Montgomery, AL – In a historic moment at the State Capitol on Thursday, Governor Kay Ivey signed the CHOOSE Act (House Bill 129) into law, surrounded by a diverse group of students, lawmakers, and supporters. This achievement in education policy was marked by the Governor’s enthusiastic comments and the presence of key figures who played instrumental roles in its passage.
Governor Ivey expressed her gratitude towards President Pro Tem Reed, Speaker Ledbetter, Chairmen Orr, and Garrett for their leadership in ushering the CHOOSE Act through the legislative process. She proudly declared the occasion as a historic day, marking the official signing of Alabama’s education savings account bill into law.
The CHOOSE Act, aimed at providing families with the right to choose their children’s schools, gained unanimous approval in the Alabama Senate. The bill had initially passed the Alabama House on February 27, and the recent Senate approval paved the way for Governor Ivey’s signature.
In a statement, Governor Ivey highlighted the monumental achievement, stating, “Today, we’ve finally overcome the last hurdle in enacting Alabama’s historic education savings account plan after the Alabama Senate strongly approved the CHOOSE Act.” She credited Senate President Pro Tempore Greg Reed and Senator Arthur Orr for their unwavering support, emphasizing their efforts in maximizing education freedom in Alabama.
The Governor further explained the motivation behind the CHOOSE Act, stating, “We want every Alabama student – whether they are at a public school, private school, magnet, charter, or homeschool – the opportunity to receive a high-quality education.” Governor Ivey expressed eagerness to sign the CHOOSE Act into law, marking Alabama as the 14th state in the nation to provide families with an education savings account option.
Senate President Pro Tempore Greg Reed praised the CHOOSE Act as a fiscally responsible way to provide educational opportunities to Alabama’s youth. Senator Arthur Orr, who worked closely with Governor Ivey on this initiative, emphasized the commitment to ensuring the best for all of Alabama’s school children and their families.
Acknowledging the importance of public education, Governor Ivey stated, “Let me also be clear that my commitment to public education remains unrelenting.” She emphasized the shared goal of providing a quality education for every Alabama student, regardless of their zip code or school.
Governor Ivey expressed hope that the CHOOSE Act would make a difference for Alabama families, leading to a stronger Alabama with well-equipped and empowered students ready to shape the future.
