Although difficult to verify, the ghost of executive AEA secretary-treasurer Paul Hubbert was recently sighted walking the halls of the Alabama Capitol handing out thousands of dollars from the Alabama Education Association (AEA). Only this time, the teacher union’s money is being snatched up by Republicans – yep, those same Republicans who spent years railing against the AEA for blocking school choice, opposing charter schools, protecting underperforming teachers, and obstructing education reform.
The AEA, the state’s largest professional organization for public education employees, has long positioned itself as the voice of Alabama’s educators. While its mission to “promote educational excellence” sounds noble, a closer look at its policies and political activities reveal an organization more focused on maintaining its own influence than advancing the interests of students, teachers and taxpayers.
One of the AEA’s most troubling stances is its resistance to education reforms that could benefit Alabama’s students. The AEA has consistently opposed policies like the Alabama Accountability Act, school choice, raises based on merit, reduction in the grocery tax, rejection of woke ideologies, and the elimination of tenure.
The AEA’s resistance to charter schools is equally shortsighted. Charter schools, which operate with more flexibility than traditional public schools, have shown success in other states by fostering innovation and competition.
By opposing school choice, prioritizing political influence over teacher welfare, and aligning with national ideologies, the AEA fails to serve the diverse needs of Alabama’s children. The AEA’s policies, driven by its NEA affiliation, hinder Alabama’s ability to address its educational challenges. Fundamentally, the AEA pours sweet tea at the union picnic but charges the teachers for the ice.
The Alabama Republican Party once vowed never to touch a dime of AEA money. However, during the last election cycle (2019-present) the AEA’s PAC (A-Vote) handed over $1.06 million to Republicans and just over $519,000 to Democrats. ALGOP bylaws have long discouraged taking money from NEA/AEA.
Below is a list published previously at 1819 News of Republicans who reported receiving $20,000 or more. Many more received smaller amounts.
1. State Sen. Tom Whatley (R-Auburn) -$50,000
2. State Senate District 12 candidate Keith Kelley (R-Anniston) - $45,000
3. State Sen. Donnie Chesteen (R-Geneva) - $35,000
4. State Rep. Mike Jones (R-Andalusia) - $35,000
5. State Rep. Gil Isbell (R-Gadsden) - $34,228.42
6. State Sen. Randy Price (R-Opelika) - $32,604.66
7. State House District 40 candidate Julie Michelle Borelli (R-Anniston) - $30,000
8. State House District 15 candidate Leigh Hulsey (R-Helena) - $30,000
9. State Sen. Chris Elliott (R-Josephine) - $30,000
10. State Rep. Phillip Pettus (R-Killen) - $30,000
11. State Rep. Tommy Hanes Jr. (R-Bryant) - $25,000
12. State House District 20 candidate James Lomax (R-Huntsville) - $25,000
13. State Sen. Tim Melson (R-Florence) - $25,000
14. State Rep. Debbie Wood (R-Valley) - $25,000
15. Former State Sen. Cam Ward (R-Alabaster) - $25,000
16. State Rep. Proncey Robertson (R-Mount Hope) - $20,000
17. State Rep. Cynthia Lee Almond (R-Tuscaloosa) - $20,000
18. State Rep. Corey Harbison (R-Cullman) - $20,000
19. State Sen. Andrew Jones (R-Centre) - $20,000
20. State Rep. Jamie Kiel (R-Russellville) - $20,000
21. State Rep. Ritchie Whorton (R-Owens Cross Roads) - $20,000
So, apparently many Alabama Republican legislators are as principled as a preacher caught at the casino claiming he’s just there for the buffet – and the AEA slot machine just keeps paying out.
In an August 2023 press release John Wahl said:
The Alabama Republican Party is strongly committed to protecting our children from indoctrination in the classroom by left wing groups like the NEA and its affiliated organizations. Parents should decide what their children learn about divisive concepts, not education unions that have lost touch with the values of the American people. Transgender ideology and other woke policies have no place in our schools, period. So many of our parents and local teachers want to see change in our education system, but how can we expect our superintendents and school board members to stand up against teaching these woke concepts if they are afraid of the money and financial power coming from liberal unions responsible for pushing this type of curriculum? It’s a blatant conflict of interest, and something that needs to be addressed. Our elected school representatives must be responsible to Alabama parents, not special interest groups.
Is this really a big deal? Well, when voters hear this, Republican legislators lose their credibility and are viewed as hypocrites. Voters feel betrayed by their representatives who are now susceptible to corruption.
Republican legislators who take AEA money raise questions about whether they are controlled by special interests and expect influence in return for financial support. When GOP legislators cash AEA checks with one hand and wave a Bible with the other, you’ve got to wonder who’s really writing their Scripture.
Barry Nowlin is a retired English professor from the University of South Alabama. He presently works as an Uber driver for his two grandkids.
The views and opinions expressed here are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the policy or position of 1819 News. To comment, please send an email with your name and contact information to [email protected].
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