ALABAMA Faith leaders CALL ON GOVERNOR KAY IVEY TO EXPAND MEDICAID
Nearly 300 Alabama faith leaders released a joint letter Thursday calling on Gov. Kay Ivey to expand Medicaid coverage immediately for adults with low incomes. The letter – signed by 278 pastors, imams, sisters and other faith leaders – asks for support for Alabama’s most vulnerable communities and acknowledges the limitations of charity alone.
“We know all too well that medical bills often drive Alabama families, especially those who struggle to make ends meet, into hunger and poverty,” the letter says. “We will always serve those who are vulnerable, but charity alone cannot solve these problems. We need the Alabama government to do its part to protect and provide care for those in need.”
If Alabama expanded Medicaid, some 300,000 adults with low incomes would gain access to affordable health care. These Alabamians earn too much to qualify for Medicaid but not enough to qualify for subsidized marketplace plans under the Affordable Care Act.
“About 300,000 Alabamians have been waiting since 2014 for the health care benefits they deserve. These people are working, taking care of their children and contributing to our local economies. They should not have to wait any longer,” said Alabama Arise Cover Alabama campaign director Jane Adams, who organized the sign-on letter.
“Governor Ivey must listen to the voices of the people of Alabama and quickly expand Medicaid. Depriving struggling families of health care is wholly incompatible with the teaching of many faiths and the ideals of our state.”
The faith leaders who signed the letter agree this is a universal issue requiring bipartisan support to help Alabamians get the care they need. The letter reads: “It is past time for Alabama elected leaders to move away from the partisanship and divisiveness that have plagued this issue and instead move forward in a collaborative and bipartisan manner. We welcome the opportunity to discuss with you why our faith compels us to advocate for Medicaid expansion.”
One of the letter signers ‒ Rev. Carolyn Foster of Greater Birmingham Ministries, the Alabama Poor People’s Campaign and St. Mark’s Episcopal Church ‒ said Medicaid expansion is “a moral issue” for Alabama.
“Alabama’s women and children are the people impacted the most by lack of affordable health insurance,” Foster said. “How long are we going to look the other way or cross the road on the other side, to avoid seeing our neighbor in need of medical care? How long will Governor Ivey and those elected to represent us turn their backs on people they are to serve?
“People are suffering. This is a moral issue. We call on them to do the right thing. Expand Medicaid now!”
Alabama is one of only 12 states that have not yet expanded Medicaid. The American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), which President Joe Biden signed into law in March, includes a provision that would give a boost of federal dollars to holdout states that expand coverage. Estimates show the new federal incentive could mean hundreds of millions of dollars of new federal funds for Alabama Medicaid over two years.
That amount would more than offset the initial costs of expansion. One estimate from Manatt shows that Alabama would receive enough federal funding under ARPA to cover the cost of Medicaid expansion for more than four years.
Alabama Arise and Cover Alabama call on Ivey to act quickly to expand Medicaid and make Alabama stronger and healthier. The letter signed by 278 Alabama faith leaders went to Ivey on Thursday and appears in its entirety below.
Letter from Alabama faith leaders to Governor Kay Ivey in support of Medicaid expansion:
The Honorable Kay Ivey
State Capitol
600 Dexter Avenue
Montgomery, Alabama 36130
Dear Governor Ivey,
As leaders from various faith traditions, denominations and religious organizations, we come to you with urgency: Alabamians are suffering because of the COVID-19 health care and economic crisis. Our faith compels us to ask you to expand Alabama Medicaid now.
We share a moral vision of a health care system that offers health, wholeness and the opportunity for all to recognize their full potential. We believe that no family should have to choose between putting food on the table, paying rent, or going to the doctor. We know all too well that medical bills often drive Alabama families, especially those who struggle to make ends meet, into hunger and poverty. We will always serve those who are vulnerable, but charity alone cannot solve these problems. We need the Alabama government to do its part to protect and provide care for those in need.
Hundreds of thousands of Alabamians are caught in the health coverage gap because state leadership has refused to expand Medicaid. This failure leaves an estimated 300,000 people just one medical emergency away from personal impairment or financial ruin. Hospitals, specifically rural hospitals like the one in your hometown, are in dire financial condition. Without Medicaid expansion, more hospitals could be forced to close their doors and leave thousands of vulnerable Alabamians, including mothers and children, veterans, and the elderly, without care.
It is past time for Alabama elected leaders to move away from the partisanship and divisiveness that has plagued this issue and instead move forward in a collaborative and bipartisan manner. We welcome the opportunity to discuss with you why our faith compels us to advocate for Medicaid expansion at this critical moment.
Sincerely,
Imam K. Muhammad Abdullah, Birmingham Islamic Center
The Rev. Chase Ackerman, Decatur
The Rev. Mary Catherine Akamatsu, Episcopal Church, Huntsville
Walter Albritton, St. James United Methodist Church, Wetumpka
The Rev. Ben Alford, Retired from Episcopal Church, Albertville
Rev. Tonny Algood, United Methodist Inner City, Mobile
Rev. Diana Jordan Allende, Minister Emerita, Auburn Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, Opelika
Pastor Tyree A. Anderson, D.Min., First Baptist Church, Ensley
Rev. Stephanie York Arnold, First United Methodist Church, Birmingham
The Rev. Geraldine Aston, Homewood
Rev. Dr. Eric Atcheson, Birmingham
Beth W. Atkerson, Elder, South Highland Presbyterian Church, Vestavia Hills
Rev. Dr. David Barnhart, Saint Junia United Methodist Church, Birmingham
Rev. Majadi Baruti, Udja Temple, Birmingham
Ms. Noel M. Beck, Florence
Susan S. Benke, Grace Presbyterian Church, Tuscaloosa
Rev. Gregory J. Bentley, Presbyterian Church (USA), Huntsville
Marcia Bentley, First Congregational Church, UCC, Birmingham
Aladin Beshir, Chair, Interfaith Mission Service, Huntsville
Rev. Ramone Raschad Billingsley, Sardis Missionary Baptist Church, Birmingham
Rev. Sherry Birney, Grateful Life Community Church (Disciples of Christ), Huntsville
The Rev. Bill Blackerby, Retired Episcopal Priest, Birmingham
Anna Blair, Huntsville
Vicki M. Bowers, Mobile
Alice M. Bowsher, Birmingham
Dr. Dale C. Braxton, Christian Church, Fort Deposit
Rev. Michael Brinkman, The United Methodist Church, Oneonta
Rev. Dorinda P. Broadnax, First Congregational UCC, Birmingham
Rev. Richard Brooks, Huntsville
Rev. R. LaMon Brown, Birmingham
Dr. Susan C. Brown, Huntsville
Rev. Kyle Bryan, First United Methodist Church, Anniston
The Rev. Dr. Tara W. Bulger, Huntsville
Rev. Christopher Bullock, Central Presbyterian Church, Mobile
Gary Porter Burton, Pintlala
The Rev. Dr. John C. Bush, Presbyterian Church USA, Decatur
Lillian A. Bush, Bethel AME Church, Mobile
Terri Byrd, Coordinator, Alabama Cooperative Baptist Fellowship, Hoover
The Rev. Douglas M. Carpenter, St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, Mountain Brook
Clinton Carr, Jr., D.Min., M.A., Zion Temple Church and Heaven Bound Brent, Birmingham
The Rev. Dr. Cynthia Carter, Birmingham
Fr. Jon Chalmers, Holy Rosary Catholic Church, Birmingham
Elizabeth Chiepalich, Director, Homeless in Mobile Ministry, Mobile
Kurt Clark, Sardis Missionary Baptist Church, Birmingham
The Rev. Susan A. Clayton, Independent Presbyterian Church (USA), Birmingham
Rev. Dale Clem, Monte Sano United Methodist Church, Huntsville
Donald R. Clemons, Co-chair, Social Action Commission, 9th District Alabama AME Church, Montgomery
E. Ann Clemons, St. Paul AME Church, Montgomery
Rev. Dale R. Cohen, United Methodist Pastor, Florence
Rev. Dr. Margo D. Coker, Westminster Presbyterian Church (USA), Alabaster
Susan Comeaux, Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate Conception, Mobile
The Rev. Judith Comer, Daphne
Sandra Conley, Mobile
Rev. Julie Conrady, Unitarian Universalist Church of Birmingham
Sister Madeline Contorno, OSB, Birmingham
Rev. Adrian L. Cook, Alabaster
Pastor Anthony Cook, Christian Fellowship Bible Church, Pell City
Rev. Erica Cooper, Homewood
Lee M. Cooper, Elder, South Highland Presbyterian Church, Birmingham
Riley Cowell, LMSW, Montgomery
Essex J. Crawford, Assistant Pastor, Faith Temple Church of God in Christ, Montrose
Rt. Rev. Glenda Curry, Bishop, Episcopal Diocese of Alabama
Rev. Dr. Geraldine Daniels, Christian Methodist Episcopal Church, Birmingham
Dr. Saphrobnia Dansley, Bread of Heaven Ministries, Mobile
Rev. Dr. E-K Daufin, Montgomery
Pastor Errol Davis, New Beginnings Christian Church, Huntsville
Rev. Fannie L. Davis, Burkville
J. Norfleete Day, Vestavia Hills Baptist Church, Hoover
Rev. Dr. Jacquelyn L. Denson, Montgomery Selma District AME Church, Andalusia
Rev. Dr. Joseph B. DeWitte, North Alabama United Methodist Church, Fultondale
Pastor Jaimie Dingus, M.Div., Unitarian Universalist Church of Huntsville
Lynn Douglas, Church Women United, Birmingham
Scott Douglas, Executive Director, Greater Birmingham Ministries, Birmingham
The Rev. Margaret Doyle, Episcopal Church, Hoover
Rev. Tom Duley, East Lake United Methodist Church, Birmingham
Rev. Michael Dunbar, Goshen United Methodist Church, Piedmont
Unique Dunston, Founder, Reclaiming Our Time, Semmes
Lois Eastman, Women of Vision - South Alabama, Mobile
Stanley Easton, St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, Jacksonville
Rev. Paul Eknes-Tucker, Pilgrim Congregational UCC, Birmingham
Rev. John Fallon, Prince of Peace Catholic Church, Hoover
Rev. Debra D. Feagin, Moderator, Presbytery of Sheppards and Lapsley, Vestavia Hills
James C. Fields, Jr, Pastor, St. James United Methodist Church, Irondale
Sister Patricia Flass, Sisters of St. Joseph of Rochester, Selma
The Rev. James B. Flowers, Jr., All Saints Episcopal Church, Mobile
Rev. Penny Ford, Tuscaloosa
Rev. Carolyn Foster, Alabama Poor People’s Campaign: A National Call for Revival, Birmingham
Dr. David B. Freeman, New Hope
Greg Fuquay, Fairhope Friends Meeting, Spanish Fort
Dr. Gary Furr, Vestavia Hills Baptist Church, Vestavia Hills
The Rev. Eugenia A. Gamble, Presbyterian Church (USA), Dauphin Island
Dr. Tyshawn Gardner, Plum Grove Baptist Church, Northport
Rev. George Garrison, Montgomery
Rev. Dr. Charles F. Gattis, Jr., Trinity United Methodist Church, Huntsville
Rev. Joe Genau, Edgewood Presbyterian Church, Homewood
Ed Glaize, District Superintendent, Dothan District of the United Methodist Church, Dothan
Rev. Sonya Y. Gravlee, Chaplain, Ascension-St. Vincent’s East Hospital, Trussville
Rev. John Gregory, Leeds
The Rev. Mary E. Groff, LICSW, Episcopal Church, Guntersville
Rev. Brett Gudeman, Huntsville
Connie Guggenbiller, Central Presbyterian Church, Mobile
Ellen Hamilton, St. Francis of Assisi Episcopal Church, Shelby County
Nick Hamilton, D.Min., BCC, Director of Spiritual Care, Baptist Health, Montgomery
Rev. Terry Hamilton-Poore, First Presbyterian Church, Birmingham
Bob and Betty Hare, The Christian Community, Opelika
Rev. Caitlin Harper, Community Church Without Walls, Birmingham
Sharon Hawkins, AME Zion Church, Tuscaloosa
Rev. Carolyn Hayford, Birmingham
Rev. Matthew P. Headley, Weaver First United Methodist Church, Weaver
The Rev. Thomas Heard, St. John’s Episcopal Church, Decatur
The Rev. Bob Henderson, St. Matthias Episcopal Church, Tuscaloosa
Rev. Dr. Clarence M. Henderson, Sr., Pastor, Shady Grove Missionary Baptist Church, Talladega
Jerrell C. Hicks, Talladega
Connie Hill, Clerk of Birmingham Friends Meeting, Birmingham
Ida Tyree-Hyche Hill, AME Church, Gardendale
Dr. Carl Frederick Hill, Sr., Zion Star Missionary Baptist Church, Gardendale
The Rev. Robin H. Hinkle, St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, Jasper
Reggie Holder, Highlands United Methodist Church, Birmingham
Ven. Marti Holmes, Archdeacon, Birmingham
Jill P. Hoogstra, Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church, Birmingham
Rev. Cathy C. Hoop, Grace Presbyterian Church (USA), Tuscaloosa
Rev. Lynn Hopkins, Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, Montgomery
Rev. Dollie Howell Pankey, Fifth Episcopal District, CME Church, Birmingham
The Rev. Kelley Hudlow, Episcopal Diocese of Alabama, Birmingham
Rev. Brandon Hudson, Crosscreek Baptist Church, Pelham
Fisher Humphreys, Professor of Divinity, Emeritus, Samford University, Birmingham
Rev. Dr. David B. Hunsicker, Jr., Huntsville
Rev. Michelle Hunter, United Methodist, Tuscaloosa
Rev. Laura Hutchinson, The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), Anniston
Rev. Shane Isner, First Christian Church of Montgomery
Rev. Tammy H. Jackson, First United Methodist Church, Anniston
Rev. Valtoria Garnier Jackson, St. Peter African Methodist Episcopal Church, Montgomery
Frank S. James, Southminster Presbyterian Church, Birmingham
Jothany W. James, Southminster Presbyterian Church, Birmingham
Pastor Matthew V. Johnson, Sr., Ph.D., Mount Moriah Baptist Church, Pratt City
Rev. Clyde Jones, Jr., Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church, Daphne
Pastor Jerry Jones, Mount Cleveland Missionary Baptist Church, Sylacauga
Rev. Heather Jones Butler, Immanuel Presbyterian Church, Montgomery
Rev. Kathy Jorgensen, Alabama West Florida United Methodist Church, Mobile
Rev. Patti Keeler, RN, HNC, BCC, Retired Chaplain, UABMC, Vestavia Hills
Eileen Knott, Baha'i Community, Montgomery
Rev. Dr. Mark LaGory, St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, Birmingham
Jamie Landers, Full Gospel
Rt. Rev. Seth O. Lartey, Presiding Bishop, African Methodist Episocopal Zion Church, Montgomery
Sandra Lawler, Outreach Chair, Grace Episcopal Church, Birmingham
Rev. Laura Lemley, Huntsville
George M. Likis, First United Methodist Church, Birmingham
Rev. Earla S. Lockhart, First Missionary Baptist Church, Huntsville
Rev. Dr. Helene H. Loper, God’s House, Tuscaloosa
The Rev. Robert H. Loshuertos, Madison
Rev. Traci Loveman, Huntsville
Eveyn Mack, Minister, New Path Ministries, Mobile
Rev. Michael Malcom, M.Div., MBA, Alabama Interfaith Power and Light, Pleasant Grove
The Rev. Carl Malm, Huntsville Association for Pastoral Care, Huntsville
Albert Manzella, Executive Director, Catholic Social Services, Birmingham
Rev. Dr. Malcolm Lewis Marler, Senior Director, Pastoral Care, UAB Hospital, Birmingham
Kelvin Mastin, Montgomery
Rev. Lori Maxey, Executive Director, The House, Tuscaloosa
Cara McClure, Faith and Works, Hoover
The Rev. Dr. James D. McLeod, Jr., Presbyterian Church (USA), Trussville
Pastor Clifton J. McMillan, Sr., M.Div., Seventh-day Adventist Church, Helena
Desere McMillan, Mobile
Rev. Brandon E. Miles, Florence
Rev. Hugh Morris, Talladega County NAACP, Talladega
Barbara Mouton, St. Andrew Presbyterian Church, Decatur
Rev. Denise Mullaney, Monte Sano United Methodist Church, Huntsville
Rev. Eric L. Murray, Pastor, Shades Valley Lutheran Church, Homewood
James Napp, United Methodist Church, Hollywood
Sister Kathleen Navarra, Sisters of St. Joseph, Edmundite Missions, Selma
Apostle Floyd E. Nelson, Senior Pastor, Lighthouse Apostolic Holiness Church, Inc., Grand Bay
Pastor Emeritus Ed Nettles, Freewill Missionary Baptist, Montgomery
Ebony Nichols, Semmes
Nikeland Nichols, Destiny Vision Christian Center, Mobile
Rev. Joshua Noah, M.Div., M.A., Open Table United Church of Christ, Gulf Shores
Audrey Noel, Community Enabler Developer, Inc, Anniston
Christina Novello, Montgomery
Ransey O’Daniel, Progressive National Baptist Convention, Tuscaloosa
Sister Carolyn Oberkirch, RSM, Sisters of Mercy, Mobile
The Rev. J. Seth Olson, All Saints Episcopal Church, Homewood
Dr. Thomas R. Osborne, Episcopal Diocese of Alabama, Florence
Rev. W. David Palmer, First Presbyterian Church, Cullman
Stacy Parenteau, Ph.D., Montgomery
Rev. Melissa Self Patrick, United Methodist Church, Birmingham
Danny Patterson, Lighthouse Community Development Corporation, Mobile
Richard Penaskovic, Ph.D., President of Auburn Ministerial Association, Auburn
Rev. Emily Freeman Penfield, Woodlawn United Methodist Church, Birmingham
Al Perry, AME Church, Selma
Ananias Perry, Ward Chapel AME Church, Elmore
Monica Pierre, Co-President Board of Directors, Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, Mobile
Dixie Pomerat, Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, Mobile
The Rev. Jayne Pool, Homewood
Bishop Vernon Presley, Greater New Day Apostolic Church, Anniston
Rev. Arthur Price, Jr., Birmingham
The Rev. Aaron D. Raulerson, Church of the Epiphany, Guntersville
Robert Rex Record, M.D., Christ Health Center, Birmingham
Rev. Kathy Wolf Reed, Auburn
Ross Reed, Jr., Pastor, Macedonia Baptist Church, Anniston
Pastor Tauric Reed, Safe Haven Church Ministries, Mobile
Josiah Rengers, St. Thomas Episcopal Church, Birmingham
The Rev. Katherine Nakamura Rengers, The Episcopal Church, Homewood
The Rev. Dr. Judy Mitchell Rich, Presbyterian Church (USA), Athens
Sister Mary Riordan, RSM, Sisters of Mercy, Mobile
The Rev. Mary C. Robert, All Saints Episcopal Church, Mobile
Rev. Dr. James W. Roberts, Owens Cross Roads
Rev. Chris Rothbauer, Auburn Unitarian Universalist Fellowship
Ana Rozelle, United Methodist Church, Lincoln
Evangelist Ramona Russell, Mission Possible Community Services, Inc., Pelham
Rev. James Rutledge Jr., Rising Star AME Zion Church, Birmingham
Rev. John Ryberg, The Table United Methodist Church, Athens
Rev. Jennifer Sanders, Beloved Community Church, UCC, Birmingham
Daniel Schwartz, Faith in Action Alabama, Mountain Brook
Rev. Lou Ann Sellers, Presbyterian Church (USA), Tuscaloosa
Demetrius Semien, M.Div., Ph.D., Consultant, Jesuit Social Research Institute, Mobile
Rev. Sara Shaver, United Methodist Church, Gulf Shores
Rev. Sarah J. Shelton, Pastor Emeritus, Baptist Church of the Covenant, Birmingham
Rev. Sara Sills, M.Div., Cornerstone Metropolitan Community Church, Mobile
Judge Jamie Sledge, Chair of Outreach, Holy Comforter Episcopal Church, Gadsden
Rev. C.J. Van Slyke, Deacon (retired), Pelham
Rev. Dr. Janice Smith, Hopewell CME Church, Mobile
Rev. Tim Smith, Mobile
Rev. E. Tramaine Solomon, Springhill Baptist Church, Lineville
The Rev. Raymonda R. Speller, Community Congregational United Church of Christ, Montgomery
Rev. Christopher H. Spencer, St. Matthew Watson Baptist Church of Boligee, Tuscaloosa
C. Allen Stewart, Divine Faith MBC, Birmingham
The Rev. John Stewart, Episcopal Diocese of Alabama, Fosters
Marsha Stone-Bullock, First Presbyterian Church, Fort Payne
Eoline Vanessa Stoutamire, Cedar Grove Baptist Church, Mobile
Rev. Dr. Mel A. Strain, Presbyterian Church (USA), Huntsville
Stephanie Strong, Faith in Action Alabama, Harvest
Rev. Dr. Richard Lane Stryker III, St. Paul United Methodist Church, Vestavia Hills
Mary Bea Sullivan, All Saints Episcopal Church, Birmingham
Rev. Nicki Arnold Swindle, M.Div., M.T.S., B.S.W., Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), Anniston
Marjorie Tanner, Anniston First United Methodist Church, Lincoln
Ashfaq Taufique, Birmingham Islamic Society, Hoover
The Rev. Louise Thibodaux, St. Thomas Episcopal Church, Birmingham
Rev. Dr. Kevin L. Thomas, Forest Lake United Methodist Church, Tuscaloosa
Pastor Tonja Alford Thomas, Good News Ministries, Montgomery
Rev. Daniel Thompson, Church of the Apostles, Daphne
Rev. Keith D. Thompson, Canterbury United Methodist Church, Mountain Brook
Daniel L. Thornton, St. Wilfrid’s Episcopal Church, Marion
Japonicas Thurman, Mobile
Rosa Toussaint Ortiz, Community Pastor, Huntsville International Help Center, Huntsville
Ronald E. Truss, Lay Leader, Christian Methodist Episcopal Church, Birmingham
Timothy Trussell-Smith, Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), Tuscaloosa
Pastor David A. Tubbs, Good Shepherd United Methodist Church, Harvest
Rev. Frederick Tyson, The AME Zion Church, Hope Hull
Rhonda Vanderhart, Open Table United Methodist Church, Mobile
Rev. Ruth Vann Lillian, Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Tuscaloosa, Birmingham
Lin Veasey, CRE, First Presbyterian Church, Jacksonville
Pastor Priscilla Vinson, Spread the Word Ministries, Montgomery
Mary J. Wade, M.S., M.S.N., CRNP, The Nightingale Clinic, Church of the Reconciler, Birmingham
Rev. Dr. D. Randal Walton, Retired Board-Certified Chaplain, Huntsville
Rebecca Watts, St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, Vestavia Hills
Rev. Mark W. Weldon, Cumberland Presbyterian, Vestavia Hills
Rev. Dr. Stephen P. West, First United Methodist Church, Jacksonville
Trey West, Dauphin Way United Methodist Church, Mobile
Rev. Dr. Sue Westfall, Presbytery of Sheppards and Lapsely, Birmingham
Rev. Danny Whitehead, St. Bartholomew’s Episcopal Church, Florence
John V. Whitehurst, Kingdom Building Innovations Christian Church, Ozark
Frederick Whitlow II, No More Dirty, Inc., and The Session, Huntsville
Nancy M. Whitt, Religious Society of Friends, Birmingham
Pastor Dante’ Whittaker, Sr., Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church, Talladega
Pastor O’Neil Wiley, Presiding Elder, Asbury Chapel AME Zion Church, Mobile
Rev. Keith O. Williams, Great I Am Ministries Outreach International, Birmingham
Rev. Mitchell Williams, Huntsville
Pastor Richard Williams, Metropolitan UMC, Montgomery
Rev. Jacqueline Wilson, Faith in Action Alabama, Huntsville
Deaconess Annette Winston, Montgomery
Rev. Diane Wood, Disciples of Christ, Madison
Rev. Angie Wright, United Church of Christ, Birmingham
Randy Yarbrough, Community Kitchens of Birmingham, Birmingham
Mack Yates, Huntsville
The Rev. Charles Youngson, All Saints Episcopal Church, Homewood