Arise legislative recap: May 3, 2021

Arise’s Dev Wakeley brings us up to speed on where we stand in the final days of the Alabama Legislature’s 2021 regular session. He provides overviews of meaningful bills we hope will pass — and of harmful bills we hope won’t.

Alabama Political Reporter: Report: 38 percent of Alabama COVID deaths tied to insurance coverage gaps

Last week two separate reports called attention to the effects not expanding Medicaid coverage on the COVID-19 pandemic. Arise policy director Jim Carnes talked about the devastation of COVID-19 on Alabama's most vulnerable communities and individuals. "We see that community spread is higher in places where more people are uninsured, and lack of insurance falls heavily on people who work in the jobs that we’ve deemed essential during the pandemic. These folks are valuable, but they’re not valued."

Alabamians for Fair Justice: Power Hour webinars

We’re proud to stand with Alabamians for Fair Justice in working to end overincarceration and racial disparities in the justice system. Join AFJ’s series of hourlong meetings each Monday for the rest of the legislative session to learn how you can help.

Alabama Daily News: Help wanted: restaurant industry struggles to find workers

Arise policy analyst Dev Wakeley cleared up some misconceptions about unemployment and the shortage of service industry workers. Data shows that many workers are not relying on unemployment insurance, but rather have found other options for work.

Opelika Observer: Alabama medical professionals call on Gov. Kay Ivey to expand Medicaid

More than 300 medical professionals signed and released a letter last month urging Gov. Kay Ivey to expand Medicaid. The doctors describe the impact Medicaid expansion would have on getting people earlier and better care, preventing costly and deadly consequences further down the line.

Bills we're watching

Bills we support:

SB 210 by Sen. Arthur Orr, R-Decatur, would restrict civil forfeiture of assets seized by police. SB 210 is positioned to be considered by the House on Tuesday, May 4, or Thursday, May 6.
HB 73 by Rep. Jim Hill, R-Moody, would require every judicial circuit to establish a community punishment and corrections program. HB 73 is positioned to be considered by the Senate on Tuesday, May 4, or Thursday, May 6.

Bills we oppose:

SB 97 by Sen. Tom Whatley, R-Auburn, would restrict the authority of the state health officer during a pandemic. SB 97 is positioned to be considered by the House on Tuesday, May 4, or Thursday, May 6.

Bills we’re monitoring closely:

HB 308 by Rep. Steve Clouse, R-Ozark, is the General Fund budget that funds Medicaid, corrections and other non-education services. HB 308 has passed both the House and Senate but has been referred to a conference committee to work out minor differences between the houses. Until HB 308 is sent to the governor for her signature, all other bills will require a supermajority procedural vote to be considered by either the House or Senate. Arise is monitoring appropriations in HB 308.

SB 319 by Sen. Jim McClendon, R-Springville, would propose a constitutional amendment to establish a lottery and a lottery and gaming commission. SB 309 by Sen. Del Marsh, R-Anniston, would authorize a lottery commission if voters approve the constitutional amendment. SB 310 by Sen. Del Marsh, R-Anniston, would authorize a gaming commission if voters approve the constitutional amendment. All three of these bills are in House committees and could pass in the last three days of the session. Arise has no position on these bills but is tracking the appropriation of lottery revenue.

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

Read Bills of Interest

Alabama Arise

P.O. Box 1188, Montgomery, Alabama 36101

(334) 832-9060 · [email protected]

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