Ways and Means Education, more commonly known as the House Education Budget Committee, is one of the most influential committees in state government. As Chairman, Poole will immediately become one of the most powerful members of the legislature. The almost $6 billion budget the committee oversees provides funding for K – 12 schools, community colleges, public universities and other education-related agencies.
Hubbard said that announcing the new chairman so quickly will ensure there is no lapse in leadership or oversight in the area of education funding.
“Ensuring a quality education for the students of Alabama is our top priority and I’m confident that under the leadership of Rep. Poole, Alabama teachers and students will continue to get the resources needed to continue to improve education in our state,” Hubbard said. “In his time in the House, Bill has quickly earned the respect of his colleagues and proven that he has the skills and know-how required to make the tough decisions this position requires.”
“I am honored to have the opportunity to serve the people of Alabama in this capacity,” Rep. Poole said. “I appreciate Speaker Hubbard’s leadership and am humbled by his confidence in me to handle this job. Chairman Love has left big shoes to fill, but I pledge to continue to develop responsible, common-sense budgets that fulfill the needs of our students and educators and are fair to the taxpayer.”
Poole was elected to serve Tuscaloosa’s House District 63 in 2010. A graduate of the University of Alabama and the University of Alabama School of Law, he has been a general practice attorney since 2004.
Hubbard appointed Poole as a member of the Education Ways and Means Committee upon his entrance to the Legislature in 2010.
“Every child in Alabama deserves a quality education and I am proud of the advances we have made in recent years. Education is the essential foundation needed to meet our State’s full potential, and in order to succeed we must continue our efforts to ensure that every child has the opportunity to thrive,” Poole stated. “I will apply the same conservative principles and Alabama values to this position that I have stood by throughout my service in the Legislature.”
Rep. Poole will officially take over as chairman of the committee on August 1.
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