Author

Darrio Melton

Dr. King’s Legacy Depends On You

By Rep. Darrio Melton This week, we took a day out of our schedules to celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Dr. King was a tireless advocate for socioeconomic justice and equal rights at a time of tremendous upheaval in our nation’s history. Dr. King shared his dream with America … Continued

Darrio Melton

January 19, 2016

Opinion

Our Teachers Shouldn’t Be On The Chopping Block To Fix The State’s Problems

By Rep. Darrio Melton We have a lot of issues on our plate for the upcoming legislative session, and we’ve talked a lot about many of the critical issues: our state’s budget crisis, lack of Medicaid expansion, prison overcrowding, jobs, and so on. As we’re moving closer to the 2016 session, rumors are beginning to … Continued

Darrio Melton

January 12, 2016

Opinion

We Can Do Better Than Old Solutions to Old Problems: Let’s Look at Public Transportation

By Rep. Darrio Melton The 2016 legislative session is right around the corner, and the Republican Supermajority is already divided on the best approach to the budget blunder: increasing taxes or cutting services. Last session, many legislators considered an increase in the gasoline tax as a way to shore up the general fund, knowing the … Continued

Darrio Melton

January 5, 2016

Opinion

We Can’t Keep Cutting Our Way Out Of A Budget Crisis

By Rep. Darrio Melton As we’re moving into the New Year, Legislators are–once again–focused on old problems that have only been placated by patchwork solutions: namely, our state budget. The 2016 legislative session is right around the corner, and Republican leadership is wasting no time saying how this session is going to be exactly like … Continued

Darrio Melton

December 29, 2015

Opinion

Even the Grinch Understands the Reason For the Season

By Rep. Darrio Melton Amidst the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, sometimes it’s difficult to stop and remember the spirit of the season is about one thing: giving. It’s easy to get caught up in the gifts and shopping and sales, making sure you’ve made your list and checked it twice and having … Continued

Darrio Melton

December 22, 2015

Opinion

There’s one part of Wallace’s legacy worth protecting: Our community colleges

By Rep. Darrio Melton While Governor George Wallace is best known for his stand in the schoolhouse door, he is also responsible for establishing a community college system that made a huge impact on rural and middle-income families. Wallace wanted to be sure that a junior college education was within reach for every Alabama student … Continued

Darrio Melton

December 15, 2015

Opinion

Watch Out For The Second Year Of The Quadrennium

By Rep. Darrio Melton Each year, the joke around the State House is that the best time to slip something in the law and not be held accountable by media and constituents is the second year of the quadrennium. By this point, media attention has usually shifted to the upcoming presidential election, and 2018 is … Continued

Darrio Melton

December 8, 2015

Opinion

Alabama’s Education Budget Must Take Care of All Alabama’s Schools

By Rep. Darrio Melton Parents always emphasized the importance of investing time and money in a quality education. They teach you can lose money, material items, and but you can never lose your education. That’s why families put their children’s education at the top of their family budget every year: making sure they have the tools … Continued

Darrio Melton

December 1, 2015

Opinion

Thanksgiving is a time to pause and reflect about the kind of America we want to be

Rep. Darrio Melton Thanksgiving is a uniquely American tradition–a time to join together with friends and family to celebrate the gifts we’ve been given. As we move forward into the holiday season, I think it’s especially poignant that we stop and say thank you for our blessings. Many of us know the story of the … Continued

Darrio Melton

November 24, 2015

Opinion

National Guard Armory Closings Reveal Priorities

By Rep. Darrio Melton This week, our hearts went out to the victims of tragedies in Paris and Beirut. Americans stood in solidarity with the victims of these horrific attacks and committed ourselves to continue working to prevent these attacks at home and abroad. At the heart of the conversation about dealing with terrorism, extremism, … Continued

Darrio Melton

November 17, 2015