Darrio Melton

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Expanding Medicaid Is The Right Thing To Do

By Rep. Darrio Melton Alabama, it’s time to expand Medicaid. We must quit playing politics with peoples’ health and wellbeing and do what’s right for the people of this state. The Democrats have been calling for Medicaid expansion since the President signed the Affordable Care Act. That’s because the Democrats know that Alabama would benefit … Continued

December 3, 2013

Take Time to Enjoy this Special Week

By Rep. Darrio Melton Thanksgiving is a special holiday in my house. Not only is it a time to stop and be thankful for the blessings in our lives, but it’s a time to get together with friends and family, eat great food and kick off the holiday season. This year, I want to challenge … Continued

November 26, 2013

We Must Help Others During This Season of Thanksgiving

By Rep. Darrio Melton Last week, Typhoon Haiyan, one of the largest ever recorded, tore through the Philippines, causing more than 3,900 deaths and more than four million people to be displaced. Between 10 and 13 million people need assistance. Workers are still trying to get in to make sure everyone is under care. On … Continued

November 19, 2013

We Must Honor Our Veterans with Words and Actions

By Rep. Darrio Melton Yesterday on Veteran’s Day, I took time to reflect on the blessings in my life and to pray for those who have put their lives on the line to protect us. We owe everything to the brave men and women in uniform: fathers, mothers, sisters and brothers who have left their … Continued

November 12, 2013

Why We Should Use The Last Legislative Session Effectively

By Rep. Darrio Melton Yesterday marked one year until the 2014 elections. For Alabama, that means electing Representatives and Senators to the Alabama Legislature as well as our Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Secretary of State and other statewide offices. The 2014 election also means that instead of the Republican Supermajority in Montgomery talking about the change … Continued

November 5, 2013

It’s Time To Get Covered, Selma

By Rep. Darrio Melton When the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act passed in 2009, some protections went into effect immediately, while others were phased in over time. Many of the immediate changes to health care law affected what many believed to be discriminatory practices by insurance companies: charging women more than men, refusing coverage … Continued

October 15, 2013

Republicans Must be Held Accountable for Shutdown

By Rep. Darrio Melton Our leadership in Washington is failing us. Last week, Republicans put the Democrats’ backs against the wall in an attempt to defund the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, or Obamacare. Normally, I would hold both sides responsible for failing to compromise, but this case is different. The Democrats shouldn’t compromise … Continued

October 8, 2013

Obamacare Roll-Out Will Bring Tremendous Benefits

By Rep. Darrio Melton What would you think if you saw more than 600,000 people struggling to stay healthy? Your first guess might be that you’re in a third-world country or a war zone. Your first guess would probably not be that you’re in Alabama. In Alabama alone, there are 642,738 people without health care … Continued

October 2, 2013

The Accountability Act is Failing Our Schools

By Rep. Darrio Melton This week, I stood at a podium in Montgomery alongside other House Democrats to offer an alternative to the Alabama Accountability Act. What did Speaker Hubbard say? He said we proved the Democrats are out of good ideas. As you know, the Accountability Act was intended to offer children a way … Continued

September 18, 2013

Why Storming the State House is Bad for Alabama

By Rep. Darrio Melton Last week, another Republican legislator joined the ranks of those who have chosen to leave public service mid-term and take a lucrative private sector position. These former public servants used their connections as elected officials to make private-sector associations, then turned their backs on their districts and followed big checks to … Continued

September 10, 2013