• From: Lanett, Alabama
  • Registered: 03-27-2009
  • Posts: 124

Topic: Supporter Senator Kim Benefield, District 13

Senator Benefield supports PACT legislation. This is her direct quote following the Senate not addressing SB581 on Tuesday, May 5, 2009

"I am supportive of the bill by Senator Bedford as passed out of committee.
I believe this is a good bill and it has many good points. 
However,  I do not believe the votes are here to pass the bill as there are several in this body that do not believe this is the appropriate approach.  I can't speak for those that are opposed. Starting today, if a bill should pass, any one person in the senate can object to the transmittal of the bill to the house, thus, killing the bill.  That is not to say that nothing can be done.  I am just not optimistic in the legislature passing Senator Bedford's bill."

Einstein once said, 'The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.'

tenrocdoc's Website

  • Registered: 03-28-2009
  • Posts: 31

Re: Supporter Senator Kim Benefield, District 13

2009 Regular Session Week in Review For the Week of May 4th-8th   
By Representative Greg Wren     (Weekly E-Mail From Representative Greg Wren’s Office Received 5/8/2009)

PACT Update---The PACT program will remain a key issue during the next few months as the PACT Board continues its assessments and is still responsible for the fund's management. The Legislature will conduct independent reviews as the Legislative Fiscal Office staff becomes available after the session adjourns. House Bill 747 by  Representative Craig Ford (D-Gadsden) would transfer from the Alabama Trust Fund (oil and gas trust funds) to the PACT $50 million in the first year then $25 million each year for the next 4 years (total of $150 million).  This transfer would cost the state general fund up to $4 million in lost interest earnings and require the transfers to be repaid to the Alabama Trust Fund within 5 years---with interest. In my opinion, even with my initial reservations about the original bill, the intent of the legislation was gutted by Representative Alvin Holmes as he offered an amendment which would allow the $150 million transferred to only be used to fund PACT contracts purchased prior to December 31, 1995. Holmes' amendment is an affront to the vast majority of PACT holders. Holmes' amendment was adopted---I voted against the amendment and against the bill on final passage. Recent gains on the fund's assets and in-depth assessments and responsible recommendations will be fully and publicly vetted.  The Legislature doesn't need to knee-jerk react by passing legislation which could make a difficult situation even worse. I will remain engaged in this critical issue in the months ahead.

  • Registered: 06-29-2009
  • Posts: 3

Re: Supporter Senator Kim Benefield, District 13

I have spoken to Senator Benefield both on the phone and in person. I have heard nothing but doublespeak from her. I would not count her as a supportor of PACT.