New Alabama Senate leader lays out priorities

MONTGOMERY, Ala. — In February, the Alabama Senate will have a new leader for the first time in a decade when Republican Sen. Greg Reed of Jasper takes the helm as president pro tempore.

Republicans have named Reed, who has been majority leader since 2014, to replace longtime Pro Tem Del Marsh, who is stepping down. Reed said in a telephone interview Tuesday that rebuilding the state’s economy and alleviating the impact of the coronavirus pandemic will be his initial priorities.

“The people of Alabama are focused on the economy. They are focused on the changes we have seen in the economy. They are focused on job growth. … mitigating the coronavirus and being able to deal with that in collaboration with the federal government,” Reed said.

He said the “tactical pieces” of that will include renewing Alabama’s industrial incentives that are set to expire and addressing liability protection for businesses and organizations related to the virus.

“They are going to changes in the economy as far as what a post-coronavirus economy is going to look like,” Reed said.

Reed also said the pandemic has emphasized the need for expanded broadband across the state. Marsh has said that will be one of his priorities in the upcoming session.

Reed, 55, was first elected to the Alabama Senate in 2010. He has a business and marketing from the University of Alabama and is vice president of Preferred Medical Systems. His Senate biography lists his interests as spending time with his three sons, sporting events, fishing, hunting and singing gospel music. During his 10 years in the state Senate, Reed has developed a reputation for a cautious approach, refraining from the type of off-the-cuff remarks that generate controversy and headlines.

“He’s low key but also a diplomat’s diplomat. He knows how to make sure every member from both sides of the aisle will feel like they have a voice in the process,” outgoing Sen. Cam Ward said of Reed.

While Republicans hold a lopsided majority in the Senate, with numbers that easily allow them to push through legislation, Reed said he wants to focus on building relationships on both sides of the aisle and make sure are all senators have an opportunity to be heard.

“No. 1, I think the job of the pro tem is to make sure that the body is able to function, that all of the members of the body are able to be involved in the process, to be heard,” Reed said.

Legislation to address the state’s troubled prison system is also expected in the upcoming session, Reed said. The U.S. Department of Justice has threatened to sue Alabama over violent and poor conditions in the state’s prisons.

Asked about the governor’s plan to lease three privately built prisons, Reed said he expects additional discussion on whether it is better for the state to build or lease those prisons.

“It’s a big issue. It is a difficult topic, but I applaud the governor for moving forward,” Reed said.