Neighbors Helping Neighbors

Did You Know?

The debate around healthcare has been going on for decades. It forces us to choose between two ideologies: obligation to help each other and desire to accumulate wealth. However, the question has already been decided through the Hippocratic oath taken by our medical staff, decisions made in board rooms, and even legislation put in place by some state governments. One such example is the 1986 Emergency Treatment and Labor Act, which requires hospitals to treat emergency room patients regardless of their ability to pay.

The Affordable Care Act, which moves us toward universal healthcare and the adoption of a single-payer system, is flawed. However, it is a step in the right direction. Last year, nearly one quarter of Americans reported that they or someone in their household was unable to pay their medical bills. Through the adoption of the right policy, we can bring under control the rising cost of healthcare and implement a system that encompasses the founding values of America – that all people are created equal and that all citizens deserve access to basic needs in life.

Did You Know?

Lack of Internet access in Alabama’s rural areas is one area state business leaders have voiced concerns in economic development and expansion.

Rural communities in 11 Alabama counties are scheduled to receive access to high-speed Internet as a result of more than $62 million in loans and grants announced by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Congressional 4th District utilities and areas include:

Tombigbee Electric Cooperative received $29.5 million through a 50 percent loan-grant to develop an All-Dielectric Self-Supporting (ADSS) fiber network in unserved areas of Marion, Lamar, Fayette, Franklin, Winston and Walker counties.

Farmers Telecommunications Cooperative secured a $2 million loan to develop a FTTH network in Jackson and DeKalb counties.

National Telephone of Alabama acquired $2.7 million 50 percent loan-grant to develop a fiber-to-the premises (FTTP) network in Colbert County.

We need to work on expanding high-speed Internet services in other areas of the 4th Congressional District.

Did You Know?

It is a long-held belief that education is the cornerstone of the American Dream. Still, American colleges’ costly tuition hold our country’s young minds back from receiving higher education. Those who do attend and graduate college often face crippling debt that follows them well into their adult years.

The U.S. is among the wealthiest and most advanced countries in the world and prides itself on rewarding hard work, dedication, and determination. Together we can determine a path to making affordable college a reality and rewarding the hard work of our students. The greatest country on Earth is failing to provide one of the greatest gifts on earth – education. This must change.

Did You Know?

The impact of trade agreements in America has consequences that affect every individual. Furthermore, the execution of these deals can wipe out an entire industry and way of life within a blink of an eye. I have spent most of my adult life in the apparel and textile industry. I have personally witnessed this industry flourish. Unfortunately, I have also witnessed it decline. After NAFTA, most of the labor moved to Mexico, however, a majority of the textile work remained here. Yet, following The Central America Free Trade Act and another trade deal with China in 2005, the textile labor accompanied by the sock industry were lost.

Trade is necessary, but trade agreements have consequences for the economic health and welfare of ordinary Americans. Many agreements that only benefit corporations and big investors, can do great harm to the rest of us. We have learned from the disrupted lives of millions of working Americans, that our trade agreements should benefit all people and not just a few. The truth is, even without these trade agreements, the American workforce was approaching an inevitable conflict. The trade agreements just act as catalyst to digital technology and its impact on the global economy. No matter how much we disagree, we live in an interconnected world. It is in this world most of us live, work, and compete.