Kumbaya? Not Exactly.

Members of the Senate Finance and Taxation Education Committee seemed cheery--almost giddy--during its Wednesday meeting.

Could it be that a session marked by tension over local bills could be smoothed out with a friendly game of baseball?

It's doubtful whether they will break into renditions of Kumbaya, but senators seem to be in a better mood after their Tuesday softball game.

When the FTE Committee took up a non-controversial House bill that establishes a Virtual Library and an executive council for that library Sen. Rodger Smitherman, D-Birmingham, made this quip to bill sponsor Rep. Mac Gipson, R-Prattvile:

"Do you see how fast that passed," asked Smitherman, who is helping to keep the existing filibuster that's slowing down the Senate alive. "You don't have to worry downstairs. We're going to get this done quick."

Sen. Tom Butler, D-Madison, who lead a filibuster earlier in the session, jokingly added: "Unless it's a local bill. That might take some time."

The Senate lost to the House 15 to 16, so senators ribbed Gipson a little because of the controversy in the House over a bill that would remove the state-portion of the sales tax on food.
But only tomorrow will tell if the goodwill lasts beyond Wednesday.