Alabama Arise believes in dignity, equity and justice for all. We believe in an Alabama where everyone's voice is heard and everyone has the opportunity to reach their full potential. And we believe better public policies are the key to building a brighter future for our state.

Earlier this month, we discussed details of that vision ahead of the Feb. 4 start of the Alabama Legislature's regular session. We focused on four crucial policy priorities on our 2020 roadmap to change: payday lending reform, death penalty reform, criminal justice debt reform and voting rights.

Below, we'll share details on our other vital priorities: untaxing groceries, expanding Medicaid, protecting the safety net and funding public transportation.

With your help, we can turn our shared vision for a better Alabama into reality. If you aren't yet an Arise individual member, please become one today. And if you're already a member, please encourage your friends to join our movement for change as well. Together, we can build a better Alabama!

Arise 2020: Expand Medicaid to save lives and make Alabama healthier

2020 marks the 10th year of Medicaid expansion under the Affordable Care Act, but not in Alabama. We’re one of just 14 states that have rejected federal funding to extend affordable health coverage to adults with low incomes.

After a decade of missed opportunity, Alabama needs to invest in our people and our future. Uninsured working parents, caregivers, veterans, people awaiting disability determinations, adult students and other Alabamians with low wages are putting off needed health care. Nearly 90% of our rural hospitals are operating in the red. People and communities across our state are suffering unnecessarily, and it’s time to do something about it.

Arise members have identified Medicaid expansion as a top priority. It’s the single biggest step Alabama could take to make life better for people with low incomes. And we’re working hard to make it happen.

Arise 2020: Fight harmful proposals to cut Medicaid, SNAP and TANF

Safety net programs are designed to protect us when times get tough. But a recent wave of legislative and administrative attacks to those programs has threatened vital food and health assistance for millions of families across Alabama and the nation.

Medicaid, SNAP and TANF are all services that improve lives. But numerous legislative plans could erect harmful barriers that keep struggling Alabamians from getting the help they need to survive.

Arise members have helped defeat many of these proposals in the past. In 2020, we’ll need your help to do it again.

Arise 2020: Why Alabama should fund public transportation

Public transportation is vital infrastructure for a state looking toward the future. It allows people who lack other transportation options – including seniors, people with disabilities, and people who can’t afford a car – to get to work, go to the doctor and meet other basic needs. Reliable public transportation strengthens communities and makes a state more attractive to employers.

Alabama can expand its public transit options with a General Fund appropriation for the Public Transportation Trust Fund. Even a modest state investment in public transit could have a big impact. With a state allocation of just $10 million, for example, Alabama could receive up to $40 million in federal matching grants in return.

Public transportation funding would be an investment in our state’s economy and quality of life.