Franklin County, News, RSS Facebook, RSS General, RSS Twitter, Russellville
 By  Staff Reports Published 
9:40 am Wednesday, September 23, 2015

A legislature visit

During the Tharptown senior government class’s attendance at the second special session of the legislature last week in Montgomery, the students ran into Gov. Robert Bentley, who paused for a special photo opportunity.

During the Tharptown senior government class’s attendance at the second special session of the legislature last week in Montgomery, the students ran into Gov. Robert Bentley, who paused for a special photo opportunity.

The Tharptown senior government class attended the second special session of the legislature last week in Montgomery.

“The students had a great experience of witness debate on the budget issues facing our state,” said Bart Moss, senior government and economics teacher at Tharptown. “They heard debate on the cigarette tax, auto tag tax and the debate on the systemic changes some feel need to be made to the state budget to make the budgeting process more efficient.”

The students started their day in the office of John Merrill, Alabama’s Secretary of State. Merrill spoke to the students about the various duties of his office and the importance of registering to vote and participating in the political process.

“September is Voter Registration Month in Alabama,” said Merrill.  “We want to see as many people register as possible especially these young people, many of whom will be able to vote for the first time in the March 1 primary or the November General Election.”

After leaving Merrill’s office, the students sat in the gallery of the House of Representatives and listened to debate on the cigarette tax. The students were recognized by Speaker of the House Mike Hubbard.

Rep. Ken Johnson, who represents the east end of Franklin County, and Sen. Larry Stutts spoke to the students in a committee room while the students ate pizza courtesy of Stutts. They spoke to the students about the different debates going on in their respective chambers.

“It was fun learning about how our government works and seeing it in action,” said Tharptown senior Brittney Garner. “I will get to vote in the next election for president and other offices, and I am really looking forward to it.”

After lunch, the students sat in the Senate gallery and heard debate on the automobile tag tax deferment by Sen. Tripp Pittman.

Before boarding the bus to head back to Tharptown, the students got a surprise visit by Gov. Robert Bentley.  Bentley was walking across the street from the legislature to the capitol and stopped and spoke to the students and got his picture made with them.

“This was a great learning experience for the students,” said Moss. “It’s good to get out of the textbook and classroom and get out into the real world and see their government work in real time. They enjoyed the debate and meeting the different elected officials. Hopefully it was something that will inspire them to participate in the political process by paying attention to the issues, voting, and, maybe, some will run for office one day.”

Also on Franklin County Times
First Metro Bank donates $250K to hospital
Main, News, Russellville, ...
María Camp maria.camp@franklincountytimes.com 
April 8, 2026
RUSSELLVILLE — Russellville Hospital has received a $250,000 donation from First Metro Bank through a state tax credit program. “All rural hospitals a...
PC grad had role in Artemis II launch
Main, News, Phil Campbell, ...
By Bernie Delinski and María Camp 
April 8, 2026
PHIL CAMPBELL — Noah Williams stood in a grassy field at Kennedy Space Center on April 1 about seven miles from the Artemis II launch pad. It was the ...
Locals react to US’s 10-day space flight
News, Russellville
María Camp maria.camp@franklincountytimes.com 
April 8, 2026
RUSSELLVILLE — Rocky Stone, former Russellville High School principal, called last week’s Artemis II launch a “milestone” in the United States’ space ...
Gray hired as UNA director of bands
News
Alyssa Sutherland For the FCT 
April 8, 2026
FLORENCE — Joseph Gray has been named the next director of bands for the University of North Alabama. He will also serve as an associate professor of ...
Protect local deposits which power growth
Columnists, Opinion
April 8, 2026
Most conversations about new digital payment tools often miss a crucial reality: When money exits community bank deposits, local lending is directly i...
Meeting highlights service, awards
Columnists, News, Opinion
HERE AND NOW
April 8, 2026
Members of the GFWC Book Lovers Study Club reported more than $2,700 was raised for community causes, and the chapter received multiple awards during ...
Waypoint Church hosts Easter egg hunt
News, Russellville
María Camp maria.camp@franklincountytimes.com 
April 8, 2026
RUSSELLVILLE – Waypoint Church held an Easter event at Sloss Lake Friday afternoon. The free event included photos with the Easter bunny, music (inclu...
Band turns life’s stories into songs
Features, News
Chelsea Retherford For the FCT 
April 8, 2026
For the band OTIS, the road isn’t just for touring and performance. Between shows, in parking lots and back rooms, the band gathers stories from the p...

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *