Senator Greg Reed Secures Significant Funds to Benefit Senate District 5
Senate President Pro Tem Greg Reed (R-Jasper) on Thursday announced that the Alabama Legislature has passed legislation making a generational investment of $772 million in communities across the state, including his own Senate District 5.
The one-time monies are spread out between three separate funds made possible by the federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA).
While federal law and regulations restrict how the money can be spent by the State of Alabama, Reed outlined that the Legislature was able to prioritize funding for key priorities that especially benefit rural Alabama, including expanding affordable high-speed broadband internet access, supporting volunteer fire departments and EMS, improving telemedicine, bolstering rural hospitals and health care providers, and reimbursing counties for extra expenses incurred due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The legislation also puts funds into the unemployment insurance trust fund, which in turn lowers the unemployment insurance burden on businesses and job creators throughout Senate District 5.
“The members of the House and Senate stepped up to make a generational investment in Alabama’s future,” said Reed. “We were able to take one-time monies and, through continued commonsense fiscal conservatism, fund key priorities that will benefit our children and our children’s children. Communities across our district will feel the positive impacts of today for years and years to come. I am proud of how my colleagues collaborated to get these funds out to the people of Alabama in the best manner and as quickly as possible.”
The legislation is now on the desk of Governor Kay Ivey, awaiting her signature.
Reed also highlighted that the legislation will send $10,000 to each volunteer fire department in Senate District 5.
“The hardworking people of Senate District 5 are set to see significant, long-term investments made in our communities because of this legislation,” Reed added. “The funding for our incredible volunteer firefighters and EMS personnel was a top priority of mine, and I’m excited to see this cross the finish line. We also made record progress on funding the expansion of high-speed broadband internet access through this legislation. This issue is critical for our area, and I will continue to fight to ensure all Alabamians have access to affordable, quality internet. I know this is such an essential aspect of our 21st century economy, education, health care system and quality of life, and zip code should not limit what is possible for any family or job creator in Alabama. Today is a major step in the right direction to make that dream a reality.”
Alabama Senate District 5 covers all or parts of Walker, Winston, Fayette, Tuscaloosa, and Jefferson counties.