Alabama top stories in brief

• A new report released by the Vote Mama Foundation, described as “A data-driven study of legislators, motherhood, and caregiving,” dictates that the Alabama Legislature is the only one in the country that lacks mothers of school-age children. The value of having mothers of young children within the Legislature was stressed by Vote Mama Chief Program Officer Sarah Hague. Hague said, “I think that it’s so important that when we are evaluating how diverse our decision making bodies are, that caregiver status is included in that diversity, because we will never accurately meet the needs of American families if American families aren’t represented at the decision making table, and we’re seeing that in Alabama.” Hague also mentioned the history of the legislative system, and the societal roles set in place for men and women at the time, arguing that legislatures across the country were not designed for women — in turn creating exclusive policy. But, Hague and many lawmakers hope to see more mothers of young children in legislatures in order to positively impact subjects such as sufficient maternity leave, affordable childcare and the ever rising costs of raising children in the United States. Sen. Merika Coleman, D-Pleasant Grove, also commented as a mother in Alabama’s Legislature, who was first elected in 2002 while having two school age children. Coleman said, “I want to encourage women with young children to run for the Legislature,” continuing, “Your voices need to be heard.”

• A request to dismiss a lawsuit filed against the Alabama Public Service Commission was denied by a federal judge. The lawsuit was filed by homeowners and the Greater-Birmingham Alliance to Stop Pollution, and challenges fees that the Commission has allowed Alabama Power to place on homeowners who use the Alabama Power grid, but also have solar panels to generate a portion of their electricity. Customers must pay at least a $27/month fee for a 5kw solar system, which Alabama Power says is necessary for them to provide infrastructure for when the solar systems fail to provide enough energy. Environmental groups argue that the fee is prohibitive and discourage homeowners from investing in solar. In the lawsuit filed against the Commission, the plaintiffs argue that the fees are in violation of the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act. 

• Oct. 7-11 marks the annual Alabama College Application Week. During this week, Alabama high school seniors can apply to participating universities free of any application fee. Over 60 universities are participating in the week. In a press release from Alabama Department of Education, Alabama College Application Campaign Coordinator Dr. Monica P. Mack said “Last year, more than 250 Alabama schools participated and nearly 28,000 students applied to colleges nationwide.” Students can find a full list of the participating colleges here, along with the waiver codes needed to apply for free. Additionally, the press release from ADE included a link to more resources, including funds to help cover the cost of college, and a place for schools to register to be a host site for the Alabama Goes to College program. 

• A 22-page brief was submitted by plaintiffs in a case challenging an Alabama law criminalizing some forms of ballot assistance. The brief comes in response to a motion made by the Alabama attorney general’s office requesting that the case be put on hold. A judge blocked a portion of the law last week against voters who were blind, illiterate or had some disability, arguing that the measure was an unfair burden on those voters’ ability to select someone to assist them. The law in question would make it a Class C felony for a person to receive payment or a gift for “distributing, ordering, requesting, collecting, completing, prefilling, obtaining or delivering” and a Class B felony to pay or provide a gift to a “third party to distribute, order, request, collect, prefill, complete, obtain or deliver.” Critics have argued that the law could hinder non-profits’ ability to assist disenfranchised groups or penalize neighbors. 

Our articles you might have missed

• “Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?” In last month’s edition of The Breathing Room, Hannah Irvin echoes Mary Oliver’s famous poem, “The Summer Day,” as she invites readers to consider what to do with their own wild and precious lives.

• Beneath our feet, an entire world exists for those willing to explore it. In his latest edition of The Longleaf Hiker, Xander Swain travels to Lost Creek Cave and relates his time spent there, explains why he loves caving and discusses the importance of protecting the cave ecosystem.

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