Editorials

At 1 p.m. today, Alabama's lawmakers will gather in Montgomery. They have only three meeting days remaining in this session to do the people's business. Given the breaks they can take, the session might last as late as May 19. Then, if the work is not done, Gov. Bob Riley can call a special session.

Between now and then, our senators and representative could:

• Pass the education and general fund budgets. If not, there will be a special session.

• Pass a ban on smoking in almost all indoor workplaces except stand-alone bars.

• Pass a bill requiring proof of legal residence before receiving most public assistance.

• Let the people vote on whether to remove the sales tax on groceries, raise the state income tax threshold, and raise taxes on upper-income households by removing the federal income tax deduction.

• Pass a bill that would exempt the federal economic stimulus rebate from state income taxes.

• Pass a bill that would allow public employees to hold down state jobs and serve in the Legislature.

They could pass those bills, but should they?

The budgets? Of course that legislation should pass. Though there are differences between the House and Senate versions, resolving these should be the top priority.

The ban on smoking also should be passed. This will save lives and money. A no-brainier, though some will still oppose it.

Proof of legal residence to receive public assistance? Although this is sliding down a slippery slope, because the bill exempts emergency medical assistance, short-term disaster relief and prenatal care, it is likely the best solution to an emotional issue. It should pass, but as a last step — not a first.

The people should be allowed to vote on removing the sales tax on groceries and the other provisions in this bill. The compromise being proposed by the governor would be better than nothing, but to do nothing is not acceptable.

The economic stimulus rebate should be exempted from state income taxes. Failure to pass this would work against the very purpose of the stimulus.

The bill that would allow public employees to serve in the Legislature and in effect become state paid lobbyists for their employer should not pass. Unfortunately, it will. But coming so late in the session it will arrive on the governor's desk too late for his certain veto to be overridden, so it looks as if this one is dead — happily so — for another year.

This legislative session is almost over. There are other bills that should be considered and passed — such as allowing the people to vote on having a convention to rewrite our antiquated Constitution, for example. And because of senators who have put politics before the good of the state, much that should have been done will not be accomplished.

However, if the bills being considered are handled in a manner that helps our state's business, this session may turn out to be better than expected. It surely could have been worse.