News Releases
Public policy barriers prevent far too many Alabamians from getting ahead. Our duty is to speak out against those barriers and identify solutions to give everyone an opportunity to reach their full potential. Check out our news releases and press statements about our research, organizing and advocacy for policies to make life better for Alabamians who are struggling to make ends meet.
News Releases
Grocery tax bill’s passage will improve life for every Alabamian
The Alabama Senate voted 34-0 Tuesday for HB 386 by Rep. Danny Garrett, R-Trussville, a bill that will reduce the state sales tax on groceries from 3% to 2% beginning on Sept. 1 and give cities and counties more flexibility to reduce local grocery taxes if they choose. The Alabama House quickly concurred in the [...]
News Releases
Alabama Arise praises new maternal health, paid parental leave laws
[caption id="attachment_10630" align="aligncenter" width="799"] Alabama Arise executive director Robyn Hyden (fifth from right) and worker policy advocate Dev Wakeley (sixth from right) participated in Gov. Kay Ivey’s bill signing ceremony for SB 199 on May 1, 2025, at the State Capitol in Montgomery. SB 199 will ensure paid parental leave for teachers, two-year college workers [...]
News Releases
New paid parental leave law improves life for Alabama workers
Gov. Kay Ivey signed SB 199 into law Wednesday. The legislation, sponsored by Sen. Vivian Figures, D-Mobile, will ensure paid parental leave for new parents who work as teachers, two-year college employees or state employees. The law, which will take effect on July 1, provides eight weeks of paid leave to mothers and two weeks [...]
News Releases
200+ Alabama Arise supporters rally in favor of reducing state grocery tax
[caption id="attachment_10337" align="aligncenter" width="640"] Alabama Arise executive director Robyn Hyden speaks in support of untaxing groceries during Arise's annual Legislative Day on March 20, 2025, in Montgomery. (Photo by Julie Bennett)[/caption] Alabama should reduce the state sales tax on groceries again this year and work toward a sustainable solution to end the tax permanently, Alabama [...]
News Releases
Another grocery tax reduction would be great news for every Alabamian
Rep. Danny Garrett, R-Trussville, on Wednesday introduced HB 386, a bill to reduce the state sales tax on groceries from 3% to 2% beginning on Sept. 1. The Alabama House Democrats also endorsed forthcoming legislation to end the state grocery tax during a news conference Wednesday. Alabama Arise executive director Robyn Hyden released the following [...]
News Releases
110+ Alabama groups urge Congress to oppose cuts to Medicaid, SNAP
Congress should oppose efforts to cut funding or create additional enrollment barriers for Medicaid and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), 112 organizations across Alabama wrote in a letter to Alabama’s congressional delegation this week. “We write to request respectfully that, in your deliberations about federal budget and tax policy, you ensure that Congress protects [...]
News Releases
Alabama at risk from threatened federal funding cuts
Congress this week likely will begin considering budget resolutions that could set the stage for severe cuts to Medicaid, food assistance and other human services. These funding cuts would finance efforts to renew or expand tax cuts for wealthy people and highly profitable corporations. Alabama Arise executive director Robyn Hyden issued the following statement Monday [...]
News Releases
56 Alabama groups urge Congress to reject tax cuts for the wealthy
Congress should oppose efforts to increase tax breaks for wealthy Americans and highly profitable corporations this year, 56 organizations across Alabama wrote in a letter sent to Alabama’s congressional delegation Wednesday. Lawmakers instead should seek to boost tax credits that expand opportunities for working people and families, the letter said. “We urge you and all [...]
News Releases
Alabama Arise unveils 2025 roadmap for change in Alabama
Expanding Medicaid and ending the state sales tax on groceries will remain top goals on Alabama Arise’s 2025 legislative agenda. The organization also will advocate for state funds to help public schools provide free breakfast to every student. More than 450 members voted in the last week to affirm Arise’s legislative priorities. The seven priorities [...]
News Releases
Alabama Arise, Alabama Values launch Think Big Alabama advocacy training program
Alabama Arise and Alabama Values announce the launch of Think Big Alabama: Empowering Voices for Change, a four-part advocacy training program aimed at empowering underserved and underrepresented communities in Alabama. The program, running from July 13 to Aug. 24, will equip 20 participants with essential skills in media, public policy and grassroots organizing. BIPOC Alabamians [...]
