NOTE: This column by Rep. Hubbard appears in the March 2010 edition of the Alabama Republican Party's E-lephant Newsletter.
With the 2010 Legislative Session just over its halfway point, it is abundantly clear that there has never been a more important time to elect conservatives - and to “retire” Democrats who are beholden to the liberal special interests - than November of 2010.
As usual, the Democrats come to Montgomery pushing their perennial agenda items of higher taxes, redistribution of wealth, more entitlement programs and bigger government and to sentence good, common sense Republican legislation to a quick death.
Two issues quickly killed by Democrats included a bill allowing Charter Schools and placing a Teacher Code of Ethics in the Alabama Code. These issues were sentenced to a quick death when the Alabama Education Association (a.k.a. The Alabama Democratic Party) gave them a “thumbs down.” Charter Schools provide competition to failing schools and actually pay teachers based on performance. By their vote, Democrats in the Legislature told parents that they don’t deserve choices when it comes to their children’s education.
Charter schools are public schools that take some power away from the unions, so the Democrats quickly killed the bill. Democrats also decided that teachers in Alabama should not have a strict Code of Ethics, even though it was written by teachers and endorsed by this year’s Alabama Teacher-of-the-Year. The code, adopted by the State Board of Education, would ensure that educators conduct themselves ethically, honestly and morally when teaching our children. The problem is, the Code of Ethics would have made it easier to get rid of bad teachers, which is exactly what the teachers’ union does NOT want!
These are just two examples, but rest assured there have been and will be many more before the Legislative Session is over. But we can change all of this beginning with the 2011 session if Republicans remain vigilant, focused and energized as we head toward November. We have a tremendous opportunity to make a difference, to move Alabama forward and to change the status quo in Montgomery.
Fight Back! Vote Republican!