Blog
Public policy should make life better for everyone, not just a select few. Throughout the year, Arise tracks a range of state and federal policy proposals and assesses what they would mean for Alabamians who are struggling to make ends meet. Our blog provides quick updates on these proposals and offers tips on what you can do to help build an Alabama where all people have an opportunity to reach their full potential.
Blog
Arise legislative recap: April 19, 2021
We take a break from our usual legislative coverage this week as Arise's Pres Harris (and her nephew!) bring you all the details you need for the Alabama Arise Action spring membership meeting this Thursday. You can find more information and register at alariseaction.org.
Blog
You give me hope for a brighter future in Alabama: A farewell column from Brenda Boman, former Arise development director
[caption id="attachment_5486" align="alignleft" width="290"] Brenda Boman retired in January after 16 years as Alabama Arise's development director. We're grateful for her hard work to build our membership and strengthen our movement for change.[/caption] When I joined the Alabama Arise staff 16 years ago as its development director, I came to this work with little to [...]
Blog
Money matters: Budgets top priority for session; lawmakers also discussing Medicaid expansion, criminal justice reform, voting rights this year
As the Alabama Legislature approaches the 2021 regular session's final days, both state budgets are halfway to passage. The Education Trust Fund (ETF) budget has passed in the Senate and is in the House’s education budget committee. The General Fund (GF) budget, which funds all non-education services, has cleared the House and awaits Senate committee [...]
Blog
American Rescue Plan Act offers path to recovery
As vaccinations continue across Alabama, COVID-19’s viselike grip on our lives is loosening. The pandemic has caused immense physical, emotional and economic suffering, and those aftereffects will not fade quickly. But the American Rescue Plan Act – the federal relief package that President Joe Biden signed March 11 – includes many important policies to begin [...]
Blog
Arise legislative recap: April 10, 2021
Arise's Carol Gundlach provides an update on the lottery and medical marijuana bills moving through the Alabama Legislature and discusses how they could shape the policy landscape for Medicaid expansion and the grocery tax as the 2021 regular session nears its final days. (Correction: The lottery and medical marijuana bill debates were on Wednesday, not [...]
Blog
A healthier Alabama is just over the horizon
I am thrilled to report that Alabama is closer to expanding Medicaid today than we’ve ever been before! Thanks to your strong advocacy, our leaders are beginning to see the connections between the COVID-19 pandemic and unequal access to health care. They’re facing the fact that rural communities, primary care providers and everyday Alabamians are [...]
Blog
Arise legislative recap: April 5, 2021
Arise's Jim Carnes provides an update on several good bills that won committee approval, including legislation to repeal Alabama's broken and harmful Habitual Felony Offender Act. He also acknowledges a disturbing trend of bills that aim to limit the power of Alabama's public health officials to respond to pandemics and other emergencies.
Blog
Arise legislative recap: March 19, 2021
As the Alabama Legislature reaches the midpoint of this year’s regular session, Arise’s Celida Soto Garcia brings us up to date with the session so far. Lawmakers sadly have neglected many key needs while advancing numerous bills that would infringe on the civil rights of Alabamians. We need you to speak out for a better [...]
Blog
New Medicaid expansion incentive clears the path to a healthier Alabama
The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 answers a question Alabama policymakers have been asking for years: How can we pay for Medicaid expansion? It’s a solution that lawmakers should embrace immediately to build a better, healthier future for our state. And it’s a step you can urge the governor to take today. An incentive [...]
Blog
Arise legislative recap: March 12, 2021
Arise's Carol Gundlach breaks down the American Rescue Plan and what it means for Alabama families including expansions to the Child Tax Credit and EITC helping to reduce poverty across Alabama.