January 15, 2026

Governor Kay Ivey Announces Strong Funding For “Choose Act”

By Isabella Gomez
Blue RAM Media/Gulf Coast News

January 15, 2026

MONTGOMERY, Ala. During Governor Kay Ivey’s final State of the State address, she announced that she has made provisions to enhance the CHOOSE Act funding to ensure that everyone can benefit from deciding where their children will learn.

The governor said that she’s budgeting an increase for the state’s new education savings account program.

State Finance Director Bill Poole said on Wednesday that the increase was driven by demand for the program. The total investment for the next fiscal year is $250 million,” Poole said.

For the 2027-2028 school year and beyond, this program becomes universal as the income limits on eligibility come off but is subject to available funds.

Ivey said in her address on Tuesday night that the program already serves 23,000 students.

“That number will only grow as more folks learn about the program, as student athletes feel more confident in the rules, and when it becomes fully universal in year three. For the ’27-’28 Academic Year, I am proposing we increase funding for the CHOOSE Act to $250 million. This will help even more families receive the education that best suits their child.”

23,000 students now have made a decision that will have a large effect on their lives and their future, the Governor said.