The Alabama Republican Party

  Today the U.S. Department of Education released its 16 finalists for 'Race to the Top'   funds. Continue reading to find out why Alabama was excluded.

For Immediate Release 

March 4, 010 

Contact: Philip Bryan 

205.212.5900

pbryan@algop.org

Alabama Excluded From ‘Race to the Top’ Funds, Democrats to Blame

Birmingham, AL – Today, the U.S. Department of Education released the 16 finalists for “Race to the Top” funds, and noticeably absent was the State of Alabama. One element of consideration for these federal education dollars was whether or not a state allowed charter schools. Alabama Republicans proposed charter school legislation during the 2010 Legislative Session. However, due to the overwhelming objection by the AEA, the bill was killed by Alabama Democrats in both the House and the Senate.

Rep. Mike Hubbard (R-Auburn), Chairman of the Alabama Republican Party blamed Democrats and liberal special interest groups for killing legislation that could have provided $200 million in additional education funds.

"It is a crying shame that Democrats would tow the line for the unions and special interest groups to the detriment of the children of Alabama,” Hubbard said. “Sadly, the legislators voting against charter schools decided that remaining in good standing with special interest groups was more important than giving parents an additional choice in their child’s education.”

While Alabama was passed over in the first round of “Race to the Top” funds, there is another opportunity for the state to receive additional education funding during round two – but those dollars will not be available without charter school legislation passing.

“If Democrats are truly committed to ensuring that the children of this state receive the best education, then they will join House and Senate Republicans and allow for charter schools immediately,” Hubbard added. “We can not afford to put politics ahead of the future of our great state.”

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