By Representative Allen Farley
On March 10, 2010 I retired as the Jefferson County Assistant Sheriff to run for a seat in the Alabama House of Representatives. After chasing bad guys for most of 37 years I felt called to share the knowledge of my life’s work with other Public Servants in Montgomery. Did I fully understand what was ahead? Not even close.
Let me start by saying I am honored and humbled to be a member of the Alabama House of Representative Republican Caucus. I have constantly been in awe at the vast and diverse knowledge of the House Republican members around me. There are judges, lawyers, doctors, medical technicians, business owners, insurance executives, bank executives, sales executives, real estate executives, retired educators, retired law enforcement officers, and a real professional farmer. I’m sure I have left out a few, but you get the idea. They are impressive individuals.
Ephesians 3:8 Although I am less than the least of all the Lord’s people, this grace was given me: to preach to the Gentiles the boundless riches of Christ.
As Muriel and I drive the 100 miles from McCalla to the Alabama Statehouse, we often discussed the reason God has placed individuals with such diverse backgrounds together to legislate laws for Alabamians. (You really didn’t think Mike Hubbard pulled that off all by himself? Who do you think created that “Perfect Storm”?) Why, after 136 years, has this particular group of like-minded conservatives with vastly different backgrounds been assembled in one group around Speaker Mike Hubbard? Was it a coincidence? As a Christian I have learned there are no coincidences. But, the storm that began with the 2010 Alabama state elections has increased its power.
Proverbs 10:25 When the storm has swept by, the wicked are gone, but the righteous stand firm forever.
As the 2013 Legislative Session approaches, my colleagues and I are faced with many important tasks aimed at defending our state from an out-of-control federal government. We’ve announced an agenda that will protect Alabama from the overreaching effects of Obamacare, including an act that will protect the religious liberty of business owners to opt out of Obamacare mandates that would require the employer to provide insurance coverage for contraceptives and abortion-inducing agents.
House Republicans understand that many Alabamians cherish their right to safely own a firearm, and that our state Constitution should, as strongly as possible, protect the right of every Alabamian to keep and bear arms. Going into the 2013 session, we are prepared to pass the legislation to help ensure that Alabamian’s second amendment rights remain safeguarded from an overreaching federal government.
House Republicans understand that the rights of Alabamians are under constant threat from an ever-expanding federal government, liberal activists, and entrenched special interests fighting to preserve a dysfunctional status quo. The Republican Caucus’ 2013 agenda is designed to safeguard our state from the overreach of Washington’s liberal elite.
The men and women of the Alabama House Republican Caucus are not ashamed of our conservative position. We stand united by the leadership team guided by Speaker Mike Hubbard. We understand the fight we have in front of us in the 2013 Legislative Session. We also understand that, when we dare Defend Our Rights, we are fighting for our children’s future. (Please visit ALHouseGOP.com/wedaredefend for more information.)
Proverbs 22: 5-6 The wise prevail through great power, and those who have knowledge muster their strength. (6)Surely you need guidance to wage war, and victory is won through many advisers.
God Bless America!!!
