Alander Rocha

Montgomery

State Government and Health Policy Reporter at Alabama Reflector

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Articles

Federal SNAP, Medicaid cuts could harm Alabamians and the state budget, advocates say

5 days ago | alabamareflector.com | Alander Rocha

A budget bill passed by the U.S. House of Representatives could impose significant financial and social challenges in Alabama. The measure could cut food assistance and Medicaid program funding that serve hundreds of thousands of people with low incomes in Alabama, and potentially cost the state hundreds of millions of dollars annually. It’s still the U.S. Senate.
Alabama may pause redistricting efforts until 2030 to avoid federal oversight

6 days ago | timesfreepress.com | Alander Rocha

The Alabama Attorney General's Office said Wednesday the state may forgo drawing new congressional district maps before 2030 to prevent federal oversight of future redistricting. The state made the argument during a meeting with a three-judge federal panel and attorneys for plaintiffs who successfully challenged two congressional maps drawn by the Legislature in 2021 and 2023 that the panel said showed intentional discrimination against Black voters.
Twinkle Cavanaugh leaves Public Service Commission for Trump administration job

1 week ago | montgomeryadvertiser.com | Alander Rocha

Twinkle Andress Cavanaugh will step down as president of Alabama’s Public Service Commission to take a role in President Donald Trump’s administration, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Cavanaugh will serve as the state director of rural development in Alabama.
Alabama may pause redistricting efforts until 2030 to avoid federal oversight

1 week ago | alabamareflector.com | Alander Rocha

by Alander Rocha, Alabama Reflector May 29, 2025 The Alabama Attorney General’s Office said Wednesday the state may forgo drawing new congressional district maps before 2030 to prevent federal oversight of future redistricting.
Alabama may pause redistricting efforts until 2030 to avoid federal oversight

1 week ago | yahoo.com | Alander Rocha

The front of Hugo L Black Courthouse in Birmingham, Alabama on August 15, 2023. (Jemma Stephenson/Alabama Reflector)The Alabama Attorney General’s Office said Wednesday the state may forgo drawing new congressional district maps before 2030 to prevent federal oversight of future redistricting.
Twinkle Cavanaugh leaves Public Service Commission for Trump administration job

1 week ago | alabamareflector.com | Alander Rocha

by Alander Rocha, Alabama Reflector May 28, 2025 Twinkle Andress Cavanaugh will step down as president of Alabama’s Public Service Commission to take a role in President Donald Trump’s administration, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Cavanaugh will serve as the state director of rural development in Alabama.
Twinkle Cavanaugh leaves Public Service Commission for Trump administration job

1 week ago | yahoo.com | Alander Rocha

Snow falls on the Alabama State Capitol in Montgomery amid rare winter weather on Jan. 21, 2025. (Alander Rocha/Alabama Reflector)Twinkle Andress Cavanaugh will step down as president of Alabama’s Public Service Commission to take a role in President Donald Trump’s administration, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Cavanaugh will serve as the state director of rural development in Alabama.
Local law enforcement agencies in Alabama partner with ICE, sparking concerns

1 week ago | alabamareflector.com | Alander Rocha

Local law enforcement agencies across Alabama are entering into agreements with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), a move that is drawing concern from immigrant communities and civil rights advocates. At least nine such agreements with sheriff’s offices are active in six Alabama counties, with three more pending — two with county sheriff’s departments and one with a local police department.
Alabama lawmaker plans to revive failed religious vaccine exemption bill next year

2 weeks ago | timesfreepress.com | Alander Rocha

A bill that would have made it easier for parents to exempt their children from vaccine requirements failed to advance out of the Alabama Legislature this year. Senate Bill 85, sponsored by Sen. Arthur Orr, R-Decatur, would have allowed parents to claim religious exemptions from vaccines for their children without requiring them to state a reason. The bill would have also required public colleges and universities to provide medical and religious exemptions to vaccine or testing requirements.
Alabama lawmaker plans to revive failed religious vaccine exemption bill next year

2 weeks ago | alabamareflector.com | Alander Rocha

A bill that would have made it easier for parents to exempt their children from vaccine requirements failed to advance out of the Alabama Legislature this year. SB 85, sponsored by Sen. Arthur Orr, R-Decatur, would have allowed parents to claim religious exemptions from vaccines for their children without requiring them to state a reason. The bill would have also required public colleges and universities to provide medical and religious exemptions to vaccine or testing requirements.