Members of the Alabama House of Representatives announced on Wednesday the formation of the Black Belt Caucus, which will focus on economic and social development in the region.
The so-called Blackbelt is frequently at the center of cultural and economic discussion in the state, as it covers a broad swathe of landscape and development from the state’s teaming capital to the lowest populated areas like Greene County.
The area frequently serves as an example of the state’s agricultural industry and as a common tool of criticism against state leaders’ supposed lack of attention to rural Alabamians and their needs.
The Black Belt Caucus's inaugural organizational meeting was held earlier this month at the Alabama State House. Members officially adopted the Caucus's mission and elected Representative Brett Easterbrook (R-Fruitdale) and Representative Kenyatta Hassell (D-Montgomery) as Co-Chairs.
"For too long, the Black Belt has been underserved and underrepresented in allocating state resources," said Hassell. "This Caucus will serve as a unified voice, ensuring that the people of the Black Belt receive the investments and opportunities they deserve."
Other caucus members include: State Reps. Chris Blackshear (R-Smith Station}, Ron Bolton (R-Northport}, Prince Chestnut (D-Selma}, Phillip Ensler (D-Montgomery), Representative Berry Forte (D-Eufaula), Jeremy Gray (D-Opelika), Reed Ingram (R-Montgomery}, Thomas Jackson (D-Thomasville), Kelvin Lawrence (D-Hayneville), A.J. McCampbell (D-Demopolis}, Patrice “Penni” McClammy (D-Montgomery}, Tashina Morris (D-Montgomery}, Marcus Paramore (R-Troy}, Chris Sells (R-Greenville), Curtis Travis (D-Tuscaloosa} and Pebblin Warren (D-Tuskegee).
The Black Belt Caucus will focus on several key policy areas, including:
- Economic development, by advocating for job creation, small business support, and workforce development.
- Education, by improving funding for K-12 schools, expanding access to higher education, and supporting Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).
- Healthcare, by addressing the rural healthcare crisis, expanding Medicaid, and ensuring access to quality medical services.
- Infrastructure, by enhancing roads, broadband access, water systems, and transportation.
- Agriculture & rural affairs, by supporting farmers and agribusiness initiatives.
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