rural

The urban to rural divide among Democrats and Republicans is steadily persisting, but Democrats seem to be pulling suburbia toward their side. According to a study by ALG Research, Democrats continued a trend from the 2016 election in 2018’s midterms, making significant gains in the suburbs but failing to rope in votes from rural communities. … Continued

The report cards for Alabama’s public schools dropped this week, and once again, we’re all failing. Oh, don’t get me wrong, Alabama’s public schools are doing a fine job educating the overwhelming majority of students who enter their doors each day. There are fantastic teachers in those schools, great administrators and some of the finest … Continued

In Alabama, Republican politicians have ignored the question of Medicaid expansion or rejected it outright, refusing to bring the issue to the floor of the state Legislature, but an outgoing Republican senator and hospital officials are pushing for it to be on the 2019 legislative agenda. Voters appear to be on the side against expansion, … Continued

I have lived and worked in rural Alabama as a pediatrician since 1980. I have participated in the expansion of Medicaid for children up to age 19. I am very proud to say that because of Medicaid and the Children’s health Insurance Program now only 2 percent of Alabama’s children are uninsured. Preventive care has increased … Continued

I was born in Delta, Alabama, and I have spent the majority of my life in Lineville, working as a teacher, a coach, and as a state senator in the Alabama Legislature. I served my country in the Alabama National Guard as a Brigadier General and have a strong sense of duty for the state … Continued

Congresswoman Terri A. Sewell (D-Selma) and Congressman Darin LaHood (R-Illinois) have introduced H.R. 6269, a bipartisan bill to prevent upcoming Medicare cuts to reimbursements for ambulance service providers. In order to pay for better reimbursement rates, the legislation reduces reimbursements for fraudulent ambulance service providers, specifically targeting providers who primarily provide non-emergency transportation. Rep. Sewell … Continued

Agriculture is our country’s oldest industry. Since the beginning, America’s farmers have worked the land and sustained our communities. Today, agriculture is the top industry in rural America, and it remains the number one industry in Alabama. As our manufacturing industry continues to grow, I have made a commitment to never forget about the backbone … Continued

By Chip Brownlee Alabama Political Reporter Ahead of what is expected to be a quiet and relatively non-controversial Legislative Session, Senate Republicans released a four-pronged agenda highlighting priorities that include an income tax break and a push for broadband in rural communities. Republican senators announced the agenda — notably less partisan and low key than … Continued

By John McMillan Agriculture and Industries Commissioner “Rural Prosperity,” the title of a just-released report by the Trump Administration, comes at a most opportune time when more and more Americans and Alabamians are enjoying a rapidly growing economy. However, a segment of our nation and state are being left out of the rising economic tide, … Continued