Ivey expected to announce gas tax hike proposal tomorrow
Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey is expected to announce a gas tax proposal this week as infrastructure improvement takes center stage in this year’s legislative session. Ivey’s press office said she will have a Wednesday news conference to announce an infrastructure plan. A proposed gas tax increase to fund road and bridge construction is expected to be among the top issues in the legislative session that begins Tuesday. – WVTM
Del Marsh tells BBA state infrastructure needs to dominate session
State Sen. Del Marsh said he expects the new legislative session to be dominated by the state’s infrastructure needs and paying for them through a possible gas tax increase. Marsh, the senate Pro Tem, spoke to the Birmingham Business Alliance today, and also commented on his possibly running for the U.S. Senate. – AL.com
Huntsville’s business community confident of growth
If small business is backbone of the economy, Cathy Lighton has certainly helped contribute, while also stretching arms, legs, and abs at her yoga studio in downtown Huntsville. Perched on the top floor of the Huntsville Times building, Light on Yoga fitness has unobstructed views of booming downtown Huntsville. When asked about her faith in the Huntsville economy, Lighton said, “It is very high, even just here in downtown.” – WAAY
BBA report shows Birmingham job market sees steady growth
Birmingham companies announced significantly more jobs and capital investment in 2018 than in 2017, according to the Birmingham Business Alliance (BBA). In 2018, 58 companies across the Birmingham seven-county region announced 4,511 jobs and $1,026,024,686 in capital investment, compared with 3,068 jobs and $572.7 million in capital investment announced by 40 companies in 2017. The seven-county region encompasses Bibb, Blount, Chilton, Jefferson, St. Clair, Shelby, and Walker counties. – News release
Tuskegee prepares to inaugurate first female president
A new era of leadership and excellence will serve as the overarching theme for Tuskegee University’s upcoming inauguration of President Lily D. McNair. McNair will be formally installed as the institution’s eighth president — and its first female president — in a ceremony on March 15. Events throughout the week of March 10, which in addition to the installation ceremony include a symposia and fundraising gala on March 16, will celebrate this historic milestone in the life of the 137-year-old historically black university. – News release
Wallace State health programs offer new options, curriculum changes
Three health programs at Wallace State Community College are making changes to expand their offerings or altering the curriculum to offer students more options to enter the workforce, to specialize in specific areas in their chosen field or to decrease the time they need to finish their degree.– News release
Reviewer takes early look at 2020 Kia Soul
After two successful generations, the plucky Kia Soul has outlasted all of its original competitors, from the Scion xB to the Honda Element, Nissan’s Cube and more. The boxy hatchback’s balance of sharp style, competitive features and great value made it a fast favorite, but it’s Kia’s knack for improving the Soul without changing what we love about it that has allowed this challenger to weather the years better than the more established competition. – Road Show
