By Erica Thomas, managing editor
MONTGOMERY — Alabama Governor Kay Ivet gave her State of the State address from just outside the old House Chamber in the Alabama State Capitol on Tuesday, Feb. 2, 2021.
Ivey talked about how COVID-19 has impacted the state, natural disasters, economic development, gambling, education, internet across the state and the Legislative Session.
When looking back at a year ago today, Ivey said a lot of things have happened to add challenges to the state
“At 2.7 %, Alabama had the lowest unemployment rate in our state’s history,” said Ivey. “We were seeing economic prosperity all around and, we were dealing with the wonderful problem of more jobs than people to fill them. During the past 12 months, Alabama – like the rest of the country – had no choice but to deal with one giant challenge after another.”
Ivey mentioned social unrest, the controversial election and disasters such as a hurricane, a tropical storm and floods.
“So, make no mistake, there were no tears shed when we bid goodbye to 2020 a month ago,” she said. “While the year tested both our patience and perseverance, it never once tested our faith. Despite all that was thrown at us, Alabamians remained grounded and kept our resolve. You never gave up.”
When talking about how COVID-19 has impacted Alabamians, she pointed to health care workers and first responders who fought to keep everyone safe.
“But it is also revealed the “Angels Among Us,” as my friend Randy Owen and the Band ALABAMA would remind us back in 1993, a song written for the challenges of a different time, nevertheless, highlighting the beauty of neighbors helping neighbors even as we all get through life’s darkest moments.”
Ivey said one of those dark moments happened on Jan. 25 when the deadly tornado ripped through Jefferson County, killing a teenager in Center Point. She said state officials are praying for the survivors and doing all they can to help them clean up and rebuild their lives.
The governor also thanked Dr. Scott Harris, the state health officer, and had a positive message about the future for coronavirus vaccines.
“While we are still living in a challenging year, I can report with confidence that things are getting better! As the supply of vaccine increases and is in more arms, the end of COVID-19 is closer than ever before,” Ivey said. “My fellow Alabamians, my prayer – and our goals – for 2021, is not just to get back to where we were. Instead, I want us to look ahead with confidence toward where we aspire to be. It’s time to set big goals and lay out a bold vision for the year ahead.”
As for the legislature, Ivey said one of her top priorities is a measure that would ensure Alabamians would not have to pay state income taxes on CARES Act relief.
She also wants the legislature to consider the importance of economic development by allowing tax credits to new companies looking to move to Alabama.
The state is looking ahead, said Ivey, and considering legislation to prevent businesses and medical communities from frivolous lawsuits that might come because of COVID-19.
Ivey said the state’s lawmakers will work together for the benefit of residents.
As for education, Ivey said the state moved quickly to assist educators when the coronavirus pandemic began.
“Few areas were more challenged in 2020 than our education system. In fact, our teachers and students were among the first who were affected by COVID-19,” Ivey continued. “Last March, when we entered a state of emergency, we announced our schools would be closed to in-person instruction until we could wrap our arms around what was happening. Little did we know the remainder of the school year – and the current one –would be challenged.”
The state used CARES Act funds to put $434 million into classrooms. Another program allocated $50 million for low-income families to receive internet access.
“While many parents, students and teachers struggled through this form of instruction, they all deserve praise for having the determination and patience to keep working to get it right,” she added.
Ivey said her budget proposed a 2% raise for teachers and state employees.
When coronavirus began to impact Alabama, Ivey said it revealed issues with broadband and internet connectivity. She said she and the legislature is already working to address the issues.
Ivey also touched on mental health services in the state, saying three new crisis centers, in Huntsville, Montgomery and Mobile, will open in May 2021.
“Established along the I-65 corridor in Mobile, Montgomery and Huntsville, these centers were meant to serve as pilot programs with the intention of expanding into more communities as soon as possible,” Ivey explained. “With strong leadership in the Department and in partnership with the Legislature, we are providing a wide range of new tools to divert individuals from hospital emergency rooms and local jails.”
Ivey said she hopes to invest even more in mental health services.
“Tonight, I’m pleased to propose a $46 million investment to expand 96 beds at the Taylor Hardin facility in Tuscaloosa and another $6 million for an additional crisis diversion center,” Ivey said. “Building upon the personal commitment of Governor Lurleen Wallace, my Administration will maintain our commitment to provide critical evaluation and treatment of our most vulnerable population regardless of their present circumstances.”
In other topics, Ivey thanked State Troopers and all law enforcement. She also addressed prisons and the Alabama Department of Corrections.
“It is no secret that the Department of Corrections has faced significant challenges that are a result of decades of neglect, Ivey said. “Resolving these require a multi-faceted strategy and immediate action. The cornerstone of our ongoing efforts is the Alabama Prison Program – a bold undertaking to replace the state’s aging and failing prison infrastructure with safe, new, sustainable and affordable men’s prisons.”
Ivey said conditions will be improved in new prisons but that there would also be an emphasis on the safety of inmates and correctional staff.
“Rehabilitated inmates are much less likely to re-offend and much more likely to become productive, contributing members of society when they are released,” she said. “It is incumbent upon all of us to make this investment which will, over time, help make all our communities, and all of us, safer.”
During the State of the State speech, Ivey discussed results from a study on gambling in Alabama.
“I am confident the Legislature will be thoughtful and deliberate as they debate this issue. But let me be absolutely clear, this must be a transparent process – with no deals being cut under the table,” she said. “If something does not pass the smell test, I’ll sure let you know.”
You can read the report on the study below.
In closing, Ivey honored the late Congressman John Lewis.
“After marching across the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma as a young man, John Lewis went on to become a legendary leader for civil rights alongside other giants of the movement like Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Rev. Fred Shuttlesworth,” said Ivey. “To honor his final wishes in this way was simply the proper thing to do. It was incredibly moving to see people of all races, religions and political parties stand in line for hours to pay homage to, as he called himself, the “boy from Troy.” To quote John Lewis, ‘Every generation leaves behind a legacy. What that legacy will be is determined by the people of that generation.’ I hope that as Alabama continues to make progress, we remember the lessons of history.”
Ivey urged Alabamians to work together.
FINAL-GSGGP-GAMBLING-REPORT