News in Brief for March 15, 2008

Published 11:28 am Monday, March 17, 2008

Gardendale

ALDOT works on potholes

The Alabama Department of Transportation began work this week to repair potholes on Interstate 65 south between the Mt. Olive Road exit to the Walker Chapel Road exit in Fultondale. ALDOT spokeswoman Linda Crockett said the work would continue through this week and crews would spend three days next week working on the northbound lanes.



Montgomery

Bill would ban double dipping in all state agencies

The ban passed by the State Board of Education against double dipping in the state’s two-year college system would be extended to cover employees of all state agencies, four-year universities, and K-12 schools, under legislation Gov. Bob Riley recently submitted to the Legislature today. The legislation would also prohibit legislators and other elected state officials from contracting for work with a state agency or public education institution. The bill is sponsored by Rep. Duwayne Bridges and has already garnered the support of 20 bipartisan cosponsors. “Many states already outlaw double dipping,” Riley said. “Eleven states have absolute bans on double dipping. Nineteen others have some form of restrictions against double dipping. This reform will bring a higher level of integrity, honesty and accountability to state government. The people of Alabama have a right to know where their legislator stands on this issue.”