On Wednesday, Governor Kay Ivey addressed legislators’ attending orientation training in Montgomery.
“It is an absolute pleasure to be with you for your legislative orientation,” Gov. Ivey told the legislators – most of those present were new members for their first term in the Legislature. “I have had the opportunity to talk to many of you today and have enjoyed talking with you. I look forward to working with you.”
Ivey thanked the spouses of the legislators.
“We all know that when someone runs for officer, their entire family are along for the ride,” Ivey said.
Ivey advised the legislators.
“Be on time, show up, and be informed,” Ivey said. “You were elected by the people of Alabama to serve the people of Alabama and not yourself. They will hold you accountable for every decision that you make. You must always be willing to learn.”
Ivey praised the leadership of the Legislature.
“You are very fortunate to have folks like Senate Pro Tem Greg Reed, Senator Bobby Singleton, Minority Leader Anthony Daniels, and soon-to-be Speaker Nathaniel Ledbetter.”
Ivey credited bipartisanship for the strong economic shape that the state is in.
“We reach across the aisle to work on important issues every day,” Ivey said.
Ivey cited her Rebuild Alabama roads initiative that passed in 2019 as an example.
“The roads in our state had been neglected for over thirty years,” Ivey said. “It was holding Alabama’s economy back in a big way.”
“We all worked together,” Ivey continued. “It passed with a 84 to 20 vote in the House and 24 to 6 in the Senate.”
Ivey listed some legislative priorities for the four years, including addressing the “failing and underperforming” schools as well as continuing “our work with the Alabama prisons.”
Ivey also spoke out in favor of renewing Alabama’s economic incentives to continue to grow the economy.
“Our economic and workforce development efforts start with renewing Alabama incentives,” Ivey said.
Reporters asked Ivey if she would call a special session for allocating the second round of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds.
“All options are on the table,” Ivey replied.
Ivey was introduced by Senate President Pro Tempore Greg Reed.
“Governor Ivey is one of the most popular Governors in America,” Reed said, citing recent polling showing that Ivey has the seventh-highest approval rate among American governors.
“We are so thankful for your willingness to be Alabama’s Governor,” Reed told Ivey.
Ivey was re-elected in a landslide election last month.
The Legislature will be formally in session early in January for an organizational session. The 2023 Alabama regular legislative session will begin on March 7.
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