It may be the era of DOGE in Washington, D.C., but House Speaker Nathaniel Ledbetter (R-Rainsville) and State Sen. Pro-Tem Garlan Gudger (R-Cullman) are attempting to capture some of that momentum at the state level.
Ledbetter and Gudger recently announced plans for leadership of the Alabama Commission on the Evaluation of Services (ACES) to testify before the legislature.
In 2019, state lawmakers created the ACES to work with state agencies and policymakers in assessing government programs. Specifically, the 2019 law states ACES was created "for the purpose of advising the Legislature and the Governor regarding the evaluation of services, which may include evidence-based policymaking, within the state."
ACES releases publications regarding many state issues, including teachers in the workforce, helping families, digital solutions to public health, and more.
In their joint statement, Ledbetter and Gudger announced that ACES director Marcus Morgan had been scheduled to testify before the House Fiscal Responsibility Committee.
"Since Republicans assumed control of the House and Senate in 2010, Alabama's fiscal outlook has improved significantly," the statement read. "Our state no longer spends beyond its means, proration has been eliminated since the passage of the Rolling Reserve Act in 2011, debts have been repaid, and reserve accounts have been replenished."
"We remain committed to responsible governance and ensuring that taxpayer dollars are used efficiently. Our priority is to maintain a government that is accountable to the people, and that commitment will continue under our leadership."
Morgan will testify before lawmakers on Wednesday, March 19, at 3 p.m. to "educate lawmakers on the work of the commission and answer any questions committee members might have."
"As legislative leaders, we will remain steadfast in our efforts to uphold transparency, efficiency, and accountability in Alabama's government," the statement concluded.
Gov. Kay Ivey applauded the announcement as an "effort to ensure more money stays in our taxpayers' pockets."
"All levels and branches of government must always strive to best serve our citizens while being good stewards of taxpayer dollars," Ivey said. "Both the executive and legislative branches of state government in Alabama effectively work as a team to ensure we are most efficiently serving the people of this state. I am proud to have members of my cabinet and staff be a part of this effort to ensure more money stays in our taxpayers' pockets."
Additionally, Ledbetter and Gudger sent a memo warning all state agencies of potential reprisal for refusing to share information with ACES.
"Any agency that refuses to share information relevant to government expenditures for an ACES study or program evaluation will be reported to legislative leadership, including the budget chairs of both chambers. Additionally, we ask that each agency identify one employee to serve as a dedicated point of contact for the commission."
To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email craig.monger@1819news.com.
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