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Bishops voice support for school choice legislation
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February 22, 2024By The Catholic Week
Archbishop Thomas J. Rodi and Bishop Steven J. Raica of Birmingham declared support for the Creating Hope & Opportunity for Our Students’ Education (CHOOSE) Act in a letter to Alabama legislatures.
The CHOOSE Act program would provide up to $7,000 per child enrolled at an accredited, participating private or public school through an education savings account funded by a new refundable income tax credit.
Gov. Kay Ivey declared on Feb. 6 during her state of the state address that passing her education savings account bill is her top legislative priority.
Below is the letter from the bishops of Alabama regarding the CHOOSE Act.
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As Parental Choice legislation is proposed and considered in this legislative session, please know of the support of the Catholic Archdiocese of Mobile and the Catholic Diocese of Birmingham, and the families who wish to have the ability to choose the best school for their children. We pray that the proposed bill gives families across the state the ability to find an educational environment that best fits their children’s needs.
May The CHOOSE Act provide an opportunity for the thousands of students seeking a safe and academically rigorous school where a student may receive both education and formation. As spiritual leaders of the Catholic Church in Alabama, we are guided by the teachings of our faith, which affirm the fundamental role of parents as the primary educators of their children. Legislation that opens doors for families can be a transformative blessing and support the needs of each child.
The Catholic Church is proud of our commitment to education. Since 1830 Catholic schools have provided outstanding education to Alabama students, both Catholic and otherwise, and have contributed to the strength of our great State. Our Church has been a stalwart promoter of educational freedom and the rights of parents to seek excellent schools. We recognize that every child is unique, with varying learning styles, abilities, and needs. Legislation that provides this flexibility in many neighboring states has been a great success for parents seeking a school home for their kids, whatever their needs may be.
Know of our continued prayers for the worthy and necessary service you give to the State and our support for legislation that gives families more choice in their children’s futures and at the same time protects their God-given religious liberty.
Most Reverend Thomas J. Rodi
Archbishop of Mobile
Most Reverend Steven J. Raica
Bishop of Birmingham
