Next Question with Tamika: Representative Laura Hall

HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (WHNT) — In this week’s Next Question, we are highlighting an educator turned lawmaker who is the longest-serving current member in the Alabama House of Representatives.   

“I’m more than just that person sitting at the table,” said Laura Hall. “I have a voice, and it is a voice that the people had provided me with, and I’m willing to share it.”

Laura Hall worked as an educator for more than 40 years before making the switch to representing the people of District 19.  

It’s a position she has held for more than 30 years.  

Over the course of her time in the office, she has seen a significant shift in politics in the state.  

“The democrats were in charge,” Hall said. “They were in the majority. Today, the democrats are in the minority and the Republicans are in the leadership role.” 

Hall serves on several key committees, including the Ways and Means, General Fund, Joint Transportation Committee and Health Committee.  

Working to get bills passed often involves reaching across the aisle.  

 “There is a happy medium,” Hall said. “There is a meeting where there is an agreement because we all want what is best for the citizens of the state of Alabama. There are some extreme, but overall, I’d say you would find a majority of us are on the same page when it comes to the good and the well-being of our citizens.”  

Education, public health, and voting access have been some of her areas of focus while working in the state house.  

However, there is one piece of legislation that hits close to home.  

“My son died of Aids, and that was a very stressful time for me,” Hall said. “It was just before I was elected. And the one thing that I learned from many people was that many individuals felt that if they had access to marijuana, it would be less painful for them. I felt that if it had been legal, I certainly would have made sure that my son would have had access to it, because the medication that he was on was very painful.  

Hall is a history maker who is breaking barriers by being the first African American woman elected to represent District 19, which covers Madison County.   

“I am thankful that the people chose me to be that individual,” she said. “I also take that seriously in terms of the position and believe and hope that I am the advocate, the person that they believe best represents them, whether I’m male or female, but especially as a female, and that I have an opportunity to hopefully to be a role model for other young ladies.”

Hall has been instrumental in getting statues of women on the grounds of the Alabama State Capitol.  

This fall, they will be unveiling statues of Rosa Parks and Helen Keller.