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Every citizen in Alabama deserves high-speed broadband

Alabama’s economy is booming with record low unemployment, wages on the rise and new industries continuing to choose our state to expand their businesses. However, we are lagging in providing critical broadband infrastructure to all our citizens. For too long, the expansion of fast, reliable internet service has been concentrated in larger cities while rural … Continued

Del Marsh

May 6, 2019

Opinion

A legacy of compassion

I am in no way opposed to Gov. Kay Ivey’s gas tax hike for bridge and road infrastructure. It’s been a long time since the gas tax was raised, and during all that time, Alabama’s roads and bridges have not been repairing themselves. I’m all in. But that is not the legacy Ivey should want … Continued

Joey Kennedy

March 15, 2019

The closing of another rural hospital renews calls for Medicaid expansion

The announcement that Butler County’s Georgiana Medical Center will close on March 31 of this year has renewed calls for the state to expand Medicaid. Georgiana Medical Center will become the 13th Alabama hospital to close in eight years, the seventh rural hospital to close. Other rural hospitals that have closed include those in Florala … Continued

Chip Brownlee

February 13, 2019

Red state governors tout economic success of Medicaid expansion

Montana’s Gov. Steve Bullock presented a report in early January that shows Medicaid expansion has added $270 million to the state’s economy annually since its passage in 2015, according to The Great Falls Tribune. “I think that it’s time we finally fully recognize the value of Medicaid expansion is as much for Montana businesses as it … Continued

Bill Britt

January 22, 2019

PCI investing heavily in out-of-state casinos using un-taxed dollars from Alabama

The Poarch Creek Indians are buying a billion-dollar casino in Pennsylvania using un-taxed dollars siphoned out of Alabama. PCI is paying $1.3 billion for the Sands Casino Resort Bethlehem in a bid to expand the tribe’s lucrative gaming syndicate beyond the borders of Alabama. According to lehighvalleylive.com, once the purchase is approved, the tribe, “plans to … Continued

Bill Britt

January 17, 2019

Opinion

Do what’ll really help: Expand Medicaid

We’ll certainly see whether state Sen. Greg Reed’s support of the new Medicaid Integrated Care Network is worthy and that the program does what is promised. Let’s hope it does, but pardon my cynicism, because any health care program these days that promises to do more for millions of dollars less falls under my “too-good-to-be-true” … Continued

Joey Kennedy

December 13, 2018

Alabama Hospital Association pushes for Medicaid expansion, backs candidates who do not

According to a recent AP report, the Alabama Hospital Association has launched a campaign to expand Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act. However, the organization is supporting Republican candidates who are either trying to kill the law altogether or refuse to expand its coverage in the state. The association has so far this election cycle … Continued

Bill Britt

September 25, 2018

Maddox touts plans to expand Medicaid, launch education lottery at bus tour kick off

Democratic gubernatorial candidate Walt Maddox promoted his plans to establish a state education lottery and expand Medicaid at the kick off of his statewide bus tour in Tuscaloosa on Monday. Maddox is attempting to make gains against sitting Gov. Kay Ivey by visiting 35 different stops on the tour. After the launch in Tuscaloosa, Maddox … Continued

Chip Brownlee

September 18, 2018

Provisions in House version of Fentanyl bill could inadvertently increase civil liability for businesses

A provision added to the House version of a bill to increase penalties for the trafficking and distribution of Fentanyl could inadvertently increase civil penalties for a wide-ranging sector of Alabama businesses. The bill’s Senate sponsor, Sen. Cam Ward, R-Alabaster, said Monday he would attempt to remove some of the House changes after discovering the provisions … Continued

Chip Brownlee

March 27, 2018

Senate approves bill intended expand rural broadband access

By Chip Brownlee Alabama Political Reporter The Alabama Senate on Thursday approved a bill intended to expand rural access to highspeed broadband internet. The bill, sponsored by Sen. Clay Scofield, R-Guntersville, aims to expand private investment in broadband infrastructure by providing tax incentives to telecommunications and cable companies that invest in rural areas. Senate Bill … Continued

Chip Brownlee

February 5, 2018