CON Laws Slammed in New Report: Is Alabama's Healthcare System Being Held Back?

A new report from Americans for Prosperity Foundation – Alabama is dropping truth bombs about the state's Certificate of Need (CON) laws. According to the report, these regulations are actually hurting Alabamians by jacking up healthcare costs and simultaneously lowering the quality of care. Ouch!

The Problem? Less Competition, Less Innovation

Adam Thompson, AFPF-AL State Director, didn't mince words: "These costly regulations reduce competition, lower the quality of care, and stifle innovation." The report suggests that CON laws divert millions that could be used to improve healthcare outcomes. They're also accused of hamstringing providers' ability to compete and innovate.

Are CON Laws a "Con"?

State Auditor Andrew Sorrell (formerly a state rep) introduced a bill to reform or abolish CON laws back in 2022 and called it a “CON law because the only people they are conning are the competition,"

The Potential Fix: Scrap the CON Laws?

The AFP-AL report paints a pretty picture of what could happen if Alabama ditched CON laws. Get this: researchers estimate Alabama would have over 178 hospitals compared to the 126 currently. Plus, patients could save over $200 a year on healthcare, and post-surgery complications could decrease by over 5%! The report claims that these CON laws artificially limit healthcare supply, leading to higher costs and lower quality care.

Stifling Innovation and Costing Money

AFPF-AL revealed Alabama has a whopping 50 CON requirements, costing providers a hefty $7.7 million in application fees over the last decade. And while Alabama consistently struggles with healthcare quality, these regulations only seem to be making things worse. Time for a change?

Get a Financial Head Start with Regions Bank's "Extra Credit"!

College life is just around the corner, and Regions Bank is offering students more than just advice – it's a real boost to get you started. Their "Extra Credit: College Life Money Skills" program is designed to help you navigate the financial side of student life.

Interactive Learning at its Best

"Extra Credit" started at Regions' Riverchase Operations Center, where students got hands-on, energetic guidance on budgeting, saving, and building healthy credit.

Access it Online - For Free!

The best part? "Extra Credit" isn’t limited to just one event! It’s available online, absolutely free, and open to everyone, no matter where you bank.

Expert Advice and Clarity

The event featured a panel of experts ready to answer all those burning questions from students and families. They covered topics like financial aid, fraud prevention, and building a solid financial foundation for college.

Live-Streamed and Always Available

Hosted by Tandy Hayes from Regions, "Extra Credit" was broadcast live to high schools across the Southeast. It's still online for anyone who wants to check it out! John Jordan, head of Retail for Regions, emphasized that financial success begins with a simple plan.

The Application Process and Beyond

Christy Hudgens, Regional Recruiter for the University of Alabama, guided students through the college application process, highlighting the importance of getting prepared way before deadlines. She also recommended building a budget early, with family, to set a positive financial precedent.

Financial Aid Insights

Kelly Savoie, Director and Assistant Region Head (South) with Sallie Mae, discussed financial aid options and how to make education more affordable. Her key message: complete the FAFSA early and correctly. She also debunked the myth that scholarships are only for top athletes or straight-A students, urging students to explore all available resources.

Staying Safe from Scams

Jeff Taylor, Regions’ head of Commercial Fraud Forensics, gave the lowdown on common scams targeting young adults. He offered tips for protecting sensitive information, emphasizing the importance of verifying payment requests through known contacts.

Mastering Budgeting and Savings

Angela Aaron, a Regions Financial Wellness Next Step educator, covered budgeting and savings basics. She encouraged students to think of themselves as "the CEO of their finances," and outlined how to create a budget by tracking income and expenses and prioritizing needs.

Regions is Here to Help

Regions is committed to helping students build strong financial foundations. Attendees were invited to schedule free Greenprint planning appointments, regardless of whether they bank with Regions. With newfound knowledge, students and families left knowing that success in college (and beyond) requires planning. With the right tools, students can step confidently into their financial futures! Regions believes financial planning is important. Regions' Next Step program offers free financial wellness tools and tips online.

Allbright Victorious in House District 11 Primary!

The votes are in, ChumCity! Heath Allbright, a Cullman County businessman, farmer, and former school board member, snagged the Republican nomination for Alabama's House District 11 in Tuesday's special primary. It was a showdown with former U.S. Army Colonel Don Fallin, but Allbright came out on top after what some described as a pretty intense campaign.

The Numbers Game

With almost all the boxes reporting, Allbright cruised to victory with around 54.76% of the vote, leaving Fallin with 45.24%. While Fallin did well in his Cullman County strongholds, Allbright's Blount County support, combined with a solid Cullman performance, sealed the deal.

Allbright's Promise

"I'm so honored by the trust voters in District 11 have placed in me," Allbright said after the win. He's promising to fight for families, schools, and businesses, while keeping those Blount and Cullman County values front and center.

What's Next?

Allbright, a lifelong resident of Holly Pond and owner of Brighton Forestry Services, campaigned on lower taxes, supporting small businesses, and protecting rural Alabama's way of life. This seat opened up when State Rep. Randall Shedd took a new gig with Senate President Pro Tem Garlan Gudger. Now, Allbright will face a Democratic challenger in the special general election set for August 26, 2025. But, let's be real, this district leans heavily Republican.

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