EDITORIALS
Access in-depth articles on our a variety of topics to keep you up-to-date with important issues facing the state of Alabama.
API President/CEO Pens Op-Ed on Educational Freedom
Let’s demand our education system stop serving as a glorified public employment agency with little to no accountability and limited academic success. Let’s start putting
Start Putting Students First
School Choice is a hot button issue nationwide. Some governors have been championing this idea for years, but there has been a noticeable domino effect
Top Ten Things the Alabama Legislature Should Accomplish in 2023
The Regular Session of the Alabama Legislature will resume Tuesday. Though the only statutory requirement of our state legislature is to pass balanced budgets, there
Are Alabama’s state revenue streams too ‘wild’ to enact permanent tax cuts?
The question of what to do with Alabama’s $3 billion revenue surplus continues as the 2023 Alabama legislature regular session approaches. Rep. Danny Garrett (R-Trussville),
Tax cuts would benefit Alabama more than a one-time rebate
Tax cuts would benefit the state more than one-time rebate checks, Mississippi Center for Public Policy President and CEO Douglas Carswell recently explained. This call for
Why the 2022 World Games didn’t deliver the promised economic benefits
Optimism abounded when Birmingham won its bid to host the 2022 World Games. The games were supposed to attract scores of foreign visitors to the
Too many lawmakers would rather spend money on government than return it to the people
On last week’s episode of Alabama Public Television’s Capitol Journal, Gov. Kay Ivey (R) and Alabama Senate President Pro Tem Greg Reed (R-Jasper) spoke about enacting a
Medicaid expansion debate goes beyond bringing in federal dollars
The Retirement Systems of Alabama (RSA) is joining the push for Medicaid expansion in our state. RSA’s monthly member publication, The Advisor, recently argued in favor of expansion,
How will Alabama lawmakers spend the remaining $1 billion in ARPA funds?
The American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) was signed into law nearly two years ago. Alabama’s state government directly received $2.1 billion in federal COVID-19 relief funding under
Tax cuts would benefit Alabama more than a one-time rebate
Tax cuts would benefit the state more than one-time rebate checks, Mississippi Center for Public Policy President and CEO Douglas Carswell recently explained. This call for
How Washington’s looming debt limit fight could impact you
The federal government expects to reach the statutory debt limit this Thursday, setting up another high-profile political showdown in Washington, the first real test for the newly
Alabama lawmakers should ‘do more’ with historic surplus
“We can do more.” That was the message Alabama’s newly elected Speaker of the House, Rep. Nathaniel Ledbetter (R-Rainsville) gave lawmakers on Tuesday afternoon. The statement came
Why Alabamians should pay attention to this week’s organizational session
State lawmakers will convene in Montgomery this week for the official start of the new legislative quadrennium — the 2023 organizational session. While the organizational
Should Alabama taxpayers bail out Birmingham-Southern College?
Birmingham-Southern College (BSC) says that it needs a $37.5 million infusion of cash to continue operations. Now it is asking state and local officials, as
Five resolutions for Alabama’s government in 2023
The new year is a time for all Alabamians to reflect on the past and make new resolutions for change. It’s also a time for
Richard Shelby’s retirement could mean less federal dependency, more fiscal responsibility for Alabama and the nation
Last week, the United State Congress passed a $1.7 billion omnibus spending bill, averting a partial government shutdown and securing funding for the rest of fiscal year
Lawmakers should take less money from you in 2023, not look for ways to spend more
Despite early projections that a potential recession may not have as hard-hitting of an impact on Alabama as previously expected, do not expect permanent tax
The truth behind Alabama’s ‘most conservative Legislature’ ranking
According to a recent ranking from the Conservative Political Action Coalition’s (CPAC) Center for Legislative Accountability (CLA), Alabama’s state Legislature was the most conservative in the United
With billions of federal education dollars unspent, why does the Alabama Department of Education continue to ask for more?
Alabama’s K-12 schools have over $2 billion in federal stimulus funding that is yet to be spent, according to a recent report from al.com. The money was appropriated
Educational insanity: What the 2022 NAEP scores actually tell Alabamians
What if I told you Alabama’s eighth-grade reading and math scores are either worse or the same than they were more than two decades ago?
Is this what fiscal conservatism looks like?
Last week, a Washington Examiner columnist wrote an opinion piece entitled “Fiscal conservatism doesn’t always mean tax cuts.” It highlighted recent comments by the Alabama House of Representatives’ newly
Consequences of Medicaid expansion go beyond dollars and cents
State Sen. Chris Elliott (R-Josephine) feels that a push for Medicaid expansion could come from Republican legislators when the new legislative quadrennium starts in March
When it comes to tax cuts, actions speak louder than words — Alabamians are watching and waiting
As Governor Kay Ivey prepares to enter her second full term in office, could permanent tax relief finally be in the cards for Alabamians? The
Grocery and other permanent tax cuts ‘on the table’ in 2023, but lawmakers should think bolder
The talk of the legislature pursuing meaningful tax cuts during the 2023 regular session continues to pick up momentum. That is good news for Alabamians,
Lawmakers must use historic surplus to protect Alabamians, not protect government
Over the past month, there has been increased discussion amongst Alabama lawmakers about what state government should do with the historic $2 billion revenue surplus it amassed
What voters should know about constitutional items on the November ballot
Election Day 2022 is now less than three weeks away. And while the focus for many voters may be on races for governor, U.S. Senate
Progressive politics drive the ‘S’ in ESG
This week, Missouri became the 14th state in the past several months to divest funds from large asset management companies and banks the state believes are making
Alabamians deserve permanent tax relief, not just a one-time check
In fiscal year 2022, Alabama’s state government collected over $13 billion in total revenue. It marked the fourth straight year the state has had a
As states divest from ESG, Alabama is not leading, but will it follow?
“Simply put, we cannot be party to the crippling of our own economy.” Those were the words of Louisiana’s Treasurer, John Schroder, informing BlackRock that
Permanent tax relief is ‘very important’ to Alabamians
Appearing Friday night on Alabama Public Television’s “Capitol Journal,” State Senate President Pro-Tem Greg Reed (R-Jasper) said that Alabama’s record $2 billion revenue surplus was a “one-time
Another ‘record’ surplus in 2022 proves that Alabama can afford historic tax relief
Last Friday marked the end of the 2022 fiscal year. For the Alabama state government, it was another record-breaking year. In 2022 the state took
The free market should drive electric vehicle sales, not the government
“I believe Alabama is uniquely positioned to be a leader in the EV industry.” Those were the words of Alabama Governor Kay Ivey delivering the opening
Lower taxes, better education are keys to attracting business to Alabama, not incentives
The Alabama Jobs Act is set to expire July 31, 2023, meaning that economic incentives could be a major topic of interest during next year’s regular legislative
APR’s Joey Kennedy wrong about Alabama Policy Institute on tax reform — ‘Flat-out lies’
This week, Alabama Political Reporter columnist Joey Kennedy made a patently false attack against the Alabama Policy Institute (API). His main claim was that API’s proposed $750 million
ESG and the collapse of the free market
Last month, Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall joined 19 other states in a letter to BlackRock CEO Larry Fink, challenging BlackRock’s use of ESG as
Excuses are easy — Meaningful policy change takes bold leadership
As summer turns to fall, the drumbeat for the Alabama Legislature to enact meaningful tax reform legislation has picked up its pace. But there is
Alabamians deserve more than a one-time tax rebate
“I think they deserve it.” That is what House Majority Leader Nathaniel Ledbetter (R-Rainsville) said last week when asked about the possibility of using state government’s record
Colleges and universities must increase the value of an education
The annual cost of a college education has increased by 182% in the past 40 years. But are college graduates getting more for their money?
Systemic problems making it difficult to both work in and attract new workers to Alabama
At the end of July, Alabama’s labor force participation rate was 57.2%. The national average was 62.1%. Just four states rank below Alabama. When Alabama’s labor participation
Bold tax reform should be at the top of Alabama lawmakers’ agenda
“Alabama budgets are in great shape.” That was the message last week from the Alabama Legislative Services Agency’s deputy director Kirk Fulford to a joint meeting of
Why Medicaid expansion is a bad idea for Alabama
As the Legislature heads toward its 2023 regular legislative session, calls for Medicaid expansion are likely to increase. Alabama remains one of 12 states that
The truth behind inflation and the impending recession
Last week, the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis announced that the country’s economic growth rate had dropped by 0.9 percent, falling for the second straight
How Alabama businesses have swallowed the woke narrative
Minnie Mouse has traded in her dress for a pantsuit. United Way Worldwide hosted a 21-Day Race Equity Challenge with guidelines for being “strong white
Alabama Department of Labor overpaid unemployment recipients by more than $164 million in 2020-21
According to recent data from the U.S. Department of Labor, Alabama overpaid unemployment compensation benefit recipients by more than $164 million in 2020 and 2021. Now the
Did the World Games live up to the promises made to taxpayers?
When Birmingham won its bid to host the 2021 World Games in 2015, it was expected to be a major boon for the area. At
On abortion, the Alabama legislature did it right
When it came to Alabama’s response to the Supreme Court decision overruling Roe v. Wade, it is hard to imagine a more seamless transition to
Tennessee launches school choice voucher program this year
Starting this upcoming school year, families in Tennessee can enroll in a school choice program that allows eligible students to use taxpayer dollars to attend
Beware the rule of the philosopher kings
According to ancient Greek philosopher Plato, it is the great philosophers who are best suited to govern society. Known as “philosopher kings,” they use wisdom,
Legislature should not seek permanent solutions for temporary problems
Last week, the Alabama Legislature held the second in a series of informal budget hearings aimed at determining how inflation and the possibilities of a recession are
In the aftermath of Roe, Alabama should not rush to fully expand Medicaid
In the wake of the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, will Alabama lawmakers make a renewed push to expand Medicaid in
Arizona poised to expand school choice to every student
A school choice measure that would allow all 1.1 million Arizona students to use state-funded education savings accounts passed in the state’s House of Representatives
Roe v. Wade has been overturned. Here’s what you need to know.
What Happened Today the Supreme Court of the United States issued its long-awaited ruling in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization. In the decision, the Court
Alabama lawmakers should be in no rush to spend additional ARPA funds
When Alabama lawmakers came into session in January, one of their first priorities was allocating the first half of Alabama’s $2.1 billion in American Rescue Plan Act
Mississippi reducing its income tax starting July 1st
This legislative session, Mississippi passed the largest tax cut in the state’s history. The state income tax in Mississippi will begin its slow four-year decrease
What is a labor union, and what could unions mean for Alabama?
Over the past year, unionization has been a hot topic in Alabama. An Amazon facility in Bessemer has twice voted on the issue of unionization, with workers
State government on pace for another record surplus; will it give Alabamians a break?
State government continues to take more money from Alabamians than ever before. Will it use that money to continue the historic expansion of state government
State auditor heading to runoff; what does the auditor do?
Katie Britt and Congressman Mo Brooks are headed to a runoff. Most people in Alabama know that. And if they don’t, the flood of advertising
What to expect from four more years of Ivey
On Tuesday, among a crowded field of challengers, incumbent Gov. Kay Ivey coasted to victory in the Republican primary election. She will face either Yolanda Flowers or
Alabama Charter Schools: A Slow Roll-Out
When Alabama enacted its Charter School Law in 2015, did state legislators expect there to be only seven active charter schools statewide seven years later?
Even California Democrats are considering how to give money back to the people
In California, gasoline prices are hovering around $6.50. Inflation is costing California families hundreds of dollars more a month for them to live the same
Gas, grocery taxes crushing Alabama families; is this the leadership we want?
Next week, Alabama voters will cast their votes for the 2022 Primary Election. While the races for U.S. Senate and Governor are getting most of
State parks Amendment is more of legislature’s fiscal malfeasance
In less than two weeks, Alabama voters will head to the polls to cast their votes in the 2022 Republican and Democratic primary elections. One
When it comes to spending, Alabama is ‘bluer’ than New York and California
When you rank states in terms of their political leanings, places like California and New York are probably near the top of the list of
Do the priorities of the Legislature match those of the people?
When the Alabama Legislature returns from its spring break next week, there will be just seven legislative days remaining in the 2022 Regular Session. In
The Parent’s Choice Act: A Game Changer for Alabama Students
For over 18 months now, we’ve watched as states around the country have increased school choice for their residents. From West Virginia and New Hampshire’s
Rush to spend ARPA funds is feeding government rather than taking less from the people
On Wednesday, the Alabama Legislature convened a special session within the 2022 Regular Legislative Session, that will determine how the state spends $772 million in American Rescue Plan
Alabama needs a bold agenda for the future
Republicans in the Alabama House of Representatives have announced their legislative agenda for the 2022 regular session. Supporters of the “Standing Tall for Alabama” plan claim that
A Christmas Plea Against a Misspent Life
At the Birmingham Museum of Art, in the back and around a corner, is a painting that few care to look at for too long.
Tax cuts seem to be everywhere – except in Alabama’s future
Kansas, one of a handful of states alongside Alabama that still fully taxes the sale of food, recently announced a bipartisan plan to “Axe the
Alabama Lawmakers Must Choose the People Over Bigger Government
Despite the pandemic, the business of state government is booming in Alabama. It is past time for the state to give some of its newfound
Biden Vaccine Mandate Could Impact Auburn and Alabama but They Should Not Give In
On September 9th President Joe Biden issued a wide-ranging COVID-19 vaccination mandate that requires all federal employees, contractors, and private sector workers at businesses employing more than
State Government Takes More Revenue From Citizens Than Ever Before
In 2021, Alabama’s state government took more money from taxpayers than ever before. The big question is, what will state government leadership do with it?
We Must Prevent Government Malpractice
You may have heard that George Washington – under the supervision of his three physicians – was bled in an attempt to alleviate a fever
In America, the People are in Charge
“I am not immune.” So said the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Gen. Mark Milley, last year as he accepted responsibility for failing
Alabama Needs to Look at Its Vaccine-Passport Ban Again
Towards the end of this legislative session, the State of Alabama passed SB267, which is commonly called Alabama’s vaccine passport ban. The law is pretty short,
Arkansas looks to give parents school choice if they disagree with mask requirements
On Wednesday, Arkansas legislators filed a bill that would allow families who disagree with the mask rules of their public school to use the education tax
Montgomery’s Non-Discrimination Ordinance is Bad for Religious Freedom, Free Speech, and Public Safety
On June 24, 2021, the Montgomery Advertiser reported that Montgomery Mayor Steven Reed would be submitting an ordinance to the city council that would punish discrimination on
Obamacare Wins Again
Last week, the Supreme Court reaffirmed Obamacare. In fact, this is the third time that they have upheld it as law. If there is one
Leaders of Birmingham Should Use Stimulus Funds to Make the City “Magic” Again for All Citizens
The City of Birmingham will use nearly a quarter of its first round of federal stimulus payments from the American Rescue Act to provide one
Believe it or Not, America’s Healthcare System is the Best in the World
We have the best healthcare system in the world. That is a statement you won’t often hear, but it’s true. For years we have listened
Supreme Court Case Likely to Deal Abortion a Major Blow
On Monday, May 17, the Supreme Court agreed to hear Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, which could be the beginning of the end of Roe v.
Alabama Legislature Continues to Consider Medical Marijuana. Is it to Help People, or Make Money?
Late into Tuesday night, in the waning hours of the 2021 Regular Legislative Session, the House of Representatives spent nine hours passionately debating Senate Bill
Some ideas are too conservative for many Alabama legislators.
Just last week, the Montana legislature voted to expand their tax-credit scholarship program, a school choice program. Also last week, the Florida legislature sent Governor DeSantis a bill that
Bake the Cake, or Else: Birmingham’s Criminalization of Christianity
Four centuries ago, the pilgrims left the only homes they had ever known, braving the journey across the Atlantic and establishing a colony in the
We need to stop playing favorites with public school students.
We are playing favorites with the students in our public schools. Students who are by all accounts very similar–they are in the same grade, have
Rewarding Bad Actors: Why Alabama Should Not Cave to the Gambling Lobby
It has been said that the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result. When it comes
President Trump sent Alabama a message on school choice. Has the legislature gotten it?
In February of 2020, Janiyah Davis, a fourth-grader from Philadelphia, walked through the doors of the US Capitol Building and into the House Gallery. Along
How Christ’s Resurrection Makes Politics Better
“He is not here; He has risen!” These are perhaps the most consequential words ever spoken. A man who three days earlier had been violently
Alabama’s Doxing Bill: A Good Idea, But Needs Some Refining
Speaking up on public issues can be dangerous. There is always going to be some level of criticism when you address a controversial topic. But
Halfway through the legislative session, what have lawmakers done for the people?
Last Thursday marked the 16th workday of the 2021 Regular Legislative Session. With lawmakers over halfway through the regular session, they are pausing this week
Nonviolent protest is essential to a free society. We must not discourage it.
In 1963, a bomb ripped through the basement of the 16th Street Baptist Church in Birmingham, killing four girls. I was just 11 years old,
Alabama governor and voters have little input into public health system
Alabama legislators are taking a look at how their branch has set up our state’s public health system. Currently, Alabama is the only state in
The Alabama Legislature must protect our most vulnerable citizens
A very important bill in the State House is currently working its way through the legislative process. The bill (HB1 in the House and SB10
A lottery will only further set back minorities and the poor.
Gambling is called the “poor man’s tax” because it takes from those who play the lottery and gives to those who control it. Many people
Legislatures must secure our most fundamental rights
Beware of those who speak eagerly of crises. In a true crisis, we reasonably but temporarily hand our powers of practical reasoning and self-governance over
The Legislature is back. Here’s what it should prioritize.
260 days. That’s how long it had been since the Alabama legislature had been in session. That’s 260 days for the coronavirus to spread and 260
As the 2021 Regular Session Commences, Will Lawmakers Continue Feeding Government or Focus on the People?
This week, lawmakers convened in Montgomery to begin the 2021 Regular Legislative Session. With much uncertainty in the air, one thing appears clear: state agencies
Alabama CARES Act Funding Feeds Government, Not Its People
In early 2020 the COVID-19 pandemic began to spread across the United States, impacting the lives of all Americans. In response, Congress passed a massive
Where Have All the Heroes Gone?
As I type these words I am sitting in my study with three rifles hanging on the opposite wall. They will never fire again. Their
Slow Down the Machine Police
Suppose an intelligent machine deems you guilty of a crime. Suppose the police were to treat the machine’s judgment as evidence of your guilt. Would
A Christmas Plea Against a Misspent Life
At the Birmingham Museum of Art, in the back and around a corner, is a painting that few care to look at for too long.
Alabama’s Balance of Power is Off-Kilter
Did you ever play on a seesaw as a kid? Did you ever try it with a bigger kid on the other side — someone
The Courts are a Part of Every Election
It Ain’t Over ‘Til It’s Over My Pastor recently quipped that it felt like we are in the 5th year of 2020. True that. But
How Dare We Defend Our Rights
Emblazoned above the door to the Alabama Statehouse is a Latin phrase that translates as “We Dare Defend Our Rights”. It is a symbol of
How Pennsylvania Democrats Deliberately Stoked 2020 Election Chaos
I can’t tell you how many texts I’ve received this week from friends and acquaintances across the country asking—usually in all-caps and peppered with profanity—what
The Supreme Court Will Not Pick the President, But It Could Have a Role
The spectre of dimpled chads has emerged to haunt American politics. Twenty years after the contested presidential election of George W. Bush against Al Gore
As Citizens, We Must Expect Less From Government and More From Ourselves
I have the honor of leading the Alabama Policy Institute, a non-partisan, non-profit educational and research institution which has championed free markets, limited government, and
Waiting on the Big Tech World to Change
Credit where credit is due. Singer-songwriter John Mayer nailed it with one particular line from his hit song “Waiting On the World to Change”. He
Inaction on Prisons Comes at a Great Financial and Societal Cost
At a time when political discord is at a high, there’s one thing that Alabamians should be able to agree on: Alabama’s prison system needs
The Vice President: More Important in 2020 Than Ever Before
Daniel Tompkins. George Dallas. Schuler Colfax. Garret Hobart. John Garner. Do any of these names ring a bell? If they don’t it’s okay, you are
Is There a Coronavirus Plan for Alabama? Not That We Can See.
Recently my wife and I were preparing to attend a wedding. As we made ready to leave the house we checked to make sure that
Despite Pandemic, Alabama Budgets are Fully Funded. The Governor and Lawmakers Must Keep It That Way.
As summer transitions to fall, Alabama’s state budgets also undergo a shift. On October 1st, the state government left 2020 behind and moved into fiscal
Who Prevents the Suspension of Civil Liberties From Becoming a “New Normal”? The Legislature.
A federal judge in Pennsylvania has ruled that state executive orders prohibiting people from gathering and carrying on their businesses are unconstitutional. The ruling contains
Debate #1: That Was Not Thunderdome – A Pragmatic Assessment of the First Presidential Debate
It was with great expectation that everyone I know settled in to watch the first presidential debate hosted by Chris Wallace from Fox News. And
Critics say Trump has no coronavirus plan. Actually, he does–it’s called federalism.
Near the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, critics of President Donald Trump’s response to the novel virus claimed that he didn’t have a plan. They’ve derided him
Alabama Has $1.4 Billion in Unspent CARES Act Funding. It Should Go to Help You.
$ 0 Alabama’s Unspent CARES Act Funds as of September 22nd, 2020 What would you do if you woke up tomorrow with millions of extra
Chick-fil-A and the Right to Seek Truth
Photo Credit: Mark Turnauckas / CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0) Chick-fil-A makes delicious sandwiches without beef. But not on Sundays. Owned by Christians, the company also
Options in Education Foster Increased Opportunities for Students
I grew up in poverty. I know what it’s like to be without electricity and to move because the rent is past-due. I’ve lived the
Redistricting and Alabama’s Room Where it Happens
No one really knows how the game is played The art of the trade How the sausage gets made We just assume that it happens
The Party Platforms Changed My Mind. They Might Change Yours, Too.
“If you never change your mind, why have one?” A few weeks ago, I was dead set on how I would vote in the presidential
Hello Alabama Legislature…Are You Still There? We Need You.
We recall Civics 101. It was a course that outlined the function and form of governance. The roles and responsibilities of state governments versus the
Trump Executive Orders Give Back by Taking Less, but Could Discourage Return to Work
In a rare event for Washington, the federal government is giving back to the people by taking less. Instead of growing government, President Donald Trump
Higher Education’s Market Reckoning
Want to buy a college campus? Maybe you’d like to commission the services of a psychology department. Perhaps you’re hoping to hire an associate provost
This Back To School Season, Families Should Decide
Parents and other observers have many understandable questions about how their local school districts are responding to the challenges presented by COVID-19. At this juncture,
Hey, ABC Board…Know Your Role!
Let’s start with clearing the air…generally speaking I don’t hang out in bars. This is not a puff piece to defend pub crawls. So before
Keep a Weather Eye on the Horizon – A Legal Storm is Brewing
I don’t know if you’ve ever had the displeasure of being at sea when a major storm develops. It is disconcerting, to say the least.
Don’t Be Fooled by a Self-Licking Ice Cream Cone
What if I told you that the government could tax you, then shut down your ability to pay the taxes, then provide you the funds
To Educate Our Children
Children often bear the worst of our challenges, and our disagreements. When Alabama public schools shut down in response to the Coronavirus pandemic, we saw
Sharing Our Self-Governance in Emergencies
Who rules us? For centuries, the dominant American answer has been that we rule ourselves. But there are alternative views. As long as there have
Alabama Needs to Limit Uncertainty for Healthcare Providers in the Pandemic
Uncertainty can be crippling. In many, it turns an energetic “can-do” spirit into a cautious “wait and see” mentality. In 2011, more than half of
Rural Broadband: It’s Past Time
As it turns out, we just thought we understood how much we needed better broadband accessibility in Alabama. Rural farmers, hospitals, and schools have been telling us
Philosopher Kings on the Supreme Court Usurp Congress and the People. Again.
According to ancient Greek philosopher Plato, it is the great thinkers, or philosophers, who are best suited to govern society. Dubbed “philosopher kings” they use
Has the Magic City Become the Tragic City?
Leadership matters. The tone and tenor of a policy are often the reflection of the leader who presided over the period in which that policy
Cameras (AKA the Government) On Every Corner – A Crisco Sorta Slope
I remember the collective groan that went up from motorists when “red light cameras” became a thing. Suddenly, it didn’t matter if the police were
The Need for Education Reform Didn’t Die with the Defeat of Amendment One
When voters defeat a proposed state amendment, it is often thought that the matter is put to rest. That is often the case, but when
The RESTORE Alabama Agenda
Read the full RESTORE Plan here. The 2020 Regular Session of the Alabama State Legislature is behind us. Did anyone notice? It was a Session
Debt and Shiny New Buildings Will Not Improve Education in Alabama
In the waning days of the abbreviated 2020 Regular Session, the Alabama State Legislature approved a $1.25 billion school bond issuance. The money would be
Balancing Rights and Love of Neighbor
Alabama Governor Kay Ivey has announced that our state is moving into an initial phase of economic recovery, known as “Safer at Home.” It relaxes
Having Freedom is not Irresponsible
When Georgia’s governor announced that the state would allow some non-essential businesses to reopen, everyone had an opinion. What I heard and read most often,
Accountability Act Schools Continue to Serve Students with Excellence in Coronavirus Crisis
As the coronavirus pandemic impacts the world, our news feeds are full of tragedy and sacrifice. These stories of financial hardship, sickness and death dominate
How Christ’s Resurrection Makes Politics Better
Note: This op-ed was originally published in the Spring of 2018. “He is not here; He has risen!” These are perhaps the most consequential words
Preventing death by allowing ‘essential’ murder
We live in wild times. I’ve watched people all across the political spectrum in recent days deliver impassioned speeches about the need to take extraordinary
Alabama’s Coronavirus Response Important, but Needs Benchmarks, Business and Medical Leaders Say
Alabama Governor Kay Ivey and state health officer Dr. Scott Harris have issued sweeping emergency and public health declarations which they hope will slow the
Leadership Revealed in a Crisis
Unusual challenges such as this Coronavirus pandemic teach us who we really are. They reveal whether we are courageous and generous or fearful and selfish.
As I Write This, I Am Seeking Balance in an Unbalanced Time
As I write this it is mid-morning and I’ve already washed my hands multiple times. I’ve got rubber gloves in my car now. I skipped
Pro-Life in a Pandemic
For those of us who are pro-life, it’s easy to get in the habit of only thinking of this pillar of our values system in
It’s Not Personal
One of the cultural problems we have today is our insistence on making everything personal. We can no longer discuss and debate ideas without someone
An Amendment One Post-Mortem: Idealism Trumps Reality
The failure of Amendment One is a story of idealism trumping reality. On Tuesday, residents of Alabama denied Amendment One. The constitutional amendment, which would
Education in Alabama is Dead Last, It’s Insanity to Not Make a Change
They say the definition of insanity is continuing to do the same thing time and again, yet expecting a different outcome. But that’s exactly what
What if you could really vote out some politicians? I mean really!
Has there ever been a ballot initiative that reduced the number of politicians? I mean, ever? What if I told you that with the stroke