Alabamians

Gas tax increase should be “Even Steven” — raise one tax, lower another

Can Alabamians support raising our gas tax for better roads while remaining true to our belief in limited government and protecting a beneficial, low-tax environment for our businesses, our families, and our future? Yes … if taxes are lowered elsewhere so that the overall amount of money taken from the people doesn’t increase. The concept … Continued

J. Pepper Bryars

February 22, 2019

Opinion

We lost some great leaders in 2018

As is my custom at the close of the year, I like to memorialize great Alabamians who have appeared and lived legendary lives upon the stage of political history in the Heart of Dixie. This year we have had some real legends. I have expanded the geographical limits to outside of Alabama to include two … Continued

Steve Flowers

December 26, 2018

Opinion

Alabama’s infrastructure: A municipal perspective

Alabamians use municipal infrastructure throughout the state to access jobs, schools, grocery stores, hospitals, parks, entertainment venues and church services – making infrastructure a significant and urgent quality of life issue. The state’s infrastructure needs are at a critical point, especially relative to their impact on our cities. Alabaster, a medium sized municipality, is struggling … Continued

Marty Handlon

December 11, 2018

Jones calls for Trump to approve individual assistance for Alabamians affected by Hurricane Michael

U.S. Sen. Doug Jones urged President Donald Trump last week to push for approval of individual assistance grants for Alabamians impacted by Hurricane Michael. While a Major Disaster Declaration was approved last week, it only provides public assistance grants. Public assistance grants help local governments and community organizations, but can’t be disbursed to individuals recovering … Continued

Chip Brownlee

November 12, 2018

Opinion

DAs can make the difference

Alabamians are ready to see a broken criminal justice system fixed, and it’s time to let those sitting in the most powerful position know it — our District Attorneys (DAs). District Attorneys are the lead prosecutors in counties across the state, but what voters may not realize is that the District Attorney wields an incredible … Continued

Dillon Nettles

November 1, 2018

Report finds Alabamians give up daily necessities to pay off burdensome court fines, fees

Many Alabamians with court debt are sacrificing basic daily needs like food and medical care to pay down burdensome court costs, fines and fees, a new report has found. The report — released Wednesday by the Alabama Appleseed Center for Law and Justice, UAB’s Treatment Alternatives for Safer Communities and Legal Services Alabama — found … Continued

Chip Brownlee

October 11, 2018

Opinion

Sez you, Nikki Haley

While “experts” like the United States’ Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley say it “is patently ridiculous for the U.N. to examine poverty in America,” Alabamians know that what’s actually ridiculous is the hundreds of thousands of Alabamians who live in poverty. Haley’s comments came in reaction to United Nations Special Rapporteur Philip G. … Continued

Kristina Scott

July 10, 2018

Opinion

Putting Alabama families first

When you run for public office, you think of family first – your spouse, your children, and your parents. Both of my parents were teachers. I grew up in a modest home where education was important, and where I was rooted in the kind of traditional family values which everyone can appreciate. The lessons I … Continued

Twinkle Andress Cavanaugh

June 28, 2018

Opinion

Electric vehicles make sense for Alabama drivers

As many as 50 million Americans are about to flip the switch over to electric automobiles with their next purchase, according to the American Automobile Association. A recent survey conducted by the AAA found that popularity of electric cars is trending upwards. With infrastructure and availability all here, Alabama can lead the charge toward electric … Continued

Mark Bentley

June 15, 2018

Opinion

If you think the Alabama GOP can’t sink lower, think again

“Free2be does not share the values of most Alabamians.” — Scott Dawson, Republican candidate for governor of Alabama. Scott Dawson might be right. But if he is, and if it’s true that Alabamians don’t share the values of Free2be, a group whose primary goal is to provide mental health counseling and counseling to prevent violence … Continued

Josh Moon

May 16, 2018