State Rep. Chris England (D-Tuscaloosa), the chair of the Alabama Democratic Party, on Thursday sent a letter to Governor Kay Ivey in support of ending the state holiday that recognizes Jefferson Davis’ birthday.
The holiday this year was on Monday, June 1; it is recognized on the first Monday in June of every year in accordance with state law (Section 1-3-8, Code of Alabama 1975).
In his letter, England requested that Ivey include amending this section of state law if she calls a special session this year. The 2020 regular session of the legislature ended last month.
I sent this letter to @GovernorKayIvey regarding repeal of the Jefferson Davis state holiday. If you agree, please reach out to the Governor and your representatives and let them know how you feel. Although I know that much more work needs to be done, this is a necessary step. pic.twitter.com/rPiWgjTGbx
— Chris England (@RepEngland70) June 4, 2020
A spokesperson for Ivey’s office told Yellowhammer News in response to England’s letter, “That is a conversation that would have to begin with the Legislature. However, Governor Ivey is certainly open to sitting down with lawmakers to discuss this proposal.”
England has been a member of the state legislature since November 2006.
Yellowhammer News’ search of online legislative archives found that no bill has been introduced during England’s tenure in the legislature to end Alabama’s state holiday recognizing Jefferson Davis’ birthday.
Before Republicans took control of the legislature in 2010, both the Alabama Senate and the House had been majority-Democrat since 1868.
State Senate President Pro Tem Del Marsh (R-Anniston) and State Sen. Shay Shelnutt (R-Trussville) brought a bill in 2015 that would have made both Jefferson Davis’ birthday holiday and Confederate Memorial Day unpaid state holidays, unless decided otherwise by the governor each year. The holidays are currently paid. That bill passed out of committee but never received a vote on the Senate floor.
Jefferson Davis, a member of the Democratic Party, served as president of the Confederacy from 1861-1865.
Sean Ross is the editor of Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @sean_yhn
