Alabama Arise: New Medicaid expansion incentive clears the path to a healthier Alabama

Arise policy director Jim Carnes explains how the new American Rescue Plan Act incentivizes states, including Alabama, to expand Medicaid. Jim breaks down just how much federal money is available and how much we risk losing if we don’t expand now.

Alabama Public Radio: Life after COVID-19

A year after the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States, many Alabamians still are struggling with health care and employment. Jim Carnes reiterates why Arise is so focused on expanding Medicaid as an essential part of our state’s recovery.

WSFA: Democrats again call for Alabama Medicaid expansion

Arise's next Membership Monday is April 12

Membership Mondays are an opportunity for Alabama Arise members to network and get more energized in our work together. In these online sessions, members will get the latest updates on the legislative session. Then they will break into groups to talk to other Arise members around the state. The next event is Monday, April 12, at 6 p.m. via Zoom. If you aren’t yet an Arise member, please join our movement for as little as $15 today.

Bills we're watching

• HB 445, by Rep. Allen Treadaway, R-Morris, is an anti-protest bill disguised as an "anti-riot" public safety bill. It would enhance penalties for people accused of the crime of riot, deny bail to people accused under its provisions for up to 24 hours, and institute a mandatory minimum of 30 days imprisonment for actions as minor as obstructing a police dog. The bill also would hold local government officials civilly liable in some circumstances for violent crimes committed by others. HB 445 passed the House on Thursday and is now headed to the Senate. Arise opposes HB 445.
• SB 189, by Sen. Arthur Orr, R-Decatur, is the Education Trust Fund budget that funds all education services in the state. SB 189 passed the Senate on Thursday and probably will be considered by the House's education budget committee when lawmakers return from spring break on March 30.
• HB 308, by Rep. Steve Clouse, R-Ozark, is the General Fund budget that funds Medicaid, corrections and other non-education services. HB 308 passed the House on March 9 and probably will be considered by the Senate's General Fund budget committee when lawmakers return from spring break on March 30.
• SB 210 by Sen. Arthur Orr, R-Decatur, would end civil forfeiture of property in criminal drug cases and would require a criminal conviction before property could be forfeited. SB 210 passed a procedural vote in the Senate on Thursday and could receive a final Senate floor vote when lawmakers return from spring break. Arise supports SB 210.

Alabama Arise tracks legislation related to our members' interests. You can find our Bills of Interest here.