Lieutenant Governor Will Ainsworth addressed the Business Council of Alabama on Tuesday, covering a wide range of policy lifts identified as top priorities across state government.
He offered insight into the latest advancements in workforce development, education and training, childcare, support for small businesses and military families, as well as stewardship of the state’s strong financial standpoint.
“I’m very bullish on 2024 from an economic standpoint,” Ainsworth told the room of business leaders.
“I think it’s gonna’ be a really good year for business. I think when you look at that, one of the things, our budgets are in the best shape, in my opinion, our state’s ever been in from a fiscal standpoint. Not only did we pay back rainy day accounts, we created new savings accounts…”
“Going forward, we’re in a good position from a financial standpoint,” Ainsworth said.
RELATED: Ainsworth envisions Alabama as ‘workforce engine of the Southeast’
The lieutenant governor emphasized workforce development as a critical area for Alabama, pointing out the need to address the shortage of skilled workers as the primary limiting factor for business growth – which has been the subject of his 21st Century Workforce Commission, which released its landmark report alongside legislative leaders last month.
Many thanks to the Business Council of Alabama for allowing us to present our plan to streamline Alabama’s workforce development system, cap property tax increases, and create the most business friendly environment in the US. We will keep working until these reforms become law. pic.twitter.com/1j6BZil3Zz
— Will Ainsworth (@willainsworthAL) February 13, 2024
He proposed several initiatives, including the creation of a cabinet-level position focused on workforce development, the establishment of a new advisory board with industry representatives, and the introduction of a workforce pathways diploma to better prepare students for industry jobs.
“They’re gonna know everything that’s going on,” Ainsworth said of the eventual state workforce official.
“Well, look, we’ve got to the community colleges doing a good job, we’ve k-12 doing a good job, we have AIDT, we have Office of Apprenticeship – all these different different silos – we’ve got the federal money coming down with WIOA funds. But we’ve really got to make sure, as a state, we have one person that understands the entire picture.”
Ainsworth honed in on three additional priorities of the joint workforce effort that’s bringing together executive, legislative, education and business leaders: A child care tax credit, extending the exemption on overtime pay, and placing a cap on property tax assessment.
“We’ve had property taxes going out the roof, sometimes 10, 20, 30, 40 percent increases. And it’s also tough to fight that if you disagree. So with this, we looked at what other states have done. We’re going to have a cap of 5% on commercial businesses; 3% on residential, agricultural, forests, historic buildings and sites.”
Ainsworth reaffirmed Alabama’s leadership in the aerospace and defense sectors and committed to supporting the industry’s expansion within the state. He also highlighted efforts through the Military Stability Commission to make Alabama the most veteran and military-friendly state in the nation.
He underscored his commitment to working with Alabama’s business leaders to solve common challenges and put Alabama ahead of the pack. “We appreciate what you do. We look forward to working with each of you and the industries you represent to continue to make Alabama the best business climate in the southeast and the country,” Ainsworth said.
Grayson Everett is the state and political editor for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @Grayson270
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