By Brandon Moseley
Alabama Political Reporter
Friday, Alabama state Sen. Tom Whatley announced that he will seek re-election for State Senate District 27 representing portions of Lee, Russell and Tallapoosa Counties.
“I am proud of the accomplishments we have made in my legislative career,” Whatley said. “We have the lowest unemployment rate ever and our housing prices are increasing for the third straight year along with our economy being the 12th healthiest in the nation. But there is still work that needs to be done. I will continue to help move our state’s economy forward by creating and supporting a pro-business environment, and I look forward to working with Governor Ivey and the Republican leadership to improve our roads, ensure that tax dollars are spent wisely, and protect our conservative values and morals.”
Whatley qualified with the Alabama Republican Party in Hoover, Alabama, the first day qualifying opened. Whatley is currently serving his second term. He chairs the Agriculture Conservation and Forestry Committee and is also a member of the following committees: Banking and Insurance, Confirmations, Finance and Taxation, Education, Health and Human Services, Judiciary, Transportation and Energy and Veterans and Military Affairs.
Whatley said that he has worked hard to pass several pieces of legislation that help Alabama families, veterans – the Heroes for Hire Bill, seniors, students and children – the autism insurance bill and Ava’s Law. Whatley was instrumental in securing an additional $13 million in education dollars for the nation’s premier Pre-K program. Recruiting jobs and companies to Alabama like Schmidt USA, Leonardo, Baxter International, SiO2, Viper, Blue Origin, Aerojet Rocketdyne, Airbus, Touchstone Precision, VCOM, Arkal, GE Aviation and Equifax will continue to be a priority.
Whatley also introduced a bill that was signed by Gov. Kay Ivey to make our election process more transparent. Whatley said that his bill stopped party crossover voting and will protect the integrity of our election process, giving everyone clear choices no matter the party in November for the general election.
Whatley was recently named Legislator of the Year by the National Autism Law Summit. He sponsored the bill that requires insurance companies to pay for autistic children to receive intense, individualized therapy that focuses on improving communication and social skills.
“Autism affects thousands of families across Alabama, and it was time that we made sure those families could access affordable treatment for their children,” Whatley said. “There are a lot of dry legislative battles in Montgomery, but this was a fight that was clearly worth it, and it is an honor to be recognized for the small part I played in the process.”
Whatley is a native of Lee County, where he was raised on the family farm. He is an attorney and has served his country in the U.S. Army. Whatley has been in the Alabama National Guard for over 29 years.
As of Friday, Whatley was the only candidate who has formally qualified in the District 27 Republican primary.
The major party primaries are on June 5, 2018.
