Montgomery, AL — In a significant legislative stride, the Alabama House of Representatives voted to pass the CHOOSE Act, an education savings account bill championed by Governor Kay Ivey. The bill, which aims to provide Alabama families with an alternative education savings account option, now moves to the State Senate for further consideration.
Following the successful passage of the CHOOSE Act in the House, Governor Ivey expressed her gratitude and underscored the importance of this legislation in a statement released. She stated, “Alabama took another important step forward in passing an effective and sustainable education savings account plan, the CHOOSE Act. I made it clear that providing Alabama families an education savings account option was my number one legislative priority, and I appreciate the Legislature for answering the call and addressing it early in the session.”
Governor Ivey extended her thanks to Speaker Nathaniel Ledbetter and Representative Danny Garrett for their leadership roles in advancing this crucial piece of legislation. The Governor emphasized the significance of offering families more choices in education, marking it as a priority to ensure every child in Alabama has access to a quality education.
Speaker Nathaniel Ledbetter echoed Governor Ivey’s sentiments, expressing pride in the House’s decision to move the CHOOSE Act to the State Senate. He emphasized the need to break the connection between a student’s zip code and the quality of their education. Speaker Ledbetter stated, “A student’s zip code has no business in determining the quality of their education, and I have no doubt the CHOOSE Act will ensure that is no longer the case. I appreciate Governor Ivey’s leadership on this issue and look forward to seeing this legislation cross the finish line.”
Education Budget Chairman Representative Danny Garrett, who sponsored the CHOOSE Act, shared his enthusiasm for the progress made in the House. He highlighted the effort to provide every child in Alabama with the opportunity to choose an educational path that suits their needs. “The CHOOSE Act will provide families around Alabama another option, and I am proud of my colleagues in the House for voting to move this effort forward,” said Representative Garrett. He commended Governor Ivey for prioritizing this legislation and emphasized the accountability and preservation of funding for public education.
As the CHOOSE Act heads to the State Senate, the state eagerly awaits the outcome, anticipating a transformative impact on education choices for families statewide. The bill represents a collaborative effort to reshape the educational landscape, providing more options and opportunities for Alabama’s students.
