“By his power God raised the Lord from the dead, and he will raise us also.” I Corinthians 6:14 This morning, there are so many thoughts circulating in my heart and mind — heart and mind together, my soul. Yesterday, a 49-year-old friend coded on the ambulance gurney as they were attempting to move him […]

Motherhood should be a time of joy and bonding, but for myself and far too many Alabama mothers, it is overshadowed by an unseen struggle—postpartum depression (PPD). Affecting nearly 16% of new mothers in our state, PPD does not exist in isolation. It ripples through families, communities, and the economy, carrying human and financial costs […]

In Alabama, we value family. We know that raising children is both one of life’s greatest callings and one of its biggest responsibilities. But for far too many, the cost of childcare has become overwhelming. From daycare to summer camps, childcare costs have universally soared, placing serious strain on household budgets. In fact, nearly 60% […]

During the course of every legislative session, lawmakers in Alabama have opportunities to make clear statements about taxation.  This year, lawmakers have an opportunity to make a statement about taxes and public health by passing H.B. 357. This legislation would establish a new tax category for heated tobacco products (HTPs) and tax them at a […]

In today’s world, energy is far more than just a utility—it’s a critical cornerstone of  national security, economic vitality, and independence on the global stage. For years, Republicans have championed the idea that America should never be at the mercy of foreign nations to power our homes, fuel our vehicles, or run our businesses. Under […]

As Director of the Alabama Bureau of Pardons and Paroles, I’ve seen firsthand how offering second chances can transform lives. Each person who enters our system carries a story, often marked by past mistakes but also by the potential for change. Second Chance Month is a reminder that with the right support, individuals leaving incarceration can […]

For the past 20 years, automotive vehicle, engine, and part production in Alabama has grown exponentially, projecting us to the number two position in the United States in automotive production. Employing more than 50,000 people and producing more than 1.3 million vehicles annually, Alabama’s auto industry is strengthening our economy. An educated and skilled workforce […]

Each April, our nation pauses to recognize those who have suffered the life-altering impacts of crime and to reaffirm our commitment to justice, healing, and support. National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, established by President Ronald Reagan in 1981, was born from a national cry for change, a cry that still echoes today. This year’s theme, […]

The signing into law of the Alabama Development Fund (ADF) is a pivotal moment for economic  growth and prosperity in our state. For the rural Alabama communities served by Southeast  Gas, this fund represents an unprecedented opportunity to compete on a more level playing field for economic development projects that have historically been out of […]

Dear Citizens of Fairhope, As Chairman of the Alabama Public Library Service, I want to begin by expressing my deep appreciation for the important role that public libraries play in our communities. They are places of learning, imagination, and discovery for people of all ages—and they are vital to the intellectual and cultural growth of […]

For too long, Big Tech companies have dictated the rules of engagement for our children’s digital lives — tying the hands of parents who simply want to keep their kids safe from unsolicited communications and inappropriate content. Enough is enough.  That’s why I am thrilled to see the Alabama Legislature moving legislation that would help […]

Two hundred years ago, the Marquis de Lafayette spent nine days in Alabama traveling across the midwestern portion of the state from Georgia to Montgomery and then to Selma, the Capitol at Cahawba, and downriver to Mobile. Alabamians came out of the woodwork to see him; Lafayette drew crowds that any politician or public figure […]

Growing up in a small town is a way of life for many Alabamians. I had the privilege of being raised in a rural community. I attended a small high school, I knew all the students in the grades above and below me. Going to a small school allowed me to participate in almost every […]

America received some great news last year when the federal government reported that youth tobacco usage was at historic lows. Keeping young people away from tobacco has long been a government priority, but when it comes to cigarettes the focus should now be on helping adult smokers to quit.  More than 28 million adult Americans continue […]

It’s no secret that Alabama ranks among the worst states in the nation for chronic illness, including diabetes, heart disease, and cancer. These aren’t just statistics—they’re real struggles for working families, seniors, and small-town communities. Given that reality, one would think that access to affordable, life-saving medications would be a top priority for our state. […]

After four years, Alabama patients are still waiting for the relief they were promised when the Legislature passed Alabama’s medical cannabis law in 2021. Sadly, the Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission (AMCC), the very commission tasked with keeping the Legislature’s promise to Alabamians, has failed to get medical cannabis to qualified patients.  Let’s review what the […]

In 2018, the United States Congress passed the most recent iteration of the Farm Bill, which, broadly speaking, is meant to protect the livelihoods of America’s farmers and keep food on the table for families across the nation. Like almost all legislation coming out of Washington, D.C. these days, it included elements that didn’t have […]

I’m concerned about the messaging from Baldwin County School Superintendent Eddie Tyler and the lessons it may be teaching our children.  Concepts of fairness and sharing are important, taking from those you perceive to be more “wealthy” because you determine you “need” the money more have no place in local education funding discussions here in […]

As the Legislative Session evolves, I find myself missing my ole friend Mac McArthur around the Statehouse. We would visit in the halls and sometimes sit together in the gallery. He would be busier than a one-armed paper hanger as he was always having to work on legislative matters for the state employees. We would […]

In the first fifteen days of the current legislative session, we have seen Governor Kay Ivey and the state Legislature work together to reform the Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs and address the violent crime epidemics in our largest cities by banning Glock switches. The Governor will also soon sign legislation to give teachers and […]

Today is the 15th legislative day of the 2025 regular session, which marks the halfway point allowed by the Alabama Constitution, and while much work still awaits us, the Senate has already approved several significant measures designed to make an already great state even better.   It is my first session as Senate president pro […]

I didn’t always know what career path I wanted to take, but I knew I needed a strong foundation to get there. Bevill State Community College gave me that foundation—first as a student and now as an instructor. My journey is a testament to how Alabama’s community colleges are the workforce solution for our state, […]

My 6-year-old daughter looked sweetly but boldly into my eyes and said, “Dad, ‘May’ is what you say now, but I know it just means ‘No’ later.” She isn’t wrong. It is easier for me to tell my children, or anyone for that matter, that I “may” do something when I have already decided that […]

In Alabama, our commitment to conservative values isn’t just rhetoric—it’s reflected in real actions that make life better for the people of our state. The Alabama Republican Party has a strong track record of defending the rights and freedoms of every individual. One of our primary goals has always been ensuring that hardworking Alabama families […]