Alabama Dems Say State Is “Rapidly Becoming Unaffordable”

Rep. Adline Clarke (D-Mobile) delivered the Alabama House Democratic Caucus’ response to Gov. Kay Ivey’s State of the State address Tuesday evening, drawing a stark contrast with the Governor’s message of progress by focusing on affordability challenges facing everyday Alabamians.

Clarke, who has served in the Alabama House since 2013, stood before lawmakers and pledged a robust agenda centered on cost pressures that many families say are squeezing budgets Statewide.

“We can find common ground with several of the points the Governor made, and we recognize the progress that has been made,” Clarke said on behalf of her caucus. “But it’s time to speak plainly: the State of the State is rapidly becoming unaffordable.”

She said she has heard from “people from all walks of life” across Alabama who are struggling with basic costs like groceries, rent and utilities. “It’s fear and uncertainty about the future — a future they’re not sure they can afford,” Clarke said — a theme she reiterated throughout her remarks.

Clarke highlighted specific examples from communities across the State, including families in Monroe County who can no longer afford health insurance and students in Demopolis who may struggle to pursue nursing degrees due to changes in federal student loan rules.

She also critiqued recent Republican policy choices for contributing to financial strain, including the expiration of a temporary State tax exemption on overtime pay that Democrats say had offered meaningful relief to working families.

Clarke didn’t stop at cost of living concerns. She sharply criticized the State’s school choice voucher program, saying it diverts public funds to private schools “that lack accountability and keep raising tuition.” She cited Florida’s multibillion-dollar program as a cautionary example.

Health care affordability also featured prominently. Clarke noted that the recent expiration of enhanced Affordable Care Act subsidies has led to premiums doubling or tripling, leaving families with fewer options for essential coverage.

Beyond economics and health care, she argued that issues like voting rights and district maps affect citizens’ ability to participate in democracy, describing politically drawn boundaries and restrictive absentee ballot rules as further barriers.

Clarke closed by unveiling the 2026 legislative priorities for House Democrats — a package focused on economic innovation and growth, public education investment, expansion of affordable health care, voting rights protections and justice system reform aimed at creating “an Alabama we can all afford.”

“These aren’t abstract numbers,” she said of the concerns she heard. “They’re real people, real families, and real choices about whether to pay rent, buy groceries, or see a doctor.”

Her remarks set a clear policy contrast with Governor Ivey’s speech, which celebrated gains in jobs, education and infrastructure while charting her final legislative agenda as Governor.

Rep. Clarke’s response may be seen on Facebook at THIS LINK.