ATHENS, Ala. — Two top priorities for Alabama's Governor: the economy and education. Thursday, Governor Kay Ivey put them front and center during a visit to Athens. Governor Ivey said the state of Alabama is strong, but improving the workforce is a big part of her mission.
She kicked off the State of the State Address with last week's new labor report. "Last week's latest labor report indicated that state unemployment rate remains low, with limestone county among the lowest at 2.7%." It's good news, and Alabama Governor Kay Ivey wants to make sure the "next" report is just as good or better. In a State of the State visit to Athens, Ivey said with the community's help, her team is working hard to grow business and train and educate new workers. The goal: to ensure everyone gets a good job. "Since 2017, a record 49 billion with a b dollars has been invested by new and existing businesses, creating 87,000 new jobs."
Ivey points to a comprehensive bipartisan package of reforms and incentives known as working for Alabama, something she signed into law earlier this year. "To attract more Alabamians to reenter the workforce. Majorly reforming our state's workforce programs to establishing a childcare tax credit this legislation will certainly help us move the needle when it comes to workforce needs."
But economic success isn't likely without improvements in another area Ivey has made a priority: education. From day one, Ivey said, her administration has been laser focused on two important and interrelated goals - economic development and education. "In May, I was proud to sign the 2025 Education Trust Fund, which for the sixth straight year provides the largest investment in Alabama students in our history."
Thursday's session in Athens provided a platform for the Governor to address local needs, as well. "You all are well aware of the work being done on I-65, just south of Tennessee, and I can't wait until it's complete. And I especially can't wait to see any rocket construction on the site." Athens Limestone Chamber Vice Chairman Weston Coleman is excited about the new infrastructure changes. "You know, to pour money into infrastructure, quite frankly, the road widening, I-65, things like that, and things like eliminating tolls between here and the beach, that's always a nice thing to hear, too."