During an appearance on Mobile radio FM Talk 106.5's "The Jeff Poor Show," State Rep. Ernie Yarbrough (R-Trinity) expressed a positive outlook on the current environment for school choice while criticizing the Alabama Education Association (AEA), the state's teachers' union and republican candidates taking their money.
Yarbrough questions the AEA for their decision to remain affiliated with the National Education Association (NEA), a group which he describes as "godless," "evil" and "over the top, just nasty."
He also wants to see the Alabama Republican Party (ALGOP) change the rules to ban political donations to Republican legislative candidates, pointing out repeatedly the heavy investment the organization made in State Rep. Barbara Drummond's (D-Mobile) mayoral race.
Yarbrough began the discussion with an optimistic view of the future of education in the state, particularly the expansion and funding of the CHOOSE Act.
"I think that the way to the future is going to be that we're going to fund it more, and that we're going to continue to fund it. And I am, I will say, cautiously optimistic that we will get to a place in universal school choice. There will, of course, be battles and hurdles," he said.
"There will be things to figure out because we've not operated that way historically. And so we're one of these states that's having to navigate this path. From the way things have been to the way things perhaps need to be because we should be more focused on our faith and our values and preparing the child, spiritually, mentally, intellectually, and physically for actual success."
He pivoted from what needs to be done to the biggest challenge in his eyes.
"I think, another elephant in the room that needs to be discussed. That's not the only way that it's impacted through AEA, making political contributions to Republican campaigns."
"I am personally of the opinion, we've already stopped the AEA from giving in certain races. I'm of the opinion, that we need to see the AEA not give campaign donations to state-legislative races, Or at least Republicans, right?"
Last month, a spokesman for the AEA bragged that, in addition to their giving to republicans throughout the state, the group "sponsored" the Alabama delegation to the tune of $50,000 to the National Republican Convention, and "gave $50,000 to Trump's inauguration" to bolster the organization's conservative credentials.
"We're a Republican majority, super majority. I can't control what the Democrat Party does, obviously, because I'm a Republican. But I think that, particularly after, if you need any more evidence, then the AEA's continual refusal to disavow and disassociate from the NEA," Yarbrough said.
"Well, you know, this is a different AEA. 'We're really more conservative.' But I don't believe that," Yarbrough explained, expressing his skepticism on the rebranding of the group and challenging them to leave the NEA.
Yarbrough described the NEA as "utterly and diametrically opposed to our faith, our values, our everything about what Alabama's way of life should be when it comes to our foundational values."
"If you need any more evidence, then the AEA's continual refusal to disavow and disassociate from the NEA."
The AEA spokesman said that the group remained affiliated with the national group for the insurance and benefits offered.
"And I don't care what reason you give, you watch the NEA's public, like, you know, on TV, their get-togethers and events. They are godless, they are evil. They're over the top, just nasty," Yarbrough said, stressing, "They endorse Kamala Harris."
"I'm not mad that they did that. That's their choice. They have the freedom to do so, and that's fine. But as terms, in terms of a Republican supermajority state, we, when somebody tells you who they are, you should believe them."
Following his comments on the AEA and NEA, he discussed the status of the states' textbook review committees and the books recommended.
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