Ivey: ‘I will not shut down businesses’

Governor Kay Ivey on Wednesday morning said that she “will not shut down businesses,” as other states impose partial or full shutdowns.

This comes after a coalition led by the Business Council of Alabama (BCA) on Tuesday launched the Keep Alabama Open campaign.

BCA on Wednesday morning tweeted out a Yellowhammer News article sharing Alabama elected officials’ reaction to the campaign launch, including from Governor Kay Ivey, Lt. Governor Will Ainsworth and PSC President Twinkle Andress Cavanaugh.

Thanking these officials “and the many others who have expressed your support for Keep Alabama Open,” BCA added, “We and the business community are extremely grateful!”

Sharing this BCA tweet, Ivey wrote, “You’re welcome, [BCA]. I will not shut down businesses; the business community certainly has my support. As I’ve said many times, you cannot have a life without a livelihood.”

You’re welcome, @BCAToday. I will not shut down businesses; the business community certainly has my support. As I’ve said many times, you cannot have a life without a livelihood. #KeepAlabamaOpen #TogetherAL #alpolitics https://t.co/MdQPU3z2ej

— Governor Kay Ivey (@GovernorKayIvey) November 18, 2020

Ivey’s tweet came shortly before she rolled out the $200 million Revive Plus grant program to support small businesses, non-profits and faith-based organizations in Alabama that have been adversely impacted by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. This builds on the $100 million Revive Alabama grant program from earlier this year.

A coalition including BCA was reportedly integral in advocating for this significant new grant funding for small businesses.

Read more about Keep Alabama Open here.

Sean Ross is the editor of Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @sean_yhn