Farmers Pack Out Health Plans Hearing

Shelby County farmer and Alabama Farmers Federation state board member Phillip Hunter greeted Pike County Farmers Federation President Billy Hixon at the Alabama State House Wednesday prior to testifying about the need for affordable health care in the form of Alfa Health Plans.

Farmer shared their need for Alfa Health Plans directly with members of the Alabama House of Representatives Health Committee during a meeting Wednesday April 3.

Henry County cattleman and Alabama Farmers Federation State Young Farmers Committee Vice Chair Emmanuel Bankston (pictured right) said high health care costs are preventing the next generation of would-be farmers from coming back to the land. 

“I get to listen to farmers from all over the state and country,” Bankston said. “Agriculture is in pretty stressful economic times. One of the biggest problems young farmers face is health care.” 

Bankston spoke to the committee in favor of HB 477 by Rep. David Faulkner, R-Mountain Brook, which would authorize the Federation to provide Alfa Health Plans as a member-benefit option. Alfa Health Plans are based on Farm Bureau plans offered in 10 states which have provided exponential savings for farmers and small business owners. 

“When you’re spending the cost of two mortgages and you’re a young family, a reduction in 30-60% is a lot,” Bankston added. “That could be the difference in profit on your farm. We have the opportunity here in our state to make it better, make health care better and have another option. Let's please do something positive for agriculture.”

Bankston joined a host of farmers from across the state who packed the halls of the Alabama State House to show legislators the importance of passing HB 477.

Dale County poultry, cattle and row crop farmer and Federation State Women's Leadership Committee Region 4 Representative Monica Carroll shared how her children's struggles to find affordable health care mirror what she and husband Chris battled when they married over 25 years ago.

“Who will be the ones to carry on our legacy if they can’t afford a health care plan and still be able to farm?" Carroll asked the committee. "Give them an option; just give them an opportunity to be able to afford health care and do the things that we need — grow our food, fuel and fiber.”

Shelby County tree farmer Phillip Hunter echoed Carroll. He said his family's health care costs have increased in recent years with no positive outlook for his son and nephew when they return to the farm. 

“We’ve been working for 20 years – every year trying to find the best solution for our family,” said Hunter, who serves on the Federation state board. “Currently, our health care premiums cost more than it costs me to send my son to Auburn University, and they’ve gone up in the last three years about $2,000 per year. My son and nephew are going to want to come back to the farm, and this health care plan is a solution for young farmers to come back to the farm and be successful.”

Faulkner laid out farmers' dire need for economic relief and how Alfa Health Plans could be a viable avenue. 

“Alabama has lost 8% of its farms since 2017, and our state’s farmers saw their income drop $1 billion in just one year,” Faulkner said. “As a result, farm families are forced to make difficult choices like going without coverage, limiting production or working off the farm. We have the opportunity to help the farmers and small business owners who are the heart of communities in our districts by allowing the Federation to develop Alfa Health Plans for its members. HB 477 is a good bill, and we need to stand with farmers in a time of need.”

Federation External Affairs Department Director Brian Hardin praised Faulkner for providing the momentum to get HB 477 into committee and Sen. Arthur Orr, R-Decatur, for bringing the companion, SB 84, in the Senate. 

“We appreciate the work Sen. Orr and Rep. Faulkner have done to support Alabama farmers in carrying this legislation,” Hardin said. “It’s time to get this legislation passed on the House floor and through the Senate so farmers can find financial relief and health care peace. We’ve worked with legislators to answer questions and concerns by updating the language in the bill. Now farmers need their lawmakers to stand with them in their time of need.”

The House Health Committee will vote on HB 477 Tuesday, April 8 at 4 p.m. with final passage by the House expected Thursday, April 10. Federation members are encouraged to attend the committee vote in Room 200 and the House vote next week or join by livestream. Members are also urged to contact committee members and ask them to support HB 477 and reject amendments that remove the benefits of affordable health care.

Livestream linked below. Open the dropdown menu and select "Room 200" for the committee meeting or "House Chamber" for the House of Representatives.

House Health Committee:

Roberts Discusses Alfa Health Plans

Alabama Farmers Federation Agricultural Legislation Director Preston Roberts joined Todd Stacy on Alabama Public Television's "Capitol Journal" to discuss recent movement of Alfa Health Plans legislation.

Senate President Pro Tem: Gambling Legislation "Too Little, Too Late"

Alabama Senate Pro Tem Garlan Gudger, R-Cullman, released a statement Thursday regarding rumored gambling legislation expected to be introduced by Sen. Greg Albritton, R-Atmore. 

With 12 days left in the 30-day legislative session, Gudger said there wasn’t enough time to dive into the intricacies of a gaming bill. 

“With 12 meeting days remaining in the session, both budgets still awaiting approval, and other important bills and measures demanding focus and attention, the comprehensive gaming bill released today is simply too little, too late, and has too few votes to pass,” the statement read. “I believe that passing a comprehensive gaming bill in the Senate will require engaging in long-term and intense negotiations among members and securing the needed votes and commitments well before a legislative session even begins.” 

Alabama Farmers Federation External Affairs Department Director Brian Hardin said taking gambling legislation off the table would ensure lawmakers can focus on issues impacting their constituents.

“Gambling distracts from passing bills that can actually have a positive effect on people across the state,” Hardin said. “Knowing that it won’t be debated for the remainder of the session is reassuring, and we hope lawmakers can focus their attention on impactful legislation like Alfa Health Plans. We appreciate Sen. Gudger for laying speculation about the bill to rest. Federation members recognize the negative impact gambling has on families and communities, and they have overwhelmingly affirmed their opposition to it through grassroots policy.” 

Alabama Farmers Federation policy opposes all forms of gambling. 

Blue Jackets Flood Capitol Hill for FFA Day

Hundreds of Alabama FFA members flooded the Alabama State Capitol April 1 for FFA Day on the Hill.

Students visited Gov. Kay Ivey, met with legislators and other elected officials, and witnessed the legislative process firsthand.

Alabama Speaker of the House and former FFA member Nathaniel Ledbetter, R-Rainsville, joined students to share how the organization shaped him for his current leadership role.

"I encourage you to get involved in the FFA process," Ledbetter said. "I never thought when I was in FFA in high school that I’d be in the position I am today. Going through FFA instilled in me a leadership role, and I commend every one of you for what you’re doing. I believe this group of people are the ones who are going to straighten our country and our state out."

Sen. Merika Coleman, D-Pleasant Grove, discussed how FFA students were part of the next generation of change-makers in the state.

"It was great to see these young people here today," Coleman said. "It was a reminder that the decisions made here at the Alabama Legislature impact them now. Because of that, they need to be involved now. It was great to feel that youthful energy in the room."

Beauregard High School FFA Chapter Vice President Tanya Martinez said it was inspiring to know so many people in state government care.

"It was important to me to hear Speaker Ledbetter share how much he cares about FFA and how he’s helped with our membership numbers," Martinez said. "I have a big love for FFA, so knowing that there are people here at the state government who want to see us be successful is something that’s really close to my heart."

Alabama Farmers Federation State Legislative Programs Director Russ Durrance said he appreciated Ledbetter and Coleman for sharing their experiences and time with FFA students.

"It's important for young people to know who represents them and how they can get involved in the legislative process," Durrance said. "Hopefully the students in these rooms will one day be leading their communities and the state. Events like this help ignite that spark and inspire them to become the next generation of leaders."

FFA students also met with lawmakers and constitutional officers at the Alabama Cattlemen's Association, including Senate President Pro Tem Garlan Gudger, R-Cullman; Rep. Danny Crawford, R-Athens; Rep. Marcus Paramore, R-Troy; and Secretary of State Wes Allen.

Bills in Brief:

Logging Weights: SB 110 by Sen. Jack Williams, R-Wilmer, was amended and passed out of the Senate Tuesday. As amended, the bill would limit the number of log trucks that could be stopped and weighed on the roadside to five trucks at a time. The amendment removed a provision that would have increased the per-axle weight limit for each truck from 34,000 pounds to 44,000. A companion bill, HB 204, is being carried by Rep. Donna Givens, R-Loxley. SB 110 goes to the House for consideration.

Cotton Checkoff Assessment Increase: HB 352 by Rep. Danny Crawford, R-Athens, would allow the Alabama Cotton Commission (ACC) to set the yearly assessment at any rate up to $1.30 per bale. It is currently capped at $1. The bill passed the House in late March and is up for consideration in the Senate Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry Committee Wednesday at 2:30 p.m. in Room 316. A companion bill, SB 207 by Sen. Josh Carnley, R-Ino, awaits action in the Senate.

General Fund Budget: HB 186 by Rep. Rex Reynolds, R-Huntsville, which carries the appropriations for the state general fund budget for the 2026 fiscal year, passed the House Thursday. The $3.7 billion budget provides level or increased funding for Alabama Farmers Federation priorities and awaits action in the Senate. A supplemental appropriations bill for the general fund, HB 185 by Reynolds, also passed the House and awaits Senate action.

The Legislature will reconvene Tuesday, April 8 for day 19 of a possible 30 days. 

The House will convene at 1 p.m. and Senate will convene at 2 p.m. 

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Questions?

 Brian Hardin - Director, External Affairs Department

 Preston Roberts - Director, Agricultural Legislation

Russ Durrance - Director, State Legislative Programs

John Allen Nichols - Agriculture Counsel

Morgan Desselle - Legislative and Policy Assistant

Beth Chapman - Beth Chapman and Associates, LLC