WITH DR. HARRIS AT THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH AND HEALTHCARE ASSOCIATION AND OTHER HEALTHCARE PROVIDERS.

WE KNOW WHAT WE ARE EXPERIENCING IS NOT UNIQUE TO ALABAMA.

IT'S A NATIONAL ISSUE.

WE ARE SEEING AN UPTICK IN COVID CASES DUE TO THE DELTA VARIANT.

IT IS STRAINING OUR HOSPITALS BUT WE DON'T HAVE ENOUGH NURSES.

WHAT IS HAPPENING IS WE HAVE A SCARCE RESOURCE OF THE NURSES AND SUBSTANTIAL DEMAND FOR THEIR SERVICES NATIONAL LIMIT GROUPS ARE COMING INTO OUR STATE AND HIRING NURSES OUT TO OTHER STATES.

WE HAVE TO BE COMPETITIVE RELATIVE TO KEEPING OUR NURSES HERE DURING THIS TIME OF THE PANDEMIC BUT ALSO TO SURGING NURSES INTO OUR STATE FOR PURPOSES OF SERVING OUR CITIZENS WHO NEED THAT SERVICE, HELPING HOSPITALS PROVIDE NECESSARY SERVICES.

THIS PROVIDES A SHORT-TERM WINDOW WE CAN SURGE NURSES INTO SUPPORT OUR EXISTING HEALTHCARE INFRASTRUCTURE.

I THINK THAT IS IMPORTANT.

SO I WAS PLEASED WE WERE ABLE TO ACCOMPLISH THAT.

>> I SUPPOSE IT IS TAKEN A WHILE TO GET USED TO IT AND HELPING OFFICIALS DETERMINE WHAT IT CAN BE SPENT FOR.

IT IS DEDICATED MONEY, IS IT NOT?

>> THAT'S RIGHT.

FEDERAL MONEY ALWAYS COMES WITH A VARIETY OF STRINGS ATTACHED AND COMPLIANCE GUIDELINES.

THESE ARE NOT FUNDS LIKE THE STATE, LIKE THE GENERAL FUND OR OTHER ALLOCATIONS CAN ALLOCATE OUT, SPEND AND MOVE ON.

THERE ARE STRICT ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA AND THERE ARE COMPLIANCE CRITERIA AND THEN BACK-END REPORTING AND AUDITING CRITERIA.

IF THOSE DOLLARS ARE NOT SPENT IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE GUIDELINES THE AUDITS WILL CATCH THAT AND THE FEDS WILL SEEK REPAYMENT.

WHEN THIS IS SAID AND DONE THE INFLUX OF MONEY IN ALABAMA AND OTHER STATES THERE WILL BE COUNTLESS INSTANCES OF THE FEDS FINDING NONCOMPLIANCE.

WE HAVE TO MAKE SURE WE DON'T HAVE TO DEAL WITH THAT.

WE ARE BEING CAREFUL.

WE WANT TO GET THE DOLLARS WHERE THEY ARE NEEDED AND MAKE SURE WE ARE IN COMPLIANCE.

>> I KNOW YOU HAVE BEEN WORKING WITH LEGISLATIVE LEADERSHIP DETERMINING WHETHER THE SAME MONEY COULD BE USED TO BUILD NEW PRISONS IN THE STATE AS A PRISON CONSTRUCTION BILL IS PUT TOGETHER.

>> THAT'S RIGHT.

THAT'S PART OF THE DISCUSSION AS THE ARPA, AMERICAN RELIEF PLAN FUNDS ARE BEING ANALYZED BY STATES ACROSS THE COUNTRY AND THEIR USES.

THAT'S A CONVERSATION THAT IS UNDER WAY.

TREASURY GUIDANCE OUT OF DC IS CONTINUING TO ISSUE -- SOME OF THE GUIDANCE IS IN DIFFERENT PHASES OF MATURITY.

SOME PARTS OF THE PROGRAM WE DON'T HAVE ANY FORMAL GUIDANCE ON AND OTHERS ARE INTERIM GUIDANCE AND TRYING TO DETERMINE AS THE TREASURY DETERMINES WHAT THE RULES WILL BE HAS BEEN CHALLENGING.

WE BELIEVE AND WE ARE CONFIDENT THAT A PORTION OF THE ARPA FUNDS WILL BE ELIGIBLE FOR PRISON CONSTRUCTION IF THE LEGISLATURE SO CHOOSES.

CLEARLY THERE'S BEEN A LOT OF CONVERSATION TO THAT AFFECT.

>> THERE'S BAN CERTAIN AMOUNT OF DISTINGUISHING POTS OF MONEY.

WE HAD THE ARPA AND CARES ACT FUNDS AND THEY COME WITH THEIR OWN SPECIAL STRINGS ATTACHED, RIGHT.

>> THE CARES ACT WAS THE FIRST RELIEF FUND.

NOW WE'RE IN THE ARPA FUND.

THEY HAVE DIFFERENT RULES.

THEY PASSED SUBJECT TO DIFFERENT LEGISLATION.

TREASURY ISSUED DIFFERENT GUIDANCE.

THE RULES ON THE ORIGINAL FUNDS ARE NOT THE SAME AS THE RULES NOW.

THAT'S BEEN DIFFICULT FOR AGENCIES TO DEAL WITH, FOR LOCAL ENTITIES THAT ARE ATTEMPTING TO UTILIZE THOSE FUNDS FOR THE BENEFIT OF ALABAMA CITIZENS.

THAT'S BEEN A COMPLICATED PROCESS.

I EMPHASIZE, WE HAVEN'T GOTTEN INTO THE FULL REPORTING, AUDITING AND THE BACKING AND COMPLIANCE ANALYSIS.

ALL OF THAT REMAINS ON THE HORIZON, AS WELL.

THE FUNDS ARE BEING UTILIZED TO THE BEST OF OUR ABILITY TO GET THEM OUT FOR THE BENEFIT.

THE ARPA FUNDS WILL BE APPROPRIATED BY THE LEGISLATURE.

THAT'S NOT OCCURRED AT THIS POINT.

THOSE ARE THE SUMS THAT ARE AVAILABLE AT GETTING A LOT OF ATTENTION AND DISCUSSION NOW.

SO THAT WILL BE ON THE HORIZON FOR THE LEGISLATURE.

>> NEW STATE FINANCE DIRECT BILL POOLE, IT WAS A PLEASURE TO HAVE YOU ON THE SHOW.

>> THANK YOU, DON.

>> GOOD LUCK TO YOU.

>> THANK YOU VERY MUCH.

>> AND "CAPITOL JOURNAL" WILL BE RIGHT BACK.

>> STAY IN TOUCH WITH "CAPITOL JOURNAL" ONLINE, ON FACEBOOK AND ON TWITTER.

YOU CAN ALSO CONTACT US BY E-MAIL AT DDAILEY@APTV.ORG OR BY MAIL.

>> NEXT UP ON THE BROADCAST, CONGRESSMAN ROBERT ADERHOLT IS BACK IN THE STUDIO WITH US.

NICE TO SEE YOU AGAIN.

>> THANK YOU, DON.

GOOD TO BE WITH YOU.

>> WELCOME BACK TO "CAPITOL JOURNAL."

>> THANKS.

>> LET ME BEGIN WITH OUR CONDOLENCES.

YOU LOST YOUR FATHER T A JUDGE WHO WAS BELOVED IN WINSTON COUNTY.

>> YEAH, THANK YOU.

IT HAS BEEN A TOUGH SUMMER FOR US.

HE WAS DIAGNOSED WITH CANCER.

IT WAS A SHORT TIME PERIOD.

HE WAS THE REASON I'M IN POLITICS.

HE FIRST RAN FOR OFFICE WHEN I WAS 5.

HONESTLY, I DON'T REMEMBER MUCH ABOUT THAT RACE.

BUT THEN HE RAN AGAIN WHEN I WAS 11.

THIS WAS ACTUALLY IN 1976 WHEN IT WAS THE CARTER AND THE FORD RACE.

GENERAL FORD HAD GOTTEN -- PUT INTO OFFICE BECAUSE HE WAS ELEVATED FROM VICE PRESIDENT.

AND THEN BECAME PRESIDENT.

AND THEN JIMMY CARTER RAN AND OF COURSE HE WAS A SOUTHERNER THAT WAS RUNNING.

SO THAT WAS A TOUGH RACE FOR MY DAD TO RUN AS A REPUBLICAN IN 1976.

HE ACTUALLY WON IN '76 AND I WAS JUST AT THE AGE WHERE I GOT INTERESTED IN POLITICS AT THAT TIME.

EVEN THOUGH I DIDN'T GO DOWN THE JUDICIAL PATH MY DAD WENT DOWN.

I WENT MORE THE LEGISLATIVE PATH BUT I REALLY THINK IT STEMS BACK FROM MY TIME WITH MY DAD AND JUST FOLLOWING HIM AROUND AND CAMPAIGNING, JUST THE OLD-FASHIONED WAY THAT PEOPLE USED TO CAMPAIGN.

>> WELL, OUR CONDOLENCES AND THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS GO OUT TO YOU.

>> THANK YOU SO MUCH.

CONGRESSMAN, LET'S TALK ABOUT A RALLY HELD IN WASHINGTON THIS WEEKEND.

YOU OBVIOUSLY AREN'T THERE BUT IT WAS A RALLY TO SUPPORT THOSE ARRESTED AND ACCUSED IN THE CAPITOL UPRISING IN JANUARY.

>> WELL, YOU KNOW I'M LIKE YOU, I'M SEEING THE NEWS REPORTS.

I DON'T KNOW A LOT ABOUT THE INSIDE SCOOP OF WHAT IS GOING ON.

I'M NOT SURE THAT ANYBODY DOES BUT AS SOMEONE WHO WAS THERE ON JANUARY 6th AND WHO WAS IN THE BUILDING AT THE TIME, YOU KNOW, IT'S AN INTERESTING TIME.

I'M VERY MUCH SUPPORTIVE OF PEOPLE THAT THEY NEED TO LET THEIR OPINIONS BE KNOWN.

THEY NEED TO SHOW THEY ARE BELIEVING STRONGLY IN A PARTICULAR ISSUE BUT ANYBODY THAT WANTED TO DO VIOLENCE AND I THINK THAT'S WHERE WE HAVE TO DRAW THE LINE.

>> CONGRESSMAN, LET'S TURN TO THE PRESIDENT'S VACCINE MANDATE.

YOU HAVE BEEN OUTSPOKEN AGAINST THIS IDEA AS I'M SURE YOU HAVE HEARD MANY REPUBLICANS IN ALABAMA HAVE BEEN.

GOVERNOR IVEY HAS BEEN ONE OF THE REPUBLICAN GOVERNORS WHO STEPPED UP TO SAY SHE WILL TRY TO STAND IN THE WAY OF THIS MANDATE IN ANY WAY POSSIBLE.

THE ATTORNEY GENERAL OF ALABAMA, STEVE MARSHALL SAID HE IS PLANNING TO SUE OVER THIS ISSUE.

YOU SAID YOU FELT LIKE THIS WAS EXTREME GOVERNMENT OVERREACH.

>> WELL, IT IS.

WHEN IT CROSSES THE LINE IS WHEN YOU GET IN THE PRIVATE SECTOR.

OBVIOUSLY, IF PRESIDENT BIDEN WANTS TO MANDATE REGARDING THE EMPLOYEES OF THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT -- AND WHEN I SAY THE EXECUTIVE BRANCH AND YOU CAN MAKE ABOUT ARGUMENT FOR THAT BUT WHEN YOU SAY PRIVATE INDIVIDUALS OR PRIVATE COMPANIES HAVE TO ABIDE BY CERTAIN MANDATE, I THINK THAT'S WHERE IT IS A BRIDGE TOO FAR.

I THINK THERE WILL BE LAWSUITS FILED.

I THINK BEFORE THIS REALLY GETS OFF THE GROUND THERE COULD BE POSSIBLY A STAY SO IT WILL NOT GO INTO EFFECT.

REGARDLESS, THERE WILL BE LAWSUITS BECAUSE I THINK THIS IS AN OVERREACH OF THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT.

OBVIOUSLY, I'M NOT ANTI-VACCINE.

I WAS VACCINATED EARLY ON, JUST SHORTLY AFTER I WAS ABLE TO GET THE VACCINE I GOT IT.

I JUST TOOK MY MOM TO GET HER BOOSTER.

SO HER THIRD SHOT.

AND I'M PLANNING TO TAKE A BOOSTER WHEN I CAN HAVE AN OPPORTUNITY TO GET IT.

SO I ENCOURAGE EVERYONE TO GET IT.

OBVIOUSLY THERE ARE SOME PEOPLE BECAUSE OF HEALTH REASONS AND OTHER REASONS THAT DON'T WANT TO TAKE IT OR CAN'T TAKE IT AND I THINK THEY SHOULD BE PROTECTED.

>> SO IN SUPPORTING VACCINATIONS YOU SUPPORT PERSONAL CHOICE.

IT SHOULD BE UP TO THE INDIVIDUAL TO TAKE IT BUT YOU STRONGLY RECOMMEND THAT THEY DO.

>> I STRONGLY RECOMMEND THEY DO AND ENCOURAGE IT.

>> THE PRESIDENT'S MANDATE SAID EMPLOYERS WHO HAVE 100 WORKERS OR MORE REQUIRE EMPLOYEES TO GET VACCINATED OR SUBMIT TO WEEKLY COVID TESTS AND YOU THINK EITHER/OR IS AN OVERREACH.

>> THAT IS A GREAT EXPENSE TO THE COMPANIES.

WHO'S GOING TO PAY FOR THAT?

I THINK, AGAIN, I THINK WE NEED TO DO EVERYTHING WE CAN, TO ENCOURAGE PEOPLE TO GET VACCINATED BUT WHEN YOU START TO MANDATE THIS IT STARTS TO BACKFIRE.

PEOPLE ARE SAYING THE GOVERNMENT IS HERE TO TELL ME WHAT TO DO.

I THINK ACTUALLY THE MANDATE BY THE PRESIDENT WILL ACTUALLY CAUSE A LOT OF PEOPLE TO RECOIL AND NOT GET THE VACCINATION.

I THINK WHAT WE NEED TO DO -- AS I'VE SAID EARLIER, I SUPPORT THE VACCINE.

I SEE THIS AS SOMETHING THAT WAS DONALD TRUMP'S IDEA WHEN HE WAS PRESIDENT.

HE WAS THE ONE THAT REALLY MADE SURE WE GO FAST, ON A FAST TRACK TO GET A VACCINE.

SO AS A MATTER OF FACT, I WAS IN COLEMAN WHEN HE SPOKE IN COLEMAN A MONTH AGO OR LESS.

HE THERE SAID -- HE TALKED ABOUT ENCOURAGING PEOPLE TO GET THE VACCINE.

A LOT OF PEOPLE WANT TO SAY HE'S AGAINST THE VACCINE BUT HE'S NOT.

HE ENCOURAGES AND REALLY IF IT WEREN'T FOR HIM WE WOULDN'T HAVE THE VACCINE.

>> HE RECEIVED THE VACCINE.

>> HE RECEIVED THE VACCINE BUT AGAIN IT IS WHERE YOU HAVE THE GOVERNMENT MANDATING AND TELLING PEOPLE THEY HAVE TO DO THIS OR THAT.

I THINK THAT'S WHERE WE HAVE TO LOOK AT IT CAREFULLY.

THIS IS REALLY BECOME -- OBVIOUSLY, A REAL POLITICAL -- AND I THINK WHAT WE NEED TO DO IS I THINK ALMOST SOME OF THE LIBERAL NEWS ORGANIZATIONS OUT OF WASHINGTON DON'T WANT PEOPLE TO EMBRACE THAT ARE TRUMP SUPPORTERS AND THEY TRY TO REALLY CAUSE SOME KIND OF DIVIDE BETWEEN THOSE THAT WOULD NEED TO GET THE VACCINE AND DON'T WANT TO GET THE VACCINE.

I THINK WE SHOULD RALLY AROUND IT, SUPPORT IT.

BUT WHEN YOU START TO DO THE MANDATES, I THINK THAT IS WHEN IT WILL DO MORE HARM THAN GOOD.

>> YOU MENTIONED YOU WERE IN COLEMAN WHEN PRESIDENT TRUMP SPOKE THERE SEVERAL WEEKS AGO.

HE DID ENCOURAGE PEOPLE TO GET VACCINATED IF THEY SO CHOSE AND HE GOT SOME BOOS WHEN HE SAID THAT.

DID YOU MAKE MUCH OF THAT?

>> I'M SURE SOME PEOPLE WILL DISAGREE WITH THAT AND EVEN BEING AT A TRUMP RALLY, THEY MAY HAVE BOOED PRESIDENT TRUMP.

I THINK ALL IN ALL, I THINK MOST PEOPLE -- WE ARE SEEING THE PERCENTAGES NOW THAT I THINK WE ARE CLOSE TO 90% OF AMERICANS THAT HAVE HAD ONE VACCINE, NOT BOTH BUT ONE VACCINE.

SO, WE'RE AT LEAST THE HIGH 80s.

THERE WILL ALWAYS BE SOME PEOPLE, I GUESS, THAT WILL DISAGREE WITH WHOEVER.

BUT AGAIN, I ALSO DISAGREE WITH THE FACT THAT WHEN THE GOVERNMENT IS TELLING PEOPLE THEY HAVE TO DO THIS BECAUSE OBVIOUSLY THERE ARE LEGITIMATE REASONS PEOPLE DIDN'T TAKE THE VACCINE.

THERE ARE SOME RELIGIOUS OR HEALTH REASONS AND SOMETIMES JUST BECAUSE OF OTHER REASONS AND I THINK WE HAVE TO RESPECT THAT.

>> CONGRESSMAN, TIME IS SHORT BUT IN THE LAST TWO MINUTES I WANT TO TOUCH ON CONGRESSIONAL HEARINGS THAT STARTED THIS WEEK INTO WHAT TRANSPIRED IN AFGHANISTAN, OUR WITHDRAWAL FROM THE COUNTRY.

I KNOW YOU EXPRESSED A LOT OF CONCERNS ABOUT THE CHAOS THAT ENSUED AFTER WE STARTED TO WITHDRAWAL OUR TROOPS AND KABUL FELL TO THE TALIBAN.

TELL ME HOW YOU FEEL WATCHING THE HEARINGS THIS WEEK?

>> I WAS DISAPPOINTED AT THE DECISION THE PRESIDENT MADE TO PULL OUT OF AFGHANISTAN.

I WAS IN HEARINGS EARLIER THIS YEAR, BEFORE WE DID THE WITHDRAWAL, AND I COULD SEE THE WRITING ON THE WALL SO TO SPEAK THAT THIS WAS NOT GOING TO WORK OUT WELL.

OBVIOUSLY I WAS NOT THE ONLY ONE.

A LOT OF PEOPLE WERE SAYING THE SAME THING.

I THINK IT WAS A REAL TRAGEDY FOR THE PRESIDENT TO PULL OUT SO QUICKLY.

ESPECIALLY WITH THE FOLKS OVER THERE THAT HELPED US, WITH AMERICANS ON THE GROUND.

I THINK WE HAVE TO GET TO THE BOTTOM OF IT.

THE BLAME IS AT THE FEET OF THE PRESIDENT BECAUSE HE ULTIMATELY MADE THE DECISION BUT I THINK EVEN ALL MILITARY -- I SAY ALL, MOST MILITARY LEADERS WERE SAYING IT WAS A RECIPE FOR DISASTER THE WAY WE WERE ON A FAST TRACK TO DO IT.

>> I THINK IT IS POOR PLANNING.

THIS WAS A CONTINUATION OF A PLAN PUT IN MOTION BEFORE TRUMP LEFT OFFICE TO GET OUT OF AFGHANISTAN.

YOU THINK IT WASN'T EXECUTED WELL.

>> I DON'T THINK IT WAS EXECUTED WELL.

I THINK AS FAR AS TRUMP -- I DON'T KNOW WHAT THE LONG-TERM PLANS FOR PRESIDENT TRUMP WAS.

WHO KNOWS IF PRESIDENT TRUMP WAS IN OFFICE HE MAY HAVE RECONSIDERED GETTING OUT OF AFGHANISTAN.

I THINK HASTY DECISION WAS A WRONG DECISION BY THE PRESIDENT.

I THINK IF WE COULD HAVE LEFT A PRESENCE OF TROOPS THERE TO KEEP THINGS AT BAY IT MAY HAVE BEEN A GOOD INVESTMENT OF MONEY.

OBVIOUSLY WE DON'T WANT TO BE THERE FOR DECADES TO COME.

TRY TO FIND A WAY BUT RIGHT NOW WAS NOT THE TIME OR THE NEXT FEW YEARS WAS NOT A TIME TO PULL OUT THE WAY WE DID.

>> CONGRESSMAN ROBERT ADERHOLT OF HALEYVILLE, ALWAYS A PLEASURE TO HAVE YOU ON THE SHOW.

>> GOOD TO BE WITH YOU.

>> "CAPITOL JOURNAL" WILL BE RIGHT BACK.

>> YOU CAN WATCH PAST EPISODES OF "CAPITOL JOURNAL" ONLINE ANYTIME AT ALABAMA PUBLIC TELEVISION'S WEBSITE APTV.ORG.

CLICK ON THE ONLINE VIDEO TAB ON THE MAIN PAGE.

YOU CAN ALSO CONNECT WITH "CAPITOL JOURNAL" AND LINK TO PAST EPISODES ON "CAPITOL JOURNAL'S" FACEBOOK PAGE.

>> FINALLY ON THE BROADCAST TONIGHT, IT'S OUR WEEKLY VISIT WITH STATE HEALTH OFFICER SCOTT HARRIS.

THANK YOU FOR BEING HERE.

>> THANK YOU.

>> OUR DAILY CASE COUNTS IN THE STATE WHILE ALARMING, STILL IN THE 2,000 TO 3,000 PER DAY, THEY ARE NOT AS HIGH AS A COUPLE OF WEEKS AGO WHEN THEY WERE IN THE 5,000s.

>> I THINK WE TAKE GOOD NEWS WHERE WE CAN GET IT.

THEY ARE A LITTLE BETTER BUT NOT IN GREAT SHAPE AT ALL.

WE ARE HAVING THOUSANDS OF CASES A DAY, FROM EVERY COUNTY IN THE STATE EVERY SINGLE DAY BUT NOT QUITE AS BAD AS THE MIDDLE OF AUGUST, AT THE END OF AUGUST.

I THINK WE ARE ENCOURAGED BY THAT.

STILL A LITTLE TOO SOON WE CAN PREDICT WE ARE OUT OF THE WOODS.

>> OUR VACCINE RATE IS INCREASING.

>> WE ARE DOING BETTER.

AND WE HAVE A LONG WAY TO GO AND TRAIL MOST OF THE COUNTRY.

WE HAVE 1.9 ALABAMIANS FULLY VACCINATED.

AND SOON AT THE 2 MILLION MARK.

WE ARE AT ABOUT HALF OF ALABAMIANS.

WE'RE IMPROVING.

>> WHERE HOSPITALIZATIONS ARE CONCERNED THOSE NUMBERS IMPROVED AS WELL, RIGHT.

>> THE TOTAL NUMBER WITH HOSPITAL PATIENTS HAVE GONE DOWN, IN THE RANGE OF 2300 TO 2400, FOUR OR FIVE HUNDRED LESS THAN A FEW WEEKS AGO.

SOME OF THAT IS BECAUSE WE HAVE DEATHS.

THE MAJORITY OF THE DEATHS TAKE PLACE IN THE HOSPITAL.

DEATHS ARE THE LAGGING INDICATOR, THE LAST THING WE SEE IMPROVEMENT IN.

WE ARE HAVING A LOT OF DEATHS AND THAT'S, IN PART, WHY THE HOSPITAL NUMBERS ARE GOING DOWN.

>> DEATH RATE IS REALLY CONCERNING, DOUBLE-DIGITS EVERY DAY.

>> IT REALLY IS.

WE SEE THE DATA FROM THE HOSPITAL COMMUNITY THAT REPORTS THAT.

VERIFYING IT TAKES LONGER.

BUT WE ARE LOSING 30 TO 40 ALABAMIANS EVERY DAY OF THE WEEK.

>> WHERE HOSPITALS ARE CONCERNED, WE'RE SHORT OF ICU BEDS, ALTHOUGH NOT AS SHORT AS WE WERE.

THIS WEEK OUR NEGATIVE WAS 16 COMPARED TO 90 A COUPLE OF WEEKS AGO.

>> I THINK WE ARE GLAD THE NUMBER IMPROVED.

WE HAVE WORSE THAN ZERO BEDS.

THERE'S STILL NO ICU BEDS IN THE STATE.

IF YOU NEED ONE TODAY, THERE'S NOT ONE.

HOWEVER, THE NUMBER IMPROVED A LITTLE BIT FROM 100 EXCESS CRITICALLY ILL PATIENTS DO TO A DOZEN OR SO.

>> CORRECT ME IF I AM WRONG, AT LEAST HALF OF ICU PATIENTS ARE COVID PATIENTS.

>> THAT'S RIGHT.

THAT'S WHAT IS DRIVING THIS.

WE UNDERSTAND THIS IS NOT A FLU SEASON OR SOME OTHER ISSUE.

THIS IS COVID.

IN THOSE PATIENTS, 90% OR SO ARE PEOPLE NOT FULLY VACCINATED.

>> BOOSTER SHOTS WERE ALL THE TALK THIS WEEKEND AS OFFICIALS MULLED OVER A NEW PFIZER BOOSTER SHOT.

PFIZER WILL BE FIRST UP, RIGHT?

>> THAT'S RIGHT.

WE WILL NEED ADDITIONAL GUIDANCE THIS WEEK FROM THE CDC WHICH WE ANTICIPATE.

THERE'S ONLY ENOUGH DATA TO REVIEW REGARDING THE PFIZER SHOT.

THERE'S NOT ENOUGH YET FOR THE MODERNA OR J.J. A LOT OF PEOPLE ARE ASKING ABOUT BOOSTER SHOTS.

WE WILL PUT OUT THE POLICY AS SOON AS WE GET CLARIFICATIONS ON THAT.

BUT THEY WILL BE HERE SOON.

>> HOW IS IT THAT PEOPLE ARE ALREADY GETTING BOOSTER SHOTS?

>> I THINK PEOPLE THAT HAVE GOOD ACCESS CAN GO AND A PROVIDER IS WILLING TO GIVE IT TO THEM.

WE'RE NOT POLICING THAT.

I DON'T THINK THE SCIENCE HAS SPOKEN THAT'S THE RIGHT THING TO DO.

IT IS PROBABLY NOT HARMFUL, BUT WE'RE CERTAIN LIVE NOT SUPPORTIVE OF THAT UNTIL WE GET CLEAR GUIDANCE FROM THE FEDS.

I PICKED UP A PRESCRIPTION IN THE DRUGSTORE AND TWO OR THREE PEOPLE IN LINE AND I HEARD THEM ALL GETTING THEIR THIRD SHOT.

WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO.

>> LET'S TALK ABOUT MONOCLONAL ANTIBODIES.

THAT'S A LOT OF THE TALK THIS WEEK.

WE DISCUSSED LAST WEEK THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT TOLD STATES TO CUT BACK ON THE AMOUNT OF MONOCLONAL ANTIBODIES PRESCRIBED TO FOLKS BECAUSE OF SUPPLY LIMITATIONS.

WE'RE IN A SITUATION NOW WHERE A LOT OF STATES ARE, PEOPLE THAT WANT AND NEED MONOCLONAL ANTIBODIES, THOUGH SICK WITH COVID THAT THE ANTIBODIES COULD TURN IT AROUND CAN'T GET THEM RIGHT NOW.

>> WE ARE REALLY WORRIED ABOUT THAT.

WE FOUND OUT ON MONDAY THAT THE ENTIRE DISTRIBUTION CHAIN WAS GOING TO BE ALTERED.

INSTEAD OF PROVIDERS BEING ABLE TO ORDER THE DRUGS THEY HAVE TO GO THROUGH AWE DISTRIBUTION THROUGH OUR STATE HEALTH DEPARTMENT.

WE HAVE HAD OUR TEAM, PARTICULARLY OUR PHARMACY TEAM WORKING ALMOST 24 HOURS A DAY THIS WEEK TO TRY TO GET OUT THE PRODUCT WE CAN.

I THINK WE WILL BE ABLE TO BE MAKE THE ADJUSTMENT OKAY BUT IT IS NOT CLEAR HOW MUCH WE WILL GET IN THE STATE.

WE HOPE THERE WILL BE ENOUGH TO GO AROUND BUT NO GUARANTEE THERE WILL BE.

>> AS I MENTIONED, THERE ARE PEOPLE WHO NEED THIS TO TURN THEIR ILLNESSES AROUND AND CAN'T GET IT.

>> LISTEN, THE CLOCK IS TICKING FOR THOSE PEOPLE AND THAT'S THE WORST PART.

NO ONE HAD ANY CLUE IT WAS COMING.

THERE ARE PEOPLE WHO HAVE COVID AND THEY HAVE A TEN-DAY WINDOW TO GET THE DRUG AND HAVE AN APPOINTMENT TO GET A DRUG AND THOSE FACILITIES ARE STRUGGLING TO COME UP WITH A DRUG TO GIVE THEM.

BY NEXT WEEK IT WILL BE TOO LATE TO TREAT THEM.

>> CORRECT ME IF I AM WRONG, THE ANTIBODIES CUT THE DURATION AND SEVERITY OF SYMPTOMS, RIGHT?

>> THEY ARE FOR PEOPLE WHO HAVE BEEN EXPOSED OR EARLY IN ILLNESS AND HAVEN'T GOTTEN TERRIBLY SICK YET BUT AT RISK BECAUSE THEY HAVE CHRONIC HEALTH PROBLEMS OR ARE OLDER.

THEY REDUCE YOUR RISK OF GOING IN THE HOSPITAL.

IF YOU ARE SICK ENOUGH TO BE IN THE HOSPITAL, IT IS NOT FOR YOU.

IT IS NOT APPROVED FOR THOSE PEOPLE.

>> WE DON'T KNOW WHEN IT WILL GET BACK ON TRACK.

>> WE HOPE TO HAVE MORE CLARITY ON MONDAY OR TUESDAY AND IT WILL DEPEND ON WHAT THE REST OF THE COUNTRY ORDERS AS WELL TO FIGURE OUT WHAT ALABAMA WILL GET.

>> FOR THE TIME BEING, PROVIDERS HAVE TO GO THROUGH THE STATE HEALTH DEPARTMENT TO PLACE ORDERS FOR THE ANTIBODIES NO THE MANUFACTURERS.

>> IT'S LIKE THE PROGRAM WITH THE VACCINE FOR THE FIRST SEVERAL MONTHS.

IF YOU REMEMBER, ANYONE GIVEN THE VACCINATION WE TRANSMITTED IT TO THE MANUFACTURER AND THE DISTRIBUTOR DELIVERED IT TO THEM.

IT'S THE SAME MODEL.

>> PEDIATRIC CASES OF COVID CONTINUE TO BE A CONCERN.

>> WE HAVE HAD 45 TO 55 KIDS A DAY IN THE HOSPITAL.

AND FIVE OR SIX ON VENTILATORS.

WE ARE SEEING HIGH NUMBERS IN SCHOOL-AGED KIDS AND IT'S CONCERNING.

>> THEY CAN TAKE THE VIRUS HOME AND GIVE IT TO OLDER RELATIVES WHO DON'T HAVE THE IMMUNE STRENGTH THEY DO.

>> THEY CAN AND DO.

KIDS DO GENERALLY WELL IN MOST CASES BUT THEY CAN SPREAD IT TO OTHERS AND THEY ARE PART OF THE TRANSMISSION CHAIN WE ARE TRYING TO INTERRUPT.

>> SO MUCH TO WORRY ABOUT.

STATE HEALTH OFFICER DR. SCOTT HARRIS, ALWAYS A PLEASURE.

>> THANK YOU, DON.

>> THANK YOU FOR YOUR LEADERSHIP.

>> AND "CAPITOL JOURNAL" WILL BE RIGHT BACK.

>> STAY IN TOUCH WITH "CAPITOL JOURNAL" ONLINE, ON FACEBOOK AND ON TWITTER.

YOU CAN CONTACT US BY E-MAIL AT DDAILEY@APTV.ORG OR BY MAIL.

>> FEW INDIVIDUALS IN THE HISTORY OF AMERICAN SPORT HAVE POSSESSED BETTER ATHLETIC ABILITY THAN BO JACKSON, THE SECOND HEISMAN TROPHY WINNER AND TWO-TIME ALL AMERICAN SELECTION, JACKSON IS THE ONLY RUNNING BACK IN AUBURN HISTORY TO RUSH 4,000 YARDS IN A CAREER.

IN 1986 THE BUCCANEERS AND ROYALS DRAFTED JACKSON, DECIDING NOT TO PLAY FOR THE BUCCANEERS BECAUSE THEY DIDN'T WANT HIM TO PLAY BASEBALL, HE SIGNED HIS FIRST PROFESSIONAL CONTRACT WITH THE ROYALS.

THE NEXT YEAR THE RAIDERS DRAFTED HIM WITH THE UNDERSTANDING HE WOULD BE ALLOWED TO PLAY BASEBALL, MAKING JACKSON ONE OF THE FEW ATHLETES TO SUCCEED IN PROFESSIONAL FOOTBALL AND BASEBALL AT THE SAME TIME.

IN MARCH 2013 ESPN SPORTS SCIENCE NAMED JACKSON THE GREATEST ATHLETE OF ALL TIME.

HE WAS INDUCTED IN THE ALABAMA SPORTS HALL OF FAME IN 1986 AND COLLEGE FOOTBALL HALL OF FAME IN 1998.

>> AND THAT'S "CAPITOL JOURN" FOR TONIGHT.

COMING UP NEXT FRIDAY NIGHT AT 7:30, WE'LL HAVE THE LATEST FROM THE STATEHOUSE, INCLUDING A COMPREHENSIVE REPORT ON PREPARATIONS FOR THE SPECIAL LEGISLATIVE SESSION ON PRISONS THAT WILL BEGIN ON MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 27TH.

AND OUR GUESTS WILL ONCE AGAIN INCLUDE STATE HEALTH OFFICER DR. SCOTT HARRIS, WHO WILL HAVE THE LATEST ON THE PANDEMIC, INCLUDING THE DAILY VIRUS CASE COUNTS, HOSPITALIZATIONS AND DEATHS, AND EFFORTS TO GET MORE MONOCLONAL ANTIBODIES INTO THE STATE, AFTER A FEDERAL CUTBACK BECAUSE OF SUPPLIES.

FOR ALL OF US AT "CAPITOL JOURNAL," THANKS SO MUCH FOR JOINING US.

I'M DON DAILEY.