The Business Council of Alabama along with the Chamber of Commerce Association of Alabama and the Calhoun County Chamber of Commerce today presented Alabama Senate President Pro Tem Del Marsh with the Business Champion Award for his commitment to improving Alabama’s economic climate and education system.
BCA President and CEO William J. Canary presented the award to Marsh at the Calhoun County Salute to Industry Luncheon at the Oxford Civic Center.
“Senator Marsh has shown an unwavering commitment to improving education for all students in Alabama and to providing a positive environment for job creation,” Canary said. “In sponsoring what would become the Alabama School Choice and Opportunity Act, Senator Marsh understood that public charter schools would provide Alabama parents with greater flexibility and options when making decisions about their children’s education.”
Canary said the BCA is dedicated to doing its part to improve public education because today’s students are tomorrow’s leaders. The BCA’s 2015 State Legislative Agenda included allowing parental choice legislation including the creation of public charter schools.
The Senate during the 2015 regular legislative session passed Marsh’s bill 22-12, and the House approved an amended version 58-41. The Senate with Marsh’s urging then approved the House version 24-11. Governor Robert Bentley signed it into law on March 19.
The School Choice and Student Opportunity Act creates an application process for local school boards so that they may establish public charter schools, both new and conversion, giving parents the ability to choose the education that is best for their child.
The Business Champion Award recognizes legislators for their support of policies that better Alabama’s business climate and the lives of employees, families, and citizens. Joining Canary for the presentation were Jeremy Arthur, president and CEO of the Chamber of Commerce Association of Alabama and Linda Hearn, manager of the Calhoun County Chamber of Commerce.
-Dana Beyerle