Arise Daily News Digest 2-23-2012

BIRMINGHAM NEWS -  Alabama DHR commissioner says funding cuts could stop welfare payments.

AL.COM -  BP liable for civil penalties for oil spill, judge rules.

AL.COM - More than 300 rally in Montgomery, urging legislators not to cut mental health funding.

BIRMINGHAM NEWS - Long lines at Jefferson County courthouse where at least 2 have fainted called 'outrageous.'

BIRMINGHAM NEWS - Economic Development Partnership of Alabama boss says recruitment game is changing.

BIRMINGHAM NEWS - Alabama exports set record in 2011, with Canada, China and Germany top markets.

BIRMINGHAM NEWS - Panel votes to exclude Jefferson County from occupational tax ban.

BIRMINGHAM NEWS - Editor Joey Kennedy:  Are separate trustee boards for UAB, UAH even a remote possibility? No.

(FLORENCE) TIMES DAILY - State mental health head: Closings are necessary.

(FLORENCE) TIMES DAILY – The Times Daily: Getting smaller?

DECATUR DAILY – The Decatur Daily: Reserve fund in jeopardy.

TUSCALOOSA NEWS - Local lawmaker blasts mental health prison plan.

TUSCALOOSA NEWS - House delays action on Fire College bill.

GADSDEN TIMES - Execution dates set for 2 Alabama death row inmates.

GADSDEN TIMES - Summary of action in Alabama Legislature.

GADSDEN TIMES - House panel OKs social networking ban for inmates.

GADSDEN TIMES - Alabama exports reach $17.9B, led by cars.

GADSDEN TIMES – The Gadsden Times: Streamlining government the right thing to do.

BAMA FACT CHECK - AEA claims bills are 'raid on ETF.' Is it true?

(TALLADEGA) DAILY HOME - McClendon sponsors texting bill for fifth straight year.

ANNISTON STAR – Contributor John Pickens of Alabama Appleseed:  Alabama needs its exchange.

MONTGOMERY ADVERTISER - Gambling corruption trial: Gilley says he isn't a racist.

MONTGOMERY ADVERTISER - 'Move Over' law could include utility vehicles.

MONTGOMERY ADVERTISER - Gilley testifies about 2008 attack ad against Jay Love.

MONTGOMERY ADVERTISER - Contributor Yanyi Djamba:  Base immigration policies on data.

OPELIKA-AUBURN NEWS - Rogers airs Middle East worries to Lee County GOP.

DOTHAN EAGLE - The Dothan Eagle: Missing the forest for the trees.

WASHINGTON POST - Report: Debt will swell under top GOP hopefuls’ tax plans.

WASHINGTON POST - Columnist Matt Miller:  The missing contraception question.

NEW YORK TIMES - High Season for Tornadoes Ahead, Eyes on Southeast

NEW YORK TIMES – Contributor Bill Gates:  Shame Is Not the Solution

NEW YORK TIMES – The New York Times: Reform and Corporate Taxes