Kay Ivey in 2019 Governor's State of the State speeches
On Education:
Invest in Pre-K: now more than 1000 classes
The tremendous efforts of the Department of Early Childhood Education have enabled Alabama's First Class Pre-K to be ranked as the nation's highest quality program for the 12th consecutive year! Last year, we increased funding by
$18.5 million dollars, which was the largest, single-year increase ever approved. Because of that, 107 new First Class Pre-K classrooms were added last fall, which led Alabama to officially break the 1,000-classroom mark.
Alabama's teachers are vital to our students and they deserve to be the highest paid public employees in our state. That is why,
I am proposing a four percent raise for all teachers: pre-k through community college! Without our teachers, our students cannot achieve success! The foundation for a strong future for all Alabamians begins in the classroom.
Source: 2019 State of the State address to the Alabama legislature
Mar 6, 2019
On Tax Reform:
Cut taxes; reduce government
We have cut taxes on middle-class families, and we are shrinking government. Last year, I was very proud to sign into law the largest tax break for middle-class Alabamians in more than a decade! In turn, the total impact is projected to net
$40 million dollars in savings for our taxpayers over the next decade. All of our efforts are centered on doing what is best and right for the people of our state--and that begins with protecting their hard-earned dollars whenever and however we can.
Source: 2019 State of the State address to the Alabama legislature
Mar 6, 2019
On Tax Reform:
Increased fuel tax strictly for infrastructure
Driving on rough roads costs the average Alabamian $507 dollars annually in additional vehicle maintenance--a total of $2 billion dollars statewide, each year! That is why we are proposing a 10-cent increase in Alabama's fuel tax.
And I want to be crystal clear--this money will be scrutinized and watched over--every single penny. There will be strong accountability measures to make certain these monies are spent solely on transportation infrastructure. Period.
Source: 2019 State of the State address to the Alabama legislature
Mar 6, 2019
On Technology:
Help black students pursue STEM careers
We are continuing our efforts to enhance computer science education. Last year, I signed legislation establishing the Alabama School of Cyber Technology and Engineering. We secured additional funding to create the Alabama Math and Science
Teacher Education Program, which provides a better pathway to certify future computer science teachers. Equipping our students with the proper skills and education to fill high-demand jobs is essential.
I am asking the Legislature to fund our new co-op program for Alabama's Historically Black Colleges and Universities. It is geared specifically toward students interested in pursuing careers in the science, technology, engineering and mathematics
fields. It is not only a win for these students; it's a win for these colleges and universities and for our employers who are gaining qualified individuals to strengthen the work of their company.
Source: 2019 State of the State address to the Alabama legislature
Mar 6, 2019
Page last updated: Apr 02, 2019