It has been 3 months since President Trump has entered the White House. In less than 100 days, President Trump and his administration have already identified more than $155 billion in government waste, fraud, and abuse that has gone unchecked for decades.

One of the most shocking discoveries to-date has been the corruption within the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) under the Biden administration. Thanks to the great work of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), the American public became aware of some of the outrageous projects USAID was bankrolling under President Biden. From research in Wuhan to transgender operas in Columbia to Sesame Street in Iraq, USAID was essentially a Democrat slush fund. The extent of the waste at USAID has millions of Americans wondering – why has the government been wasting our taxpayer dollars instead of doing basic things like taking care of our veterans?

This led me to introduce the Veterans First Act with my friend, Senator Mike Lee from Utah. Our bill would take the funds that have been wasted at USAID and instead redirect them to make improvements to veterans’ homes. The VA State Veterans Home Construction Grant Program is a partnership between the VA and states to ensure our veterans have a safe place to call home. Sadly, many of our very own veterans are living in horrible conditions in State Veterans’ Homes that are breaking down by the minute. Funding constraints can cause years of delays for homes that are just waiting to receive federal funds for outstanding repairs.

Thankfully, our bill addresses this housing crisis head on and redirects $2 billion former-USAID dollars toward State Veteran Home repairs and renovations. As the son of a veteran myself, if my dad was living in a home that needed renovation, I would drop everything in order to ensure he had a safe place to call home. This money would go a long way towards helping Alabama’s over 400,000 veterans.

Fighting for Alabama’s veterans has been a top priority for me since coming to the Swamp four years ago. Since President Trump’s arrival back to the Capitol, I have already led several efforts to support veterans this Congress. The ACCESS Act and the Ensuring Continuity in Veterans Health Act work to streamline options for Community Care within the VA system. The HBOT Access Act opens up treatment options to vets who have suffered a Traumatic Brain Injury or Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and the Veteran Fraud Reimbursement Act makes it easier for vets with disabilities to be made financially whole. This bill is just the next step in making sure our veterans are taken care of.

I’m proud of this bill and hope to see it pass on a bipartisan basis. After all, taking care of those who have bravely served our country isn’t a political issue. This commonsense bill would make sure taxpayer dollars are put to good use, not wasted on left-wing programs. Our veteran heroes were willing to lay down their lives for our freedom. The least we can do is make sure they have a decent place to call home.

Tommy Tuberville is the senior United States senator from Alabama.

On a cool spring morning in Coosa County, a few hikers gather outside the Pinhoti Outdoor Center. They sip coffee, double-check their gear and swap stories about where the trail might take them next. It’s a familiar scene, but one that didn’t exist here five years ago.

Back then, there was no local outfitter, no shuttle service, no place to stop and stay. Kimm and Nathan Wright set out to change that. What started as a modest hostel in 2019 is now a full-service operation helping people access Alabama’s outdoor spaces. Named Alabama’s Small Business of the Year in 2023, the center is a clear example of what trail investment can lead to: economic activity, tourism and stronger communities.

That story isn’t unique to Sylacauga. Across the state, trails are helping small towns grow — not by reinventing themselves, but by revealing the value of what’s always been. The Year of Alabama Trails recognizes that momentum and encourages us to keep pushing it forward.

In East Alabama, we’re seeing the results. Calhoun County is home to an impressive trail network that includes the Chief Ladiga Trail, Coldwater Mountain Bike Trails and parts of the Pinhoti. According to a recent Jacksonville State University study, these trails generated $9.7 million in local economic impact in 2023. The Chief Ladiga Trail alone contributed more than $2.2 million, with nearly 50,000 visitors. And that number is expected to grow with the trail’s upcoming extension into downtown Anniston.

Anniston has already started preparing. In the last five years, the city has issued more new business licenses than in the entire decade before. Sales tax revenue is also up. Local leaders credit this to a renewed sense of energy — driven in part by trail development. Downtown storefronts are being transformed into cafés, bike hostels and shops that welcome trail users. Soon, visitors will be able to ride from Atlanta to Anniston via the Chief Ladiga and Silver Comet Trails, then take an Amtrak train home. That kind of access helps put towns on the map.

The pattern continues elsewhere. At Flagg Mountain, the southern terminus of the Pinhoti Trail, we used to see about 5,000 visitors annually. After targeted improvements and simple word of mouth, that number has more than doubled to 12,000. In a rural area like Coosa County, an uptick in visitors can have a meaningful impact. Even using a conservative estimate of $50 in daily spending per person, the dollars add up quickly. That spending supports jobs, helps local businesses and creates reasons for people to stay — or return.

From the Richard Martin Trail in Elkmont to the emerging Wiregrass Trail in South Alabama, and from blueway access points along the Cahaba to new trail efforts across the Black Belt, communities statewide are forging new pathways to prosperity. The specifics may vary, but the pattern is clear: invest in trails, and you’ll see growth. You’ll see visitors. And you’ll see small towns stepping forward with renewed energy.

Statewide, outdoor recreation contributes $6.6 billion each year to Alabama’s economy and supports more than 65,000 jobs. Trails are the backbone of that growth. They are infrastructure — just like roads and bridges — and should be planned, prioritized and funded as such.

At the Alabama Trails Foundation, we see trails as a smart, long-term investment. They strengthen local economies, expand outdoor access and improve quality of life. We help communities plan and navigate trail projects, secure funding and build the partnerships needed to bring these ideas to life. Often, that work starts with a simple question: What if we connected this place to the next?

We are at a pivotal moment. The 2025–2026 Year of Alabama Trails, led by the Alabama Tourism Department, is a chance to recognize the value of trails and the momentum already taking shape across the state. To make the most of it, we need to keep building on what’s working.

That means state and local leaders including trails in development plans and infrastructure budgets. It means building partnerships across agencies, organizations and communities to support sustainable growth. It also means business owners recognizing that a trail one county over might bring new customers through their doors — and speaking up to support it. The Alabama Trails Foundation is here to help. We’re ready to answer questions, join planning conversations and support communities ready to take the next step.

And as more communities take that step, we also have to think bigger. Alabama’s biodiversity lends itself to exploration on many levels. From our beaches, our mountains, our prairies and our rivers, our geography is an asset that begs to be enhanced and shared. Focusing on our strengths helps ensure that all communities have a stake in the recreation economy. An asset-based approach at the state level will help to expand access, support tourism and allow more places to share in the growth that trails are already generating.

Because when we invest in a trail, we’re not just clearing brush or laying gravel. We’re investing in the diner that will feed hungry hikers, in the bed-and-breakfast that will host traveling cyclists, in the health and happiness of our citizens and in the attractiveness of our state to new residents and employers.

We’ve made strong progress. Let’s keep going.

Paul DeMarco is president of the Alabama Trails Foundation and a former member of the Alabama House of Representatives. The Foundation supports statewide trail development and access through strategic partnerships and long-term planning.

April 15 is traditionally known as the deadline to file your tax return. This time last year, Alabama political insiders had marked their calendars as that being the date that our 2026 political season would begin. It was thought that all of the thoroughbred horses would be at the gate to begin their races for the state’s four top political posts by April 15, 2025. Our Republican primary is our election in Alabama. Therefore, the election for Governor, Lt. Governor, Attorney General, and one of our U.S. Senate seats will be on the ballot next year. It will be a very big year as the three top constitutional offices of Governor, Lt. Governor, and Attorney General are incumbent-free. The big question is whether the U.S. Senate Race will be incumbent-free.

The horses are late getting to the gate. However, we will have a probable starting gate date of Memorial Day, May 26, for the horses to be in their chutes. This is the date for fundraising to begin for the May 2026 Primary Election.

The looming question is, will our senior U.S. Senator, Tommy Tuberville, run in the 2026 election cycle? Will he run for re-election to his Senate seat, or will he run for Governor next year? That question will more than likely be answered in the next four to six weeks.

Coach Tuberville has flirted with the idea of running for Governor for the last six months. It has been the dominant question in Alabama politics over the past year. “Will he or won’t he?” is asked by politicos of each other on a daily basis. Well, it is getting late in the day, and it is getting close to time to fish or cut bait.

Having grown up in and around Alabama politics, my answer would be simple. If I were 72 years old like Tuberville, had one six-year term of seniority under my belt, was in the Republican majority, and was best friends with the Republican President, Donald J. Trump, it would be a no-brainer. I would run for another six-year term as a U.S. Senator. In most states, being Governor is a stepping stone to moving up to the U.S. Senate.

Being Governor of Alabama is not all it is cracked up to be. You have to really want to govern and have an agenda. You also have to have a good working relationship with the Alabama Legislature. Our Alabama Constitution inherently places the bulk of the power with the legislature. A lot of folks think the ultimate authority rests with the Governor. It does not. That perception, to a large degree, was derived from the influence that Governor George Wallace had during his four-term reign as governor. He, in essence, became a king. He controlled the legislature. In his heyday, he made the legislature an appendage of the Governor’s office. That day is gone. Over the past two or three decades, the legislature has taken that power back. Today, the adage the Governor proposes, and the legislature disposes, prevails.

Coach Tuberville would enjoy wearing the title of “Governor” and like the trappings and glamour of being governor but at the end of the day, he has got a much better job as a U.S. Senator.

Speaking of our Washington delegation, our Senior Congressman, Robert Aderholt, and his outstanding wife, Caroline, put on one whale of a wedding for their daughter, Mary Elliott, a few weeks ago. It was the closest thing to a regal wedding in Alabama history.

Robert Aderholt has indeed made the Alabama history books. He went to Congress in 1996 at the ripe age of 30. He is close to closing in on 30 years in the U.S. House, always representing the fourth district. Caroline is from a prominent North Alabama political family.

I remember being in Washington 25 to 30 years ago and seeing a young Congressman Aderholt and Caroline pushing their young baby girl around the capital in a baby buggy. That young baby has grown into a beautiful, successful young lady. Mary Elliott Aderholt married Grant Whitt, who is the son of Huntsville State Representative Andy Whitt and his beautiful wife, Jennifer, on March 29. Andy Whitt is a powerful North Alabama Legislator and successful banker.

The wedding was one for the record books. It took place at the majestic First Methodist Church of Huntsville. The wedding was magnificent. However, the reception at the elegant Ledges Country Club of Huntsville was something to behold.

Mingling for hours was truly a “Who’s Who” of Alabama politics. Every major, statewide political figure in Washington or Montgomery politics from past and present were there. I have never seen such an assemblage of Alabama political royalty gathered at a wedding or any event. It was truly a royal Alabama wedding.

See you next week.

Steve Flowers is Alabama’s leading political columnist. His weekly column appears in over 60 Alabama newspapers. He served 16 years in the state legislature. Steve may be reached at steve@steveflowers.us.

If you’ve seen products resembling marijuana or gummies with synthetic ingredients in cartoon packaging at gas stations, you likely support legislative efforts to regulate the broad category described as hemp products.

I certainly do, and thankfully, so do our state legislators.

In fact, seven proposals have been filed to outlaw or regulate where these products can be sold.

One of these proposals – known as HB445 – is just one step away from the Governor’s desk. However, HB445 unfortunately groups hemp-based beer alternatives together with inhalable and chewable THC products.

This provision would put the brakes on a product that many responsible adults enjoy as an alternative to alcohol: low-dose hemp beverages. If you’re unfamiliar with them, it’s likely because they aren’t part of the problem our state legislators are trying to solve. These beverages are currently sold in grocery stores and restaurants across the state.

HB 445 would require these drinks to be sold in places that can only sell gummies and liquor and not grocery stores. I have more confidence in my local grocery store to prevent underage sales than in many establishments that could end up selling these products under HB445.

It is no secret that alcohol abuse is a leading driver of many of society’s problems today. According to the CDC, excessive alcohol use causes approximately 178,000 deaths per year.
This number increased by 29% from 2017 to 2021, and individuals who died from excessive alcohol consumption saw their lifespan shortened by an average of 24 years. Almost everyone has a family member or knows someone who has struggled with alcohol abuse.
As a result, many people have turned to hemp-based alternatives because of personal experiences or maybe even health concerns.

It’s crucial to remember that these drinks contain an extremely low dosage of cannabinoids, fundamentally different from inhalable products or high-dose gummies currently on the market. They are not intended to produce a “high.” Instead, they offer an experience similar to a beer without the associated risks. It’s no surprise that the hemp beverage market is rapidly expanding, with demand growing daily.

By lumping these drinks with smokable products and high-dose gummies, state lawmakers would make alcoholic beverages cheaper and more readily available than hemp alternatives.

This is a classic case of the government picking winners and losers and interfering with an emerging market with massive demand. Hemp-based beverages provide a responsible alternative to alcoholic drinks, including beer. It makes no logical sense to permit an establishment to sell beer but prohibit the same establishment from selling low-dose hemp-based beverages.

Let’s not overcomplicate this: these drinks are like beer and should be regulated and sold like beer. We need limits on the THC content in each drink, strict 21-and-up age restrictions, and testing to ensure the safety of the drinks.

I am asking our state lawmakers address the actual problem – gummies, synthetics, smokable products, vapes, and high dose drinks – while allowing Alabamians 21 and over continue enjoying these low-dose drinks responsibly.

Bobby Huffman is a conservative, a resident of Hoover, and father. 

“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 to a larger hospital. He had been suffering some earlier discomfort, but did not know there was anything seriously wrong.

Last night, Greg and I visited with his family in the ICU at Shelby Baptist Hospital.

We talked about Matt and swapped memories, his family sharing stories from childhood, me from our time on the campaign trail when Matt was such a confidant and friend, a loyal supporter.

Matt knows when to speak and when to listen. He gives wise counsel.

We circled up to pray, and the Spirit moved. In my mind, He was swirling on top of us, going through our joined hands and touching shoulders.

I don’t doubt he was moving in Matt’s body lying in a hospital bed in the next room.

This is why God invites us to pray, so we can experience his power moving through us, reminding us that we have this power in us every hour. And, oh, we need him every hour.

Judge Matt Fridy needs prayers, as his situation is very serious. I have prayed God will choose to heal his heart this time so Matt can share his story.

I want to hear this story of what it is like to be lying on a gurney, heart constricting, stopping, and then being shocked back to life.

To be on a machine that is circulating your blood outside your body, drugs causing your heart to pump, completely out of control, at the mercy of “what will be,” the future that God has planned for me. To hear your wife’s voice in the room, eyes closed, and to feel your heart respond.

In this week of miracles, I am praying God will allow Matt to share the story of this experience with us.

I am praying for God’s power to flow through Matt and re-start his heart. I know God can do it, and I pray he will give us all this gift of a second lease on life for Matt.

I was talking to a friend who is counseling her friend in hospice. My friend told me, J lives every day as though it is her last. She knows that it very well may be her last. But, what a gift, my friend told me. To feel the urgency that this day may be my last.

Will not that change my perspective in a grand way?

Today may be my last. But that would not matter because God has numbered all my days as he has numbered the hairs on my head. The Bible says so.

I don’t want to waste a single day, but want every day to glorify the God who created me and has given me the gift of his Spirit to flow in and through me.

Don’t waste one day.

Experience that new life now. Experience the power that raised Christ from the dead, as he has raised me. It is a glorious way to live. Amen.

Kimberly Cook is a member of the Alabama Republican Party Executive Committee, the Jefferson County Republican Party Executive Committee, a Vestavia Hills City Councilwoman, and wife of Alabama Supreme Court Justice Greg Cook.

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 that Alabama can no longer ignore. Immediate action is needed to ensure every mother has access to critical mental health care.

A recent study commissioned by Safer Birth in Bama and conducted by the Public Affairs Research Council of Alabama (PARCA) found that more than 9,000 Alabama women experienced PPD in 2023 alone.

The economic burden of untreated maternal mental health conditions in our state is estimated at a staggering $350 million per year. These costs stem from increased healthcare needs, lost wages, lower workforce participation, and long-term developmental effects on children. This is not just a maternal health crisis—it’s an economic challenge that affects every taxpayer and business in the state.

I launched Project Luna, an initiative of Safer Birth in Bama, to provide free counseling and support services to postpartum mothers, particularly those underinsured or uninsured. Through this work, I have seen firsthand the struggles mothers face in accessing critical mental health care.

While this initiative has helped bridge gaps, nonprofit and pro-bono efforts alone are not enough. Systemic policy change is essential to ensure that all Alabama mothers receive the help they need.

Too many Alabama mothers who need treatment for PPD face significant barriers. While Medicaid covers a significant portion of births in the state and has made strides in improving access to certain PPD treatments, access to care remains inconsistent.

On top of a shortage of maternal mental health care providers, many women endure long wait times, or financial hurdles that prevent them from seeking care. Without legislative action, these barriers will continue to harm thousands of mothers—at a significant cost to families and the state.

The Alabama Legislature now can take a first step in improving access to postpartum care. SB191, introduced by Sen. Vivian Davis Figures, would ensure that all new mothers are assessed for PPD and create educational materials about PPD, bridging the gap by identifying the condition sooner and proactively educating new parents.

By ensuring consistent access to care and increasing education on the condition, this legislation provides a practical, cost-effective step to solving Alabama’s maternal mental health crisis.

Supporting SB191 is not only the right thing to do for mothers, but it is also a sound economic decision. When mothers receive the mental health care they need, they are more likely to return to work, provide stable homes for their families, raise healthy children, and contribute to thriving communities. 

Alabama has an opportunity to be a leader in maternal health policy. We must act now to break down barriers, support our mothers, and build a stronger, healthier state for future generations. 

When mothers suffer, families suffer. And when families suffer, our state pays the price. Investing in maternal mental health is an investment in Alabama’s future. We cannot afford to let this opportunity pass us by.

Alisha Dreiling, LPC, IBCLC, PMH-C, leads Project Luna, an initiative of Safer Birth in Bama dedicated to expanding mental health support for mothers in Alabama.

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% of Alabamians live in childcare deserts, and the average cost of infant care tops $7,800 a year. For many working parents, especially single moms, that is nearly a third of their income.

These expenses keep parents, especially mothers, out of the workforce and put unnecessary pressure on families trying to do everything right.

Thankfully, Alabama’s own U.S. Senator Katie Britt has been working to tackle this issue.

As Republicans draft their multi-trillion-dollar tax plan, Senator Britt has been advocating for the inclusion of her plan to expand the Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit, a tax provision that helps families offset the cost of childcare. Her bipartisan bill would double the current credit for families with more than one child—from $2,100 to $4,000—and, critically, make it partially refundable for low- and middle-income earners.

That means even families who do not have outstanding tax liabilities, which are often those working the hardest to make ends meet, would still see the benefit.

This kind of policy may not make headlines, but it makes a real difference. It helps families afford childcare without creating a new government program.

It supports parents who want to work and provide for their children. And it recognizes that raising kids in today’s economy is a team effort that our tax system should support, not make it harder.

President Trump and Congress are making history with decisive action on immigration and restoring law and order—now is the time to build on that legacy by strengthening the American family.

Including Senator Britt’s childcare credit alongside a broader expansion of the Child Tax Credit would reaffirm to Americans that the Republican Party is the pro-family, pro-parent party. It would make good on President Trump and Congressional Republicans’ promise to be the party that puts families first—and it is the kind of bold, pro-family leadership that Americans are calling for at this moment.

What is more, this proposal makes economic sense. Childcare challenges cost the U.S. economy over $120 billion every year in lost earnings, productivity, and revenue. When parents cannot find or afford care, they often have no choice but to cut back hours or leave the workforce entirely.

That hurts the broader economy—but more importantly, it hurts families. Senator Britt’s plan would help reverse that trend, giving families the breathing room they need to thrive and contribute.

There are always competing interests in Washington, and plenty of ideas vying for inclusion in a major tax bill. But this one deserves to make the cut. It is practical. It is affordable. And it directly addresses the day-to-day concerns of families here in Alabama and across the country. Tax credits like these are a no-brainer to include in any conservative, pro-family tax agenda.

I applaud Senator Katie Britt for her leadership on this issue. As one of the youngest members of the Senate—and a working mother herself—she understands firsthand what Alabama families are going through.

Now, we need Congress to follow her lead. As the White House and Republican lawmakers put the finishing touches on crafting their “one, big, beautiful bill,” they must modernize these family- centered tax credits. And I encourage Senator Britt to keep fighting for these provisions as the process moves forward.

Thank you, Senator Britt, for championing Alabama values in Washington. This is about more than numbers on a tax form—it is about helping parents raise the next generation with dignity, stability, and support. Let us get it done.

State Rep. Joe Lovvorn has served Lee County as a Republican member of the Alabama House of Representatives since 2016. He also serves as Chairman of the House Rules Committee.

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 lower rate than traditional cigarettes—which are still the leading cause of preventable death and disease in the nation.

Passing this bill would recognize the importance of tobacco harm reduction by providing a financial incentive for switching to less harmful smoke-free alternatives, and help more Alabamans leave cigarettes behind. 

The evidence of harm and health risks associated with cigarettes has been understood since 1964.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has noted that nicotine is most harmful when delivered through smoke particles from traditional cigarettes and that it is the “toxic mix of chemicals” in that smoke—not nicotine—that “cause the serious health effects among those who use tobacco products,” including fatal lung diseases like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and cancer.

According to the American Lung Association, there are roughly 600 ingredients in an average cigarette that, when burned, create more than 7,000 chemicals, nearly 70 of which are known to cause cancer.

Not only that, but cigarette smoking is directly linked to higher rates of cardiovascular and respiratory diseases as well as a range of other health risks. As more adults who smoke turn to HTPs and other smoke-free alternatives to help reduce these risks, public policy should reflect the important role these products can play in reducing smoking rates and protecting public health.

I saw first hand the devastation of combustible cigarettes.  My father smoked three and half packs of cigarettes a day for more than 20 years.  It was an awful life for him and the entire family. 

He had triple bypass surgery at age 40 and died at age 63.  I am convinced that his life span could have been greatly increased if he had access to HTPs and other options.

Federal government regulations have stymied the growth of a more robust market of smoke-free alternatives such as HTPs. However, around the world, millions of adults have successfully used HTPs to transition away from more toxic, traditional cigarettes and to these less harmful products.

With the FDA moving slowly but surely to begin authorizing HTPs in the U.S., lawmakers should work to provide the right tax structure that will help encourage more Americans to leave smoking behind for good.

HTPs work differently than cigarettes. Instead of burning, HTPs heat a small amount of tobacco up to just below the point of combustion, delivering the flavor and nicotine that adults who smoke are used to without any actual smoke, or its harmful side effects.

According to a 2022 study, there is “evidence that heated tobacco users have lower exposure to toxicants/carcinogens than cigarette smokers.”

Public policy that differentiates between tobacco products and recognizes their potential to reduce risks and harm associated with smoking cigarettes is a worthwhile endeavor for lawmakers from Montgomery to Washington, D.C.

Not only that, but Alabama would be following the lead of other states that have taken steps to distinguish HTPs as a distinct product separate from—or at least to tax them at a lower rate than—tobacco products, such as Virginia and Mississippi.

Taxpayers, consumers and public health would all benefit from H.B. 357 or any similar legislation that helps incentivize more adults who smoke to quit cigarettes and transition to less harmful alternatives. Hopefully, lawmakers can work together to pass such policies without delay. 

It may be too late for my father, but it isn’t too late for smokers in Alabama.  Passing H.B. 357 sends a strong signal that lives can be saved through a commonsense tax adjustment.

David Williams is the president of the Taxpayers Protection Alliance.

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 President Donald Trump’s first term, we saw irrefutable evidence that prioritizing  American energy leads to economic growth and a stronger America.

As Chairman of the Alabama Republican Party, I believe one of the greatest responsibilities our leaders have is securing the future of our state and nation—not just  for the next election cycle, but for generations to come. That is why energy independence was one of the key pillars of the Republican Party’s 2024 “Contract with Alabama.”

More than just politics, this is about ensuring affordable energy for families, creating jobs, and defending the long-term interests of the people of our state.

Republican lawmakers in Alabama are currently working on a package of bills aimed at strengthening our state’s energy independence and enhancing our economic competitiveness. This legislation cuts red tape and eliminates the long wait times imposed by government bureaucracies, helping clear the path for growth and innovation.

In addition, the bills would use existing economic development funds to establish an energy infrastructure bank to help finance qualified energy infrastructure projects. These investments are designed to be repaid to the State Industrial Development Authority,  ensuring responsible use of public resources while advancing long-term energy security.

With abundant coal, natural gas, offshore oil production, hydroelectric, and nuclear options, Alabama is universally recognized as a major energy producer—and we have the opportunity to set the standard for how states across the country support smart, business-friendly energy development.

Through this legislation, we can clear the path for companies to build infrastructure. We can reduce burdensome regulations that delay progress and drive up costs. And we can  ensure that our economic development tools are used to invest in real, long-term solutions that put the people of Alabama first and create a business-friendly environment for everyone.

At this time, other states across the nation have started to realize the need for similar programs and are well on their way to enticing more energy investment and job creation. It’s time for Alabama to take the lead—instead of following others—when it comes to  key infrastructure policy.

This effort goes hand-in-glove with President Trump’s America First economic policy, which clearly focuses on energy as a central part of his plan to restore America. Trump’s energy policy has always been rooted in a philosophy of “Unleashing American Energy”  and “energy dominance.” Growing our domestic energy production and achieving  energy independence is the natural next step to support his efforts.

The renewed movement toward energy independence comes at a critical time. Across the country, families are feeling the strain of rising utility costs and lingering uncertainty from the crippling effects of Bidenomics. At the same time, global instability has  exposed the risks of depending on foreign energy sources.

Alabama has the ability and the opportunity to strengthen our energy policy and bring  our state an additional measure of energy independence—something we should all embrace.

John Wahl is the Chairman of the Alabama Republican Party and holds the position of  RNC Vice Chairman for the Southern Region. He is the youngest Republican state party  chairman in the country. A longtime conservative leader, Wahl previously served as  ALGOP Senior Vice Chairman and was a member of Alabama’s 2020 Electoral College  delegation. Outside politics, he is a butterfly farmer, supplying zoos and botanical gardens nationwide.

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 thrive and make lasting contributions to their communities.

Alabama’s recidivism rate stands at approximately 30%, underscoring the urgent need for programs that reduce repeat offenses and provide a pathway to success. This is why the Alabama Bureau of Pardons and Paroles remains committed to rehabilitation efforts like the Perry County PREP Center, which equips individuals with personal development, education, vocational training, and life skills.

Since its opening in 2022, well over 300 graduates have completed the program, and not one has returned to prison. This success demonstrates that when we invest in second chances, we are not just changing individual lives but strengthening entire communities.

Every day, I witness people who once made poor choices now holding steady jobs, supporting their families, and contributing positively to society. Their transformation is not just a testament to personal responsibility but also proof that rehabilitation works when paired with opportunity, supervision, and support.

The Bureau is proud to be an active participant in Reentry 2030, a statewide initiative that aligns perfectly with the values of second chances. Reentry 2030 seeks to create a system that not only reduces recidivism but also ensures that individuals leaving incarceration have the support, resources, and opportunities needed for successful reintegration into society. Our involvement in this initiative reflects our commitment to providing individuals impacted by the justice system with more than just a second chance but also the tools necessary for long-term success.

Through partnerships with other state agencies, community organizations, and employers, we are able to offer a comprehensive approach that addresses education, employment, housing, and personal development.

Reducing recidivism and supporting successful reentry is not a task for one organization alone; it requires a collective commitment from employers, mentors, and communities. Employers must be willing to hire individuals with criminal records, mentors must step forward to offer guidance, and communities must extend a hand of support. It is through this unified effort that we can create a safer, stronger Alabama.

We commend our partners in the private sector, like Alabama Power and the GEO Group, as well as our champions in the legislature, like Senator Rodger Smitherman and Representative Parker Moore, who have helped us cut bureaucratic red tape to streamline the process of connecting formerly incarcerated Alabamians with good-paying, in-demand job opportunities.

Of course, our progress would not be possible without the support of Governor Kay Ivey and the work of the Alabama Community College System and Ingram State Technical College, the Alabama Department of Mental Health, the Alabama Department of Workforce, ADOC, and many others.

During Second Chance Month, the Alabama Bureau of Pardons and Paroles reaffirms its commitment to providing Alabamians with the resources and support necessary for successful reintegration.

Being tough on crime means being smart on crime. Through comprehensive rehabilitation programs and collaborative partnerships, we are working tirelessly to break the cycle of crime, promote lasting change, and lessen the burden of incarceration on taxpayers.

By continuing to invest in second chances, we can help build a brighter future for all Alabamians.

Cam Ward is the Director of the Alabama Bureau of Pardons and Paroles.

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 is the foundation of a dynamic and flourishing automotive industry. This is why, within the Alabama Automotive Manufacturing Association (AAMA), workforce initiatives are at the top of our list. Alabama automakers acknowledge it’s the commitment and hard work of their employees that fuels the production and innovation and moves them forward.

RELATED: ACCS/AAMA to offer scholarships for automotive manufacturing programs 

For this reason, the automotive industry relies heavily on Alabama’s community college students and graduates to fill key manufacturing technical positions. The AAMA and the Alabama Community College System (ACCS) have enjoyed a strong partnership for many years. When AAMA was formed in 2001, the ACCS was quickly at the table supporting us. Our organizations passionately share a common goal to support the growth and continued education of Alabama’s automotive industry. The ACCS is very engaged with AAMA, residing on the AAMA Board of Directors in an active leadership role. 

Graduates earn certifications and degrees in mechatronics, manufacturing, electronics, machining, and automotive service, preparing them for key roles in the auto industry. Automotive Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) and their suppliers view these skills as critical to success. 

Another key component of our partnership is the AAMA/ACCS Scholarship program, offering $400,000 per year in scholarships to prepare ACCS students for automotive jobs. The AAMA/ACCS scholarship initiative is making a positive impact by producing capable automotive industry employees. Each scholarship recipient receives educational funding to train in the state’s automotive manufacturing industry at any Alabama community college. More than 500 scholarships have been awarded to students since the partnership’s inception, assisting qualifying students with tuition, fees, and books. The ACCS tracks the scholarship recipients to monitor student funding utilization, successful program achievement,t and current career information. 

The scholarship is also available for students enrolled in the expanding Federation of Advanced Manufacturing Education (FAME) programs across the state, allowing individuals to earn wages and attend college simultaneously. Alabama FAME (AL FAME) is also a shining example of the positive ripple effect the ACCS has had on the state’s workforce over the past decade. FAME was introduced to Alabama as a partnership between Calhoun Community College and Toyota Motor Manufacturing Alabama in 2014. Since then, AL FAME has grown to be the largest national chapter, with 12 chapters statewide and over 60 industry partners, many of which are outside of the automotive industry.

Working within the industry while taking classes at select community colleges allows students to gain valuable employment experience with manufacturing leaders while also completing their associate degree.  Through this, they develop relevant skills and experience that many manufacturing companies are actively seeking. 

The AAMA and the ACCS work together through additional avenues to support Alabama’s Automotive industry. We partner in industry education outreach, instructor industry exposure, industry workshops and conferences, and continuous professional development to enhance the services we each provide. The AAMA is honored to be a strong partner with the ACCS, and we value the contributions we make to the industry.

As President of the AAMA, I’m very excited about the things we will accomplish as a team this year and in the future! 

Ron Davis serves as the President of the Alabama Automotive Manufacturers Association. 

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, “Kinship, Connection & Healing,” is a powerful reminder of the human bonds that sustain victims in their darkest hours. It reflects the spirit of unity that defines how we serve survivors, not only through laws and legal processes, but through compassion, empathy, and enduring support. These three words—kinship, connection, and healing represent a collective promise to walk alongside victims on their journey to justice.

For more than 20 years, first as a prosecutor and now as your Attorney General, I’ve seen firsthand the deep pain and loss that crime inflicts. I’ve also seen something else: the incredible resilience of victims and the unwavering strength of the families who stand by them. It is those individuals, survivors, and their loved ones, who fuel my work and that of the dedicated team in the Attorney General’s Office.

Our Victim Assistance Division exists to serve those impacted by violent crime. Last year, our team reviewed more than 1,400 cases to advocate for crime victims, made hundreds of notifications to keep victims informed of legal proceedings, formally protested over 2,200 parole and pardon requests to keep dangerous criminals off our streets, and continuously supported victims in courtrooms across Alabama. We work to ensure that no victim is left in the dark by sending critical notifications, helping families understand their rights, and connecting them to essential services.

Meanwhile, our Criminal Appeals Division handled more than 1,000 appeals with a 95% success rate in upholding convictions, and our Capital Litigation Division continues to ensure that those who commit the most heinous crimes are held fully accountable.

Still, even with legal victories, justice is often slow, and the needs of victims do not fade with time. That’s why we must continue to press for change.

One of the most important efforts underway this year is our work with the Alabama Legislature to pass the Speedy Trial Act. I have partnered with Senate Judiciary Chairman Will Barfoot and House Judiciary Chairman Jim Hill to sponsor this crucial legislation, which is designed to reduce court backlogs, streamline criminal proceedings, and ensure that violent offenders are brought to justice in a timely manner.

All too often, victims and their families are forced to wait months, or even years, before their day in court. Delays add emotional strain, hinder healing, and erode public confidence in our justice system. The Speedy Trial Act will make targeted reforms to prevent unnecessary delays and ensure that the rights of victims are treated with the same urgency and dignity as those of the accused.

This bill sends a powerful message: in Alabama, we will not tolerate a system that allows violent criminals to linger in legal limbo while victims wait for answers. Justice delayed is justice denied and this legislation is a critical step toward restoring balance and fairness in our courts.

But laws alone aren’t enough. We must also foster a culture that puts victims first. That’s why our office partners with outstanding local organizations like Victims of Crime and Leniency (VOCAL), Domestic Violence Service Providers, Sexual Assault Service Providers, and Children’s Advocacy Centers. These groups are on the front lines by offering comfort, guidance, and resources to families when they need them most.

The road to healing is long, but those who walk it should never have to walk alone. Whether it’s a police officer answering a midnight call, a prosecutor preparing for trial, or a counselor helping someone find their voice again, we are all part of a vital mission: to restore hope where it’s been broken.

As Attorney General, I pledge that our commitment to victims is not limited to a single week in April. It’s a promise we keep every day. To every survivor and every family still seeking justice, know this:

You are seen. You are heard. And you are not alone.

Steve Marshall is the 48th Attorney General of Alabama.

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 reach. 

Economic development in Alabama has long been driven by a mixture of incentives, infrastructure improvements, and strategic partnerships. However, rural communities often find  themselves at a disadvantage when it comes to accessing the necessary funding and resources to attract and retain businesses.

The formation of the ADF is a long-overdue remedy that will provide much-needed financial support to regions that have struggled to justify or access traditional economic development funding mechanisms. 

Quality of Place: The Key to Talent Recruitment 

One of the most critical factors in attracting business investment today is the concept of “quality  of place.” Companies looking to relocate or expand their operations evaluate not only tax  incentives and site readiness but also the overall attractiveness of a community.

This includes schools, healthcare access, housing, and entertainment options—all of which influence a  company’s ability to recruit and retain a skilled workforce. 

Historically, rural areas in Alabama have faced significant challenges in enhancing their quality of place due to limited resources.

The ADF addresses these challenges by creating a dedicated funding source that will empower local communities to make necessary infrastructure improvements, support workforce development initiatives, and enhance community amenities. This new level of investment will make rural Alabama more competitive when vying for large scale economic development projects. 

Rural Tech Assistance: Empowering Local Economic Developers 

Another transformative component of the ADF is the inclusion of Rural Tech Assistance, which will provide critical resources to local economic developers who are often understaffed and  underfunded. Unlike larger metropolitan areas, rural communities typically lack the financial and human capital to aggressively pursue economic development opportunities.

With the creation of  the Alabama Development Fund, local economic developers will now have access to additional tools, data, and expertise to strengthen their recruitment efforts and better position their communities for investment. 

Rural Tech Assistance will also help bridge the digital divide, ensuring that rural communities are equipped with the latest technological advancements and support services necessary to  attract modern businesses.

By investing in digital infrastructure and workforce training, Alabama will be better positioned to attract high-tech industries, further diversifying our state’s economic  landscape.

How the Fund Works: A Sustainable and Fair Funding Model 

The Alabama Development Fund is structured as a “pay-for-play” funding source, meaning that  the revenues generated will directly support the expansion of existing economic development  initiatives while also allowing for the creation of several new programs.

This innovative approach ensures that businesses benefiting from Alabama’s economic incentives are also contributing to the state’s broader economic development goals. 

The fund will be supported by a carve-out of 0.75% from the State Sales Tax Abatements and 1  mill from the State Property Tax Abatements.

These revenues, which would no longer be abatable, will flow directly into the fund, generating an estimated $24 million annually from sales  tax and $4.5 million from property tax based on past years’ data. This model provides a  sustainable funding mechanism that does not require additional taxpayer burden but rather  reallocates a portion of incentives that were previously forgone entirely. 

By leveraging these resources, Alabama will be able to fund initiatives that directly contribute to  economic growth, job creation, and improved community infrastructure. More importantly, it ensures that rural communities—often left behind in traditional economic development  strategies—receive equitable access to these resources. 

A Win for Rural Alabama and the Entire State 

The establishment of the Alabama Development Fund is more than just an economic policy change—it is a strategic investment in the future of Alabama.

By prioritizing rural economic development and ensuring that all communities have the tools necessary to attract business and talent, this legislation will drive long-term prosperity across the state. 

Southeast Gas has long been an advocate for rural economic development, and we are excited  about the opportunities this fund will create. We understand that a strong economy is built on a foundation of equitable growth, and this legislation is a crucial step toward ensuring that rural  Alabama has the same opportunities as its urban counterparts. 

The Alabama Development Fund represents a new era of economic empowerment for our state. 

By providing sustainable funding, enhancing quality of place, and equipping local economic  developers with the tools they need, this legislation sets Alabama on a path toward greater  economic diversification and resilience. For rural communities, this is not just an opportunity—it  is a lifeline.

And for the state as a whole, it is a critical step toward a brighter, more prosperous  future for all Alabamians.

Jimmy Black is the Director of Community Development with Southeast Gas. He has served the natural gas industry for over 20 years, driving growth through strategic partnerships, regional outreach, and workforce development in Southeast Alabama.

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 our state.

I want the people of Fairhope to know that the Alabama Public Library Service is committed to listening to your concerns, putting people first, and ensuring that public libraries remain focused on serving our communities. There has been a great deal of misinformation and intentional misrepresentation regarding the decision of the APLS Board to pause funding for the Fairhope Public Library. I want to take this opportunity to set the record straight and reaffirm the Board’s commitment to ensuring our public libraries remain welcoming and appropriate spaces for all Alabama families.

Some have tried to label the APLS Board as “far-right radicals.” I respectfully and strongly disagree. The real extremism lies in the increasing effort to normalize the sexualization of our children. Our society has always prioritized protecting the innocence of childhood—whether through film ratings, television guidelines, or music advisories. I have been heartbroken to hear concerned parents read aloud from books marketed to young readers that contain some of the most vulgar and sexually explicit content I have ever encountered. No child should be exposed to this type of content without the full awareness and consent of their parents. The APLS Board will not apologize for taking a stand to protect our children.

The decision to temporarily pause funding to the Fairhope Library was not made lightly. It was taken to ensure the library fully complies with state codes designed to balance the rights and concerns of all parents. Our goal is not to limit access to information for those who want it, but to ensure that sexually explicit materials are placed in age-appropriate sections so that parents can maintain control over what is appropriate for their children.

I have been in direct contact with the leadership of the Fairhope Library, and we are actively working toward a resolution. Last week, I provided a list of necessary steps to bring the library into full compliance with state code. These include three key points:

1. Re-locating all sexually explicit materials from youth sections to the adult section, ensuring that books with mature content are appropriately placed.
2. Establishing a clear process for Fairhope parents to request book reviews based on state code requirements concerning sexual content, allowing the community to have a voice in maintaining age-appropriate library materials.
3. Implementing a library card system that gives parents the ability to decide whether their children can or cannot check out books from the adult section, reinforcing parental oversight and choice.

These common-sense measures will ensure that all families have access to the materials they want while preventing children from unintentionally encountering sexually explicit content without parental consent. Our goal is to work with the Fairhope Library to achieve compliance before any funding is affected, ensuring a fair and reasonable solution for everyone.

Good government listens to and respects the voices of all citizens, working toward solutions that address everyone’s concerns if possible. The APLS codes were created with this in mind—to make sure that every family in Alabama feels safe in our public libraries. Parents who want their children to have broader access to materials have that ability, but at the same time, parents who do not want their children exposed to sexually explicit content should have confidence that such material is not inappropriately placed in youth sections.

Sexuality is a deeply personal and sensitive topic, and as a society, we must acknowledge that people hold different perspectives on how it should be addressed with children. The vast majority of Alabama parents do not want their children to accidentally stumble upon explicit content while browsing books in sections intended for young readers. Ensuring that such materials are relocated to appropriate areas is a reasonable step that respects the rights of all families without denying access to those who seek it.

Rather than allowing misinformation to divide us, we should focus on finding common ground. The APLS Board remains committed to working with local communities and library officials to ensure our libraries reflect the values of the people they serve. I encourage everyone to approach this discussion with honesty, respect, and a shared commitment to solutions that benefit everyone. We want to ensure that Alabama’s libraries remain welcoming spaces for all families—and not just one side of this debate.

Sincerely,

John Wahl

Chairman, Alabama Public Library Service

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 protect our children on their smartphones and tablets as well as restoring parents as the decisionmakers over what their children can and cannot access online. 

The App Store Accountability Act, introduced as Senate Bill 187 by Senator Clyde Chambliss (R-Prattville) and House Bill 317 by Representative Chris Sells (R-Greenville), is a common-sense bill that puts the power back where it belongs: with parents. The App Store Accountability Act would ensure that Alabama children would have to have their parent’s approval in the app store before they could download apps on their devices. 

Importantly, this legislation is not government overreach. It’s instead about parental rights — the foundation of strong, traditional family values. 

While Senate Bill 187 has already passed out of committee in the Senate, House Bill 317 still awaits a committee vote and full House vote. However, given Speaker Nathaniel Ledbetter’s tireless commitment to protecting children and  the people of Rainsville, I urge him to make this bill a priority to ensure not only the families of Rainsville, but also all Alabama families have the tools they need to safeguard their children online. 

Today’s teenagers spend nearly five hours a day online, where children could experience inappropriate, exploitative and even dangerous content. 

Parents know the stakes. That’s why 81 percent of American adults support requiring parental consent for minors to create social media accounts. However, the current system makes it nearly impossible for parents to exercise that right. Kids can create accounts, download apps, and disappear into the digital void before their parents even realize what’s happening. 

That’s where the App Store Accountability Act comes in. Instead of forcing parents to monitor every app, it creates a one-stop-shop for parental approval before it’s even downloaded. No loopholes, no workarounds — just a straightforward way to help parents enforce the rules in their own homes.

The app stores already have the technology to make this happen, and Speaker Ledbetter’s commitment to protecting the school-aged children of Alabama can be fulfilled by requiring these Big Tech companies to use their existing tools to put parents back in the driver’s seat and protect children from online harms. 

This isn’t about politics. It’s about protecting children and strengthening families. Every parent knows that raising kids in today’s world is harder than ever. We set curfews, we check homework, we monitor who they spend time with. Why should their digital lives be any different? 

The App Store Accountability Act is a crucial step toward restoring common sense, personal responsibility, and parental rights. It protects our children from all apps, while minimizing privacy concerns and centralizing this important security process. 

I commend House Speaker Ledbetter for always standing with parents, and I urge him and the Alabama House of Representatives to act swiftly in passing the App Store Accountability Act,  because our children’s safety and the future of our families depend on it. I look forward to personally thanking him for championing children’s safety and parental rights.

Laura Johnston Clark is a wife, mother, and businesswoman. She grew up in the Wiregrass and now lives in Birmingham with her husband, retired Air Force Col. David Etheredge. She is a member of the Alabama Republican Party. 

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 would envy.

But what prompted his visit, and why is it being commemorated with such veneration today?

At age 19, Lafayette came to America to join the colonies in fighting for their independence from Britain. He came of age when the intellectual machinations of the French philosophes’ ideas and first principles about the nature of man, government, and liberating freedom were all the rage.

Much like others who have been inspired by revolutionary movements through the ages, he viewed the American Revolution as the manifestation of all that was good — a revolt against tyranny, a fight for independence, and the creation of a representative republic based upon the fundamental tenets of freedom and democracy.

Lafayette would experience the highs of the successful American Revolution and the lows of the anarchy of the French Revolution. He would sideline himself from politics, only to get sucked back in as France went through the Napoleonic Era, Bourbon restoration, and other upheavals.

By 1823, he had lost his seat in France’s Chamber of Deputies, was despised by the King, and lamented what seemed like a lost cause of bringing France to a constitutional monarchy.

Completely out of sorts and isolated, he wrote to his friend, James Monroe, the sitting president of the United States. The two had first met during the revolution and continued their friendship when Monroe was envoy to France.

Lafayette’s letter outlined his desire to return to America and reacquaint himself with his youthful exploits.
Monroe jumped at the idea and viewed the return of Lafayette as a much-needed moral boost from the sectionalism that was dividing America. His friend’s return would remind the nation why it was founded, why the revolution was fought and succeeded, and why a sense of patriotism and unity should prevail over the division and discord that were plainly on the horizon.

Lafayette’s celebrity status and the confidence he still commanded among Americans made him the ideal returning hero. He could tell of the glories of the American Revolution, recount the part he played, and detail his acquaintance with leading revolutionary figures, but he could also share his less-than-successful experience in his home country of France.

By highlighting how the United States had prospered and grown over 50 years while other revolutionary countries had not, Lafayette could help Americans appreciate what their revolution had achieved — and what it had avoided.

Inasmuch as the celebrations did create a distraction from contemporary politics and engendered a social movement of sorts to honor Lafayette, he was not able to provide a patriotic pivot to the unified feeling of revolutionary days. In fact, it was during his visit that one of the most bitter national contests surfaced with the presidential election of 1824, which was decided by the House of Representatives when no candidate received a majority of the electoral votes.

The national acrimony occasioned when John Quincey Adams was selected over the popular vote-getter, Andrew Jackson, bubbled beneath the surface. Lafayette’s presence would temporarily mask this event and unify communities in celebration, but once he departed, any feelings of mutual forbearance and goodwill vanished with him.

But even so, his historic visit mattered, and it still matters today.

By celebrating his visit, we are transported back to an earlier age and are forced to consider the ideals that undergirded the revolution and the events surrounding it. Lafayette’s memory prods us to recall the person and character of George Washington, and doing so brings us face-to-face with the reality that the success of the revolution was not a foregone conclusion, but a hard-fought marathon requiring sacrifice, suffering, and deprivations.

Lafayette matters today because in considering the wild, enthusiastic crowds, we know that there was something unique in his person that attracted people to see him. In Lafayette, we see a war hero who fought in two revolutions, one successful and the other less so. Lafayette causes us to ask why the American Revolution succeeded and the French Revolution deteriorated into chaos.

He was an eyewitness and an active participant in both. He knew the key players, Washington and Robespierre, personally. He saw the words of revolution and the zeal of patriots turned to a noble cause in America and manipulated to create a reign of terror in France.

Lafayette causes us to square two competing claims of human nature and government because, in his person and experience, he saw what worked and achieved stability and prosperity. He was a testament to the civility and practicality of George Washington, and he was a reminder that greatness and power are sometimes expressed in restraint and resignation.

In celebrating Lafayette, we are celebrating that exuberant spirit of youth that compelled a nobleman to come to America and fight for an ideal. We see Lafayette’s enthusiasm tempered by war and the practical realities of fighting. We learn from Lafayette that reason and philosophy work well in a vacuum but fail miserably when confronted by human nature.

By commemorating Lafayette, we come to terms with our history but see our state and nation in the context of others and realize the genius of our founders, their sacrifice, and the constitutional legacy that still gives us freedom and liberty that remain the envy of the world.

The person of Lafayette and even his myth calls us to consider the foundations of the country and why we have succeeded as a nation while others have failed.

Lafayette’s visit asks us to explore our nation’s deepest roots to better understand the experiment that continues to be the United States of America.

Will Sellers is a graduate of Hillsdale College and an Associate Justice on the Supreme Court of Alabama. He is best reached at jws@willsellers.com.

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 sport.

Our smaller numbers also created opportunities for my classmates and I to be involved in clubs and service organizations, after all, if we didn’t who would?  Surprisingly, even with all my experiences, the one thing that concerned me most when I graduated from Oakman High School was, “How would I fit in at a larger university?” 

I had always known my teachers, my administrators, the bus drivers, and the cafeteria workers.

To say that I had familiar surroundings was an understatement.  The idea of entering a lecture hall with more students than my entire high school was a bit daunting. At Oakman High School I was the class president my senior year, captain of the football team, voted most likely to succeed, and yet I doubted myself because I thought only kids who attended larger schools could succeed at large colleges. 

By the end of my senior year in high school, I realized my dreams of playing college sports were not likely, so I started pursuing other scholarship opportunities. I learned that Bevill State Community College was hosting college ambassador interviews, and I decided to give it a shot.

I was fortunate to be offered an ambassador scholarship at both the Sumiton and Jasper Campuses. I attended my freshman year on the Sumiton Campus. It was a wonderful experience. I was at ease with the class sizes, my instructors knew my name and through the ambassador program I became immersed in the college experience.

My sophomore year I transferred to the Jasper campus where I also served as an ambassador and eventually became S.G.A. President. I cannot say enough good things about my time at Bevill State and how it prepared me to transfer to Auburn, where I received a business management degree.

My time at Bevill State continues to have an impact on my life even today. In 2018, I was appointed by Governor Ivey to serve as a board of trustee member with the Alabama Community College System.

A small-town boy who once doubted whether he could succeed at a bigger college was now serving on a board that makes policy decisions for the 168,000 students, and over 9,000 employees within the Alabama Community College System. Serving on The Board was a wonderful experience. I was able to see firsthand how the community college system was continuing to transform lives, like it did for me.

Hearing success stories of people just like me who were first generation college students was very gratifying. I got to be part of significant systemic changes that created opportunities for people from every walk of life to have access to a quality education while creating new workforce training opportunities to meet the needs of industry. 

Since serving on the ACCS Board of Trustees I have been honored to give back to my community and state in other ways. For the last three years I have been a member of the Alabama House of Representatives where I get to work on a myriad of issues that impact our state. I have the honor this legislative session of carrying a bill called the REACH ACT, Restoring Educational Attainment of Completing Highschool.

This bill will help students who drop out of high school by removing barriers that exist for them to enroll in adult education programs through the ACCS. I am so thankful I get to continue to be a part of the good work being done through the community college system in my current role.

I never dreamed that my experience with Bevill State Community College would open so many doors for me to serve my community, but I am grateful for every single one. I want others to know that it doesn’t matter where you are from or where you start in life. If you are willing to work hard, the Alabama Community College System can take you as far as you want to go.

During my time of service with the ACCS Board of Trustees the system adopted the slogan: You don’t have to go far, to go far in life, now, it’s Make Life Better. I am living proof of these statements.

State Rep. Matt Woods represents District 13 in the Alabama House, he’s a 2002 graduate of Bevill State Community College, where he served as president of the Student Government Association, and a candidate for Alabama Senate District 5. 

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 to smoke cigarettes, including more than 500,000 Alabamans. Smoking not only harms the health of smokers but also hurts society by exposing others to secondhand smoke and increasing our healthcare costs. In Alabama alone, smoking-related diseases adds $2.1 billion to our healthcare expenses every year, including an additional $309 million in Medicaid costs. 

It is clear that Alabama lawmakers should prioritize helping our state’s smokers to quit, and that is why I introduced legislation last year that would make it easier for adults who smoke to switch from cigarettes to safer, smoke-free alternatives. I plan to introduce similar legislation in this session and urge my colleagues to join me in this critical effort to improve Alabama’s public health. 

Quitting smoking is not easy. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that more than half of adult smokers try to quit each year, but fewer than one in 10 succeed. This is largely because traditional nicotine replacement therapies—gums, patches, medications, and other products—do not work for everyone. Fortunately, there are other options available.

Heated tobacco products (HTPs) heat tobacco without burning it, thus avoiding the production of toxic smoke. This is important because it is the smoke that is responsible for most of the serious health issues related to smoking, such as lung disease and cancer. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has long acknowledged that tobacco and nicotine products fall on a continuum of risk, with traditional cigarettes being the most harmful. In comparison, HTPs are 90 percent safer than traditional cigarettes.

Given this information, Alabama must consider ways to move adults who smoke toward less harmful alternatives. In doing so, we can improve both the health of hundreds of thousands of Alabamans and reduce spending on smoking-related illnesses. 

HTPs, though relatively new in the U.S., are popular in more than 60 countries. As HTPs have been introduced into the markets there, cigarette sales have declined. Many people find that HTPs offer a similar experience to smoking a traditional cigarette but without the harmful smoke and fewer dangerous byproducts.

Last year, Mississippi legislators passed Senate Bill 3105, a bill that would lower taxes on HTPs to ensure they are more affordable than cigarettes. This would help create an additional incentive for smokers to try a product that will be better for them.

My bill would do the same. This commonsense approach would not only improve public health but could also save Alabama billions of dollars in healthcare and productivity costs as more people successfully transition away from smoking.

We have a real opportunity to improve public health in Alabama by creating the right regulatory framework to support new products and innovations. I look forward to working with my colleagues to ensure this legislation moves forward.

Rolanda Hollis serves in the Alabama Legislature representing Jefferson County.

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. But that access is being restricted by massive corporate middlemen called pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs).

SB 252, now being considered by the Alabama House of Representatives, is a bipartisan effort to rein in PBM abuses and restore fairness to the prescription drug system. The bill has already passed the Senate with no opposition. That rarely happens in Alabama politics, and it speaks to the urgent need for PBM reform.

The opposition to SB 252 is rooted in a fundamental misrepresentation of the facts. One talking point making the rounds suggests employers should ask their HR departments how many prescriptions they covered last year, then multiply that number by $10.64 to find out how much this bill will cost their company. It makes for a clever soundbite and quick indignation—but it’s also incredibly misleading.

SB 252 does not create a new cost for employers or patients. The $10.64 figure being tossed around is a professional dispensing fee that already exists in Alabama’s Medicaid program. It’s not new. It doesn’t go to big drug companies. It’s paid to the pharmacy for the time, labor, and infrastructure required to fill a prescription. And more importantly, the bill clearly states that this fee is to be paid by the PBM or insurer—not by the patient or employer.

If employers want to ask a more legitimate question of their HR departments, they can try this one: How much is your company paying over actual cost for the drugs it covers? Odds are, they won’t get an answer—because most PBMs refuse to disclose claims-level data to the very businesses paying the bill.

That lack of transparency is one of the ways PBMs manipulate drug pricing. That’s not a free-market solution. It’s a closed-door scheme, and employers are footing the bill without ever seeing the receipt.

Meanwhile, patients across Alabama are being steered away from their trusted local pharmacies—many of which are the only healthcare providers in rural communities—and toward PBM-owned mail-order services. Some are denied access to low-cost generics in favor of higher-priced brand-name drugs that generate larger PBM rebates. These are the kinds of business practices that drive up healthcare spending, reduce patient access, and contribute to Alabama’s poor national health rankings.

SB 252 would put a stop to these games by tying pharmacy reimbursement to Alabama Actual Acquisition Cost—a transparent, state-run index of what pharmacies actually pay for medications. It’s fair, it’s measurable, and it prevents the kind of shell games PBMs have been playing for years.

This bill isn’t about politics. It’s about common sense. Employers deserve transparency. Patients deserve access. And pharmacies deserve to be paid fairly for doing their job. That’s why Republicans and Democrats in the Senate supported SB 252 without a single “no” vote.

Alabama has the opportunity to lead the way on PBM reform—and show that we’re not afraid to stand up to billion-dollar corporations when they put profits ahead of people. It’s time to pass SB 252.

Richard Kirby is the Director of Communications for Bessemer-based American Pharmacy Cooperative, Inc., and has been involved with independent pharmacy and PBM reform since 2013.

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 AMCC has been up to since the law’s passage four years ago. The AMCC awarded and revoked licenses multiple times and failed to follow laws like the Open Meetings Act, creating not only uncertainty but eroding the public’s trust. Their behavior has been challenged in court, and rightfully so. 

The AMCC has completely failed to establish a patient registry that would allow patients to become eligible to purchase medical cannabis in Alabama. The commission also refused to even inspect medical cannabis facilities prior to awarding licenses, even though the law clearly requires that they do so. You can’t make this stuff up. While I do not believe the individuals serving on the AMCC had malicious intent, the process used to award licenses appears to have been deeply flawed and compromised.

A recent appellate court ruling lifted the restraining order against the AMCC, making some people think this was nearing the end. Since this ruling, the AMCC seems to have been doing victory laps when, in reality, they know this ruling is not getting medical cannabis to the patients quicker. 

Why? Due process is the right of all, including those companies that were not awarded a license. Some friends in the legal community tell me the ruling will drag this nightmare out even longer with hearings and appeals. Companies awarded a license and those that were not awarded a license will have a chance to prove they meet the legal requirements. This may take years, not months.  

You may be asking what has this cost Alabama? I’ll let others figure out how much taxpayer money has been wasted. I want to focus on the more important thing it has cost. 

That is the human cost, which cannot be measured in dollars and cents. It’s measured by the number of tears shed by watching a loved one suffer and not having access to potential life-altering treatment. It’s measured in the number of seizures in children that conventional pharmaceuticals cannot stop. It’s measured in the number of our loved ones whose quality of life has deteriorated. It’s measured in how many times loved ones and their families have questioned their existence while living with immeasurable pain.  All of these are things for which the Legislature promised Alabamians relief in 2021. 

It’s beyond time the Legislature rekindles the hope that has been lost. We have good people serving in the Legislature who want to see this suffering end. I am confident that the Legislature can create a more efficient, fair, and uncorrupt process to launch Alabama’s medical cannabis program. 

I humbly ask you to call your local state representative and senator and urge them that the time to act is NOW. 

The time is NOW for the Legislature to fix this problem and restore the hope it promised four years ago, or the suffering people of Alabama will lose it forever.

Dustin Chandler is a dedicated advocate for individuals with disabilities. After his daughter Carly was diagnosed with CDKL5 Deficiency Disorder in 2012, he became deeply involved in efforts to improve the lives of children and adults with disabilities. In 2014, he played a key role in leading the successful effort to pass Carly’s Law in Alabama, which legalized the use of CBD oil for qualifying patients with refractory epilepsy. His work continues to focus on policy, advocacy, and creating meaningful change.

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 anything to do with the actual goal of the Farm Bill. 

In this case, it legalized delta-8 THC, which is a form of marijuana that I personally view as much more harmful than cannabis. 

The reason I say this is because delta-8 occurs in very small quantities naturally, resulting in the vast majority of commercially available versions being synthesized through a conversion process that uses a variety of chemicals to convert hemp-derived CBD into delta-8.

Simply put, this is chemically manufactured marijuana that is being sold with zero oversight in thousands of gas stations and smoke shops across the state of Alabama. 

No state or federal agency ensures truth in labeling, the substance has not been evaluated or approved by the FDA for safe use, and numerous studies have found these products are causing adverse side effects such as hallucinations, vomiting, tremors, anxiety, dizziness, confusion, and loss of consciousness.

What makes matters even worse is that these products are clearly being sold to underage children.

In 2023, The Alabama Poison Information Center investigated 235 cases involving delta-8, and more than 40% of calls were for children six and under.

It’s also become a huge issue in Alabama’s public schools.

I’ve heard from superintendents, student resource officers, teachers, and parents about the prevalence of these products within the classroom.

One teacher told me he could not leave his classroom to use the bathroom because students would use vaporizer devices to get high off delta-8 in his absence.

The root cause of this is the fact that these products are available in all shapes and dosages – from gummies marketed to look like candy to flower that is visually identical to marijuana.

Most recently, delta-8 infused seltzers have hit the market and are being sold on tap at restaurants and bars, and I wholeheartedly believe this could lead to tragic outcomes on Alabama’s roads, highways, and interstates.

This is a product that clearly causes psychological impairment, but how does a bartender decide when a patron has had too much to drive?

How many milligrams can someone have before they are a danger on the roadways?

What are the effects when someone mixes alcohol and delta-8?

The drinks are also being sold in convenience stores, but the difference is that they aren’t sold from behind the counter like other forms of delta-8.

Instead, they are in coolers next to energy drinks and alcoholic beverages. 

The problems with these products are seemingly endless, and so far, the state has done little, if anything, to solve them.

Last week, I filed a bill aimed at reining this issue in and protecting Alabama’s children from delta-8.

HB445 would authorize the Alabama Alcoholic Beverage Control Board to regulate all consumable hemp products through the licensure of manufacturers, wholesale distributors, and retailers that sell them. 

It would also prohibit the sale of any consumable hemp products to individuals under 21 years of age, establish labeling and testing requirements, and limit the amount of THC that can be present in these products.

Most importantly, it would outline penalties for distributors that sell these products to underage Alabamians.

This will be a challenging undertaking, but I believe that any measure aimed at protecting the future of our state is one that lawmakers must seriously consider.

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 Baldwin County and only serve to further divide us. 

Unfortunately, it also feeds into an increasingly common narrative I hear from my constituents; they don’t want those preaching redistribution of wealth allocating school resources. They want someone focused on their communities’ children and particularly theirs.

The class warfare ideology espoused by Superintendent Tyler will likely only encourage more city school systems to break away from the county school system.  

In Baldwin County, we levy, by local law, a 1% sales tax, forty percent of which is directed specifically to the Baldwin County Board of Education (BCBE). It’s been around since 1983. Currently, and because BCBE was the only school system around when the law was passed, none of that revenue is shared in an equitable manner with other school systems in the county, even though they sure do pay the tax.

This revenue is intended for all children in all Baldwin’s communities, not just one system. Superintendent Tyler’s stated solution is to keep all the money raised in all of Baldwin’s communities to one system and encourage those that form their own systems “to raise additional taxes from within their communities.”  Double taxing is terrible public policy. 

Why this legislation and why now? Simple, because we said we would.

Six years ago this month, at Superintendent Tyler’s request, I helped broker, and we announced a separation agreement between Gulf Shores City Schools and the Baldwin County Board of Education. This agreement covered all that was within the authority of the two systems to negotiate.

The only remaining item of contention was beyond their control and that is updating the local law which distributes a portion of a 1983 sales tax levied by the Alabama legislature. 

During those separation negotiations, I can assure you that Gulf Shores was very interested in updating this sales tax statute so that Gulf Shores, and any other city school system, could share the revenue collected in their communities as well.

As the only Senator that represents all the school districts within Baldwin County, we agreed and we determined that once certain debt payments made by BCBE on school properties in Gulf Shores were satisfied, I would introduce legislation to update the distribution to include all schools county wide.

Those debt payments were satisfied in December of 2024, true to my word and in accordance with our agreement, I introduced the appropriate legislation at the beginning of this year to update the sales tax statute.

In a recent statement to the press, Superintendent Tyler stated, “To come back years later, asking to change the terms and take away money from Baldwin County students is simply unfair.” He went on to say, “It’s not appropriate for the beach cities to come back years later and ask Baldwin County students to go without knowing what they agreed to…” 

As a party to those negotiations, I can unfortunately say that these statements are unequivocally false, and I am manifestly disappointed in him for making them.  I am a strong supporter of all the children that I represent and the schools that they attend. 

This includes Baldwin County Public Schools and their leadership, but I believe integrity is important and your word matters. I’ve compared school splits to a divorce. All too often the children are the real victims. Let’s set the adults’ egos and feelings aside, set an example for our kids and share our plentiful resources with all of Baldwin’s children. 

This picture hangs on the wall of my office in the Fairhope Courthouse. I’m proud when we set our differences aside and come together. Let’s honor our agreements, be men of integrity and serve all of Baldwin County’s children.

State Sen. Chris Elliott (R-Daphne) represents Baldwin County in the Alabama State Senate and serves as the Chairman of the County & Municipal Governments Committee. 

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 reserve our long hours of talking politics for lengthy phone conversations in between legislative sessions. We both very much enjoy our political discussions. Mac knows Alabama politics and our political history as well as anyone and was a part of it for a long time.

Mac McArthur was born and raised in Ashford in Houston County. His McArthur ancestors were some of the first settlers of that Wiregrass County. About half the folks in Ashford were named McArthur or were kin to them when Mac was growing up. Bill Baxley was Mac’s mentor and idol in politics. Baxley’s relatives were also some of the first settlers of Houston County. His people lived in Dothan. Bill and Mac are actually cousins. 

Bill grew up watching court in Dothan as his daddy, Judge Kenner Baxley, presided over his Houston County courtroom. Bill was a two-term Attorney General who blazed an unprecedented Civil Rights trail that is unparalleled. He was the most renowned, progressive Attorney General in Alabama history. Baxley’s prosecution of the “Kluxers,” who bombed Birmingham’s 16th Street Baptist Church and killed four little girls on one of the most tragic and horrific Sunday mornings in Alabama history, will be featured in an upcoming Alabama Public Television documentary. He was also the youngest person ever elected Attorney General in Alabama and holds the record for being the youngest Attorney General ever elected in the country. He was elected as the state’s top lawyer at age 28. Baxley is now 83 and still practices law in Birmingham.

Mac Began his career being Baxley’s Chief of Staff when Bill was Lt. Governor from 1982 to 1986. Mac has been more like a brother to me than a friend. His daddy, Gene McArthur, and my great uncle, Maurice Miller, were best friends and more like brothers. Alabama is just one big front porch.

My friend Mac McArthur retired as Executive Director of the Alabama State Employees Association late last year after 26 years leading the organization. He not only ran the organization, he was their lobbyist. In his last six years, he accomplished something no other ASEA Director accomplished or probably ever will – getting five cost-of-living raises in the last six years. Mac fought many a battle for state employees over the years and won most. 

Let me tell you, the legislative wars are a real battlefield. Legislative politics is a messy business and not for the faint of heart. Mac McArthur is diplomatic and disarming with his country charm, but Mac McArthur is not faint-hearted. Prior to becoming head of ASEA, Mac was an Assistant District Attorney and was Executive Director of the State Ethics Commission. 

Mac is retiring at a young age. He is only 66. He and his wife, Cheryl, have moved to a home on Logan Martin Lake, near Pell City, to be near their daughter and two grandchildren. They have taken to their new home like a duck to water, probably because they are constantly around the grandkids.

We still have our hour-long political talks by phone, and probably always will. Mac’s protégé, Cameron Espy, has taken Mac’s job as Executive Director of the Alabama State Employees Association. It seems like yesterday Mac hired young Cameron to be his Public Relations Director. However, it was 22 years ago that Cameron began handling marketing, public relations, and events for ASEA. She became Assistant Director and Mac’s Chief Lieutenant several years ago. It was a natural transition for her to replace Mac. He will be hard to replace.

See you next week.

Steve Flowers is Alabama’s leading political columnist. His weekly column appears in over 60 Alabama newspapers. He served 16 years in the state legislature. Steve may be reached at steve@steveflowers. us.

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 state workers paid paternal leave.

RELATED: Britt reintroduces bill ensuring women in rural areas across America have access to vital obstetric care

However, there is another critical issue that our elected officials have yet to take meaningful action on: maternity care deserts-counties with no obstetric care providers, or hospitals that offer maternity services. 

Maternity care deserts have become alarmingly common in rural Alabama, leaving expectant mothers with few options and forcing many to travel excessive distances for care. Nearly half of our state’s 55 rural counties are full maternity care deserts. Most of the remaining rural counties have limited access to maternity services. Combined, this means nearly 70% of Alabama’s counties lack adequate maternal healthcare — an almost unfathomable reality in our modern era and something our state’s leaders should find unacceptable. 

The impacts of the lack of care are devastating. 

Nearly a third of Alabama women live more than half an hour from the nearest birthing hospital, compared to just 9.7% of women nationwide. These heightened travel times also mean heightened risk. 

This absence of care has and will continue to result in dire consequences. Alabama’s maternal and infant mortality and morbidity rates rank the highest in the United States. Here, approximately 65 mothers will die per 100,000 babies born this year. Proportionally, this seems like a relatively small number, but these are lives at risk, not mere data points. 

The numbers represent real Alabamians — mothers lost, children growing up without them, and families left reeling by a system that is failing them. 

Without action to address this crisis, Alabama will continue to be one of the worst places in America to give birth.

The rise of maternity care deserts in Alabama is the direct result of years of financial strain on rural hospitals. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, 84% of Alabama’s rural hospitals were already operating in the red. To stay afloat, many began cutting less profitable services, with obstetric care being one of the first on the chopping block. 

The cuts, while financially necessary for struggling hospitals, have been devastating for rural mothers, creating a cyclical decline in care. When hospitals eliminate labor and delivery units, expectant mothers must travel elsewhere for care, meaning fewer patients use local hospitals, leading to further financial losses. 

In an attempt to remain viable, many of our rural hospitals have been reclassified as rural emergency hospitals (REH). This reclassification eliminates inpatient beds altogether. So, while this move may provide short-term financial relief, it is one of the most significant contributors to our decline in maternal care. 

Additionally, many of these rural hospitals serve a high number of Medicaid patients, and declining reimbursements have made it nearly impossible to keep labor and delivery units open. In Conecuh County, where there are no delivery hospitals or prenatal care providers, the average distance to give birth was between 22 and 29 miles. However, some women have had to travel over 70 miles to give birth. Without changes in policy and funding, this crisis will only worsen. 

Fortunately, our Legislature has the power and the time to take action. 

That said, I am proposing a dual-faceted legislative approach to this issue that would make a significant impact by expanding obstetric services in rural emergency hospitals and strengthening the pipeline of physicians trained to provide obstetric care in rural communities. 

First, legislation must allow rural emergency hospitals to maintain inpatient beds and provide obstetric services. 

Currently, hospitals that transition to REH status lose their ability to offer inpatient care, exacerbating the crisis for expectant mothers. By permitting these hospitals to provide obstetric services — under proper licensing and staffing requirements — we can restore access to life-saving maternal care. Additionally, the Alabama Department of Health (ADH) should move forward with creating grant programs to assist rural hospitals in funding obstetric care, covering costs for staffing, training, and vital infrastructure. 

Second, we must invest in training and incentivization for rural physicians.

Expanding the curriculum for state-funded Rural Medical Scholars programs to include obstetrics training will ensure rural family medicine physicians are equipped to provide critical maternity care in these regions. To attract and retain these providers, Alabama should offer financial incentives, including loan repayment for those who commit to serving in high-need areas and signing bonuses for those who join rural emergency hospitals or clinics. 

By partnering with medical schools, such as the University of Alabama at Birmingham, the state can further develop accredited training programs tailored to meet the needs of our rural communities. 

If we are truly a pro-life and pro-family values state, then our policies must reflect that across the board. Without access to care, rural mothers and babies will continue to die, and Alabama will maintain a reputation for poor maternal healthcare. 

This legislation is not a wholesale fix to this crisis. Still, it is a critical step toward saving lives and strengthening Alabama’s rural healthcare system.

Avery Alexander is a Senior at the University of Alabama double majoring in Communication Studies and Political Science. She currently serves as the Chairwoman of the College Republican Federation of Alabama and sits on the Alabama Republican Party’s Steering Committee. You can contact her at crfachairman@gmail.com.