South Birmingham Times

The Alabama Policy Institute (API) is preparing to release its 2025 Blueprint for Alabama this December. This follows the organization's previous initiative, the 2024 Blueprint, which was a conservative policy plan featuring 30 proposals divided into categories based on API's three pillars: free markets, limited government, and strong families.

During the last legislative session, the 2024 Blueprint saw considerable engagement from lawmakers in both the Alabama House and Senate Chambers. Of the 30 proposals presented, 25 were considered by at least one chamber, with 17 priorities successfully enacted. Notable achievements included halting gambling expansion and Medicaid expansion while passing universal school choice.

Looking ahead to next year, API has spent several months identifying key issues for their new blueprint. The process involved reviewing best practices from neighboring states, consulting national groups, and gathering input directly from Alabama lawmakers.

For 2025, API plans to revisit 15 proposals from its previous blueprint. These include reforms such as Certificate of Need reform, tax and budget reforms, expanding healthcare freedom, and protecting minors from inappropriate materials online and in public spaces.

Additionally, API will introduce 15 new priorities for consideration. Among these are measures to strengthen unemployment requirements to encourage job-seeking among Alabamians; increasing scrutiny and transparency in regulatory and budgeting processes; ensuring protections in public spaces; criminal justice reforms; and allowing patients with limited healthcare options access to innovative treatments.

API aims to balance fiscal and social issues within its proposal list while setting a foundation for policies that may require multiple legislative sessions to implement fully. "We believe that together we can continue to build upon the successes of the 2024 BluePrint," an API representative stated. "Our mission is to improve the lives of Alabamians through public policy."