My usual posture toward Alabama’s political class has been measured criticism, not out of malice, but from a sincere belief that Alabama possesses untapped greatness. Having long observed our considerable potential hemmed in by institutional timidity, I now find myself pleased to dispense praise where it is richly deserved.

The Heritage Foundation (my employer) has released its 2025 Education Freedom Report Card, finding that Alabama stands ninth among the 50 states, a welcome achievement following our legislature’s prudent passage of the CHOOSE Act.

Although we’ve fallen four spots from last year in the “education choice” category, remaining in the top 10 overall is impressive progress.

The CHOOSE Act establishes refundable tax credits in the form of education savings accounts (ESAs)

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