TUSCALOOSA, AL — The Alabama Policy Institute on Wednesday announced its lists of the Most Conservative Alabama Legislators for the quadrennium, which includes two Tuscaloosa-area lawmakers.
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Founded in 1989 as the Alabama Family Alliance, the Alabama Policy Institute describes itself as a "nonprofit, nonpartisan educational and research organization committed to free markets, limited government, and strong families."
The Alabama Policy Institute says the list recognizes lawmakers whose voting records and legislative priorities reflected a consistent commitment to conservative principles: free markets, limited government, and strong families.
State Sen. Gerald Allen, a Republican from Tuscaloosa, was included among the list of senators, along with other West Alabama senators April Weaver and Matt Woods.
Among Allen's biggest policy victories over the last four years include restructuring the jurisdiction between the Tuscaloosa City Board of Education and Tuscaloosa County School System, shifting areas outside city limits back under county control and addressing tax distribution.
He also sponsored a bill that has since been signed into law that prohibits a governmental entity from restricting acquisition of appliances based solely on the type of energy used.
As Patch previously reported during the most recent legislative session, Allen was successful in getting an amendment through that would require Alabama’s public schools to play the national anthem once each week.
The proposed amendment will now be placed on the statewide ballot for Alabama voters to decide.
Republican State Rep. Bill Lamb, also of Tuscaloosa, was the only member of the Tuscaloosa County Legislative Delegation to land on the list.
Lamb is coming up on the close of his first term in the legislature after first being elected in 2022 following a long career of service as Tuscaloosa County chief financial officer.
He is running unopposed in the upcoming Republican primary and general election.
Lamb is credited with sponsoring legislation recently sent to the governor's desk that adjusts thresholds and requirements for municipal audits, potentially reducing burdens on smaller municipalities.
Other legislative initiative pushed by Lamb during the last session included the Fair Campaign Practices Act, which would allow for electronic notification of campaign finance penalties instead of certified mail in some cases.
He also attempted to secure tax-exempt status for High Socks for Hope — a nonprofit started by former Alabama baseball standout and MLB relief pitcher David Robertson that aims to provide long-term relief for natural disaster victims and homeless veterans.
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