What Alabama Lawmakers Do Beyond Politics: A Look at Their Diverse Jobs

The Alabama Legislature meets for 15 weeks each year, but many lawmakers have jobs outside their legislative duties. About two-thirds of the 104 state representatives work in other fields alongside their roles as lawmakers.

Most of these representatives continue in the jobs they had before being elected. Around two dozen have their own businesses, and a dozen are attorneys—making law one of the most common professions among legislators.

The House includes a variety of other professionals: two pastors, two police officers, a farmer, a pharmacist, an architect, an optometrist, and a certified public accountant.

Rep. Matthew Hammett, a first-term Republican from Dozier, works as a well-driller and co-owns a company that handles water well services.

House Speaker Nathaniel Ledbetter appreciates the diverse professional backgrounds of legislators. This diversity helps when appointing members to committees, like the Education Policy Committee, where having experience in education is valuable.

“The variety of backgrounds in our committees is beneficial,” Ledbetter said. “It allows representatives to bring their real-world expertise to the table.”

The Legislature’s sessions span up to 30 meeting days within a 105-day period each year, beginning in early spring. This doesn’t include special sessions, committee work outside the sessions, or handling constituent concerns.

Legislative salaries for 2024 are set at $59,674, adjusted annually based on Alabama’s median household income.

Rep. Steve Clouse, R-Ozark, has been in the Legislature since 1994 and previously ran an oil distributorship. He notes the challenges of balancing a legislative role with another full-time job, especially in leadership positions.

“There are constant issues and surprises in the budget that require attention,” Clouse said. “It's a demanding role.”

Legislators must file statements of economic interest with the Alabama Ethics Commission, revealing income ranges, spouse's employers, property ownership, and debts.

Most lawmakers' occupations include:

• Attorneys: Reps. Cynthia Almond, Bryan Brinyark, Prince Chestnut, Chris England, David Faulkner, Juandalynn Givan, Jim Hill, Patrice McClammy, Ben Robbins, Matt Simpson, Ontario Tillman, and Tim Wadsworth.
• Real Estate: Reps. Corley Ellis, Rolanda Hollis, James Lomax, Arnold Mooney, and Debbie Wood.
• Banking/Credit Union: Reps. Mike Shaw, Jeff Sorrells, and Andy Whitt.
• Law Enforcement: Reps. Russell Bedsole and Shane Stringer.
• Financial Advisors: Reps. Brock Colvin and Troy Stubbs.
• Pastors: Reps. Mark Gidley and Patrick Sellers.
• Homebuilders/Contractors: Reps. Brett Easterbrook, Ben Harrison, and Scott Stadthagen.
• Farmer: Rep. David Standridge.
• Architect: Rep. Craig Lipscomb.
• CPA: Rep. Kerry Underwood.
• Optometrist: Rep. Mark Shirey.
• Executive Director: Rep. Paul Lee of the Wiregrass Rehabilitation Center.
• Insurance: Rep. Frances Holk-Jones.
• Sales Manager: Rep. Mike Kirkland.
• Diversity Manager: Rep. Napoleon Bracy.
• City Planner: Rep. Corey Harbison.

Some representatives also own businesses. These include Reps. Mack Butler, Anthony Daniels, Jennifer Fidler, Jeremy Gray, Matthew Hammett, Reed Ingram, Jamie Kiel, Kelvin Lawrence, Joe Lovvorn, Rhett Marques, Marcus Paramore, Chris Pringle, Rex Reynolds, Phillip Rigsby, Chad Robertson, Ivan Smith, Shane Stringer, Troy Stubbs, Curtis Travis, Andy Whitt, Ritchie Whorton, Matt Woods, and Ernie Yarbrough.

Thirty-seven House members do not report other jobs, though many are retired or earn from investments.

Clouse believes the current mix of legislators is beneficial, offering a broad range of perspectives and expertise. The role of a legislator involves significant travel and time, often making it more demanding than other public positions.

Ledbetter, who does not have another full-time job, often works 50-hour weeks. He manages local concerns, meets with various groups, and handles a multitude of issues year-round.

“It’s more than just the time spent in session,” Ledbetter said. “The work involves constant communication and problem-solving.”

This diversity in occupations and experiences among Alabama lawmakers helps them address a wide range of issues and represent their constituents effectively.