State Rep. Jamie Kiel has announced his appointment by Speaker of the House Mac McCutcheon to the House Ways and Means Education Committee.

Kiel said this committee is considered one of the most influential committees in the legislature because it is responsible for researching and developing the annual multi-billion-dollar education budget, which funds public kindergarten through 12th-grade schools, community colleges and universities. In addition to the budget, the committee also handles education-related appropriation bills.

“As a freshman House member, I’m extremely honored Speaker McCutcheon has placed this level of trust and responsibility on me,” Kiel said. “I have a strong commitment to education and look forward to working with the other 14 members of the committee to improve education opportunities in this state.”

Russellville City Schools Superintendent Heath Grimes said that it is a huge accomplishment for Kiel to be appointed to this committee.

“I am especially happy for Rep. Kiel because this is such a big appointment and because I know how badly he wanted this appointment,” Grimes said. “As a local school superintendent, I’m excited we have someone who has a heart and understanding for public education on this committee. This is an important task, and to have a Russellville grad and someone who understands the challenges rural educators face in this area in this position is exciting.”

Franklin County Schools Superintendent Greg Hamilton echoed Grimes’ excitement.

“He is an advocate for public education. The Franklin County School System will benefit from his appointment to this committee,” Hamilton said. “I look forward to the days ahead as we work to make our schools the best they can be.”

Kiel is the first University of North Alabama graduate to serve on the House Ways and Means Education Committee, and UNA President Dr. Ken Kitts said he is excited about the appointment.

“Jamie is an alumnus of UNA, and we know he will be a voice of fairness and reason as decisions are made on higher education funding,” Kitts said. “We look forward to working with him as a newly-elected member of the Alabama House of Representatives.”

The committee will begin considering legislation once the regular session of the Alabama Legislature convenes March 5.

Originally published in Franklin County Times by Lauren Wester.