Guest Opinion — Page 14
Alabama’s public schools are funded from three primary sources. The state receives approximately 10% percent of its funding from the federal government through programs like Title I and school nutrition programs. These programs typically support students coming from low-income households. The next source is local funding. Anywhere between 21% to 34% of education expenses are […]
As technology has evolved over the past 25 years, minors are more at risk of harm from age-inappropriate online materials, and a growing number of American families are concerned about what their children access on the internet, regardless of their political leanings.
Alabama’s rural hospitals are vanishing. This devastating crisis is unfolding in the heart of our state, jeopardizing not only the health of our people but the very foundation of rural communities. Since 2011, at least seven rural hospitals in Alabama have closed their doors for good. On our current path, more than half of the […]
Over the past three years, states have been receiving settlement funds from federal lawsuits against major pharmaceutical companies. To date, Alabama has secured over $300 million, and I expect that figure to continue growing. These funds are directed to the state’s Opioid Settlement Fund, which the Legislature appropriates. In 2022, the Legislature created the Oversight […]
The time has come for decisive reform of the Birmingham Water Works Board (BWWB). For the purpose of accomplishing such reform the undersigned have prepared and are sponsoring in the Legislature of Alabama Senate Bill 330. This is not a matter of local governance, or an isolated issue confined simply to the City of Birmingham. […]
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 […]
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 […]
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.
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 […]
“By his power God raised the Lord from the dead, and he will raise us also.” I Corinthians 6:14 This morning, there are so many thoughts circulating in my heart and mind — heart and mind together, my soul. Yesterday, a 49-year-old friend coded on the ambulance gurney as they were attempting to move him […]
Motherhood should be a time of joy and bonding, but for myself and far too many Alabama mothers, it is overshadowed by an unseen struggle—postpartum depression (PPD). Affecting nearly 16% of new mothers in our state, PPD does not exist in isolation. It ripples through families, communities, and the economy, carrying human and financial costs […]
In Alabama, we value family. We know that raising children is both one of life’s greatest callings and one of its biggest responsibilities. But for far too many, the cost of childcare has become overwhelming. From daycare to summer camps, childcare costs have universally soared, placing serious strain on household budgets. In fact, nearly 60% […]
During the course of every legislative session, lawmakers in Alabama have opportunities to make clear statements about taxation. This year, lawmakers have an opportunity to make a statement about taxes and public health by passing H.B. 357. This legislation would establish a new tax category for heated tobacco products (HTPs) and tax them at a […]
In today’s world, energy is far more than just a utility—it’s a critical cornerstone of national security, economic vitality, and independence on the global stage. For years, Republicans have championed the idea that America should never be at the mercy of foreign nations to power our homes, fuel our vehicles, or run our businesses. Under […]
As Director of the Alabama Bureau of Pardons and Paroles, I’ve seen firsthand how offering second chances can transform lives. Each person who enters our system carries a story, often marked by past mistakes but also by the potential for change.
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.
Each April, our nation pauses to recognize those who have suffered the life-altering impacts of crime and to reaffirm our commitment to justice, healing, and support. National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, established by President Ronald Reagan in 1981, was born from a national cry for change, a cry that still echoes today. This year’s theme, […]
The signing into law of the Alabama Development Fund (ADF) is a pivotal moment for economic growth and prosperity in our state. For the rural Alabama communities served by Southeast Gas, this fund represents an unprecedented opportunity to compete on a more level playing field for economic development projects that have historically been out of […]
Dear Citizens of Fairhope, As Chairman of the Alabama Public Library Service, I want to begin by expressing my deep appreciation for the important role that public libraries play in our communities.
For too long, Big Tech companies have dictated the rules of engagement for our children’s digital lives — tying the hands of parents who simply want to keep their kids safe from unsolicited communications and inappropriate content. Enough is enough. That’s why I am thrilled to see the Alabama Legislature moving legislation that would help […]
Two hundred years ago, the Marquis de Lafayette spent nine days in Alabama traveling across the midwestern portion of the state from Georgia to Montgomery and then to Selma, the Capitol at Cahawba, and downriver to Mobile.
Growing up in a small town is a way of life for many Alabamians. I had the privilege of being raised in a rural community. I attended a small high school, I knew all the students in the grades above and below me. Going to a small school allowed me to participate in almost every […]
America received some great news last year when the federal government reported that youth tobacco usage was at historic lows. Keeping young people away from tobacco has long been a government priority, but when it comes to cigarettes the focus should now be on helping adult smokers to quit. More than 28 million adult Americans continue […]
It’s no secret that Alabama ranks among the worst states in the nation for chronic illness, including diabetes, heart disease, and cancer. These aren’t just statistics—they’re real struggles for working families, seniors, and small-town communities. Given that reality, one would think that access to affordable, life-saving medications would be a top priority for our state. […]

