Donald Trump hosts Alabama Crimson Tide football team at the White House
President Donald Trump welcomed the University of Alabama’s national championship football team to the White HouseTuesday with a ceremony on the South Lawn. Coach Nick Saban and the team presented President Trump with an Alabama jersey, helmet and a game ball from the College Football Playoff National Championship Game during the ceremony. The visit also included a tour of the White House, including the East Room, State Dining Room, Red Room, Blue Room and Green Room. The trip to the White House was the Crimson Tide’s fifth since the spring of 2010. This visit recognized the Tide’s 26-23 come-from-behind overtime victory over Georgia in the 2018 CFP National Championship Game in Atlanta. It was Alabama’s 17th claimed national championship and the fifth under Nick Saban. Republished with permission from the Alabama NewsCenter.
NAEP test results in: Alabama, you’ve got some homework to do
The Nation’s Report Card released the results of their 2017 National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) reading and mathematics assessments on Tuesday; and Alabama didn’t fair so well. Although the state’s scores remained the same as the scoring in 2015, the last year the assessments were made, Alabama scored well below the national average in reading and mathematics. The NAEP — the nation’s largest representative and continuing assessment of what America’s students know and can do in various subject areas — has been testing students using the same criteria for many years, and there is no way to teach to the test. Administered every two years to students in grade 4 and 8 in both reading and math, it is considered the “gold standard” of tests in the education community as there is no way to exaggerate or falsify the results. The impact of digital testing? Last year’s administration of “the nation’s report card” was the first to be conducted in a digital format, which Some education experts believe could have affected the results. But Peggy Carr, associate commissioner of assessment for NCES, said in a conference call with reporters on Monday the differences were similar to what would typically be found as a result of “sampling variability.” “We’re confident that these results are valid and are apple-to-apple comparisons for the states and for the nation,” Carr said. “We are just ecstatic about being able to move these assessments into a digitally-based format.” A deeper look into Alabama’s results Alabama 4th Graders: 63 percent of students performed at or above the NAEP Basic level in reading, the national average was 67 percent 73 percent of students performed at or above the NAEP Basic level in mathematics, the national average was 79 percent Alabama 8th graders: 67 percent of students performed at or above the NAEP Basic level in reading, the national average was 75 percent 55 percent of students performed at or above the NAEP Basic level in Mathematics, the national average was 69 percent What do the results mean for students? “It is clear our nation’s education system continues to fail its mission of educating our children. Overall test scores remain flat highlighting the one-size-fits all government school system does not meet the educational needs of all students. Education freedom is the solution to the problem. Education choice provides every child with the ability to pursue the education that fits their personal education needs,” said Lennie Jarratt, Project Manager, Education of The Heartland Institute.
Michael McAllister, GOP candidate for Governor, unexpectedly dies
Republican candidate for Alabama governor, Michael McAllister, was found dead inside his home in Troy, Ala. on Sunday. McAllister, 69, was found by the Pike County Sheriff’s Office during a welfare check after no one had heard from him for a few days. “Nobody heard from him for a few days, so the deputies went down and had to force entry to the residence,” said Pike County Sheriff’s Chief Deputy Buck Williams. “He had already been deceased [when deputies found him], and there was no any evidence of foul play. He had a bunch of health problems.” Specific health problems have not been disclosed. Alabama GOP Chairman Terry Lathan said the Party is saddened to hear of McAllister’s sudden passing. “The Alabama Republican Party is saddened to hear of the very sudden passing of ALGOP Gubernatorial Candidate Michael McAllister,” Lathan said in a statement. “We honor his willingness to be a citizen servant as he was seeking to be elected to a position in public office. Please join us as we lift up his family and friends in prayer during this very difficult time.” *This story has been updated since it was originally published.
U.S. Senate needs to welcome baby Duckworth with open arms
It’s tough enough being a woman in politics (see my recent op-ed), but today I was surprised to read Sen. Tammy Duckworth, the first U.S. Senator to give birth while in office, is having to appeal Senate rules to be allowed to take her newborn baby on the floor during session. This is a no-brainer folks. It would make no sense to prohibit this hard-working mom from being able to take care of her child while also doing her job representing the people of Illinois in the Senate. I’m reminded of the woman in the Australian Parliament who breastfed her baby while moving a motion. Last summer Larissa Waters was speaking about black lung disease, while feeding her 14-week-old daughter Alia Joy on the parliament floor. Prior to that the Water made history for breastfeeding during session. She’s not the only one. Unnur Brá Konráðsdóttir breastfed in during a session of parliament in Iceland. It’s time for America to play catch-up to the rest of the world. Most developed countries and civilized nations recognize and understand a parent can and is able to do their jobs and be their for their newborns or infants. We are at a time in our nation where strong women should be looked at and encouraged in our workforce, particularly in politics where women as a whole are underrepresented. As the mother of two small children (the oldest about to start kindergarten… please don’t even make me think about that), I took my children with me everywhere I went for most of their earliest years. As a nursing mother it was important for them to be able to be at the office with me and both children went to work and meetings with me regularly in their first year and half of life. As a mother who values an attachment parenting style it was critical for me to be able to bond with my kids while still being able get the job done. In my particular case that meant my daughter being at my office on The Hill within weeks of her birth for me to work through the State of the Union. The fact that the Senate has to change their rules in 2018 to allow this new mother (or new parents regardless of gender) to have a child on the floor is long overdue. Hopefully it doesn’t take very much time to make this allowance and hopefully commonsense and decency will prevail in a place not necessarily known for either. This is great opportunity for our nation’s lawmakers to set the standard all workplaces around the country should adopt. Working women should not only feel welcomed to have their young children at at work, they should feel encouraged to do so. The need to update this rule, serves to show what a long way we still have to go as a country in making our workforce both welcoming for women, and also encouraging to families who want to bond with their young children. Not just for mothers and their children, but for fathers as well. Congratulations Sen. Duckworth on baby Maile Pearl. Here’s to hoping the Senate takes care of this antiquated rule ASAP.
Governor Kay Ivey needs to stop John Cooper’s #Bridge2Nowhere
Is John Cooper, the director of Alabama Department of Transportation, building a costly and unnecessary “Bridge to Nowhere?” As a Magic 8-ball would say, “All signs point to yes.” That’s the bottom line of multiple critics, according to an AL.com article this weekend. The story cites a legal filing filed by the owners of the Foley Beach Express, the toll-bridge built and maintained through a private-public partnership, who are fighting the state’s use of eminent domain to take their property for what would be a new bridge over the Intracoastal Waterway. It also, highlights local opposition to the bridge from residents, many who have joined a Facebook group “End the #Bridge2Nowhere,” which started in 2016 when the bridge was first proposed before being rejected. Their concerns rang from questions about its cost, the use of eminent domain and ultimately how they say it would disrupt rather than help local traffic. I’m not a lawyer, but I read the filing (and you can too, it’s linked here) it’s hard to believe some of the explosive new information it contains hasn’t gotten more attention. More politics as usual coming from Montgomery. Exactly what one has come to expect from a Robert Bentley appointee who’s department was used as a hammer by the former-Governor himself in an attempt to get the legislature to raise taxes. None of what it says is good news for taxpayers. First, we are told a new bridge is necessary to alleviate traffic congestion in the coastal communities of Orange Beach and Gulf Shores. Yet the filing states that ALDOT Director John Cooper has explicitly said that a new bridge is unnecessary to address traffic concerns. Second, Cooper has stated that he is pushing for the new bridge solely because he does not like the deal that was struck when the Foley Beach Express was constructed. Orange Beach Mayor Tony Kennon has echoed this sentiment publicly, saying that after a new bridge is constructed, “I hope they (the owners of the Beach Express) go bankrupt.” Well that’s one way to get the free ride you were hoping for Mayor. Wait, it’s going to cost how much? See next point. Maybe that “free ride” isn’t free after all. Third, ALDOT is unable to justify the cost, with an absurd price range of $30 – $87 million, by providing any traffic studies or data pointing to the need for another bridge. Cooper appears to have made his decision that he wants a bridge, regardless of what impact it will have on traffic or the local economy, and is retroactively going through the process of securing approval. ALDOT is running into problems, though: Just this week, two committees of the Florida-Alabama Transportation Planning Organization voted to table a plan to build the bridge. Their reasoning, per sources in the room: “the lack of traffic study information…as well as the lack of an environmental impact statement for the project.” You know the basics usually involved in big projects that aren’t being rushed and pushed down the throats of everyone involved. Cooper was subpoenaed to testify about these discrepancies, but ALDOT filed a motion to dismiss the subpoena so he wouldn’t have to defend his quest for what seems to be an unnecessary expense approaching 100 million taxpayer dollars. Long story short: There is no defense for the defensible. Local government agencies are now catching on to what Mr. Cooper has known all along. Cooper is using the power vested in him by Bentley, then maintained by Governor Kay Ivey when she took over, and is pulling out all the stops to put a private company out of business. All the while failing to do anything about actual traffic congestion or infrastructure concerns. And it’s not clear that the governor is on board – she recently gave approval in writing for a transportation plan in Baldwin County that included no mention of this bridge. The BP spending documents also don’t mention the project specifically. Transportation and transparency clearly don’t go together under Director Cooper’s watch. Why does it matter if this bridge is built and what can we do to stop it? First, it matters because this is a blatant waste of valuable infrastructure money at a time where safety and the growth of the economy is on the line. How can we trust ALDOT to oversee the construction of a new bridge over Mobile Bay, when the agency clearly doesn’t have the state’s best interests in mind? How can we be expected to support new I-10 construction when our leaders can’t justify a single penny of an unnecessary bridge to the beach? Let’s work together and make sure our elected officials know that we want better: Stop the bridge to nowhere. Stop the waste of money. Stop the use of eminent domain. Stop the games and do what’s right for the state.
Richard Shelby selected to chair powerful Senate spending panel
Republicans on the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee selected Alabama’s senior Sen. Richard Shelby as their new chairman Monday. On Tuesday, the full Senate confirmed the selection to serve as chairman for the remainder of the 115th Congress. “My colleagues have placed their trust in me to lead the Senate Appropriations Committee, and I am honored to serve our nation in this new capacity,” said Shelby. “This is a remarkable opportunity. I look forward to working with Vice Chairman Leahy and the entire committee as we continue the practice of writing and approving bills that responsibly allocate funding for the activities and duties of the federal government.” Shelby continued, “It is a privilege to continue serving the people of the great state of Alabama and the entire nation in this new position of leadership.” In addition to serving as chairman of the full Committee on Appropriations, Senator Shelby will also assume the chairmanship of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense. It is the responsibility of the Senate Appropriations Committee to write funding bills and oversee the implementation of the legislation by the executive branch. The Subcommittee on Defense specifically focuses on national security priorities, providing the necessary funding to support our military and other defense operations. “I am proud to take on a larger role, helping to secure funding to strengthen our military,” Shelby added. “With heightened global instability, as well as diverse and complex threats currently facing the United States, national security is of the utmost importance.” Shortly after the confirmation, Alabama 1st District U.S. Rep. Bradley Byrne extended his congratulations to Shelby. “Congratulations to Senator Shelby on being selected as Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee,” Bryne said in a statement. “Over the years, Senator Shelby has been a steadfast champion for Alabama’s priorities, and I have no doubt his efforts will continue in this prestigious position.” Senator Shelby previously served as vice chairman of the committee for the 113th Congress. Shelby has also served as the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Rules and Administration, the Senate Banking Committee, and the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence.
Donald Trump nominates Ala. Solicitor General Andrew Brasher to District Judge
President Donald Trump on Tuesday announced his intent to nominate a twelfth wave of judicial nominees — 20 judges, including one from Montgomery, Ala. Alabama Solicitor General Andrew Brasher has been nominated to be District Judge for the Middle District of Alabama. Brasher is being nominated as a replacement to Brett Talley who had to withdraw his nomination last year after it was revealed he failed to disclose to the Judiciary Committee his wife worked for the White House counsel’s office. He was also rated “not qualified” by the American Bar Assn.’s screening committee having never tried a case. As Solicitor General, Brasher has argued in the U.S. Supreme Court, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit, and the Alabama Supreme Court, tried cases in Federal and State courts, and won two “Best Brief Awards” from the National Association of Attorneys General. Prior to his appointment as Solicitor General in 2014, he served for several years as the Deputy Solicitor General. Before joining the Alabama Attorney General’s office, Brasher practiced in the litigation and white collar criminal defense practice groups in the Birmingham office of Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP. Upon graduation from law school, Brasher served as a law clerk to Judge William H. Pryor Jr. of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit. Brasher earned his B.A., with honors and summa cum laude, from Samford University, where he presently serves on the Board of Overseers, and his J.D., cum laude, from Harvard Law School, where he was a member of the Harvard Law Review and winner of the Victor Brudney Prize. Sen. Richard Shelby described the appointment as “great news” in a Facebook post. Great news from the White House today! Andrew Brasher of Montgomery has been nominated to be District Judge for the Middle District of Alabama. His experience in the courtroom will be valuable in this new role as he continues to serve Alabama. Mark Sloke of Mobile has also been nominated by the President to serve as the US Marshal for the Southern District of Alabama. I look forward to seeing him continue to enforce the law and protect our citizens in his new role.
State appeals court’s abortion ruling for Alabama minors
Federal judges on Tuesday will hear arguments of appeal for an Alabama abortion law that was reversed. The overturned law allowed a judge to appoint a lawyer for the fetus of a minor mother seeking an abortion through a trial-like process. Current law requires un-emancipated minors to have the permission of her parent or guardian to have an abortion. But in this case, the minor petitioned a juvenile court for a judgment waiving the requirement of parental consent to allow her to have an abortion. This law allowed a judge in one case to appoint a lawyer for the minor’s fetus and authorized the district attorney to call witnesses to decide whether the minor was mature and well-informed enough to make the decision get an abortion, and that performance of the abortion would be in her best interest. In 2014, a Montgomery abortion clinic sued the state claiming the process burdened the minor and violated her confidentiality, and in July of 2017, a federal judge struck down the law. In September of 2017, the Alabama Court of Civil Appeals said that the judge wrongly blocked the minor’s abortion. Saying that the judge misapplied the law and thus reversed the decision. “The juvenile court’s judgment is reversed, and this court hereby renders a judgment granting a statutory waiver of parental consent,” read the opinion of the Court of Civil Appeals. In response, the state in October appealed the court’s decision saying the regulatory law does not keep minors from getting abortions in their best interests.
Kay Ivey signs amendments to Simplified Sellers Use Tax program
Governor Kay Ivey signed amendments to the Simplified Sellers Use Tax (SSUT) program into law on Friday. HB470, sponsored by Fairfield-Democrat State Rep. Rod Scott passed in the state House and Senate in late March. “This legislation will help bring about a competitive balance between brick-and-mortar retailers in Alabama and third-party online sellers, while streamlining the collection of use taxes that are currently due on online transactions,” Ivey said. “Use taxes are an important funding resource for Alabama’s General Fund and local governments, and the monies collected will be used to improve and expand much needed services.” The legislation, effective Jan. 1, 2019, requires that online marketplaces collect and dispatch use taxes on sales made through their store by third-party sellers, and requires them to report their sales to the Alabama Department of Revenue. It also requires that marketplaces notify customers of their use tax obligations, and allows those already participating in the SSUT program, who have establish a physical presence in this state, to continue to participate in the program. Before the program launched in 2015, online sellers without a brick-and mortar presence in the state were not responsible for collecting and remitting taxes on sales made within the state, which resulted in millions of dollars of revenue lost, and put retailers who did collect sales tax at a disadvantage. Currently, almost 200 sellers participate in SSUT. They have generated more than $87 million in collections since the program launched in 2015 and more than $27 million collected in the first four months 2018. The amendments signed by Ivey to increase the tax compliance by third-party online sellers could result in an increase of as much as $40 million annually. 60 percent of the local distribution will go to municipalities and counties will get 40 percent.
Google breaks ground on $600M Alabama data center
Google executives joined Governor Kay Ivey, Alabama 5th District U.S. Rep. Mo Brooks at a groundbreaking ceremony on Monday to mark the official start of construction on a $600 million data center that will bring as many as 100 jobs to the northeast Alabama community of Bridgeport. Google’s Jackson County data center will feature state-of-the-art energy efficiency technology. The company has also committed to purchase enough renewable electricity to match 100 percent of the facility’s power consumption. The facility will be the company’s 14th data center site globally and the eighth in the U.S., the second new U.S. location since 2007. “Google is committed to investing in Jackson County to create new economic and educational opportunities for the people of Alabama and the surrounding region.” said Dr. Nan Boden, Senior Director and Head of Global Technology Partners for Google Cloud. “As a native Alabamian, I am so proud to be part of the effort to bring this Google data center to life in the coming months and years.” The Alabama data center will act as an engine for internet traffic, operating in a network that keeps the Google search engine and company products such as Gmail and YouTube up and running for global users 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Alabama officials said the Google data center will provide a major economic boost to the Jackson County area, beginning with hundreds of construction jobs as the facility is built. The data center’s highly technical workforce will number between 75 and 100, with the potential for growth in the future. “As one of the world’s most dynamic and innovative technology companies, Google’s products touch billions of people across the globe every single day,” said Ivey. “We’re proud that Alabama is playing an important role in Google’s future growth, and we look forward to seeing this data center operation help power that growth.” Google selected the Jackson County site because it offered the right combination of energy infrastructure as well as developable land. In addition, both state and local officials worked very hard to forge a partnership with the company and advance the data center project. “I’m thrilled to join with Google today as they break ground on their data center in Jackson County,” added Brooks. “It’s great to see companies like Google recognize what we in the Tennessee Valley have known all along — that we have a tremendous pool of talent in Northern Alabama and that this is a wonderful place to live and work.” Once the Google facility opens, it will be Alabama’s first large-scale data center. It will also add a new dimension to Jackson County’s economy, which today has a heavy concentration of manufacturers producing items ranging from carpets to auto parts. “This is a big day for Bridgeport because it helps our city in many different ways,” weighed in Mayor David “Bubba” Hughes. “Having Google in our community will bring us great jobs and offer real opportunities for our young people. Google is a generous supporter of schools, and the company’s presence will help us recruit other high-tech companies. No doubt about it — this is a game-changer for us.” As part of its commitment to local communities, Google also announced onsite that it would be donating $100,000 to the Jackson County School District for the growth and development of the region’s student STEM programs. “We are so excited to become a part of Jackson County, and are committed to helping the community thrive,” said Brenda Standridge, Hardware Operations Manager and Site Lead. “I look forward to seeing how we will continue to work with community leaders to develop new opportunities for the children in this school district.” “With this generous grant, Google has again proven itself a community partner and a supporter of the Jackson County School District,” added Kevin Dukes, superintendent. “We are thankful for their ongoing support of our children’s futures and are thrilled that they will now call this area home.” Google’s newest data center is being constructed on over 500 acres adjacent to the site of the decommissioned Widows Creek coal-fired power plant once operated by the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA). Google is partnering with TVA to source renewable power and will utilize the site’s existing electricity transmission lines to enhance the data center’s reliability and bring in clean power. “The milestone we celebrate today is the result of government, business and community leaders working together with TVA to bring good jobs and quality investment to our region,” said TVA president and CEO Bill Johnson. “Google’s newest facility on the site of TVA’s former fossil plant at Widows Creek ensures that this storied location continues to be a landmark for technology and economic development for the people of North Alabama.” Repurposing the Widows Creek site and committing to match 100 percent of their electricity consumption at the Alabama data center with renewable energy purchases reflects Google’s longtime leadership on renewable energy. The company was one of the first to begin buying renewables on a large scale in 2010 and recently announced that it achieved 100 percent renewable energy for its operations in 2017.
Walt Maddox announces mental health policy plan
Tuscaloosa Mayor and Democratic gubernatorial candidate Walt Maddox on Monday released his policy plan to address mental health issues in Alabama if elected Governor. Maddox’s plan focuses on improving mental health through Medicaid expansion. “Nationwide, almost one-third of persons who receive health insurance coverage through Medicaid expansion have a mental disorder, a substance abuse disorder, or both,” said Maddox. “People who are uninsured have a higher prevalence of mental health conditions than the overall population, and expansion is key to providing broader access to mental health treatment.” Maddox says Alabama has consistently decreased or level funded mental health “in an era where society is experiencing increasing mental health problems.” “All of Alabama’s 54 rural counties are classified as mental health care shortage areas,” Maddox continued. “Our jails and prisons have become de facto mental hospitals, but without providing effective treatment. There’s no reason we cannot return to the days of providing comprehensive and effective prevention and treatment for mental illness.” As such, Maddox’s plan includes focusing on prisoner mental health. “For too long, politicians in Alabama have focused on meting out harsh punishment through long prison sentences, while ignoring the fact that many prisoners have mental health problems and most of them will return to society one day.” In June 2017, a federal court found Alabama prison system’s mental-health care to be “horrendously inadequate” and thus in violation of the U.S. Constitution’s ban on cruel and unusual punishment. His mental health plan also includes: Providing mental health resources to schools. As part of his Alabama Education Lottery proposal $25 million will be allocated annually for Community Innovation Grants that can be used by local school systems to improve social services to students, including providing mental health resources. Appointing a professional commissioner of mental health who is given free rein to advocate for more funding, more effective treatments, and better facilities. Separating out substance abuse programs from under the Department of Mental Health, so that a cabinet level officer would report to the Governor on the state’s opioid crisis and other substance abuse problems, allowing the Department of Mental health to concentrate on its core mission. “Alabama has betrayed its own legacy of effective and compassionate mental health treatment by continually underfunding mental health services, relying on jails and prisons to house the severely mentally ill, and passing the state’s responsibility down to communities and local governments. Under my administration, mental health will be a priority,” Maddox posted on Facebook announcing his plan.
Kay Ivey: One year in, serving Alabama
April 10, 2018, marks one year since I unexpectedly became governor. With only three hours’ notice I was called on to lead. The tasks at hand were plentiful. We had to restore integrity to state government. Relationships with legislators and community leaders across the state had to be repaired. Priorities needed to be reexamined and progress had to be achieved. Most of all, the people of Alabama needed a reason to believe in, and trust, their leaders again. Since I took the oath of office, I quickly learned a year isn’t a very long time, and there aren’t always enough hours in a day. Yet, with your help, and some determination, things in Alabama are a lot different today than they were one year ago. Unemployment is the lowest in history and more Alabamians are working today than ever before. We’ve brought transparency to government by banning lobbyists from appointments by the executive branch, and we’ve worked closely with the Legislature to bring about conservative policies. We’ve prioritized improving education, passed the largest education budget in a decade and gave education employees a much deserved raise. More troopers are patrolling our roads; important highway construction projects are under way, and we are providing more funding for our troubled prison system. Good government can’t happen without good state employees, and I’m proud the Legislature and I have given them their first cost of living raise in a decade. We’ve done all of this without raising taxes on the people of Alabama. In fact, we’ve cut taxes by an estimated $40 million over the next 10 years. As a child, I remember my pastor in my home town of Camden, talk about the need for a vision. He cited Proverbs 29:18, which reminds us that human prosperity requires a plan. For me, that plan is simple: first, follow God and second, do all I can to improve the lives of others. We must be intentional and use innovative ideas, so that we will positively impact the lives of all Alabamians. As governor, I’ve spent a large part of my time focused on education. That won’t stop. I have a plan to ensure every third grader is proficient in reading by 2022. By that same year, we will give our 21st century students a 21st century education by providing at least one computer science course in every Alabama high school. To continue attracting top companies to Alabama, we will work toward increasing the number of Alabamians who hold a post-secondary degree, certificate or credential. We’ll reform our antiquated budget system to ensure that taxpayer dollars are being spent wisely. We have not been served well by earmarking 92 percent of all dollars coming to the state before they are collected. We need flexibility to set spending priorities yearly, so we can make the biggest impact possible while being good stewards of our resources. Alabama cannot continue operating the way we have in regard to our budgets and spending priorities. From my first day in office, I have been committed to honesty and integrity in government. We will continue that by reforming the way our Ethics Commission operates. Two individuals, who have been removed from office in the last few years, found themselves before the same members of the Ethics Commission that they had appointed to serve. This is problematic, and I propose we remove appointing power to the Ethics Commission from the governor, lieutenant governor and speaker of the House, instead allowing the judicial branch to make the appointments. This will remove politics from our Ethics Commission. The message is clear; we cannot continue with business as usual. This past year has been a busy one, and the next will be as well. I don’t know what the future holds, but I do know this – being your governor is the highest honor of my life. Thank you for allowing me to serve you and for joining me on this journey as we continue to make Alabama an even better place to call home. ••• Kay Ellen Ivey is the 54th Governor of Alabama. She was sworn in on April 10, 2017, becoming only the second woman, and the first Republican woman, to serve as governor. At the time of taking office, Governor Ivey was serving in her second term as lieutenant governor.
