Alabama

Alabama should wait and watch before considering Medicaid expansion

If only Alabama’s leaders had a magical Medicaid “Choose Your Own Adventure” book, so they could flip ahead and see the different outcomes we could expect by expanding the government insurance program that was originally designed for the poor and disabled. Would it end in a stronger economy, more jobs and a vibrant system of … Continued

J. Pepper Bryars

April 30, 2019

Opinion

A big win for Alabama rural hospitals

A handful of stories in Washington generally get about 90 percent of the media’s attention. Don’t get me wrong, many of those stories are important, but much of my time in Washington is also focused on getting things done for Alabama that don’t make the front page. This week we got a big win on … Continued

Bradley Byrne

April 30, 2019

Opinion

State lawmaker should not continue to give the Poarch Creeks a monopoly

The Poarch Band of Creek Indians, which is comprised of fewer than 4,000 members, have a monopoly over gaming in Alabama. The lottery legislation passed last week by the Senate, if adopted unamended in the House, will ensure the tribe’s monopoly not only continues but will grow exponentially. A “paper lottery,” as sponsored by the … Continued

Bill Britt

April 29, 2019

Opinion

Concealed-carry bill holstered for now

When it comes to regulating firearms, Alabama really doesn’t have much common sense. This week, there was a spark, albeit a small one, in the Senate Tourism Committee. The committee rejected a bill, sponsored by Sen. Gerald Allen, R-Tuscaloosa, that would have allowed residents to carry concealed weapons legally without a permit. This was a … Continued

Joey Kennedy

April 25, 2019

What do Alabama Republican lawmakers and Trump haters have in common?

Alabama Republican lawmakers want the public to believe they are among President Donald Trump’s most avid supporters; however, many take money from those who back Trump haters. A look at campaign donations given by the Poarch Band of Creek Indians finds they financially back Trump’s most ardent enemies. From Hillary Clinton to Speaker of the … Continued

Bill Britt

April 24, 2019

Out-of-state corporate interests fighting legislation to protect Alabama’s small businesses

Washington, D.C.-based International Franchise Association has come to Alabama to battle against legislation proposed by Rep. Connie Rowe, R-Jasper, that would protect the state’s small business interests. At the State House, IFA is portraying its efforts as advocacy for small franchises, when in fact, the group fronts for corporate giants; McDonald’s, PepsiCo, Coca Cola, CKE … Continued

Bill Britt

April 24, 2019

Sewell to discuss insulin affordability, diabetes prevention in Tuscaloosa

U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell, D-Alabama, will be meeting with Alabamians with diabetes in Tuscaloosa Tuesday to discuss insulin affordability and ways to prevent diabetes and make its management more affordable. Her office said she hopes to hear “directly” from constituents on the issue. Alabama has the highest percentage of adults with diabetes in the nation, … Continued

Chip Brownlee

April 23, 2019

Alabama Senate OKs bill to allow for young military service members to open bank accounts

The state Senate has approved of legislation that will allow 18-year-old military service members to open their own bank accounts and take out loans. The bill is important for young Alabamians in the military, as state law requires residents under 19 years old to have a guardian as a co-signer or apply for loans separate … Continued

Mikayla Burns

April 22, 2019

Opinion

ALGOP poised to make law enforcement officers less safe

Alabama Republicans don’t seem to care much about the safety of law enforcement officers in the state. At least, it sure seemed that way on Wednesday, as sheriff after sheriff took time out of their days to explain to lawmakers how a bill that removes the requirement for a permit to carry a concealed firearm … Continued

Josh Moon

April 18, 2019

Opinion

Promises give way to buzzards’ feast

Just east of I-65 on the way into Montgomery this week, buzzards circled overhead as Buffalo Springfield’s ’60s protest song, “For What It’s Worth,” played on satellite radio. Perhaps a fitting omen for a legislative session that has so far seen little in the way of actual proposals that benefit the people of Alabama. What … Continued

Bill Britt

April 18, 2019