advocate

The Southern Poverty Law Center condemned Governor Kay Ivey’s comments saying she would not advocate for “no-excuse absentee voting” during the COVID-19 outbreak, calling her comments “irresponsible.” Currently, to receive an absentee ballot, the voter must submit a valid reason as to why they are unable or unwilling to vote at a polling place. “No-excuse” … Continued

Paul DeMarco wrote a letter to the editor dated January 13, 2020, in which he responded to a recent report by the Campaign for Smart Justice with ACLU of Alabama. The report analyzed 5 years-worth of data and projected a spike in Alabama’s already overcrowded prison population in 2020, mostly due to the parole board … Continued

More than 100,000 Alabamians are holding down jobs but still can’t afford health care, and groups that advocate for expanding Medicaid in the state say those families don’t have to go without.  In Alabama, around 50,000 women who work can’t afford the health care provided by their jobs or private insurance, according to a recent … Continued

After I wrote a controversial column a few years ago that received a gaggle of ad hominem attacks from characteristically inarticulate readers, a friend of mine from the Northeast texted me: “Joey, you and Veronica need to move to a blue state. It’ll add 10 years to your life.” In today’s crippled, dying world, I … Continued

In an effort to stop gun violence, volunteers with Alabama Moms Demand Action and survivors of gun violence will meet with state legislators this week. The meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, April 10 in Montgomery, and speakers will include at least two gun violence survivors and one gun owner. The volunteers hope to stop lawmakers … Continued

Student Ashley Kimbel of Grissom High School in Huntsville, Alabama, appeared on NBC’s “Today” last month as the newest advocate for dual-enrollment programs. Kimbel, who is a 17-year-old dually enrolled Calhoun Community College student, is nationally known for designing a lighter-functioning prosthetic foot for Marine Corps veteran amputee Kendall Bane. Bane and Kimbel appeared on … Continued

In what may be the most consequential political race of 2018, interim Attorney General Steve Marshall was bested in fundraising in April. According to the latest campaign finance reports, former Attorney General Troy King raised around $500,000 to end the month while Marshall received just under $250,000 during the same period. Of the four Republican … Continued

Larry Lee is no stranger to Alabama politics, especially in education circles. For going 50 years or so now, Lee has been involved in state government — a member of the Alabama Republican Party — and writes a popular education blog. He’s been a thorn in the side of many elected officials, and the voice … Continued