Contributed

Citing a desire to continue making fundamental changes in the way Montgomery operates, State Rep. April Weaver on Monday announced she has filed qualification papers to seek a new term in the House District 49 seat that she has held since 2010. House District 49 encompasses portions of Bibb, Chilton, and Shelby counties.

“As a lifelong resident whose family has lived here for generations, my roots run deep in House District 49, and serving the citizens of this area has been one of the most rewarding honors anyone can experience,” Weaver said.  “I have worked side by side with my constituents, and I have strived to stay connected with the local community. As a result of our efforts, Alabama’s unemployment rate is at record-low levels, our schools are experiencing steady improvement and officials who break the public’s trust are being held accountable for their corrupt actions.”

Weaver serves as chair of the House Health Committee, which considers legislation affecting healthcare issues with the state, and is the first woman in state history to lead the important panel.

She also holds seats on the House Internal Affairs and State Government committees.

She has sponsored and co-sponsored numerous measures that have benefited small business owners, veterans, teachers, first responders and others, and has helped enact several important conservative reform measures.

She has supported small business by passing a small business tax credit and continues to fight to remove red tape by eliminating unnecessary regulations. She has supported pay raises for educators and increased funding for classroom needs. She is also a proponent for Alabama’s nationally-recognized “First Class” voluntary pre-kindergarten program.

As a champion of pro-life issues, Weaver has protected the life of the unborn by sponsoring and supporting many pieces of pro-life legislation.

Weaver, who serves on Gov. Kay Ivey’s Alabama Opioid Overdose and Addiction Council, also passed a measure that makes obtaining duplicate painkiller prescriptions from multiple doctors, a practice commonly known as “doctor shopping,” a crime within the state. She also sponsored a bill to make mental healthcare more accessible.

Employed in the healthcare industry for 25 years, Weaver holds a nursing degree, a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Alabama and an MBA in Healthcare Administration.  She is the only registered nurse currently serving in the Alabama Legislature.

Weaver is married to Dr. Darrel Weaver, and they attend Pelham Baptist Church.