change Archives • Alabama Political Reporter

A change will come; it always does

Change may come slowly, but all signs point toward the emergence of a more diverse Alabama.

November 27, 2023

Families plead for changes to Alabama’s parole system

Data shows a dramatic reduction in pardons and paroles, and a racial divide among who is denied.

September 2, 2021

Martin Luther King Jr. made Montgomery a beacon of hope and change

American icon. Morehouse Man. Shepard to the lost. Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., was much more than his dream; he was many things to many people. In Montgomery, Dr. King was the young, pioneering minister who would rise to become the conscience of our entire community. He was our national redeemer during a time … Continued

January 20, 2020

With new leadership, a viable Democratic Party is possible, even likely

The only constant in politics as in life is change, and the election of State Rep. Chris England as the Alabama Democratic Party’s chair is a sign of positive change. However, in a state that overwhelmingly elected Donald Trump president and is ruled by a Republican supermajority, how will England rebuild a currently factious Democratic … Continued

November 4, 2019

Trump administration plans to kick 3.1 million off of SNAP benefits

A change proposed Wednesday by the Trump administration could take away food assistance for 3.1 million vulnerable Americans. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, helps feed 36.3 million Americans, according to the United States Department ofAgriculture. That’s down from the 47.6 million who received that help just after the Great Recession. Agriculture Secretary Sonny … Continued

July 26, 2019

Alabama House Judiciary Chairman Jim Hill says a “multi-prong” approach needed on prisons

There is a general belief among lawmakers that Gov. Kay Ivey will call a Special Legislative Session sometime in the fall to address the state’s failed prisons. The real need, as many see, is not just building new facilities but also enacting sweeping justice reforms that impact the front end of the prison system. House … Continued

June 12, 2019

“Progressive” is not a bad word

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

June 6, 2019

Finally, something that might work

Expanding workforce development and rural broadband could very well be the most significant accomplishments of the 2019 Legislative Session. Both actions have the potential to change Alabama’s future by fostering middle-skill jobs and connecting rural communities to the global economy. The education budget passed in the Senate includes a $6 million increase for workforce development … Continued

May 29, 2019

Other states use lotteries to give kids a brighter future. Alabama wants to use lottery to build prisons

We have a vision problem in Alabama. We’ve always had a vision problem in this state. We are perpetually satisfied with how things are, with keeping things how they are, with resisting any change whatsoever. “Nah, we’re good,” should be our state motto. Even when making a change would benefit us, we resist. Even when … Continued

May 1, 2019