Rubio coming to Alabama in support of Republican push for school choice

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January 8, 2015

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) is coming to Birmingham Wednesday, Jan. 14 in support of Alabama Republicans’ efforts to implement more school choice reforms during the upcoming legislative session.

Rubio is scheduled to speak to the Birmingham Rotary Club and his remarks will focus on the school choice successes in his home state of Florida, as well as the broader impact it has on public education and the American economy.

Rubio sponsored The Educational Opportunities Act in the U.S. Senate which, similar to the Alabama Accountability Act on the state level, would create a federal corporate and individual tax credit to promote school choice by allowing contributions to go to Scholarship Granting Organizations (SGOs) that distribute scholarships to a student to be used toward private school tuition or expenses related to attending a private school.

“Parents everywhere share a common dream: we all want our children to have the chance at a life better than our own,” Rubio said. “This has propelled the progress of our nation and has become an essential part of the American Dream. To give children this chance, every parent should be given the right to choose the learning environment that best fits their child’s unique needs.”

The Accountability Act introduced school choice in Alabama for the first time, but Republicans are expected to further expand the reforms during the coming legislative session.

“Under Republican leadership, we have made great strides towards school choice in Alabama and I’m proud that such a well-known conservative like Senator Marco Rubio is taking time out of his busy schedule to applaud and promote our efforts,” said Alabama House Speaker Mike Hubbard. “The Accountability Act is only the first bold step towards school choice in Alabama and our efforts will continue until every child in Alabama has access to a quality education.”

“I am glad to have support from national leaders like Senator Marco Rubio joining in the fight for school choice in Alabama,” added Senate President Pro Tem Del Marsh. “The Accountability Act was a step in the right direction and I look forward to joining with my colleagues in the Senate and House as we continue to push for the very best education for all children, regardless of zip code or family income level.”