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Moving Alabama Forward -- ACPP Policy Conference, Fri., Feb. 8, Auburn University Montgomery

You won't want to miss "Moving Alabama Forward," the 2013 ACPP Policy Conference, Fri., Feb. 8, at Auburn University Montgomery. This year's event comes at a particularly urgent and promising time for improving public policies that affect our most vulnerable neighbors. During opening week of the 2013 legislative session, the conference will highlight:

  • Late-breaking developments in Alabama Medicaid reform;
  • New benefits of the Affordable Care Act (ACA);
  • Crucial steps to erase Alabama's health disparities;
  • How the ACA helps small businesses;
  • New strategies for ending predatory lending;
  • The challenge of food insecurity among Alabama's older adults;
  • Restoring the constitutional right to a public education; and
  • Other topics you care about.

The registration deadline is Feb. 1. Get the registration brochure here.

Arise Daily News Digest 1-31-2013

AL.COM  - Bill Armistead fires back at Gov. Bentley saying he is the one dividing GOP.

AL.COM  - PSC holds first informal hearing on Mobile Gas rates.

AL.COM  - Gov. Robert Bentley criticizes Republican Party Chairman Bill Armistead's leadership, pushes for change.

AL.COM  - State Sen. Shadrack McGill announces he will seek re-election in 2014.

AL.COM  - Wells Fargo to hire 90 bankers across Alabama.

AL.COM  - Sen. Shelby pushes flat tax, balanced budget amendment.

AL.COM  - Jeff Sessions on gun control: There is no "surge in violent crime in America."

AL.COM  - Health committee puts medicinal marijuana bill on agenda.

AL.COM  - Which Alabama public officials bought Crimson Tide football tickets in 2012?

AL.COM  - Jim Barton has spent $328,000 in his bid for state Senate District 35 seat, five times that of Bill Hightower.

AL.COM  - Columnist John Archibald:  The ultimate hot list: Bama's best cities.

AL.COM  - Columnist Joey Kennedy:  Alabama lawmakers not missing a chance to fire away on gun bills.

AL.COM  - Alabama Arise's Citizens' Public Policy Conference will set 2013 state legislative goals.

ALABAMA POLITICAL REPORTER  - An interview with PSC commissioner Dunn.

ALABAMA POLITICAL REPORTER  - PACE Applauds Bentley Administration for Delaying Flawed Energy Plan Process

ALABAMA POLITICAL REPORTER  - Alabama Coalition for Immigrant Justice Supports Clear and Timely Path to Citizenship

TUSCALOOSA NEWS  - The Tuscaloosa News:  Now is not the time for AEA to ask for raises.

GADSDEN TIMES  - Ala. lieutenant governor to meet Senate leaders.

ANNISTON STAR  – The Anniston Star:  Behind bars in Alabama:  Lawmakers must address state’s prison overcrowding issue.

ANNISTON STAR  – The Anniston Star:  Let home brewers have their fun.

MONTGOMERY ADVERTISER  - Contributor Stephen Stetson of Arise:  Title loans prey on borrowers.

DOTHAN EAGLE  - Suspected shooter had prior firearm-related arrest.

DOTHAN EAGLE  - Bus driver remembered as honest, quiet.

DOTHAN EAGLE  - The Dothan Eagle:  Seeking middle ground.

WASHINGTON POST  - Gabrielle Giffords speaks at Senate hearing on gun violence: ‘You must act. Be bold.’

WASHINGTON POST  - President Obama’s popularity surges to three-year high.

WASHINGTON POST  - Columnist E. J. Dionne:  The new politics of immigration.

NEW YORK TIMES  - Federal Rule Limits Aid to Families Who Can’t Afford Employers’ Health Coverage

NEW YORK TIMES  – Columnist Charles Blow:  The National Regulation-Resisters Association

NEW YORK TIMES  – Contributor Thomas Edsall:  The Hidden Prosperity of the Poor

Bad finance leads to bad romance!

Join us for a National Day of Action!

Hundreds from across the Birmingham region will gather on Valentine's Day to call for changes to predatory loans that victimize working Alabamians. Connect with like-minded advocates at the YWCA Central Alabama on Feb. 14th at 11:30 a.m. to hear more about the devastation these loans have caused for our neighbors in Birmingham and lend your voice in the fight against abusive lending practices.

YWCA Gymnasium

309 23rd St. N., Birmingham

Thurs., Feb. 14, 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Lunch provided -- Walk-ins are welcome, but RSVPs will help us plan:

RSVP by Feb. 11 to Jacob Smith -- This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or (205) 322-9922 x 306

Alabama's Medicaid reform should put patients first

ACPP appreciates the opportunity to represent consumer interests on the Alabama Medicaid Advisory Commission. Toward that end, we have assembled a coalition of advocacy organizations to provide consumer input on the reform process. The coalition has identified eight core principles of consumer-centered Medicaid reform.

Read principles here.

Medicaid Commission recommends community approach over commercial managed care

The Alabama Medicaid Advisory Commission overwhelmingly voted this afternoon to recommend the state go with a community care approach -- instead of statewide commercial managed care -- to try to control spending in the healthcare program for the poor.

The commission, with only one dissenting vote, voted to recommend a primary care case management approach in which care providers are responsible for monitoring and approving the care of people on Medicaid. State Health Officer Don Williamson said it would take statewide a model that is already used to some degree in Tuscaloosa, Huntsville, Opelika and Mobile.

ACPP communications director Jim Carnes praised the commission's decision saying he thought a community care model would be more patient-centered than a statewide commercial managed care approach.

Read article here.