By ALLEN FARLEY / Guest Columnist

I suppose the necessity of having to pass legislation called “The Alabama Accountability Act” is just another sign of the times. But, really, did you ever think we would have to write a law to spell out a person or group’s obligations to properly educate our children?
In a July 3, 2014, press release Ms Kristina Scott, the Alabama Possible Executive Director, wrote: “Concentrated poverty is linked with reduced educational and employment opportunities, higher crime rates, poor health outcomes, and hindered asset building. In today’s interconnected society, that negatively impacts all of us.”
Genesis 4:9 states: Then the LORD said to Cain, “Where is your brother Abel?” “I don’t know,” he replied. “Am I my brother’s keeper?”
Alabama Politics is an amazing thing. We’ve all heard “You can’t make this stuff up.” Well, I believe that saying was started in the Alabama Legislature.
For 136 years, Democrats controlled the Alabama Legislature. In 2010, when Republicans finally gained control, our combined State Prison and Medicaid budgets were consuming more than 60 percent of Alabama’s General Fund. Now, we all understand that poverty, lack of education, and criminal activity, are connected. (I also believe most people will quickly make the connection between poorer Alabama communities, lack of quality education, families with family members incarcerated in a state prison and Medicaid). So, after Republicans passed “The Alabama Accountability Act,” (created specifically to give our poorest families a better chance at educating their children to hopefully help bring them out of poverty, keep them out of prison, and keep them off of Medicaid), who do you think is fighting to repeal it? I told you Alabama Politics is an amazing thing. (You really can’t make this stuff up).
James 2:18 states: But someone will say, “You have faith; I have deeds.” Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by what I do. !?
God Bless America!!!!
Allen Farley represents Jefferson and Shelby counties in the Alabama Legislature’s House District 15.