Editor’s Note: This is an opinion column.
By Paul DeMarco
Alabama’s state bank accounts have been flush the past few years as legislators have had more money to appropriate in state budgets than in state history.
The boom of the pre-pandemic economy allowed Alabama to not only maintain but expand state programs both in the general and the education trust fund. For years, state leaders had wanted to address chronic state issues like academic achievement and infrastructure. There was finally enough money to fund priorities to move the state forward.
However, the onset of a recession and the economic downturn will be hitting all states soon, including Alabama. Plus, the one-time infusion of federal infrastructure monies, as well as Covid dollars, will be coming to an end soon.
Yet, Montgomery insiders continue lobbying the governor and lawmakers to see state funds spent at record amounts.
And do not be surprised to see a real push for Medicaid expansion in the next legislative session. While there will be federal dollars that come at first, there is a real concern that ultimately, if Alabama leaders move in that direction, the state will have to find more revenue or cut other programs to pay for more new Medicaid recipients.
Alabama citizens need to tell the Republican state representatives and senators who are in the majority in Montgomery that they campaigned as fiscal conservatives and expect them to govern that way as well.
Paul DeMarco is a former member of the Alabama House of Representatives and can be found on Twitter at @Paul_DeMarco.