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.

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Blog

Allen v. Milligan ruling is a shot in the arm for democracy

Alabamians received good news this month with the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in Allen v. Milligan. This decision upholds key parts of the Voting Rights Act and requires Alabama to draw new congressional districts by July 21. The Legislature likely will hold a special session in July to approve two majority-Black (or close to majority-Black) [...]
Issue
Voting Rights
Date
June 26, 2023
Author
Robyn Hyden
Blog

2023 was a momentous session on Alabama Arise policy priorities

June 6 ended one of the most significant legislative sessions ever for Alabama Arise and our supporters. Through timely and persistent advocacy, Arise members helped build a better, more equitable Alabama. While our work continues, we want to highlight the many important strides this year in our movement for a better Alabama for all – [...]
Issues
Criminal Justice, Housing, Economic Opportunity, Voting Rights
Date
June 26, 2023
Author
Mike Nicholson
Blog

Building momentum for closing the coverage gap

Cover Alabama has built powerful momentum to expand Medicaid and close the state’s health coverage gap in recent months. In March, Alabama Arise’s Cover Alabama campaign held its first in-person Medicaid expansion lobby day. With the participation of 80 passionate individuals, this event created a powerful platform for advocating Medicaid expansion. [caption id="attachment_8254" align="aligncenter" width="640"] [...]
Issue
Medicaid Expansion
Date
June 26, 2023
Author
Debbie Smith
Blog

Leave a lasting impact

Alabama Arise has set long-term goals like a fairer state tax system and state budgets that provide opportunities for all. Together, we have made meaningful steps toward these goals. And our members – with monthly or one-time gifts – help us keep up the momentum every day. We are so grateful. However, this vision won’t [...]
Date
June 26, 2023
Author
Jacob Smith
Blog

Join us for Town Hall Tuesdays!

Listening has been the key to shaping and advancing public policies that matter most to those suffering because of bad policies. We listened to continued demands to untax groceries in Alabama and realized an important victory this year. Together, we supported the passage of legislation that will reduce the state sales tax on groceries from [...]
Issue
Economic Opportunity
Date
June 8, 2023
Author
Presdelane Harris
Blog

Arise legislative update: June 7, 2023

The Alabama Legislature's 2023 regular session has come to a close. Arise's Akiesha Anderson takes us through some big wins – including reducing the state's grocery tax! – and other highlights from the session. We want to thank you for speaking out to support good bills and oppose harmful bills. Please visit alarise.org and follow [...]
Issues
Budgets, Criminal Justice, Tax Reform
Date
June 7, 2023
Author
Alabama Arise
Blog

Medicaid expansion: Alabama’s path to long-term health and financial security

With North Carolina having joined the list of Medicaid expansion states, Alabama remains part of a dwindling group of just 10 states that have not closed the health coverage gap. More states are starting to realize the benefits of Medicaid expansion and finally adopting this life-saving measure. But Alabama unfortunately remains an outlier. By failing [...]
Issue
Medicaid Expansion
Date
May 30, 2023
Author
Debbie Smith
Blog

Arise legislative update: May 30, 2023

As the Alabama Legislature's 2023 regular session begins to wind down, Arise's Carol Gundlach looks at the House passage of HB 479, a major breakthrough on our longtime goal of reducing the state sales tax on groceries. She also discusses four major budget bills headed to the governor's desk.
Issues
Tax Reform, Budgets
Date
May 30, 2023
Author
Alabama Arise
Blog

Arise legislative update: May 22, 2023

Arise's Akiesha Anderson shares some good news from last week's action at the Alabama Legislature. Those breakthroughs include the introduction of a House bill to reduce the state grocery tax, with nearly every representative joining as a co-sponsor. We also saw progress on several criminal justice reform bills, including the passage of SB 154, which [...]
Issues
Budgets, Criminal Justice, Tax Reform
Date
May 22, 2023
Author
Alabama Arise
Blog

What Medicaid members need to know about Alabama Medicaid’s ‘unwinding’

After a continuous enrollment period brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, Alabama Medicaid has begun an unwinding process. This “unwinding” will end Medicaid coverage for Medicaid members who don’t meet certain criteria. Read below to find out more about this process, including when and how Medicaid members will need to certify their eligibility. Click here [...]
Issue
Medicaid Expansion
Date
May 16, 2023
Author
Jennifer Harris