Speaker of the Alabama House of Representatives Mac McCutcheon Visits the Rotary Club of Birmingham

RCB President Brenda Hackney and Rotarian Steve Shaw with Speaker McCutcheon following his presentation.

This week the Rotary Club of Birmingham welcomed Mac McCutcheon, Speaker of the Alabama House of Representatives. McCutcheon discussed leading the state legislature through the COVID-19 pandemic, ensuring public involvement in the legislative process and his commitment to building relationships, respect, and compromise amongst the state's 105 representatives.

"I always yield to the process, I always yield to patience, and I always yield to fairness," McCutcheon said. "Every member sitting in that chamber was elected by 45- to 50,000 people to be their voice and they deserve that right no matter what party they're in. This is a part of good leadership. That's the way our constitution and the legislative process are laid out."

McCutcheon explained the challenges of passing a statewide lottery bill and applauded legislators for addressing issues with the prison system, achieving surpluses in the education and general fund budgets.

"It came from some good planning and good management of your tax dollars to get us where we are today. We're in good shape. I give thanks to our legislators and those that have worked with us."

The Speaker highlighted priorities that will be addressed in the upcoming legislative session, including broadband internet access for unserved areas; improved water and sewer infrastructure; funding for Medicaid, mental and rural health; constitutional carry; the Literacy Act; protections for first responders and law enforcement officers; safeguarding the integrity of elections; support for small business owners and farmers; and benefits for educators, public employees and veterans.

"I just want to say what an honor it is to serve you. As we look forward to this session, let's roll up our sleeves and let's go to work and do the best we can."