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An Alabama Solution to an Alabama Problem: Rebuilding the Alabama Corrections System

In order to correct a problem, you must first admit there is a problem. In Alabama, we have a problem. Our problem is our state’s corrections system. Like many other states, issues of violence, poor living conditions and mental illness persist within our system. These issues, and others, are exacerbated by a crowded inmate population, … Continued
February 12, 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
January 22, 2019

A look at other issues Ivey touched on in inaugural address

Among the 2,766 words in Gov. Kay Ivey’s inaugural speech, she addressed a few major themes and some gems and clues on critical issues that she wants to tackle over the next four years. Roads and bridges were front and center in Ivey’s remarks, as were prisons, but within the text she emphasized other priorities, … Continued
January 16, 2019

We don’t matter, because we don’t want to

I generally don’t make New Year’s resolutions. I have a few times, but not too often. The last New Year’s resolution I made was in 2012, about this time of the year, just before the world became 2013. I had just seen Les Miserables, the big-budget movie musical, and I loved it. I’ve seen the … Continued
December 28, 2018

Maryland group says high alcohol, tobacco taxes save lives

Tuesday the Maryland Healthcare for All Coalition released a video demonstrating their position that high alcohol and tobacco taxes to address public health issues saves lives. The video follows a comprehensive study from the Abell Foundation showing steep reductions in alcohol consumption and tobacco use, especially among young people, after tax increases were enacted. “The … Continued
December 20, 2018

Walt Maddox has lost his mind

Walt Maddox is nuts. That’s the only explanation I have for what the man’s doing — going around the state and trying to engage voters on the issues. Holding press conferences talking about health care and offering plans for increasing Medicaid coverage. The guy’s got an infrastructure plan. He’s got an education plan. He’s got … Continued
September 25, 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
September 25, 2018

Alabama voter priorities: Jobs and the economy rank high

Last year, the Public Affairs Research Council of Alabama surveyed Alabama voters to gauge their priorities heading into this year’s statewide elections. That report showed broad agreement among voters about key issues facing the state. First among the issues were Pre-K–12 education, health care and government ethics and corruption. Further down the list was jobs, … Continued
September 10, 2018