State of the state is ‘exciting,’ Ivey tells Athens-Limestone Chamber

The state is in an “exciting and transformational time,” Gov. Kay Ivey said Thursday during her State of the State Luncheon today with the Athens-Limestone Chamber of Commerce.

“Y’all, we are truly in the middle of an exciting and transformational time for our state,” she said. “In fact, this calendar year alone, I have already delivered close to 100 speeches across our state – almost all touting Alabama’s remarkable economic progress.

“I made clear in my Inaugural and State of the State addresses that the top priorities for my second term as governor go hand-in-hand: Increased investment in economic development, and in education.”

Among those economic achievements are the distribution of $1 billion in American Rescue Plan federal funds, passage of The Game Plan economic incentives and record-low unemployment. 

“The record pace of job creation and opportunity from the Tennessee River to the Gulf Coast is stunning,” Ivey said. “Today, over 2.1 million people are employed in Alabama – that’s the most in state history, y’all. We recently announced that unemployment in Alabama remains at a record low of 2.2 percent. 

“We have hit Alabama’s lowest ever unemployment rate. With record low unemployment and record job growth, I’ve actually had reporters ask me how we’re going to fill all our new jobs?”

Ivey praised the continual and fruitful contributions being made by Mazda-Toyota Manufacturing and the growth of Alabama’s award-winning Pre-K program. She also foreshadowed school choice as a policy priority. 

“I’ve recently announced my intention to push next year for education savings accounts for Alabama parents to send their children to the school of their choice,” Ivey said. “My goal is for Alabama to become the most school-choice friendly state in the nation.”

Ivey advertised the Dolly Parton Imagination Library book gifting program – designed to put books into the hands of Alabama’s youngest readers up to age 5.

The governor didn’t shy away from national politics. She also sounded off on President Biden’s decision last week regarding U.S. Space Command.

“I won’t repeat the lengthy history of the extensive reviews that concluded that only Huntsville, Alabama is the best site to lead Space Command,” she said. “We know the final decision was not objective or in the best interest of our country.  It was based upon political science, not rocket science.

“Our Washington delegation has pledged to keep the White House’s feet to the fire. I support their efforts and know that no matter what happens, this area will continue to grow and prosper. There is absolutely nothing holding you back!”