Darrio Melton

News

Melton Pushes Minimum Wage Increase for Alabama

Staff Report SELMA—Representative Darrio Melton (D-Selma) has filed legislation for a constitutional amendment to increase the minimum wage in Alabama. His bill would increase hourly wages to $9.80 over the next three years. Currently, Alabama is one of five states that does not set its own minimum wage rate, instead relying on federal minimums. The … Continued

January 9, 2014

Opinion

Increasing Minimum Wage is Right for Alabama

By Rep. Darrio Melton I have made it no secret that one of my main goals for this legislative session is to encourage an increase in Alabama’s minimum wage. In the past few weeks, I’ve received a lot of support for this legislation, but also experienced a lot of pushback. I want to use this … Continued

Darrio Melton

January 7, 2014

Opinion

Renew and Restart this Holiday Season

By Rep. Darrio Melton Christmas is just around the corner, and I hope everyone has been able to finish their last minute grocery and gift shopping. I know my family is ready to spend some quiet time together, enjoying one another’s company, relaxing and preparing for the new year. I don’t know if it’s felt … Continued

Darrio Melton

December 24, 2013

Opinion

A Healthy Bottom Line Isn’t All That Matters

By Rep. Darrio Melton Last week I wrote about my plans to support an increase to the minimum wage in Alabama, but I wanted to take this opportunity to dive a little deeper in why I feel that employee fairness is critical for our working men and women as well as our corporations. I believe … Continued

Darrio Melton

December 17, 2013

Opinion

Alabama’s Families Need a Raise

By Rep. Darrio Melton As a representative of the people, I hear stories all the time. But there is one story that particularly breaks my heart, and that is the story of the family who just can’t seem to make ends meet. Here in Alabama, we have no minimum wage laws. We pay our employees … Continued

Darrio Melton

December 10, 2013

Opinion

Expanding Medicaid Is The Right Thing To Do

By Rep. Darrio Melton Alabama, it’s time to expand Medicaid. We must quit playing politics with peoples’ health and wellbeing and do what’s right for the people of this state. The Democrats have been calling for Medicaid expansion since the President signed the Affordable Care Act. That’s because the Democrats know that Alabama would benefit … Continued

Darrio Melton

December 3, 2013

Opinion

Take Time to Enjoy this Special Week

By Rep. Darrio Melton Thanksgiving is a special holiday in my house. Not only is it a time to stop and be thankful for the blessings in our lives, but it’s a time to get together with friends and family, eat great food and kick off the holiday season. This year, I want to challenge … Continued

Darrio Melton

November 26, 2013

Opinion

We Must Help Others During This Season of Thanksgiving

By Rep. Darrio Melton Last week, Typhoon Haiyan, one of the largest ever recorded, tore through the Philippines, causing more than 3,900 deaths and more than four million people to be displaced. Between 10 and 13 million people need assistance. Workers are still trying to get in to make sure everyone is under care. On … Continued

Darrio Melton

November 19, 2013

Opinion

We Must Honor Our Veterans with Words and Actions

By Rep. Darrio Melton Yesterday on Veteran’s Day, I took time to reflect on the blessings in my life and to pray for those who have put their lives on the line to protect us. We owe everything to the brave men and women in uniform: fathers, mothers, sisters and brothers who have left their … Continued

Darrio Melton

November 12, 2013

Opinion

Why We Should Use The Last Legislative Session Effectively

By Rep. Darrio Melton Yesterday marked one year until the 2014 elections. For Alabama, that means electing Representatives and Senators to the Alabama Legislature as well as our Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Secretary of State and other statewide offices. The 2014 election also means that instead of the Republican Supermajority in Montgomery talking about the change … Continued

Darrio Melton

November 5, 2013