Martha Roby: God bless our veterans
On the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of the year 1918, the armistice ending World War I was signed. Originally known as Armistice Day, Congress later passed a resolution signed by President Dwight D. Eisenhower which officially designated November 11th as Veterans Day. Americans now pause on this special day each year to recognize all those, young and old, who have served our country in uniform. My highest honor as a Member of Congress is representing and fighting for the men and women who serve us all. One of my top priorities is working on behalf of our service members and veterans. Alabama’s Second Congressional District is home to a notable amount of veterans and thousands of active duty and reserve personnel. My office consistently provides our veterans with assistance because they deserve the utmost care and attention, and I recognize our local VA facilities have not always provided this to them. There is certainly much more work to do, but I am encouraged by the progress that has been made throughout my time in Congress and am hopeful our leaders will continue to fight for our veteran population. While we should honor the service and sacrifice of our veterans every day, Veterans Day provides a unique opportunity for us to come together as a nation and pay tribute to the men and women who put their lives on the line for our freedom. There are typically several parades and celebrations across the Second District to praise our veterans, but due to the current health pandemic, this year’s activities look a little different. If you are interested in finding an opportunity to show your appreciation for our men and women who have served in uniform, I encourage you to look into these virtual COVID-friendly recommendations from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. here are 17.4 million veterans living in the United States and nearly 400,000 in Alabama. I want to extend my most sincere gratitude to everyone who has served this country and to their families. Our country is great because of the men and women who were willing to sacrifice on our behalf. Please join me in saying thank you to all those who have served our nation. Martha Roby represents Alabama’s Second Congressional District. She lives in Montgomery, Alabama, with her husband Riley and their two children.
Martha Roby: COVID-19 will not shake our democracy
Election Day is here, and it’s safe to say that this year’s election looks quite different than those of the past. As we continue to navigate the ongoing Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, several protocols have been put in place nationwide to create cautious and healthy environments for in-person voting. A record-breaking number of Americans have already voted or plan to vote in the 2020 General Election, with over 75 million individuals having cast their ballots. An estimated 4.9 million people live in the state of Alabama. In the 2020 March Primary Election, there was a total of 3,576,107 Alabamians registered to vote. Of those registered to vote, approximately 1,176,315 individuals – or 33 percent – actually exercised their right to vote in this year’s primary. On Thursday, the Alabama Secretary of State’s office announced that more than 259,200 Alabamians had voted by absentee, and Secretary of State John Merrill stated that 316,130 ballots had been requested. While the final statewide voter turnout will not be known until after Tuesday’s election, it is vital we each take the time to exercise our right to vote as afforded to us by the U.S. Constitution. If you plan to vote in-person, please be sure to follow all local and statewide COVID-19 guidelines. Your participation is especially crucial as the number of daily new Coronavirus cases across the state are on the rise. For COVID-19 voting resources and information, visit sos.alabama.gov/covid-19-voting-resources. The United States was founded on a strong set of principles that have shaped our nation and guided the American people for nearly 250 years. We will not allow a health pandemic to shake our democracy. We have been given the right to freely and openly express our beliefs and opinions, participate in civil public discourse, and vote to elect the individuals who lead our nation. If you have not already, I encourage you to exercise your right to vote and participate in the democratic process. Martha Roby represents Alabama’s Second Congressional District. She lives in Montgomery, Alabama, with her husband Riley and their two children.
Martha Roby: Be sure to dispose of unused drugs
While the news cycle is currently centered around the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic, it is important we remember and shed light on other potentially devastating issues that impact our nation. Aside from the pandemic, the United States is in the middle of a serious public health crisis that is hurting communities of all sizes. Hundreds of thousands of lives have been lost due to opioid addiction and abuse in recent years. According to the National Center for Health Statistics, nearly 70,000 people died from drug overdoses last year. Seven out of ten of those deaths resulted from the use of opioids. Prescription drugs can be a safe and effective way to manage certain conditions when carefully used as prescribed and monitored by your doctor. However, if misused, these drugs can cause much harm and destruction – especially when they find themselves in the wrong hands. A common example of mishandling opioids is when individuals leave unused prescription pills in their medicine cabinet and forget they are there. Saturday, October 24, is National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, which aims to address this critical health issue. This annual initiative provides Americans an opportunity to responsibly dispose of unused prescription drugs while also raising awareness about the dangers of drug abuse. Over 23 million pounds of medications have been effectively collected across the nation since the first Take Back Day in 2010. Due to the Coronavirus, collection sites may be limited in your area. If you or someone you know is looking to safely drop off any unconsumed medications, you can find more information about Take Back Day and specific collection sites on the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration’s website at takebackday.dea.gov. If you are unable to participate in Take Back Day, unused drugs can also be disposed of year round. In Congress, we have made great strides toward addressing this tragic epidemic that continues to destroy lives in the state of Alabama and the entire country. The problem has grown too large to solve itself, and while I am proud of the steps we’ve taken in Congress, much work remains in this fight. American lives depend on leaders at both the federal, state, and local levels, and our work is far from being complete. We must remain unified and coordinated in our efforts so that we can continue to fight this battle with the aggression it requires. ### Martha Roby represents Alabama’s Second Congressional District. She lives in Montgomery, Alabama, with her husband Riley and their two children.
Martha Roby: Why our teachers make a difference
Earlier this month, we celebrated World Teachers’ Day – a day dedicated to showing gratitude to all of our wonderful educators. As students have learned to adapt to new methods of schooling as a result of the Coronavirus pandemic, teachers have worked overtime to ensure their students continue to receive a proper and meaningful education. Our educators play a significant role in the lives of our children, expanding their knowledge and abilities, and preparing them for the future. A solid education has the power to change a life. Educators show up to their classrooms each morning motivated to impact their students. Teachers are some of the best role models for our children giving them purpose, setting them up for success, and inspiring them to do well. Not only is a good education important for the individual student, but access to education affects the world around us. The education of our youth is vital to the growth and development of our communities as well as the prosperity of our nation. Giving students the opportunity to learn provides skills that are needed to compete in the global marketplace. Knowledge is a powerful tool that changes the world around us for the better. Our local schools throughout this pandemic have certainly demonstrated their ability to make their own decisions regarding the education and well-being of their students and faculty. The Alabama State Department of Education and the Alabama Department of Public Health have provided resourceful information regarding the return to school in the 2020-2021 school year. Although World Teachers’ Day has passed, I encourage you to communicate your appreciation to any teachers who have impacted you and your children. These are surely challenging times for all, but especially for our teachers. Though my words cannot express the admiration I have for all of the incredible teachers across our state and country, I would like to give a special thank you to each and every educator for your passion and hard work. ### Martha Roby represents Alabama’s Second Congressional District. She lives in Montgomery, Alabama, with her husband Riley and their two children.
Martha Roby: Tips for a healthy fall
Congresswoman Roby reminds each of us to stay healthy as flu season starts amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Martha Roby: We must work together to help prevent suicide
We can all help to reduce and prevent suicide.
Martha Roby: Hurricane Sally updates
Martha Roby outlines her efforts to help with hurricane recovery efforts and asks for applications for the U.S. Military Academy.
Martha Roby: We will never forget
“The victims of that fateful day and the heroes who emerged will live forever in the hearts of the American people.”
Barry Moore draws criticism over meme about Wisconsin shooting
Moore later deleted the post and apologized for its graphic nature.
Roby Weekly: Now is the time to be vigilant
“This virus remains a significant threat to the health and well-being of many, and Alabamians must continue to heed advice from public health officials.”
Martha Roby: Back to School
Students of all ages from kindergarten to college are starting back to school, whether with in-person instruction or virtual learning. Every school across the state continues to adapt to accommodate students’ return, all while keeping them as safe as possible during this pandemic. Although the start to this school year looks quite different than most, it is beneficial for our students to be back learning and continuing their education, even if it calls for following unique and new routines. With updated guidance and restrictions in place for students, faculty, and staff to have the ability to interact on a school campus, I am reminded of how dedicated and determined our teachers are to educating our youth. We have seen the hard work of so many essential workers across the country throughout the entirety of this pandemic. I would like to give my continued thanks to each of you, especially our educators, as we kick off this unprecedented school year. Not only do teachers increase children’s knowledge and understanding, but they give children purpose and inspire them to succeed. With students across the state participating in virtual learning, access to necessary resources and tools is essential to ensure their education is as effective as it would be in the classroom. Last month, Governor Kay Ivey announced the allocation of $100 million in federal funding through the CARES Act to increase internet access for K-12 students participating in distance learning. Reliable high-speed internet is a necessity, especially for children who are completing their education remotely, and there is much room for improvement on more permanent broadband infrastructure across our state. For parents of those students who are back in school for in-person instruction – please remember to adhere to all orders and guidelines to help your children and their classmates stay safe. The current Safer at Home public health order expires on August 31 at 5:00pm, or until further notice from Governor Ivey. Please continue to do your part and wear a mask, follow social distancing instructions, and make smart choices about congregating in groups. Your participation helps to keep you, your families, and your communities healthy. ### Martha Roby represents Alabama’s Second Congressional District. She lives in Montgomery, Alabama, with her husband Riley and their two children.
Bradley Byrne: Celebrating the nineteenth amendment
Suffragist pressure finally swayed enough votes to get Senate passage in 1919.
