In tense exchange in Alabama House, Rep. Coleman tells colleague: ‘You don’t want this smoke’
AL.com
2 hrs ago
This is an opinion column.
She was fire. Controlled fire. Fire, nonetheless.
It was the final day/night of the 2021 Alabama legislative session, the marathon day/night, the day/night when lawmakers bring their pajamas, comfortable shoes, and snacks to work until the clock strikes midnight.
A week ago Monday, around midday, Rep. Merika Coleman (D-Birmingham) had just wrapped a cordial yet spirited repartee with Rep. Paul Lee (R-Houston County) over the vaccination passport bill. As the lawmakers stood at podiums safely socially distanced apart on the House floor, Coleman asked Lee to read portions of the bill, including amendments, to clarify how they prevented private businesses and educational institutions from requiring customers or students to be vaccinated against COVID-19. She also repeatedly asked that their exchange be recorded.