The use of governmental imposition to force social justice on its people is a path that leads to more government, less freedom, and deeper division. The true path forward can be found in a return to the principles of biblical justice—impartiality, righteousness, and individual responsibility.
A free and prosperous society is built on a foundation of responsible, creative, and purposeful work. When government is limited and economic freedom is upheld, individuals are empowered to pursue their callings, provide for their families, and contribute to the common good. Labor Day, therefore, becomes a day to honor not just the physical act of labor, but the sacred dignity of work—the opportunity we have to use our gifts to create, serve, and build, all while reflecting the image of our Creator. It is a day to be grateful for the freedom to work and to be a part of a society where that freedom is protected.
API calls on lawmakers to take action
A new poll reveals overwhelming support among Alabama voters for requiring app stores to obtain parental approval before allowing children and teens to download apps — the aim of legislation currently being fast-tracked in both chambers of the Alabama Legislature.
The survey of 600 likely Alabama voters, commissioned by the Alabama Policy Institute (API) and conducted by research firm Cygnal, found that 83% of voters support requiring app stores to implement a parental approval system.
That level of support spans political lines, with 89% of Republicans, 75% of Democrats and Independents, and 83% of Alabama parents backing the idea.
Rural and small-town voters showed the highest support at 85% — with nearly eight in ten suburban and urban voters also in favor.
According to API, parents and voters recognize the challenges parents face in managing their children’s digital access and overwhelmingly prefer a streamlined solution that allows approval to be granted in one place rather than separately for each app.
RELATED: Alabama lawmakers battle big tech with bill requiring Apple, Google to protect kids online
“These findings highlight the clear consensus among Alabama voters and parents that app stores should be required to receive parental approval before Alabama children download apps,” said Stephanie Smith, President and CEO of the Alabama Policy Institute.
The App Store Accountability Act, SB187 by State Sen. Clyde Chambliss (R-Prattville) and HB317 by State Rep. Chris Sells (R-Greenville), is awaiting a full vote of the Alabama Senate after being advanced by the Children & Youth Health Committee. In the House, members of the House Committee on Children and Senior Advocacy are also prepared to move the bill following the initial public hearing portion last month.
API urged lawmakers to quickly issue final passage of the measure to protect Alabama children and empower parents.
“By implementing a centralized parental approval system at the app store level, we can simplify the process and provide families with secure, much-needed digital safeguards using the information app stores already collect – avoiding the need for parents or children to share any additional personal information.”
Grayson Everett is the editor in chief of Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on X @Grayson270.
LISTEN IN HERE: https://www.podbean.com/ep/pb-jvwx3-16e1d9c
In this episode, we spotlight school choice and discuss how the Alabama Policy Institute, where Stephanie is the CEO, is working to advance policies that give parents the freedom to choose the best educational path for their children. We explore the importance of school choice in fostering strong families, the principles of free markets, and limited government.
Episode Highlights:
The Alabama Policy Institute, a conservative organization, has also pushed to end the grocery tax.
“API has been an advocate for, not only the reduction in that tax because it is highly regressive, but the complete elimination of it,” said Stephanie Smith, president and CEO of the Alabama Policy Institute. “We are still pushing for the elimination of it.”
Until last year, Alabama had applied the full state sales tax to groceries since 1939, when the tax was introduced. The 4% state tax, combined with local levies, meant that Alabamians paid up to 10% in taxes on their groceries. In Montgomery, a family spending $600 a month on food would pay $60 in taxes on top of that.
