Kay Ivey in 2018 Governor's State of the State speeches
On Civil Rights:
Held first ever Governor's Disability Job Fair
One of the most meaningful experiences I have had as governor was to participate in the first ever Governor's Disability Job Fair with the Secretary of Labor, Commissioner of Mental Health, Executive Director of the Governor's Office on Disability, and
Commissioner of the Department of Rehabilitation Services. The fair consisted of more than 95 employers looking to fill over 3,100 positions. 1,100 people attended the Disability Job Fair.One of those job-seekers is with us tonight--Caryn McDade.
Caryn walked into the Governor's Disability Job Fair looking for an opportunity. As a teenager, Caryn's learning disabilities plagued her until she saw no alternative other than dropping out of school.
[Caryn has been working with several agencies to get her GED and develop other job skills.] By the end of the week after the fair, Caryn was employed full-time as a home health care aide.
Source: 2018 State of the State speech to Alabama legislature
Jan 9, 2018
On Crime:
More prison staffing and more capital investments in prisons
For far too long, we have neglected the state's prison system. This neglect has created an environment that is overcrowded and understaffed. Our facilities are worn and old. Correctional professionals work diligently to provide security, medical,
mental health and rehabilitative services in a challenging environment. They deserve our attention and support. We must also work diligently to provide appropriate, constitutional care to those placed in the custody of the Department of Corrections.
Immediately after taking office, I developed a plan to address correctional staffing, which will improve the delivery of inmate healthcare and make capital investments in our infrastructure. We have commissioned comprehensive reviews to determine
the compensation levels necessary to recruit and retain corrections staff. I have [started] developing a master plan, so we will be able to make smart, cost-effective decisions when addressing our outdated prison infrastructure.
Source: 2018 State of the State speech to Alabama legislature
Jan 9, 2018
On Education:
Strong Start, Strong Finish: from pre-K to workforce
For Alabamians to have career opportunities, they must be prepared when the right job comes along. My education initiative, Strong Start, Strong Finish, does just that. Under Strong Start, Strong Finish, we will coordinate our efforts and bring all
stakeholders to the table in order to improve education all the way from Pre-K to the workforce.I instituted Strong Start, Strong Finish, because we must prepare our people for the jobs of today and for the jobs of tomorrow.
By 2020, 62% of all jobs available in Alabama will require some form of postsecondary education. However, today, only 37% of our workforce has achieved such an education. We must ensure that our students graduate high school and then earn
a postsecondary certificate or degree.
I'm proud to have quickly become known as a governor focused on education. Over the past nine months, I have devoted a great deal of my time to my role as president of the State Board of Education.
Source: 2018 State of the State speech to Alabama legislature
Jan 9, 2018
On Government Reform:
Ban lobbyists from appointments by the executive branch
I wanted to restore our state's image. To do this, government must be efficient and transparent. With executive orders, we've streamlined state government, dissolved unneeded task forces, and banned lobbyists from appointments by the executive
branch, ensuring more citizens have an opportunity to serve and contribute. Administratively, I've appointed more than 350 qualified and diverse individuals to boards and other groups which affect the day-to-day lives of Alabamians.
Source: 2018 State of the State speech to Alabama legislature
Jan 9, 2018
On Gun Control:
Firearms industry jobs part of rich history of 2nd Amendment
I am proud to announce this evening that Kimber Firearms will build a $38 million dollar production facility in Troy, bringing with it 366 new jobs! These are good, high-paying jobs, and will enable more of our citizens to provide for their families
while taking part in the rich history of the Second Amendment. This announcement and countless others like it make one thing clear: what we are doing is working, and as a result, the people of Alabama are working and providing for their families.
Source: 2018 State of the State speech to Alabama legislature
Jan 9, 2018
On Principles & Values:
Guide ship of state through storm of governor's resignation
Most governors have 3 months to prepare. I had three hours. After being sworn in as governor on April 10, 2017 [when Gov. Bentley abruptly resigned in scandal], I promised the people of Alabama there would be no disruption in the ongoing functions of
the state. That's a promise kept.My immediate pledge was to steady the ship of state, and navigate Alabama through the storm we found ourselves in. That, too, is a promise kept.
I was sworn in exactly half way through a session that
I began as president of the Senate. As governor, I signed 333 bills and resolutions into law. Many bills I signed as governor also bore my signature from my time as president of the Senate. The smooth transition of government, brought me full
circle--from the legislative to the executive. I support having a lieutenant governor who presides over the Senate. Our current order of succession serves the state well. I know this firsthand, having experienced it.
Source: 2018 State of the State speech to Alabama legislature
Jan 9, 2018
On Principles & Values:
Listen, Learn, Help and Lead tour, to restore confidence
[After replacing half the Cabinet members after Gov. Bentley's resignation], my second major effort was to connect with and hear directly from Alabamians, so that together we would restore confidence in state government. An effective leader does four
things: listen, learn, help, and lead. To help and lead the people of Alabama, it was essential that I first listen to and learn from the people of Alabama.Throughout July, August and September, I embarked on my Listen, Learn, Help and Lead tour
where I visited communities across the state. I spent an entire day in these communities, meeting with local leaders and visiting their businesses and schools. I wanted to learn about their successes and their challenges. I wanted to hear
from everyday people, not just from the politicians and lobbyists in Montgomery.
These meetings were beneficial and well received. People were excited about reconnecting with their governor.
Source: 2018 State of the State speech to Alabama legislature
Jan 9, 2018
Page last updated: Apr 07, 2019