Before the 2024 legislative session began, the Alabama Senate outlined a plan that demonstrates our commitment to conservative governance. We were focused on delivering real results that will ensure Alabama continues to be the best state in the nation to live, work and raise a family — because that's what Alabamians expect and deserve.

The Senate Republican Caucus prioritized issues that align with Alabama's fundamental values ​​and opposed Joe Biden's liberal policies. Alabamians believe in God. Alabamians defend freedom and protect innocent lives. Alabamians love their country, their state and their communities. Alabamians support the rule of law and want safe and secure communities. Alabamians believe that with hard work, grit and determination, we can make our state better than it's ever been.

Our list of legislative priorities was extensive. Since February, Senate Republicans have been working to achieve these conservative goals, and as President pro tempore of the Alabama Senate, I am pleased that we were able to deliver results for the people of Alabama.

Alabama's elections are even more secure.

In Alabama, we value integrity and security. Through great effort, the Alabama Legislature passed legislation to ensure our state's election laws are effective and rigorous. This legislative session, the Alabama Senate is leading the effort to further strengthen our election laws. Senator Garlan Gudger authored a bill to raise the criminality of illegal ballot harvesting to a Class C felony. This bill will ensure that absentee ballots in Alabama are properly completed and cast. I am proud to ensure that your vote counts and that those who seek to illegally game our election system cannot get one.

Divisive concepts are prohibited from infiltrating public schools and state government institutions.

God created us all to be unique in so many wonderful ways, and we all have special talents, gifts, and skills that should be celebrated. In today's world, there are many attempts to pit people against one another, but what we should look for are opportunities to promote unity and inclusion. In that spirit, the Alabama State Senate has led an effort to prohibit the use of taxpayer funds to teach and promote DEI and divisive concepts in public education and state institutions. I am pleased that this bill, authored by Senator Will Barfoot, will ensure that your taxpayer funds are not used to endorse or support these divisive issues in our public sphere.

In Alabama, a child's education is a top priority, and parents have a right to know what their children are being taught in the classroom.

Children are a gift from God and the future of our great state. Over the past decade, the state legislature has made great efforts to improve educational outcomes for young students, including through literacy and math laws. This legislative session, the Alabama Senate wanted to build on the positive momentum in education policy. One way they did so was through the passage of the CHOOSE Act. Introduced by Senator Arthur Aull, this legislation allows for school choice options in a fiscally responsible manner through the use of education savings accounts. Another way the Alabama Senate built on the positive momentum in education policy was through the passage of Senator Donnie Chasteen's First Grade Readiness Act. This legislation creates a process to enroll children in first grade who turn 6 years old, complete kindergarten, or demonstrate their readiness to enter first grade by a certain date.

Our teachers should be celebrated for the work they do every day, and their investment in our children's futures is inspiring. Another important way the Alabama Senate has built positive momentum on education policy is by passing my Parent Right to Know Act. This bill creates a methodology for parents to know what their children are being taught in the classroom, providing a transparent opportunity for teachers and parents to further collaborate to improve educational outcomes for children.

I believe in Alabama and its future. As President Pro Tempore of the Alabama State Senate, it is my goal to make Alabama better through the work being done in our government agencies. As you all know, the Alabama Senate has delivered results that will bring meaningful change to that goal. I want to thank all Senators for their hard work in a productive legislative session. The future of Alabama is incredibly bright.

Greg Reed is the President Pro Tempore of the Alabama State Senate and represents the residents of the 5th District.