Author

Darrio Melton

News

Selective Christianity is Not the Answer

By Rep. Darrio Melton In the past few weeks of the Alabama Legislature, we have heard debate on everything from reciting a government-written prayer to posting the Ten Commandments in public schools and on government property. The bills’ sponsors are calling it religious freedom. I’m calling it selective Christianity. You see, we have debated school … Continued

Darrio Melton

February 25, 2014

Opinion

The Trouble with a Supermajority

By Representative Darrio Melton The trouble with a supermajority is that it overpowers the democratic nature of our republic. Some voices are silenced while others are given a microphone and a small group in leadership is allowed to set the tone and direction of the entire state. This legislative session, the Republican supermajority has promised … Continued

Darrio Melton

February 18, 2014

Opinion

We Must Close the Revolving Door in Montgomery

By Rep. Darrio Melton In the past three years since the Republican Supermajority took over the state house, we have seen an unprecedented number of resignations and even more “one and done” legislators. Many of the legislators who have resigned their public office, costing the taxpayers hundreds of thousands of dollars in special elections, have … Continued

Darrio Melton

February 11, 2014

Opinion

We Must Adequately Say, “Thank You” To Our Educators and First Responders

By Rep. Darrio Melton Last week, winter weather took our state by storm. Parents were stranded at work, motorists stranded on the roadways and children stranded at school. Across the south, people walked miles in the snow to get home while others slept in the aisles of stores or on the floors of their offices. … Continued

Darrio Melton

February 4, 2014

Opinion

The GOP Has A Double Standard For Working Families

By Rep. Darrio Melton The Alabama Legislature has been in session for two weeks now, and the Republican supermajority has wasted no time showing that they have a double standard for Alabama’s working families. At the State of the State address, Governor Bentley talked about Golden Dragon and all of the jobs they would bring … Continued

Darrio Melton

January 28, 2014

Opinion

Dr. King’s Dream is Alive and Well

By Rep. Darrio Melton Yesterday, we honored the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and the dream he shared for all people of this country. Dr. King was a drum major for justice, an agitator for equality and a fighter for freedom. Dr. King’s life has impacted people around the world who … Continued

Darrio Melton

January 21, 2014

Opinion

Increasing Minimum Wage is Right for Alabama

By Rep. Darrio Melton I have made it no secret that one of my main goals for this legislative session is to encourage an increase in Alabama’s minimum wage. In the past few weeks, I’ve received a lot of support for this legislation, but also experienced a lot of pushback. I want to use this … Continued

Darrio Melton

January 7, 2014

Opinion

Renew and Restart this Holiday Season

By Rep. Darrio Melton Christmas is just around the corner, and I hope everyone has been able to finish their last minute grocery and gift shopping. I know my family is ready to spend some quiet time together, enjoying one another’s company, relaxing and preparing for the new year. I don’t know if it’s felt … Continued

Darrio Melton

December 24, 2013

Opinion

A Healthy Bottom Line Isn’t All That Matters

By Rep. Darrio Melton Last week I wrote about my plans to support an increase to the minimum wage in Alabama, but I wanted to take this opportunity to dive a little deeper in why I feel that employee fairness is critical for our working men and women as well as our corporations. I believe … Continued

Darrio Melton

December 17, 2013

Opinion

Alabama’s Families Need a Raise

By Rep. Darrio Melton As a representative of the people, I hear stories all the time. But there is one story that particularly breaks my heart, and that is the story of the family who just can’t seem to make ends meet. Here in Alabama, we have no minimum wage laws. We pay our employees … Continued

Darrio Melton

December 10, 2013