• Subscribe
    • Franklin Living Magazine
    • Services
      • About Us
      • Subscribe
      • Policies
      • Terms of use
      • Submit a news tip
      • Submit a photo
      • Birth announcement
      • Birthday announcement
      • Engagement announcement
      • Wedding announcement
      • Submit a Classified Ad
      • Letter to the Editor
    • Classifieds
    • E-editions
    • Public Notices
      • Public Notices
      • Alabama Public Notices
    • Subscribe
    • Franklin Living Magazine
    • Services
      • About Us
      • Subscribe
      • Policies
      • Terms of use
      • Submit a news tip
      • Submit a photo
      • Birth announcement
      • Birthday announcement
      • Engagement announcement
      • Wedding announcement
      • Submit a Classified Ad
      • Letter to the Editor
    • Classifieds
    • E-editions
    • Public Notices
      • Public Notices
      • Alabama Public Notices

Franklin County Times
  • Home
  • News
  • Sports
  • Opinion
  • Lifestyles
  • Obituaries
  • Records
  • Subscribe
  • Services
  • About Us
  • Subscribe
  • Policies
  • Terms of use
  • Submit a news tip
  • Submit a photo
  • Birth Announcement
  • Birthday announcement
  • Engagement announcement
  • Wedding announcement
  • Submit a Classified Ad
  • Letters to the Editor
  • Classifieds
  • Public Notices
    Franklin County Times
      • Site logo
      • Home
      • News
        • Russellville
        • Red Bay
        • Phil Campbell
        • Franklin County
        • Photo Galleries
        • Sponsored Content
      • Sports
        • Belgreen Bulldogs
        • Phil Campbell Bobcats
        • Red Bay Tigers
        • Russellville Golden Tigers
        • Tharptown Wildcats
        • Vina Red Devils
        • College Sports
        • Sports Columnists
      • Opinion
        • Letters to the Editor
        • Columnists
        • Editorials
      • Lifestyles
        • Birthdays
        • Births
        • Couples
        • Food
        • Features
      • Obituaries
      • Records
        • Sheriff’s Report
        • Marriages
        • Land Transactions
        • Police Reports
      • Special Sections
      • Site logo
      • Home
      • News
        • Russellville
        • Red Bay
        • Phil Campbell
        • Franklin County
        • Photo Galleries
        • Sponsored Content
      • Sports
        • Belgreen Bulldogs
        • Phil Campbell Bobcats
        • Red Bay Tigers
        • Russellville Golden Tigers
        • Tharptown Wildcats
        • Vina Red Devils
        • College Sports
        • Sports Columnists
      • Opinion
        • Letters to the Editor
        • Columnists
        • Editorials
      • Lifestyles
        • Birthdays
        • Births
        • Couples
        • Food
        • Features
      • Obituaries
      • Records
        • Sheriff’s Report
        • Marriages
        • Land Transactions
        • Police Reports
      • Special Sections
    Columnists, COLUMNS--FEATURE SPOT, Opinion, Roger Bedford
     By  Staff Reports Published 
    6:04 am Wednesday, April 24, 2013

    Capitol Report for April 22, 2013

    By: Sen. Roger Bedford

    This past week I called on the Republican Supermajority to once again bring forth the Medicaid Expansion Bill so that we may have an opportunity to vote on it. All eleven senate democrats endorsed a Bill and a Resolution to enact the Medicaid roll out that is available to us from the Federal Government.

    This is a tremendous opportunity to provide health care coverage to 350,000 Alabamians. Not only will this improve the quality of our life here in our great state but it is also a tremendous economic development tool.

    As you may know 38 percent of all the children in Alabama are currently getting their primary healthcare from Medicaid. 78 percent of all nursing home beds are paid for with Medicaid dollars.

    This roll out is available from the Federal Government at no cost to the State. That’s correct; the Federal Government will pay 100 percent of the cost the first three years. It would also create a huge economic development opportunity for Alabama, especially in our rural areas.

    The people that would be covered by this Medicaid roll out are by in large what’s known as the working poor. They are working for minimum wage andor up to $11 or $12 dollars an hour. These people are working and paying taxes but have no health coverage because it is not offered at their place of employment or they simply cannot afford it in a private market place.

    So for the first three years beginning in 2014 the Federal Government would pay 100 percent of the cost. After that, the State would begin to shoulder some of the cost starting at 5 percent in 2017 and capping at 10 percent in 2020. The Federal Government will then continue to pay 90 percent of the cost with the State of Alabama only having to pay 10 percent.

    In other words, Alabama would reap a 9 to 1 Federal match. This would provide health care to cover an additional 7 percent of our population.

    The Henry Kiser Family Foundation estimated the expansion would bring $10 billion in new federal health care money to Alabama from 2014 to 2019. The State’s cost to get these dollars would be approximately $582 million. That is like investing $500 dollars and getting back $10,000.

    Unfortunately the Republican leadership is scared that the right way tea party crowd will attack them in their primaries. Governor Bentley has even told me that no one will get to the right of him on Obama Care.

    Well this is not Obama Care, this is a Medicaid roll out this is greatly needed in our State. It is estimated that it will create 10,000 new jobs in Alabama.

    While we are talking about the economic impact on our State, imagine having 350,000 new customers for our rural hospitals, doctors, pharmacist, dentist and on down the line. It is estimated that this could have $20 billion dollar positive impact on the economy in Alabama.  It is the right thing to do, and it should be done.

    This past week was also the opening of college football, my wife Maudie and I had the pleasure of going down to Tuscaloosa to watch the Alabama A-Day Game. Coach Nick Saban continues to reload the Tide with quality players.

    It is my hope that Auburn will also have a better season this year under their new coach. We are blessed to have so many talented athletic teams in our state, a state that has a rich tradition of excellence in not only academics, but in athletics as well.

    This past week I passed in the Alabama Senate an expungement bill for Alabama. We are one of the few states in the nation where if you are charged with a crime and found not guilty, or it is dismissed, it still remains on your record. I’ve been contacted by numerous individuals in our Senate District that have applied for coaching jobs, nursing school and other professional departments, and have been turned down because their record shows they were charged with a crime; even if they were found not guilty andor it was dismissed. Therefore with strong bipartisan support I passed the Bill in the Senate, which will say if you are found not guilty, your case was dismissed, that the charge can be erased from your record by petitioning the Court.

    If you have been convicted of a crime, this Bill would not apply in that case.

    I’m glad to see the progress being made on our State highways and County roads. We have been fortunate through ATRIP and the RAMP Program to provide State dollars to our Counties to repair bridges and major roads. While I know that it is an inconvenience at times to go around the highway construction projects, they mean not only safer highways but more jobs in Alabama.

    It is always a pleasure so many of our trees and flowers starting to bloom. I was surprised by the weather turning cold as we entered the weekend but I always enjoy the spring.

    I hope you are having an opportunity to visit with your family and friends and enjoy the fine spring weather.

    Let me thank all of you for the many cards, letters, phone calls and e-mails I’ve gotten regarding your views on the issues facing us here in Alabama. Please continue to contact me at the following address:

     

    Roger H. Bedford, Jr.

    Alabama State House

    11 S. Union Street, Suite 738

    Montgomery, Alabama 36130

    Phone 334-242-7862, Fax 334-242-9202

     

    Russellville Office

    P.O. Box 370

    Russellville, Alabama 35653

    Phone 256-332-6966 Fax 256-332-6967

     

    Email: senbedford@aol.com

    Website: www.RogerBedford.com

     

    Roger Bedford is a state senator for Franklin County. 

    Also on Franklin County Times
    “OLD GLORY”
    Franklin Living
    “OLD GLORY”
    Jeff Johnson 
    July 2, 2025
    Most of my life I have heard the flag of the United States of America affectionately called “Old Glory.” In my imagination I associated that phrase wi...
    4 cities, towns have contested mayoral elections
    Main, News, Russellville
    4 cities, towns have contested mayoral elections
    ELECTION
    Alyssa Sutherland For the FCT 
    July 2, 2025
    RUSSELLVILLE — Four of Franklin County’s cities or towns will have contested mayoral elections in the Aug. 26 municipal elections. The most hotly cont...
    {"epopulate_editorials_prism":"epopulate_editorials_prism"}
    Participants enjoy ‘Magic of Reading,’ the color of fruits and ballon animals
    Lifestyles, Russellville
    In the Community
    Participants enjoy ‘Magic of Reading,’ the color of fruits and ballon animals
    María Camp maria.camp@franklincountytimes.com 
    July 2, 2025
    RUSSELLVILLE Laughter, wonder and a touch of enchantment filled the Russellville Public Library as magician Russell Davis brought his show “The Magic ...
    {"epopulate_editorials_prism":"epopulate_editorials_prism"}
    FFA students bring home state convention honors
    Franklin County, News, Phil Campbell, ...
    FFA students bring home state convention honors
    María Camp maria.camp@franklincountytimes.com 
    July 2, 2025
    Red Bay and Phil Campbell FFA students, along with a Hackleburg member of the Franklin County Junior Cattlemen, earned state-level honors at Alabama’s...
    {"epopulate_editorials_prism":"epopulate_editorials_prism"}
    Army’s future requires support, encouragement from community
    Columnists, Opinion
    Army’s future requires support, encouragement from community
    July 2, 2025
    “Thank you for your service,” are words I often hear while wearing my uniform in your community. I am grateful to hear those words, but what many peop...
    {"epopulate_editorials_prism":"epopulate_editorials_prism"}
    Allison tapped to lead Lady Bobcats softball
    High School Sports, Phil Campbell Bobcats, Sports
    Allison tapped to lead Lady Bobcats softball
    Bart Moss For the FCT 
    July 2, 2025
    PHIL CAMPBELL -- A familiar face will be leading the Phil Campbell High School Lady Bobcats softball program next season. Darby Allison, a 2007 gradua...
    {"epopulate_editorials_prism":"epopulate_editorials_prism"}
    6 local students accepted into FAME program
    Franklin County, Sports
    6 local students accepted into FAME program
    María Camp maria.camp@franklincountytimes.com 
    July 2, 2025
    Northwest Shoals Community College (NWSCC) has signed 6 Franklin County students to its 2025–26 Federation for Advanced Manufacturing Education (FAME)...
    {"epopulate_editorials_prism":"epopulate_editorials_prism"}
    Darby is denied parole
    News
    CRIME NEWS
    Darby is denied parole
    Bernie Delinski For the FCT 
    July 2, 2025
    MONTGOMERY -- A man serving a 10-year sentence on Franklin County assault convictions was denied parole on June 25, according to records from the Alab...
    {"epopulate_editorials_prism":"epopulate_editorials_prism"}

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    ❮ ❯
    Latest Local News
    Participants enjoy ‘Magic of Reading,’ the color of fruits and ballon animals
    Participants enjoy ‘Magic of Reading,’ the color of fruits and ballon animals
    RUSSELLVILLE Laughter, wonder and a touch of enchantment filled the Russellville Public Library as magician Russell Davis brought his show “The Magic ...
    July 2, 2025
    Rain delays repair projects
    RED BAY – Persistent rainfall has delayed drainage and road repair projects in the city. “You can’t dig when it’s mud,” Mayor Charlene Fancher said re...
    July 2, 2025
    Jars of drugs lead to a local trafficking arrest
    RUSSELLVILLE — A Russellville man is facing multiple drug-related charges, including two counts of drug trafficking after law enforcement located and ...
    July 2, 2025
    4 cities, towns have contested mayoral elections
    4 cities, towns have contested mayoral elections
    RUSSELLVILLE — Four of Franklin County’s cities or towns will have contested mayoral elections in the Aug. 26 municipal elections.The most hotly conte...
    July 2, 2025
    Red Bay Police can use electronic signatures
    RED BAY – Police can now use electronic signatures for their reports. City council members approved the policy after learning it was a requirement to ...
    July 2, 2025

    More Local News

    Latest Stories
    Jars of drugs lead to a local trafficking arrest
    RUSSELLVILLE — A Russellville man is facing multiple drug-related charges, including two counts of drug trafficking after law enforcement located and ...
    July 2, 2025
    Rain delays repair projects
    RED BAY – Persistent rainfall has delayed drainage and road repair projects in the city. “You can’t dig when it’s mud,” Mayor Charlene Fancher said re...
    July 2, 2025
    Red Bay Police can use electronic signatures
    RED BAY – Police can now use electronic signatures for their reports. City council members approved the policy after learning it was a requirement to ...
    July 2, 2025
    Land Transactions
    May 30 • Tim Horton and Charles Moudy to Kimberly Shay Horton and Timothy Chad Horton, survivorship • Mario Cifuentes Tello to Edilsar Noe Edcobedo Ro...
    July 2, 2025
    Teenager struck by lighting
    RUSSELLVILLE -- A 19-year-old woman is recovering after being struck by lightning while talking on a cellphone Saturday. Emergency personnel responded...
    July 2, 2025
    Latest Sports
    Allison tapped to lead Lady Bobcats softball
    Allison tapped to lead Lady Bobcats softball
    PHIL CAMPBELL -- A familiar face will be leading the Phil Campbell High School Lady Bobcats softball program next season. Darby Allison, a 2007 gradua...
    July 2, 2025
    6 local students accepted into FAME program
    6 local students accepted into FAME program
    Northwest Shoals Community College (NWSCC) has signed 6 Franklin County students to its 2025–26 Federation for Advanced Manufacturing Education (FAME)...
    July 2, 2025
    Junior golfers hone skills through summer program
    Junior golfers hone skills through summer program
    RUSSELLVILLE -- A young generation of golfers teed off this summer at Twin Pines Country Club, thanks to a local effort to create opportunities for ch...
    July 2, 2025
    Belgreen’s Moore earns First Team All-State honors
    Belgreen’s Moore earns First Team All-State honors
    BELGREEN -- Jemma Moore has been named to the AHSAA First Team All-State for softball, becoming just the ninth player in school history to earn the di...
    June 18, 2025
    Maddox retires after 26 years of shaping young minds at RMS
    Maddox retires after 26 years of shaping young minds at RMS
    R U S S E L L V I L L E -- Teaching for Diane Maddox has never been just about grammar rules or reading comprehension, but rather about connection, cr...
    June 18, 2025

    More Sports Stories

    x

    Sections

    • Home
    • News
    • Sports
    • Opinion
    • Lifestyles
    • Obits
    • Special Sections
    • Sponsored Content
      • Home
      • News
      • Sports
      • Opinion
      • Lifestyles
      • Obits
      • Special Sections
      • Sponsored Content

    Services

    • About Us
    • Subscribe
    • Advertise With Us
    • Policies
    • Terms of use
    • Submit a news tip
    • Submit a photo
    • Birth announcement
    • Birthday announcement
    • Engagement announcement
    • Wedding announcement
    • Submit a Classified Ad
    • Letter to the Editor
    • Sign Up For Our Free Newsletter
      • About Us
      • Subscribe
      • Advertise With Us
      • Policies
      • Terms of use
      • Submit a news tip
      • Submit a photo
      • Birth announcement
      • Birthday announcement
      • Engagement announcement
      • Wedding announcement
      • Submit a Classified Ad
      • Letter to the Editor
      • Sign Up For Our Free Newsletter

    Follow Us

    Copyright

    © , Franklin County Times