Mallory Hagan: Hospital consolidation is killing patients
For people already working to make ends meet, choosing between paying for medical visits and other critical needs like childcare, rent, and groceries can be impossible. But that is exactly what many people here in Alabama and across the country face when they cannot afford medical care. It is a system rife with out-of-control costs, and it is time to confront them head-on. We need our elected leaders to take the necessary steps to help solve the causes that are driving up healthcare costs. No patient who leaves a doctor’s office should see an unexpected upcharge on their medical bill from a previous visit, but that is exactly what is happening for many healthcare consumers in Alabama. It starts with hospital consolidation. A recent article highlighting an analysis from the Physicians Advocacy Institute shows that nearly 70 percent of all doctors were employed by either a hospital or a corporation in 2021. The article goes on to say “the medical groups were associated with higher prices.” And that is the problem. These new owners of physician practices are driving up costs through unfair medical billing. How does this happen? When a large hospital corporation takes over private physician practices and a patient goes in for a routine doctor visit at that practice, hospitals can charge higher prices for the delivery of care. The upcharge is solely based on new ownership of the location – not on the care they received. It is a troubling trend brought on by large hospital consolidation, leaving patients with higher medical costs and exacerbating our nation’s grim outlook on the affordability of health care. Sherry Glied, the dean of the Wagner School of Public Service at New York University, said, “Private equity is like the system on steroids. Every time there is an opportunity for making money, [private equity] is going to move faster than everyone else. And consolidation is the way to do that.” Shame on them for putting profit over patients. It is imperative that lawmakers take action to combat unfair hospital billing. I’m glad to see that the Facilitating Accountability in Reimbursements Act (FAIR) proposed in the House and the Site-based Invoicing and Transparency Act (SITE) proposed in the Senate are opportunities to crack down on unfair medical billing practices, creating a pathway for site-neutral payment policies that could reduce Medicare spending by a whopping $153 billion. The support of everyone in the Alabama delegation is necessary to move the FAIR and SITE Acts forward, especially leaders like Congresswoman Terri Sewell, who sit on influential committees like the House Ways and Means Subcommittee on Health. I look forward to a healthcare landscape in Alabama and across the country where more patients can focus on improving their health and that of their loved ones, not toiling over unfair hospital bills. The bipartisan work of our lawmakers can help bring costs down for patients through sensible, fair billing reform. It is imperative that the work starts now. Alabama families, workers, seniors, and children are waiting to see the benefits of these much-needed cost-savings. Mallory Hagan was crowned Miss America in 2013 and now resides in Madison, Alabama.
Mike Rogers bests former Miss America Mallory Hagan, wins re-election
Alabama 3rd District U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers will keep his seat in Congress as he defeated Democrat and former Miss America Mallory Hagan on Tuesday. With 27 percent of the precincts reporting, the Associated Press called the race for Rogers who will continue representing the eastern Alabama district. This article will be updated will full results.
A look at the voting history of Alabama’s 3rd Congressional District
For over a century Alabama’s 3rd Congressional District was a solid blue district in U.S. House of Representatives, but in 1997 the district flipped red and it’s not come close to changing back since then. Located in eastern Alabama, the district includes Calhoun, Chambers, Clay, Cleburne, Lee, Macon, Randolph, Russell, St. Clair, Talladega, and Tallapoosa counties as well as portions of Cherokee and Montgomery counties. Since 2003 Rep. Mike Rogers has held the seat. Rogers was first elected in 2002 when Bob Riley successfully ran for governor and left the 3rd district vacant. Prior to that he was a member a member of the Alabama State House of Representatives, and a member of the Calhoun County Commission before that. In the 2018 General Election, Rogers faces political newcomer, former Miss America Mallory Hagan. Prior to her Congressional run, Hagan, an Opelika, Ala. native, worked as co-anchor of the evening newscast on WLTZ in Columbus, Ga. FiveThirtyEight, a statistics-driven news-and-analysis site, anticipates Rogers easily winning the 3rd District yet again. Here’s a look at the voting history of the District: U.S. House, Alabama District 3 General Election 2016 Mike Rogers (R) 69.9 percent 192,164 votes Jesse Smith (D)32.9 32.9 percent 94,549 votes Write-in 0.1 percent 391 40.5 percent 287,104 total votes General Election 2014 Mike Rogers (R) 66.1 percent 103,558 votes Jesse Smith (D) 33.7 percent 52,816 votes Write-in 0.2 percent 246 votes 156,620 total votes General Election 2012 Mike Rogers (R) 64 percent 175,306 votes John Andrew Harris (D) 35.8 percent 52,816 votes Write-in 0.2 percent 483 votes 273,930 total votes General Election 2010 Mike Rogers (R) 59.5 percent 117,736 votes Steve Segrest (D) 40.5 percent 80,204 votes 197,940 total votes General Election 2008 Mike Rogers (R) 54.1 percent 142,708 votes Joshua Segall (D) 45.9 percent 121,080 votes 263,788 total votes
Donald Trump’s $12 billion bailout for farmers draws mixed reactions in Alabama
On Tuesday the Trump administration announced it would extend $12 billion in emergency aid to American farmers impacted by tariffs imposed by China on American farm goods. In Alabama, the announcement drew a mix of reactions. The decision for aid came after China imposed a 25 percent retaliatory tariff last week on several crops Alabama farmers export like soybeans and cotton. The aid programs will assist agricultural producers to meet the costs of disrupted markets through market facilitation, food purchase and distribution, and trade promotion. Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue announced the aid in a call to reporters, saying the programs “are a firm statement that other nations cannot bully our agricultural producers to force the United States to cave in.” Here’s what Alabamians are saying: Alabama 4th District U.S. Rep. Robert Aderholt: President Trump and Secretary Perdue took action to stand by farmers who are suffering from illegal trade retaliation. Secretary Perdue called me earlier Tuesday to discuss these measures. The actions and funding announced, demonstrate that the President has not forgotten the American farmer and that agricultural producers will not bear the brunt of unjustified retaliation by foreign governments. As Chairman of the Agriculture Subcommittee of the House Appropriations Committee, I have worked to ensure that protective measures and funding would be available should our nation’s agriculture producers be confronted with such abusive policies enacted by foreign leaders. Any funds spent will be temporary. This will ensure that our farmers are able to make ends meet while the Trump Administration works out more fair deals for farmers, ranchers, and producers who want to sell their products overseas. I applaud President Trump for standing-up to China and other foreign government’s unfair trade practices. If our markets here are open to their goods then their markets should be open for American agriculture and manufacturing. Mallory Hagan | Democratic Candidate for Alabama’s 3rd U.S. Congressional District Nearly every farm in Alabama is a family farm. Farm families need confidence to know they can get their products to market so they can put food on the table. Thanks to the whiplash of Donald Trump’s rollercoaster trade war, they don’t have confidence they can make ends meet right now. This $12 billion ‘band-aide’ addresses a problem we can fix for free – unnecessary tariffs blocking American farmers and manufacturers out of markets around the world. Taxpayers should never foot the bill for unsustainable policies. In their silence and failure to act, Congress and Rep. Mike Rogers are supporting bad trade policy and government bailouts along the way. That’s irresponsible and unacceptable. Rogers’ complicity in this insane trade war is hurting Alabama families and killing jobs. It’s time to put the brakes on this administration’s trade disaster. Getting out Uncle Sam’s credit card is not the solution. Alabama Farmer’s Federation: We appreciate President Trump’s administration recognizing the impact intense trade negotiations are having on U.S. farmers and providing assistance to weather tough economic times,’ said Walker, the Federation’s director of national programs. ‘Alabama farmers remain hopeful the ultimate solution will be a healthy trade environment where U.S. agriculture can compete on a level playing field with the rest of the world. Doug Jones | U.S. Senator (via Twitter) Many of your tariffs are not the greatest—they’re the worst. Your auto tariff/tax threatens 57k AL jobs & $11B in exports. Retaliatory tariffs/taxes threaten $170M in AL soybean exports 2 China annually. Your tariffs/taxes are great for 1 thing: killing US jobs. John McMillan | Alabama Commissioner of Agriculture and Industries These three programs will allow the administration to continue to work on long-term trade deals. The end goal is to have an even playing field for our country’s producers.
2018: Year of the Woman in Alabama politics, primary update
If there ever was a “Year of the Woman” in Alabama, it’s 2018. Following the national trend, more Alabama women are stepping up to run for political office as a major party candidate than ever before, according to the Center for American Women and Politics at Rutgers University. But how did the female candidates fare in the June 5 primaries? Below is a list of women who prevailed in their races. Statewide Executive Office Currently only two women serve in statewide elected executive positions — Gov. Kay Ivey and Alabama Public Service Commission President Twinkle Andress Cavanaugh. But after last night’s election results, those numbers could change in November. Governor Gov. Kay Ivey (Republican candidate) triumphed over her three male opponents, and will face Walt Maddox in November’s general election. Lt. Governor Twinkle Andress Cavanaugh (Republican candidate) will face Will Ainsworth in a runoff election, July 17. Secretary of State Heather Milam (Democratic candidate) won her primary election, and will face John Merrill in the November general election. Alabama Court of Civil Appeals Christy Olinger Edwards (Place 1, Republican candidate) won her spot over Michelle Manley Thomason, another female republican candidate. U.S. Congress Currently only two women represent the Yellowhammer State in the United States Congress — 2nd District U.S. Rep. Martha Roby and 7th District U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell. Five other women ran for office in U.S. house races. Alabama 2nd District in the U.S. House of Representatives Rep. Martha Roby (incumbent, Republican candidate) was forced into a runoff set for July 17 with former Rep. Bobby Bright. Tabitha Isner (Democratic candidate) won the democratic primary for the 2nd district and will face either Roby or Bright in November. Alabama 3rd District in the U.S. House of Representatives Mallory Hagan (Democratic candidate) won the democratic primary for the 3rd district and will face incumbent Mike Rogers in the November general election. Alabama 7th District in the U.S. House of Representatives Rep. Terri Sewell (incumbent, Democratic candidate) was the only candidate in her race. State Legislature Amy Wasyluka (Democratic candidate) won the State Senate District 2 race Deidra Willis (Democratic candidate) won the State Senate, District 7 race Vivian Davis Figures (Democratic candidate) won the State Senate, District 33 race Laura Hall (Democratic candidate) won the State House District 19 race Barbara Bigsby Boyd (Democratic candididate) won the State House District 32 race Debbie Hamby Wood (Republican candidate) won the State House District 38 race April Weaver (Republican candidate) won the State House District 49 race Louise “Lulu” Alexander (Democratic candidate) won the State House District 56 race Rolanda Hollis (Democratic candidate) won the State House District 58 race Mary Moore (Democratic cadet) won the State House District 59 race Juandalynn Givan (Democratic candidate) won the State House District 60 race Elaine Beech (Democratic candidate) won the State House District 65 race Pebblin Walker Warren (Democratic candidate) won the State House District 82 race Pat “Patsy” Jones (Democratic candidate) won the State House District 83 race Adline C. Clarke (Democratic candidate) won the State House District 97 race
Former Miss America Mallory Hagan wins primary, prepares to challenge Mike Rogers
Former Miss America Mallory Hagan of Opelika, Ala. can add another crowning moment of victory to her personal history — she won the Democratic nomination in Alabama’s 3rd U.S. District on Tuesday. Hagan defeated self-proclaimed clinical psychologist Adia McCellan Winfrey 66-34 percent with 99 percent of precincts reporting. Hagan will go on to face 16-year incumbent Republican U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers in the fall. “One thing is clear as I evaluate the results tonight: the Democratic party is united in the 3rd District of Alabama. And together we sent a message to Mike Rogers that the status quo of the past 15 years is coming to an end in November. You must deliver to represent us,” Hagan said following her victory. She continued, “Tonight — united — we begin a fight for our seat in Congress so that Alabama can become the state that we deserve. An Alabama with a powerful educational system, a top tier healthcare system and an economy that provides rich opportunity for all of us – regardless of gender or race.” Rogers did not face a primary challenger. He and Hagan will face-off on Nov. 6.
Election Day fun: BBQ, ballots and selfies galore
It’s Election Day in Alabama and the candidates are out and about across the state making their final efforts to sway and motivate voters to cast ballots in their direction. Many have taken to social media to keep their potential constituents up-to-date with their efforts. Here’s a look at what some of the candidates have been posting today (in no particular order): Mallory Hagan | Democratic candidate for Alabama’s 3rd U.S. Congressional District Terri Sewell | Democrat and Alabama’s 7th District U.S. Representative Mo Brooks | Republican and Alabama’s 5th District U.S. Representative Kay Ivey | Governor and Republican candidate for Governor Chris England | Democratic State Rep. District 70 You guys know I hate selfies but I know you see the sticker. I voted! Have you??? Let me the sticker! #alpolitics #ivoted #june5primary #yourvoteyourvoice #noexcuses A post shared by Christopher England (@repengland70) on Jun 5, 2018 at 9:12am PDT Joe Siegelman | Democratic candidate for Attorney General Voting felt a little different this time! Please get out to the polls and flex your franchise. They’re open until 7pm! 🇺🇸 A post shared by Joseph Siegelman (@joesiegelman) on Jun 5, 2018 at 6:06am PDT Walt Maddox | Democratic candidate for Governor Walt Maddox and family head to the polls in Tuscaloosa. #primaryelection #alpolitics #tuscaloosa @aldotcomnews A post shared by Ben Flanagan (@thisbenflanagan) on Jun 5, 2018 at 9:13am PDT Tommy Battle | Republican candidate for Governor Eula and I voted this morning. Have you gotten your ‘I Voted’ sticker yet? Get to your polling location before 7pm tonight! Every vote counts in this election—I hope to earn yours. 🚨🚨🚨#VoteToday #BattleforGovernor A post shared by Tommy Battle (@battleforgovernor) on Jun 5, 2018 at 10:28am PDT
Mike Rogers takes hard stand against “extremist liberal groups” false narrative
Alabama 3rd District U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers is under fire from what he describes as “extremist liberal groups” for a comment he made during a Homeland Security Committee meeting on disaster preparedness last Thursday. But the Congressman says his comment is being taken out of context in an effort to “take an innocent conversation and try to turn it into something it was not.” Following Puerto Rican Congressional Delegate, Jenniffer Gonzalez-Colon, Rogers began his questioning by stating, “It’s refreshing to finally have a witness who doesn’t have an accent,” directed to Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Administrator Brock Long. Latino Rebels, a blog self described by their founder Julio Ricardo Varela during an NPR interview as “independent and a little bit alternative,” took to Twitter asserting that Rogers was referring to the “accents” of Puerto Rican individuals testifying on hurricane preparedness following the incredibly destructive Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico, which struck the island in the fall of 2017. “Why is @RepMikeRogersAL saying the following, “It’s refreshing to finally have a witness that doesn’t have an accent before this committee,” right after @RepJenniffer of #PuertoRico speaks. And Rogers has a F-ING ACCENT! #NoMames” tweeted news site Latino Rebels. Why is @RepMikeRogersAL saying the following, “It’s refreshing to finally have a witness that doesn’t have an accent before this committee,” right after @RepJenniffer of #PuertoRico speaks. And Rogers has a F-ING ACCENT! #NoMames pic.twitter.com/3LfCzdLPuh — Latino Rebels (@latinorebels) March 20, 2018 But Rogers says that’s not what he was doing. He explained the statement was a joke being made to Long, who formerly served as the Alabama EMA Director. “The witness at the hearing, FEMA Administrator Brock Long, was previously EMA Director in the State of Alabama. I have known Brock a long time in Alabama and actually had breakfast with him and my colleagues before the Homeland Security Full Committee hearing last week. My opening remarks directed at Brock Long were, ‘Mr. Long, it is refreshing to have a witness without an accent.’ It is crystal clear that it was a joke directed at Brock because he and I both have similar accents from the South. A joke that we are the ones that don’t have an accent and everyone else does,” Rogers explained. Rogers said he considers the accusations that his remarks were meant as anything but a joke, “fake news” being pushed by “radical liberal groups.” “Fake news is what this all boils down to,” Rogers continued. “Extremist liberal groups like Latino Rebels, who claim to ‘cause trouble’, take an innocent conversation and try turn it into something it was not… It is disgusting that these radical liberal groups are pushing around lies that just foment hatred and further divide our country. “Even Congresswoman Jenniffer Gonzalez-Colon (R-PR) knew it was a joke directed at Brock and she has even said so herself,” added Rogers. “What @RepMikeRogersAL was clearly referring to was @FEMA_Brock ’s enunciation, which like http://Rep.Rogers ’, is considered by many people to be a Southern drawl. It was a light-hearted bit of humor and I appreciated it. Rep. Rogers was not being negative about any accent,” she tweeted back to Latino Rebels on Tuesday. What @RepMikeRogersAL was clearly referring to was @FEMA_Brock ’s enunciation, which like https://t.co/Y0I9RDTh5G’, is considered by many people to be a Southern drawl. It was a light-hearted bit of humor and I appreciated it. Rep. Rogers was not being negative about any accent — Jenniffer González (@RepJenniffer) March 20, 2018 But not everyone sees the comment the same way as Gonzalez-Colon. Hoping to win her Party’s nomination and unseat Rogers in November, former Miss America Mallory Hagan calls the comment “bigoted.” “It’s time to expect more from our leaders,” Hagan said in an email to her supporters. “We’ve had enough partisan divisiveness and hatred — we need Representatives who respect and are willing to work with all people for solutions to our common problems. It’s time for this 16-year incumbent to go.” Before Rogers released his statement adding what he feels is clarifying context to his remarks, several Alabamians took to social media to react to the video: John Hammontree (via Facebook): Let he who is without accent, cast the first stone. Pam Franklin (via Facebook): It would be refreshing to have someone else represent your district from our state, Mike. Jennifer Moore (via Facebook): I would like to be able to go one day without being embarrassed of my state. kunderthunt (via Reddit) You can hear the “I let my racism slip out oops” pause Watch the video clip below: <span data-mce-type=”bookmark” style=”display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;” class=”mce_SELRES_start”></span>
Former Miss America Mallory Hagan announces campaign, will challenge Mike Rogers
Former Miss America Mallory Hagan on Tuesday announced she is running for the U.S. House of Representatives. The 2013 Miss America and an Opelika, Ala.-native will challenge 16-year incumbent, Republican U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers for Alabama’s 3rd Congressional District in the general election on Nov. 6, should she win the Democratic primary on June 5. Hagan, who currently works as co-anchor of the evening newscast on WLTZ in Columbus, Ga., had set up a campaign Twitter account last week announcing she’s “exploring candidacy” for Alabama’s 3rd District seat. She also set up a campaign website and a crowdfunding site that had now amassed over $10,000 toward her $20,000 campaign goal from 202 supporters. Hagan recently made headlines when news broke in December that she was one of the Miss America pageant winners to be targeted by the organization’s CEO and the lead writer of the pageant’s telecast in emails recently released by the Huffington Post. “I recently found myself at the center of a national controversy surrounding the Miss America Organization,” the 29-year-old former beauty queen posted on her website. “It was a painful experience, but it taught me a lot about the power of my voice.” “By telling my story, by petitioning for change, and by demanding resolution, I ignited a spark that fueled women–AND men– across this country to stand up, speak out, and believe that when people share their stories, positive change can occur,” she added. “I told my story. It was difficult, but it sparked meaningful change. This experience transformed me.” “I want to represent the people of this state because I want to be a voice for Alabamians that is clear and strong. I want to be a voice that sparks positive change,” she continued.
Opelika-native, former Miss America calls for resignations over CEO email scandal
Former beauty queen and Opelika-native Mallory Hagan was one of the Miss America pageant winners to be targeted by the organization’s CEO and the lead writer of the pageant’s telecast in emails recently released by the Huffington Post. Hagan, who won the Miss America title in 2013 for the state of New York, told NBC’s Today Show on Friday that she was not surprised by the emails and feltf “validated” by them. “When I first read the emails in the article, I wasn’t shocked but I was validated,” she said. “For the longest time, I’d try to explain to people around me this is happening, or these things are being said. And (now I) have the ability to look on paper and say, ‘See, I told you.’” Hagan is referring to the emails in which CEO Sam Haskell described her as “huge,” “a piece of trash,” and “gross” in an email to lead writer Lewis Friedman, where he made comments about her weight and sex life. The Miss America Organization suspended Haskell on Friday, less than 24 hours after leaked emails surfaced. They said its board “will be conducting an in-depth investigation into alleged inappropriate communications and the nature in which they were obtained.” “My mistake is a mistake of words,” Haskell wrote in a statement Friday night, shortly after the board suspended him indefinitely. “Much of what was reported is dishonest, deceptive, and despicable. The story is so unkind and untrue, and hurts me, my family, and the stewardship of this nonprofit. Those who know my heart know that this is not indicative of my character, nor is it indicative of my business acumen.” Hagan was 2007 graduate of Opelika High School and attended Auburn University.
