Alabama stands at a pivotal moment as we enter the beginning of the 2025 legislative session.
I am committed to working with President Trump, our federal and state leaders, and my colleagues in the Alabama House and Senate to cement his America First agenda in Alabama. I believe that we will bring back a golden age of prosperity and opportunity for hardworking families. As the representative for Alabama’s 100th District, I have made it my mission to serve the people of my district and our great state by focusing on policies that ensure security, economic stability, and accessibility to essential services.
As you have seen, we are committed to enforcing immigration laws while working to support legal immigrants who are ready to build their futures here. A strong and secure immigration policy isn’t just about protecting our borders—it’s about protecting communities and ensuring that those who come to America do so the right and legal way. This balance will help keep our state safe while strengthening our workforce and economy.
Speaking of our economy, Alabama’s farmers are the backbone of our state, and they deserve strong leadership that fights for fair trade policies and ensures their ability to thrive. That’s why I am working to support policies that protect Alabama agriculture, create more opportunities for our farmers, and secure the supply chains that keep our state, nation, and the world fed. National security and economic security go hand in hand, and our farmers must have the resources they need to compete on a global stage while continuing to provide for our communities.
Beyond these critical issues, I am also working to ease financial burdens on Alabama families in another important way—eliminating the state sales tax on eyeglasses and contact lenses. As an optometrist, I know firsthand how essential vision care is, yet Alabama remains one of only five states that continue to tax these necessities. That’s why I introduced a bill to remove the state sales tax on optical aids, making vision care more affordable and accessible for everyone in our state.
Far too many Alabamians, particularly seniors and working families, struggle with the costs of prescription eyeglasses and contact lenses. Vision care is not a luxury—it is a necessity for daily life, work, and overall well-being. Clear vision impacts a child’s ability to learn in school, a worker’s ability to perform on the job, and a senior’s ability to maintain their independence. By removing this unnecessary financial burden, we can make it easier for people to get the care they need without having to make difficult choices between their health and other essential expenses.
Furthermore, by eliminating this tax, we also support small businesses and optometry practices that provide these services across Alabama. Reducing costs for patients allows these businesses to better serve their communities and ensure that more people have access to the corrective eyewear they require. This is a commonsense policy that prioritizes the well-being of our citizens while strengthening our local economies.
Whether it’s securing our borders, protecting our farmers, or ensuring affordable healthcare, I will continue to fight for the people of Alabama. Working with President Trump, I am committed to putting America first, protecting our families, and building a stronger, more prosperous future for our great state.
Mark Shirey represents District 100 in the Alabama House of Representatives. He is an optometrist, owner of Southern Vision Care in Mobile, and former president of the Alabama Optometric Association.
