Author

Craig Ford

Craig Ford is the owner of Ford Insurance and the Gadsden Messenger. He represented Etowah County in the Alabama House of Representatives for 18 years.

News

The Good and Bad of the Dual Enrollment Bill

By Minority Leader, Representative Craig Ford Expanding dual enrollment has been a goal for both Democrats and Republicans in the state legislature this year. Last week, we came one step closer to achieving that goal when the members of the State House of Representatives voted unanimously to pass a bill that will increase funding for … Continued

Craig Ford

February 18, 2014

Opinion

How and Why We Need to Expand Dual Enrollment

By Minority Leader Rep. Craig Ford When it comes to education, it’s not often that Alabama Democrats and Republicans agree. But one issue where we have found common ground is supporting dual enrollment for Alabama’s high school students. Dual enrollment allows kids to get a head start on their college degrees or vocational training programs … Continued

Craig Ford

February 10, 2014

Opinion

Actions During “Icemageddon” Show Why Educators and State Employees Deserve A Raise

By Minority Leader Rep. Craig Ford Alabama has seen its share of weather disasters in recent years. From snow and ice storms to horrific tornados, we have all been impacted in one way or another. But these situations have also shown how we come together as a community and help one another in times of … Continued

Craig Ford

February 4, 2014

Opinion

Medicaid Problems A Symptom of Alabama’s Sick Economy

By Minority Leader Rep. Craig Ford There is a disturbing trend happening in Alabama: the growing number of people enrolling in Medicaid and what this says about our economy and job creation. Every year for the past five years, Medicaid’s enrollment has increased dramatically. In 2010 the state spent $307 million on Medicaid, with a … Continued

Craig Ford

January 28, 2014

Opinion

The State of Our State

By Minority Leader Rep. Craig Ford If you watched Gov. Bentley’s State of the State Address last week or read about the budgets he has proposed, then, like me, you are probably both encouraged and disappointed. I was very encouraged to see the governor so strongly support our state’s pre-k program and vocational and workforce … Continued

Craig Ford

January 21, 2014

Opinion

House Minority Leader Craig Ford’s Response to the State of the State Address (Transcript)

by House Minority Leader Craig Ford Good Evening. I’m Craig Ford, and I am proud to represent the people of Etowah County in the Alabama House of Representatives. Tonight, I have the honor of giving the Democratic response to the State of the State address. We just heard the governor talk about the condition of … Continued

Craig Ford

January 15, 2014

Opinion

Abandoning Public Education is Not the Answer

By Minority Leader Rep. Craig Ford Most of us would agree that every child in Alabama deserves a quality education. That is why we have a public education system. Most families cannot afford a private school, so without public schools their children would not have a chance to get an education. It is also true … Continued

Craig Ford

January 7, 2014

Opinion

Let the People Vote

By Minority Leader Rep. Craig Ford The two most important issues that the state of Alabama will be facing in 2014 are education and job creation. These two issues are usually tied together because education is so critical to getting a good job, as well as recruiting and growing business. But education and job creation … Continued

Craig Ford

December 31, 2013

Opinion

The Reason for the Season

Minority Leader Representative Craig Ford Christmas is a special time of year for so many reasons. Most importantly, it is the time of year when we celebrate the birth of our lord and savior, Jesus Christ. He is truly the reason for the season, and every day I am grateful for the miracle of his … Continued

Craig Ford

December 24, 2013

Opinion

The Accountability Act Continues to Fail

By Minority Leader Rep. Craig Ford What would you do if you had $40 million to spend on education? Would you spend it on classroom supplies like textbooks and computers? Would you improve school security by hiring resource officers? Would you invest in academic programs like the Alabama Math, Science Technology Initiative (AMSTI), the Alabama … Continued

Craig Ford

December 17, 2013