Ivey Delivers Final State of the State

Highlights Economic Growth, Education Gains, and Public Safety Priorities

Montgomery-Gov. Kay Ivey used her final State of the State address Tuesday night in Montgomery to reflect on nearly a decade of leadership, point to measurable gains across state government, and urge lawmakers to finish her final year with the same momentum she says has defined her tenure.

Opening her 10th Regular Session as governor, Ivey told lawmakers and Alabamians that “the momentum is in our sails in Alabama – and we are not done yet,” noting how much the state has changed since she was sworn in on April 10, 2017.

As a former economic developer, Ivey said business recruitment and job creation were early priorities. Since then, she said Alabama has seen “investments totaling $69 billion which has created 100,000 jobs – and counting.” She pointed to the state’s consistent ranking among the top 10 states for doing business and highlighted growth in both legacy industries and emerging sectors, including pharmaceutical manufacturing and advanced technology.

One of the most significant announcements she revisited was the long-awaited decision to locate U.S. Space Command Headquarters in Huntsville. After years of advocacy, Ivey declared, “Now, finally, it’s official: Space Command Headquarters is coming to Sweet Home Alabama!”

Ivey emphasized that economic growth would not be possible without infrastructure investment. Since 2019, she said Alabama has generated more than $2 billion for transportation projects through Rebuild Alabama, funding 500 road and bridge projects across all 67 counties. She also highlighted progress in broadband access, noting Alabama has risen from near the bottom nationally to 24th in connectivity, with a plan to reach 100 percent statewide coverage.

Turning to government reform, Ivey said her administration has focused on effectiveness and accountability, including the consolidation of the Department of Workforce, which she said helped move 25,000 people back into the workforce in its first year. She also highlighted cabinet-level changes involving Veterans Affairs, Pardons and Paroles, and the Department of Transportation.

Ivey said her administration has supported Alabama families through record foster care adoptions, education savings accounts under the CHOOSE Act, and paid parental leave for teachers. She also touted tourism growth, outdoor recreation investments, and Alabama’s expanding role in national defense, from aircraft production to shipbuilding.

Public safety remained a central theme. Ivey urged lawmakers to pass legislation that would allow the death penalty for those who rape or sodomize a child, calling on the Legislature to act quickly. She also supported tougher penalties for fleeing law enforcement and praised state troopers, proposing a two percent pay raise for state employees, including law enforcement and mental health workers.

On corrections, Ivey said Alabama is nearing completion of the new men’s prison in Elmore County while continuing work on the Escambia facility and recruiting corrections officers.

Education, a hallmark issue of her administration, featured prominently. Ivey recalled that when she took office Alabama ranked near the bottom nationally in fourth-grade math and reading. After launching her “Strong Start, Strong Finish” initiative, she said the state has climbed to 32nd in math and 34th in reading, ranked first nationally in math recovery, and significantly expanded pre-K and specialty schools.

“Truly, the tides are turning when it comes to education in Alabama,” she said.

Ivey announced that her final Education Trust Fund budget proposal will be the largest in state history and includes another two percent pay raise for teachers. She also called for continued investment in literacy and numeracy initiatives, expansion of the Turnaround Schools program, and new policies such as limiting screen time in early learning centers.

She also defended school choice, noting that more than 23,000 students are currently benefiting from the CHOOSE Act and proposing to increase its funding to $250 million by the 2027–28 academic year. Ivey voiced support for the “Let the Kids Play Act” to ensure students using education savings accounts are not excluded from athletics.

Healthcare and disaster preparedness were also addressed. Ivey announced Alabama will receive more than $203 million in first-year funding from the Rural Health Transformation Program and urged collaboration to improve rural healthcare delivery. She also called for a statewide resilience plan and announced the launch of a flood notification system aimed at protecting children at camps and schools.

As Alabama prepares to celebrate the nation’s 250th anniversary, Ivey highlighted civic pride and service, recognizing Rodney Smith, founder of the 50 Yard Challenge, for his nationwide volunteer work assisting veterans.

Closing her remarks, Ivey thanked legislators, staff, and citizens for their partnership and urged young people to consider public service. She described herself as “a governor of ALL THE PEOPLE” and said Alabama’s future remains bright.

“The state of our state is strong, and our future is even stronger,” Ivey said, encouraging lawmakers to finish the session united and focused on what she called Alabama’s “best days still ahead.”