We just wrapped up the 19th legislative day, taking us well into the second half of this year’s Regular Session. During these 19 days, we have already racked up some important wins for Alabama.
Just this week, I signed Senate Bill 149, which creates a pathway for more veterans to teach in Alabama classrooms. I also put my signature on the Healthy Early Development and Screen Time Act to help our littlest Alabamians. Earlier this Session on the public safety front, I signed my name on the Child Predator Death Penalty Act, just to highlight a few priorities.
We continue to get good work done for the people of Alabama and I give major kudos to Speaker of the House Nathaniel Ledbetter and Senate President Pro Tem Garlan Gudger for their leadership.
At the end of this Session, I will have 10 Regular Sessions under my belt (as governor). And I cannot help but to think back on all that we have accomplished. Compare that with what we see in Congress these days.
Recently, at a Republican Governors Association gathering, they shared some good news for us:
For cost of living, Alabama is a top 10 state;
For housing affordability, Alabama is a top five state; and,
For just plain affordability, Alabama is the number one state.
That is because of years of strong, conservative governing. Here in Alabama, we put our nose to the grindstone and implement major policies, so much so, that when I am at these types of gatherings, other governors want to know our recipe for success.
Alabama Republicans are leading on commonsense policies and people around the country are taking note. Our recipe for success? We have dedicated leaders who are not afraid to take on the hard issues. Just one month before I was sworn in as governor, Nathaniel Ledbetter assumed his own leadership role. So, we have worked side by side for years to advance conservative policy and to make our government work effectively for the people of this state. To put it simply, Speaker Ledbetter has been a key partner to our efforts to advance conservative policy in Alabama.
Last year, Speaker Ledbetter and I pushed our Safe Alabama public safety package, which included our Back the Blue bill. The Back the Blue Act is undoubtedly one of America’s most pro-law enforcement laws. It gives a clear message to our men and women in blue: Alabama has their backs. Alabama Democrats put up a decent fight on this one, but because leaders like Speaker Ledbetter stood strong, we got it done.
Speaker Ledbetter has been a leader when it comes to the public safety arena. We are expanding Aniah’s Law to keep bad guys off the streets. We are cracking down on fentanyl traffickers and giving the harshest punishments to those harming our children.
While we see other states in disarray over illegal immigration, Alabama is supporting our law enforcement in their efforts and the Legislature is passing sound policy that ensures our state is prioritizing American citizens over illegal immigrants.
While we see Congress struggle with the concept of requiring voter ID in elections, our Legislature is ensuring our elections are free and fair.
We have the strongest pro-life legislation in the country with the Human Life Protection Act.
We have the best education savings account program in the nation through the CHOOSE Act.
We are protecting girls’ sports, and we know what a woman is.
We have delivered $1.4 billion in tax cuts for Alabamians.
We are landing historic economic investments. Our infrastructure is improving. And we are making record, nationally recognized education gains.
Speaker Ledbetter has been part of all of this success.
As I said in my state of the state address, Speaker Ledbetter is an outstanding Speaker of the House, and no doubt, Alabama is better thanks to his service.
Our work is not done yet. So, my fellow Republicans, let us keep our eye on the prize and keep working together to make Alabama the most conservative state in the nation and the best place in which to live, work and raise a family. I am confident that by working together, we will make Alabama the model for the nation.
Kay Ivey is the 54th Governor of Alabama.
