Governor Ivey Introduces a CHOOSE Act Family: Meet the Dotys -

March 13, 2026 - 21:03

RAINSVILLE – Governor Kay Ivey recently spotlighted a local family benefiting from Alabama's new education savings account program. The Doty family of Rainsville was introduced as early participants in the CHOOSE Act, which provides state-funded accounts for educational expenses outside the public school system.

Parents Daniel and Hannah Doty are using the program for their three children. Their daughter Harmony is in the 5th grade, and son Isaac is in the 3rd grade. The family expressed enthusiasm for the flexibility the ESA provides, allowing them to tailor educational resources and services to meet their children's individual learning needs.

The CHOOSE Act, signed into law earlier this year, establishes Education Savings Accounts for eligible Alabama families. These accounts can be used for a variety of approved expenses, including private school tuition, tutoring, textbooks, and educational therapies. Proponents argue it empowers parents with more options for their children's schooling.

Governor Ivey has championed the program as a cornerstone of her administration's efforts to expand school choice across the state. The presentation of the Doty family aimed to put a personal face on the policy, illustrating its direct impact on Alabama households. The program represents a significant shift in the state's approach to education funding and parent autonomy.