Author

Darrio Melton

News

Governor: Show Leadership by Expanding Medicaid

By Rep. Darrio Melton When the governor met with newly-elected legislators last month, he called on us to offer leadership to do the right thing for the state of Alabama. After all, we’re staring down the barrel at some pretty tough issues in the next four years–we’re going to have to make some tough decisions … Continued

Darrio Melton

January 6, 2015

Opinion

Roy Moore and I agree: Alabama’s prisons need help

By Rep. Darrio Melton When Judge Roy Moore and I are on common ground, you know there’s a big problem. Last week, the Alabama Supreme Court Chief Justice said something I agree with: we need to look at our sentencing and fix our prison system. In the United States–the land of the free–we lock more … Continued

Darrio Melton

December 29, 2014

Opinion

End the Violence and Embrace the Christmas Spirit

By Rep. Darrio Melton Anyone who has turned on the news lately has probably had a difficult time getting into the holiday sprit. From the protests across the country demanding justice for victims of violence, to the terrible news about young Hiawayi Robinson, to the shooting death of Auburn’s Jakell Mitchell, to the tragic deaths … Continued

Darrio Melton

December 23, 2014

Opinion

You Can’t Blame This One on President Obama

By Rep. Darrio Melton We’ve heard a lot about the impending budget crisis facing the state of Alabama–we’re estimated to fall between $250 million and $700 million short for the next fiscal year. If the Republicans follow their usual trend, it won’t take long before they start blaming President Obama for the entire budget crisis. … Continued

Darrio Melton

December 16, 2014

Opinion

Alabama has a budget crisis: It’s time for Alabama Republicans to put people over politics to find a solution

By Rep. Darrio Melton When we return to Montgomery this March, one of the biggest issues we will have to face is patching a projected gap in the general fund budget. The Governor has projected that the state will fall between $250 million and $700 million short of fulfilling our financial obligations–that’s about 13 percent … Continued

Darrio Melton

December 9, 2014

Opinion

Budget shortfall is no surprise–It’s time to find real solutions

By Rep. Darrio Melton Last week, Governor Bentley came clean about the state’s budget shortfalls–Alabama is officially broke, broke, broke. This comes as no surprise to anyone who keeps up with Alabama politics. I would hope that includes the Governor. Alabama’s teachers know the state is facing a funding crisis: they’re being asked to do … Continued

Darrio Melton

December 2, 2014

Opinion

It’s Time for Americans to Embrace the Spirit of Thanksgiving

By Rep. Darrio Melton This week, families across the country will come together to give thanks around the dinner table. Thanksgiving has come to be opening day of the holiday season, marking the start of shopping and decorating. However, Thanksgiving should mean so much more than a quick dinner before the Black Friday sales. Not … Continued

Darrio Melton

November 25, 2014

Opinion

Republicans are going to be bolder, and so are we

By Rep. Darrio Melton Last week, the Republicans won huge races and picked up historic gains across America. They gained seats in the United States House of Representatives and took control of the US Senate. They elected governors in traditionally blue states and took a stronger hold on the state and local levels, around the … Continued

Darrio Melton

November 11, 2014

Opinion

Encourage Young People to Go to Polls

By Rep. Darrio Melton It’s time for young people to wake up and realize that their votes can change the world. Our parents and grandparents took to the ballot box to shape America into a country they could be proud to pass on to the next generation. As we turn back through history, we can … Continued

Darrio Melton

November 4, 2014

Opinion

Take Charge at the Polls Next Tuesday

By Rep. Darrio Melton Four years ago, the Alabama Republicans stormed the state house and ended 136 years of the Democratic majority. They unveiled their plan, the handshake with Alabama, to reform what they felt was broken in this state. Four years later, what do we have to show for it? They campaigned on improving … Continued

Darrio Melton

October 29, 2014