Rep. Ed Oliver Talks Rural Health, Veterans Services, and Public Safety in Interview with Brandon Moseley and Christopher Peeks

MONTGOMERY - In a wide‑ranging conversation on The BCS State of Alabama Podcast, State Representative Ed Oliver (R‑Dadeville) sat down with hosts Brandon Moseley and Christopher Peeks to discuss some of the most pressing issues facing Alabama heading into the 2026 legislative session. The interview touched on rural healthcare, veterans' services, public safety, and major leadership changes within the Alabama House Republican Caucus.

Oliver, who represents House District 81, used the interview to highlight both recent legislative accomplishments and the challenges that remain for rural communities across the state.

Veterans Resource Center Completed in Record Time

Oliver opened the discussion by celebrating the successful launch of the new Veterans Resource Center in Montgomery, a project he said was completed in just 12 months thanks to a dedicated board and director. The center is designed to streamline services and support for Alabama veterans, a constituency Oliver has long championed.

Rural Hospitals and the Rural Transformation Act

One of the most urgent topics was the ongoing strain on rural hospitals, many of which face financial instability tied to Medicaid reimbursement challenges. Oliver expressed optimism that the Rural Transformation Act will help stabilize these facilities and prevent further closures.

He emphasized that rural counties with small populations often struggle to sustain ambulance and emergency services - a problem he believes the Legislature must continue addressing.

House Bill 400: Strengthening Rural Ambulance Services

Oliver provided an in‑depth explanation of his House Bill 400, which aims to improve ambulance services in rural areas through:

- A three‑year study on minimum reimbursement rates

- Implementation of a "Treat in Place" program to reduce unnecessary transports

- Flexibility for counties to contract with outside providers when local services cannot be sustained

He noted that many rural counties simply lack the call volume to keep ambulance services financially viable, making legislative solutions essential.

Public Service Commission Debate

The hosts asked Oliver about a recent proposal to shift the Public Service Commission (PSC) from an elected body to an appointed one. Oliver said he supports a model where the governor appoints commissioners with voter input, though he expressed concerns about how legislative leadership might influence the process.

Republican Caucus Leadership Shake‑Up

Oliver also addressed the recent change in House Republican leadership. Former Majority Leader Scott Stadthagen stepped down to run for Alabama Republican Party chairman, and Rep. Paul Lee has taken over the majority leader role.

Oliver praised Lee's experience and said the transition should strengthen the caucus. He also voiced his personal preference for Stadthagen to lead the state GOP, citing his conservative record.

Criminal Justice: Child Rapist Execution Bill and Police Chase Penalties

The interview turned to criminal justice, where Oliver discussed:

- A bill authorizing the execution of child rapists, which he said would not significantly change current death‑row timelines

- A bill increasing penalties for eluding police, which he argued is necessary due to the danger high‑speed chases pose to the public

These proposals reflect Oliver's broader focus on public safety and accountability.

Rural Physician Tax Credit

Oliver highlighted his rural physicians tax credit bill, designed to incentivize doctors to practice in underserved areas. He acknowledged the difficulty of passing every desired reform but said rural healthcare remains one of his top priorities.

Gambling and Social Policy Bills

When asked about gambling legislation, Oliver predicted that lawmakers would not take up major gambling bills during an election year. He also noted he was unfamiliar with a Senate bill on sex education but emphasized that legislation often changes significantly as it moves between chambers.

A Candid Look at Alabama's Legislative Landscape

Oliver's appearance on the podcast offered one of the most detailed previews yet of the policy debates expected to shape the 2026 session. From rural healthcare to veterans' services to public safety, Oliver framed his priorities around strengthening Alabama's most vulnerable communities while maintaining a conservative approach to governance.

The interview also underscored the growing role of The BCS State of Alabama Podcast as a platform for lawmakers to speak directly to voters about the issues shaping the state's future