Alabama’s Sole Congressional Democrat Sees Opportunity in House Victory
Of all the congressional candidates in Alabama Tuesday, only one was guaranteed to win. Democratic Rep. Terri Sewell faced no opposition as she reclaimed the 7th district seat. But for the first time in her congressional career, Democrats hold the majority in the House of Representatives. Rep. Sewell says Democrats will be able work with Republicans on Capitol Hill. She says Democrats also have to reach to voters in order to win in Alabama.
Interview Highlights
Whether expected investigations of the Trump administration by House Democrats will slow Congress:
“I think that you’ll see Democrats legislating more than investigating … The reality is that the American people wanted divided government because they wanted a check and balance on this president. I do believe that voters spoke up last night when they put Democrats back in charge of the House, that they do want more legislating than investigating. They want better health care, fairer wages, a more stable future for Social Security and Medicare. And that’s what we’re going to concentrate on.”
Issues Sewell believes Democrats can work with Democrats on:
“I think that infrastructure will be something that will be galvanizing on both sides. We’ve had so much deferred maintenance on our roads and bridges. And for me, when I think about infrastructure I also want to include broadband … One of the things that both Republicans and Democrats were talking about this election cycle was protecting pre-existing conditions. So when I think about being on the House Ways and Means Committee, I think we have to shore up the Affordable Care Act and work with Republicans to make sure that we do protect pre-existing conditions for all Americans.”
Democrats’ poor showing in Alabama:
“Obviously we have a lot of work cut out for us as Democrats here in Alabama, but I do believe we fielded amazing candidates. [Democratic gubernatorial candidate] Walt Maddox was a great candidate. But he faced a deeply divided and partisan climate right here in Alabama. And I believe that we as Democrats have work to do in terms of outreach to voters who don’t feel that they’re represented by today’s partisan politics … I do believe that when we are able to connect with voters, we as Democrats have better policies.”
Mentally ill people are stuck in jail because they can’t get treatment. Here’s what’s to know
Hundreds of people across Alabama await a spot in the state’s increasingly limited facilities, despite a consent decree requiring the state to address delays in providing care for people who are charged with crimes but deemed too mentally ill to stand trial. But seven years since the federal agreement, the problem has only worsened.
Ivey appoints Will Parker to Alabama Supreme Court
Parker fills the court seat vacated by Bill Lewis who was tapped by President Donald Trump for a federal judgeship. The U.S. Senate last month confirmed Lewis as a U.S. district judge.
How Alabama Power kept bills up and opposition out to become one of the most powerful utilities in the country
In one of the poorest states in America, the local utility earns massive profits producing dirty energy with almost no pushback from state regulators.
No more Elmo? APT could cut ties with PBS
The board that oversees Alabama Public Television is considering disaffiliating from PBS, ending a 55-year relationship.
Nonprofit erases millions in medical debt across Gulf South, says it’s ‘Band-Aid’ for real issue
Undue Medical Debt has paid off more than $299 million in medical debts in Alabama. Now, the nonprofit warns that the issue could soon get worse.
Roy Wood Jr. on his father, his son and his new book
Actor, comedian and writer Roy Wood Jr. is out with a new book -- "The Man of Many Fathers: Life Lessons Disguised as a Memoir." He writes about his experience growing up in Birmingham, losing his dad as a teenager and all the lessons he learned from various father figures throughout his career.
