New Alabama Lawmaker Kelvin Datcher Aims for Housing Reform and Healthcare Access
BIRMINGHAM — Newly elected Democratic state representative Kelvin Datcher is poised to advocate for Birmingham and surrounding areas as the 2025 legislative session approaches. Datcher, a former city government official, won a competitive special election in October for House District 52, succeeding former Rep. John Rogers, who resigned amid federal charges.
With a strong belief in the transformative power of affordable housing, Datcher, 54, shared his personal story of overcoming adversity thanks to government housing programs. His mother, a single parent, raised five children in public housing before achieving homeownership through an FHA loan. "I want other families to have that same kind of experience," he expressed.
Addressing a critical shortage of affordable housing will be among his top priorities when lawmakers convene in Montgomery this February. Additionally, he aims to close Alabama’s healthcare gap, which leaves approximately 300,000 residents without affordable health options, emphasizing the importance of supporting the Affordable Care Act.
Datcher has been assigned to three House committees—Constitution, Campaigns and Elections; County and Municipal Government; and Insurance—by House Speaker Nathaniel Ledbetter. Datcher commended these appointments, viewing them as critical avenues for pursuing his legislative goals.
In a candid discussion about Birmingham’s economic contributions, Datcher pointed out that the city generates revenue comparable to Mobile, Huntsville, and Montgomery combined but receives minimal state reinvestment. "There’s no better return on investment than investing in the Birmingham region," he stated. He plans to propose legislation for establishing an affordable housing trust fund in Birmingham, building on the city’s $10 million allocation from the American Rescue Plan, hoping to set a model for state-level support.
On contentious issues like school choice, Datcher advocated maintaining robust funding for public schools, criticizing programs that may disproportionately benefit wealthier families. As the legislative session approaches, Datcher’s commitment to housing reform and healthcare access highlights the priorities he hopes to champion for Birmingham and Alabama as a whole.
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