>> TODD STACY: YOU ARE LOOKING LIVE AT THE OLD HOUSE CHAMBER AT THE STATE CAPITOL WHERE IN ABOUT 30 MINUTES, GOVERNOR IVEY IS GOING TO DELIVER HER ANNUAL STATE OF THE STATE ADDRESS TO THE MEMBERS OF THE ALABAMA LEGISLATURE AND MORE BROADLY, TO THE RESIDENTS OF THE STATE.

THIS IS GOING TO BE GOVERNOR IVEY'S SEVENTH STATE OF THE STATE ADDRESS SINCE SHE ASSUMED OFFICE BACK IN 2017.

GOOD EVENING, I'M TODD STACY, HOST OF "CAPITOL JOURNAL" HERE ON ALABAMA PUBLIC TELEVISION.

WELCOME TO TONIGHT'S LIVE COVERAGE OF THE STATE OF THE STATE ADDRESS.

WE HAVE AN INTERESTING LINEUP OF GUESTS TO HELP OFFER ANALYSIS LATER IN THE SHOW AND HELP PROVIDE CONTEXT ON WHAT IS ALWAYS AN INTERESTING NIGHT IN ALABAMA POLITICS.

FIRST, LET'S GET UP TO SPEED ON WHAT'S HAPPENED SO FAR IN THE LEGISLATIVE SESSION THAT STARTED EARLIER TODAY.

LAWMAKERS HAVE BEEN MEETING WITH THE STATE AGENCY LEADERS FOR A SERIES OF BUDGET HEARINGS THAT OFFER A FIRST LOOK AT HOW THE STATE'S GENERAL FUND AND EDUCATION TRUST FUND BUDGETS WILL SHAPE UP THIS YEAR.

OF COURSE, THE BUDGET PROCESS STARTS WHEN GOVERNOR IVEY GIVES HER PROPOSAL TO THE STATE LEGISLATURE.

AND THEY TOLD LAWMAKERS WHAT THEY CAN EXPECT.

FOR THE EDUCATION TRUST FUND, IVEY IS PROPOSE WILL $9.43 BILLION, 6%' CEASE AND ANOTHER RECORD HIGH.

THIS IS THE BUDGET THAT FUNDS THE RANGE OF EDUCATION SERVICES FROM PRE K TO 12 THROUGH HIGHER EDUCATION.

IVY'S PRIORITIES WILL ALLOW FAMILIES TO TAKE PUBLIC TAX DOLLARS TO GO TO PRIVATE SCHOOLS OR HOMESCHOOL.

WE'LL TALK ABOUT THAT IN A BIT.

IN ADDITIONS, THERE'S MINE TO BE SPENT ON THE ADVANCEMENT AND TECHNOLOGY FUND.

WHAT TO DO WITH THE GROCERY SALES TAX?

REMEMBER THE LEGISLATURE REDUCED THE SALES TAX ON FOOD BY ONE PENNY AND WOULD REDUCE BY ANOTHER PENNY IF THE ETF IS SUFFICIENT BUT WE'VE LEARNED FROM POOLE TODAY THERE'S NOT GOING TO BE ANY MORE REDUCTION ON THE SALES TAX FUND.

WE'LL SEE 8.1% INCREASE OVER THIS PAST YEAR AND POOLE SAID IVEY'S PRIORITIES INCLUDE A ONE TIME CAPITAL NEEDS, STATE EMPLOYEE COMPENSATION, MEDICAID AND ALABAMA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS.

EVEN THOUGH THE GENERAL FUND REVENUE HAS GROWN OVER THE LAST YEAR, STATE AGENCIES SAY THEIR EXPENSES HAVE ALSO GROWN.

AT A BUDGET HEARING YESTERDAY NEARLY ALL AGENCIES SAID THEY NEEDED MORE FUNDING.

ALEA IS ASKING FOR AN ADDITIONAL $47.6 MILLION TO COVER THEIR INCREASED COSTS.

THE DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS SAYS IT NEEDS AN ADDITIONAL $158 MILLION.

DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN RESOURCE, 72-POINT $9 MILLION.

MEDICAID $92 MILLION AND MENTAL HEALTH 39-POINT 6 MILLION.

EACH AGENCY DETAILED HOW INCREASED COSTS ACROSS THE BOARD ARE FORCING DIFFICULT FINANCIAL DECISIONS.

AND WE CAUGHT UP WITH GREG ALBRITTON WHO EXPRESSED CONCERN THAT EVEN THOUGH IT'S SEEN GROWTH, STATE EXPENSES ARE GROWING AT A PACE THAT WILL BE TOUGH TO KEEP UP WITH.

>> I HAVE TYPICALLY, IN MY TENURE HERE, I'VE HAD BUDGET HEARINGS THROUGHOUT THE YEARS, DURING ALL THROUGHOUT THE TIME HAVING MORE OPPORTUNITY.

I DIDN'T DO THAT THIS YEAR.

I THINK IT WAS A MISTAKE AND ERROR.

SO, MY PURPOSE THIS TIME IS TO TRY TO HELP THE COMMITTEE AND THE PUBLIC UNDERSTAND WHERE OUR MONEY IS GOING AND HOW MUCH WE HAVE GROWN IN OUR BUDGET NEEDS FROM ONLY A FEW YEARS AGO.

SO, THAT'S MY PURPOSE.

NOT TRYING TO CAST STONES.

I'M ONLY TRYING TO DO IT AS EDUCATING HOW MUCH MORE MONEY IT'S TAKING TO DO THE SAME THINGS.

>> DO YOU THINK THE STATE IS GOING TO BE ABLE TO SUSTAIN THE BUDGET.

>> NO.

NO.

I THINK THAT OUR HEYDAY IS OVER AND THERE'S ANOTHER REASON ASKING THAT QUESTION, TO DRAW ATTENTION TO THE WE MAY BE SEEING A REDUCTION IN GROWTH.

WE JUST DON'T KNOW WHAT THE FUTURE WILL HOLD >> TODD STACY: AS THE LEGISLATURE GAVELED IN TODAY, SENATE PROTEM, GREG REED EXPRESSED OPTIMISM FOR THIS.

HE SAID DEBATE COULD AT TIMES BECOME HEATED OVER CONTROVERSIAL ISSUES BUT OVERALL, THE SENATE WILL DO THE BUSINESS OF THE PEOPLE.

>> MEMBERS HAVE BEEN DILIGENT IN THEIR WORK LEADING UP TO THE SESSION.

WE'VE GOT A LOT OF PLANNING AND WORK TO HELP MEMBERS UNDERSTAND WHAT'S IMPORTANT TO THE SENATE AS WELL AS THE LEGISLATURE.

THE GOVERNOR HAS SOME PRIORITIES AND WE'RE DIVING INTO ALL OF THOSE FRONT AND CENTER.

WE'RE GOING TO HAVE A NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEETINGS AND I KNOW THERE'S A QUITE OF BIT OF LEGISLATION INTRODUCED TODAY.

ACTION ON THURSDAY AND MAY BE LOOKING FOR TOPICS AS IS THE CASE ALWAYS WITH THE ALABAMA SENATE.

WE'LL HAVE ISSUES VERY CONFLICTED AND CONTROVERSIAL, ISSUES THAT WE MORE AGREE ON.

WE MAY BE LOOKING FOR A FEW AGREEMENT OPTIONS ON THURSDAY TO HELP MOVE LEGISLATION THAT EVERYBODY IS IN AGREEMENT ON.

AND THEN, WE'LL SEE WHAT TRANSPIRES AS WE MOVE INTO THE NEXT WEEK.

I'M NOT FOR SURE BUT THAT'S PROBABLY WHERE WE'RE HEADED THIS WEEK >> TODD STACY: WE'RE GOING TO TAKE A SHORT BREAK AND COME BACK WITH MORE LIVE COVERAGE OF THE STATE OF THE STATE.

>> TODD STACY: WELCOME BACK.

JOINING ME ON SET RANDY SCOTT AND JEFF SANDERS.

WELCOME TO STATE OF THE STATE.

>> GLAD TO BE HERE.

>> ALWAYS ONE OF THE BIGGEST NIGHTS IN ALABAMA POLITICS.

>> RIGHT.

HUGE SETTING OF THE TONE FOR THE REST OF THE SESSION.

>> LAWMAKERS ARE TRICKLING OVER FROM THE ALCOHOL TO THE STATE HOUSE AND THEY TAKE THE TUNNEL.

WE HAVE ABOUT 12 MINUTES UNTIL THE SPEECH BEGINS.

I WANT TO ASK YOU WHAT THINGS Y'ALL ARE GOING TO BE LOOKING FOR.

WE'VE STARTED THE SESSION AND WE KNOW WHAT THE ISSUES ARE GOING TO BE.

BUT THE GOVERNOR GETTING BEHIND CERTAIN BILLS, PROPOSING IDEAS OF HER OWN COULD BE A POWERFUL FORCE.

RANDY, I'LL START WITH YOU, WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING FOR FROM GOVERNOR IVEY.

>> I KNOW ONE THING TOSSED OUT AS TOPIC OF DISCUSSION, THE UPCOMING ELECTIONS.

AND BOTH SIDES TALKING FROM TWO DIFFERENT POINTS.

ONE, THEY WANT TO BE SURE THE ELECTIONS ARE SAFE AND SECURE.

THE OTHER SIDE -- AND THE SIDE THAT WANTS IT TO BE SECURE IS THE GOP, THE MAJORITY.

AND THE MINORITY SIDE SAYS, WE WANT TO MAKE SURE, AS WE SAID LAST WEEK, THAT THEY ARE SECURE -- WHICH THEY ALWAYS HAVE BEEN -- BUT MOST IMPORTANTLY TO THEM, FAIR.

THERE'S A LOT OF CONCERN ABOUT MAKING SURE THAT THE VOTERS AROUND THE STATE ARE GIVEN THE PROPER OPPORTUNITY TO CAST THEIR VOTE AND NOT HAVING ANYTHING COME UP TO HINDER THEM FROM DOING THAT, WHETHER IT'S VOTER SUPPRESSION AS SOME FOLKS SAID OR EVEN MAKING IT HARD FOR THEM TO GET OUT AND CAST THEIR VOTE.

THAT'S GOING TO BE SOMETHING THAT THEY ARE GOING TO TALK ABOUT AND BOTH SIDES, AS I SAID, HAVE A DOG IN THAT FIGHT >> TODD STACY: I AGREE ON THAT.

ON THE REPUBLICAN SIDE, THEY CALL IT BALLOT HARVESTING AND INCREASE PENALTIES FOR THAT.

AND ON THE DEMOCRATIC SIDE, THEY SAY THAT'S NOT AN ISSUE.

WE NEED TO EXPAND ABSENTEE BALLOTS.

COULDN'T BE FURTHER APART ON THAT ISSUE.

BUT THE GOVERNOR, IF SHE GETS BEHIND SOMETHING LIKE THAT, IT WOULD MEAN A BIG BOOST FOR THE G.O.P.

JEFF, WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR FROM YOUR PERSPECTIVE.

>> OBVIOUSLY, WE TALKED ABOUT BUDGETS EARLIER AND INCREASED SPENDING OVER THE PREVIOUS FISCAL YEAR AND MAYBE THE BUDGETS WON'T CONTINUE TO BE SO ROBUST IN THE COMING YEARS AS THE ECONOMY BEGINS TO SHIFT A LITTLE BIT.

I'M INTERESTED IN GAMING AND WE TALKED ABOUT THAT A LITTLE BIT.

WE KNOW, AND HEAR AND EXPECT GAMING LEGISLATION TO START IN THE HOUSE WHERE RANDY IS.

I'M CURIOUS WHAT THE GOVERNOR SAYS ABOUT IT TONIGHT.

WE'VE SAID THIS BEFORE, THINK THEY ARE GOING TO TAKE A SLIGHTLY DIFFERENT APPROACH HOW THEY GO ABOUT GAMING LEGISLATION THIS YEAR AND OF COURSE, START ANYTHING THE HOUSE IS THE DIFFERENT PLACE WHERE IT BEGAN.

BEGAN IN THE SENATE, SUCCEED NATURAL DISASTER THE SENATE AND FAILED IN THE HOUSE.

>> IF I CAN JUST STATE WHAT JEFF SAID.

I TALKED TO MEMBERS OF THE HOUSE, BOTH SIDES, BUT THEY HAVE ONE THING IN COMMON THEY ARE SAYING TODAY.

WE WANT TO SEE WHAT IT'S GOING TO BE ABOUT.

NOBODY HAS SEEN THE PLAN AS OF YET.

SO, BOTH SIDES ARE, I DON'T WANT TO SAY IN THE DARK WHILE WAITING WHAT'S GOING TO GET PRESENTED TO THEM, BUT THE FIGHTING CAN START IN EARNEST.

>> WELL, WHAT I AM HEARING TOO, DON'T BE SURPRISED IF THEY GO AT IT FROM THE CRACKING DOWN ON THE STATE, LOTS OF BINGO HALLS OPERATING IN THE STATE.

NOT JUST THE VICTORYLAND AND PLACES LIKE THAT, ON ANOTHER LEVEL.

BUT I'M CURIOUS TO SEE HOW THEY GO ABOUT IT AND HOW MUCH THE GOVERNOR GETS BEHIND IT >> TODD STACY: I AGREE.

WE'VE TALKED YEARS AND YEARS ABOUT GAMBLING.

BUT AS WE TALKED ABOUT IT LAST NIGHT ON "CAPITOL JOURNAL," BACK IN 2021, THERE WAS A GAMBLING PROPOSAL, REPUBLICAN AND VERY SIMILAR TO WHAT WE SAW, CASINOS, LOTTERY, SPORTS BETTING.

PASSED THE SENATE, HAD A DECENT CHANCE IN THE HOUSE BUT THE GOVERNOR HAD LUKEWARM SUPPORT SHE NEVER GOT BEHIND IT.

THINK HAD SHE, IT MAY HAVE MADE A DIFFERENCE.

SO I'M WATCHING.

DOES SHE SAY ANYTHING ABOUT GAMBLING, MAYBE TACITLY ENDORSE WHAT THE HOUSE MEMBERS ARE COOING.

-- DO.

AND IF SO, THAT WOULD BE A BOOST AND PLAY A SIGNIFICANT PART IN THE STATE.

WHAT ABOUT THE ISSUE OF SCHOOL CHOICE?

WE'VE HEARD A LOT ABOUT THIS, BEEN ANTICIPATING FOR WEEKS, MONTHS, WHAT DO YOU SAY THAT GOVERNOR IVEY IS GOING TO BRING HER OWN BILL, EDUCATION SAVINGS ACCOUNTS, WHERE PARENTS TAKE A PORTION OF TAXPAYER FUND TO HOMESCHOOL, PRIVATE SCHOOL OR MAYBE A DIFFERENT PUBLIC SCHOOL.

WE THINK WE'RE GOING TO HEAR SOMETHING TONIGHT, RIGHT, RANDY?

AND WHAT ARE THE MEMBERS OF THE HOUSE WAIT TO GO HEAR?

ARE THEY WAIT TO GO HEAR HER GO FORWARD AND LAY OUT A VISION.

>> THEY ARE CURIOUS TO HEAR WHAT HER PLAN IS.

SHE IS THE CHEERLEADER BEHIND GETTING THIS STARTED AND GOING THROUGH.

YOU HAVE TO REMEMBER, SHE'S A FORMER TEACHER HERSELF.

AND TEACHING EDUCATION, VERY BIG ON HER LIST OF THINGS TO DO.

THEY WANT TO KNOW WHAT IS THIS GOING TO CURTAIL EXACTLY.

I KNOW THAT WHEN WE SPOKE TO SOME OF THE MEMBERS, THEY WERE THINKING, WELL, IS THIS GOING TO BE SOMETHING THAT IS GOING TO BENEFIT THOSE WHO ARE DEFINITELY IN NEED OR IS THIS SOMETHING THAT MAY GET CONSTRUED GOING DOWN THE LINE AND GO SOMEWHERE ELSEWHERE IT DOESN'T NEED TO GO.

AND THEY BELIEVE THAT EDUCATION IS A TOP PRIORITY IN THE STATE.

NOW, IT'S ALL ABOUT, OKAY.

CAN WE AGREE ON HOW THIS IS TO HAPPEN OR DOES IT NEED TO HAPPEN AT ALL.

AGAIN, THERE ARE SOME THAT SAY THERE ARE SCHOOLS THAT MAY BE OPENING OUT RESOURCES THAT DON'T NEED THEM AND OTHER SCHOOLS THAT NEED THEM ARE BEING SHORTCHANGED.

SO, THERE'S A KEAN INTEREST TO HEAR WHAT THE GOVERNOR HAS TO SAY AND WHAT SHE STARTS OFF IF THE'^ IDEA TODAY AND GOING FORWARD WITH THAT.

BUT THEY ARE EAGER TO HEAR WHAT SHE HAS TO SAY.

>> I DON'T THINK DEMOCRATS ARE GOING TO BE HAPPY TO HEAR FROM EITHER SIDE OF THE AISLE GOING FORWARD IN THE SESSION.

THINK THE GOVERNOR GOING TO TAKE A VICTORY LAP ABOUT THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT IN THE STATE, INCENTIVES, BROADBAND AND ALABAMA IS LEADING THE NATION AS FAR AS PUSHING RURAL BROADBAND.

WE HAD ANOTHER PRESS CONFERENCE WITH THE GOVERNOR, PUSHING 4,000 MILES OF BROADBAND FUNDING FROM THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT FUNNELED THROUGH ADECA TO PRIVATE INTERNET PROVIDERS TO GET THE BROADBAND TO RURAL AND UNDERSERVED PARTS OF THE STATE.

SHE'LL TAKE A VICTORY LAP ON THAT.

>> THAT'S A BIG ONE, SHE'LL TAKE THAT FOR SURE.

NOW, YOU HAD A CONVERSATION WITH SENATE PRO TEM, AND AFTER THE SESSION HE DID A GAVEL WHICH WE ALWAYS APPRECIATE.

I KNOW PEOPLE ARE WONDERING, WHAT'S THE TONE, TENOR GOING TO BE LIKE UPSTAIRS IN THE SENATE.

>> WELL, WE THOUGHT THEY WERE GOING TO ATTACK A LOT OF THINGS, WE KNOW THAT THE BALLOT HARVESTING BILL IS GOING TO BE IN COMMITTEE AND ON THE FLOOR ON THURSDAY.

BUT HE PLAYED THAT DOWN TODAY.

HE SAID OBVIOUSLY, THERE'S CONTROVERSIAL BILLS DEBATED BUT HE WANTS TO GET SOME OF THESE EASIER BILLS WITH PRPTS SUPPORT MORE OF THOSE 0 ON THE FLOOR TO VOTE ON THURSDAY.

EASE THE SESSION IN AND SEE SOME OF THE HARDER STUFF HAPPENING NEXT WEEK.

THAT'S KIND OF THE WAY HE OPERATES, HE LIKES TO KEEP A SMOOTH RUNNING MACHINE UP IN THE SENATE.

>> WHAT ABOUT DOWNSTAIRS IN THE HOUSE?

WHAT'S THE VIBE LIKE?

THIS IS SPEAKER LEDBETTER'S ONLY SECOND SESSION.

>> RIGHT, SEEMS TO BE OFF TO A GOOD START.

EVERYBODY IS ENERGETIC, GET READY TO WORK, GETTING THE WORK STARTED.

SPEAKER LEDBETTER, WE DIDN'T TALK TO HIM BECAUSE HE HAD OTHER DUTIES TO TAKE CARE OF AS SOON AS THEY GAVELED OUT.

BUT EVERYBODY THAT CAME BY AND STOPPED BY TO TALK TO US, THEY SAID WE'RE LOOKING FORWARD TO SEEING HOW THIS IS STARTED.

TWO NEW MEMBERS WERE SWORN IN AND BOTH OF THOSE MEMBERS WERE EXCITED TO GET THINGS UNDERWAY AS NEW MEMBERS TO GET UNDERWAY.

WE TALKED TO SEASONED VETERANS AND PEOPLE HERE FOR A COUPLE OF YEARS, THIS SESSION HAS A GOOD VIBE, ENERGY TO IT AND WE'RE LOOKING FORWARD TO SEE WHAT'S GOING TO HAPPEN S. WE HAVE A CALENDAR FULL OF INFORMATION AND BILLS TO TALK TO.

WHAT WE GET TO FIRST, YOU BETTER BELIEVE WE'LL GET TO IT FULL SPEED AHEAD.

>> I DO EXPECT HIGH ENERGY EARLY IN THE SESSION.

IT'S ALWAYS A QUESTION OF HOW MANY DAYS OF THE WEEK IS THE LEGISLATURE MEETING.

AND FOR FOLKS BACK HOME LISTENING OR WATCHING THIS, THE LEGISLATURE TYPICALLY MEETS, GOES INTO THE CHAMBER, DEBATES AND VOTES ON BILLS TWICE A WEEK, TUESDAY AND THURSDAY.

AND WEDNESDAY BEING A COMMITTEE DAY.

NOW, IN RECENT QUEERS, THEY HAVE REALLY PUSHED THE PEDAL TO THE GROUND AND GONE THROUGH DAYS A WEEK, EVERY WEEK.

AND I AM HEARING THAT'S GOING TO BE THE SAME FOR AT LEAST A COUPLE OF WEEKS THIS YEAR.

AND TALK ABOUT THE LEGISLATION FOR THESE THREE DAY WEEKS, BILLS FLYING AROUND, COMMITTEES MEETING AND IMPACT THAT IT HAS, NOT JUST MEMBERS BUT LOBBYISTS AND JOURNALISTS FOLLOWING IT TOO.

>> IT MAKES THE JOB MORE INTERESTING.

>> YES, IT DOES.

>> I WAS HERE A FEW YEARS AGO, LAST TIME I COVERED IN A PREVIOUS ROLE, IT WAS A SLOWER CADENCE HERE AND FOR THE AVERAGE PERSON WHO DOESN'T UNDERSTAND HOW IT WORKS.

THREE DAYS A WEEK IS A LOT.

USUALLY THEY HAVE THEIR OWN BUSINESSES AND JOB AND MANY OF THEM ARE DRIVING FROM THE CORNERS OF THE STATE AND IT CAN BE A LOT TO HAPPEN FOR A THREE DAY WORK WEEK.

>> AND THEY CAN HAVE UP TO A FOUR HOUR DRIVE FROM MONTGOMERY TO HOMETOWN, HOME DISTRICTS TO DO THE BUSINESS OF THE PEOPLE.

YOU TALK ABOUT, WHAT CAN WE EXPECT.

AND MR. LEDBETTER, FIRST YEAR LAST YEAR, WE NOTICED THAT HOW IT VIBE, IT WAS NOT A SPEEDY CLIP BUT THINGS WERE AT A GOOD PACE, QUICK PACE.

AND IF THAT CARRIES OVER, THREE DAY WEEKS, AS JEFF SAYS, SOME KIND OF WORK HABIT ON ALL OF US.

BUT THE THING IS, THEY GOT THROUGH A LOT OF PROPOSALS, LOTS OF BILLS AND THEY GOT A LOT OF BILLS IN, OUT, AND NOT EVERY BILL BUT THEY DID.

AND IF THAT PERSISTS FROM LAST YEAR, IT'S A GOOD CLIP AND THAT LOOKS LIKE IT'S THE CASE.

>> AND HUNDREDS OF BILLS EVERY YEAR.

PEOPLE MAY NOT REALIZE THAT, BUT WITH THE LEADERSHIP IN THE HOUSE AND SENATE, THEY HAVE HAD THE MIND SET F- WE'RE GOING TO BE THERE, LET'S WORK AND PUSH IT THROUGH.

>> ALL THE MORE REASON TO FOLLOW "CAPITOL JOURNAL" EACH NIGHT AS WE REPORT AT 10:30 WHAT HAPPENED EACH DAY IN THE LEGISLATIVE SESSION.

I KNOW YOU ARE COVERING ALL OF THIS, AND IT'S A LONG SLOG SO I KNOW YOU'LL JOIN ME AFTER THE SPEECH FOR THE PERSONAL ANALYSIS.

I KNOW YOU WANT TO WATCH THE SPEECH SO WE'LL SEE YOU AFTERWARDS.

>> GOOD BIT OF ADVICE, GET SOME COMFORTABLE SHOES!

>> TODD STACY: THAT'S RIGHT.

WE'LL BE RIGHT BACK AFTER THIS BREAK.

>> TODD STACY: WELCOME BACK TO OUR LIVE COVERAGE ON STATE OF THE STATE.

WE KNOW THAT SCHOOL CHOICE IS GOING TO BE A THEME OF GOVERNOR IVEY'S SPEECH.

JOINING ME NEXT, ALABAMA DAILY NEWS, MARY SELLOF THANKS FOR COMING ON THE SHOW.

>> THANKS FOR HAVING ME.

>> WE KNOW THIS IS GOING TO BE PROPOSED BY GOVERNOR IVEY.

SOUNDS LIKE WE GOT LEGISLATION DROPPED LATER THIS AFTERNOON AND WE KNOW MORE, A LITTLE ABOUT THE PROPOSAL.

>> HOT OFF THE WEB SITE'S LIST.

IT'S A SAVINGS ACCOUNT TAX CREDIT PROGRAM ALLOWING FAMILIES TO TAKE ABOUT $7,000 PER YEAR IN TAX CREDIT TO APPLY TO PRIVATE SCHOOL TUITION OR AOTHER ALLOWABLE SCHOOL COSTS.

AND ALLOWS FOR $2,000 PER YEAR FOR HOMESCHOOL STUDENTS.

THAT'S FOR THOSE WHO WANT TO STAY AT HOME WITH THEIR CHILDREN, CAPPED AT $4,000 PER FAMILY, TWO KIDS IN THERE FOR THAT.

NOW, HIGHLIGHTS, TOTAL STATE SPENDING IS GOING TO BE $100 MILLION A YEAR.

>> TODD STACY: SO IF WE'RE ALLOWING ESAS, IS IT COMPLETELY UNHINDER, WIDE OPEN, UNCAPPED.

BUT THERE IS A CAP.

>> RIGHT, A HUNDRED MILLION DOLLARS PER YEAR.

AND THE FIRST 500ESA'S EVERY YEAR GOES TO SPECIAL NEEDS STUDENTS.

>> TODD STACY: AND THAT'S HOW THE ESA MOVEMENT GOT STARTED.

IT WAS ABOUT STUDENTS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS THAT DIDN'T FIT INTO A TRADITIONAL SCHOOL MOLD.

>> THAT'S CORRECT.

AND WE SAW SOME OF THESE LAST YEAR, REPRESENTATIVE GARRETT, REPRESENTATIVE COLLINS HAD A FEW BILLS TARGETING A SPECIFIC GROUP THIS.

IS NOT A SURPRISE.

AND THERE'S A LIMIT INCOME FOR THE FIRST 2 YEARS, CAN'T MAKE 300 PERCENT, MORE THAN POVERTY LEVEL, FAMILY OF FOUR $90,000.

>> SO YOU IF YOU QUALIFY BELOW THAT, YOU QUALIFY.

>> RIGHT.

AND THAT CAP GOES AWAY IN THREE YEARS.

THIS MEETS A LOT OF THINGS WHEN THE REPUBLICANS HAD THE MORE EXPANSIVE BILL THAT DID NOT PASS, IT DID NOT HAVE ANY SORT OF CAP ON IT.

DIDN'T HAVE ANY TESTING REQUIREMENTS.

ALSO, OH, YEAH, TESTING REQUIREMENTS.

>> I WAS GOING TO ASK YOU ABOUT TESTING STANDARDS.

>> RIGHT.

THERE'S A COUPLE OF WAYS TO DO IT AND TARGETED TOWARDS A SPECIFIC SCHOOL OR NOT THE SAME STANDARDIZED TESTING AS PUBLIC SCHOOLS.

AUDITING ABILITIES AND DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE IS GOING TO BE LARGELY INVOLVED IN THIS COULD ASK TO AUDIT AND SEE THE EXPENSES AND YOU ARE GOING TO HAVE TO SHOW RECEIPTS.

SO YOU APPLY FOR IT, GET THE TAX CREDIT AND ACCEPTED THAT WAY.

>> RIGHT.

NO SCHOOLS HAVE TO DO ANYTHING THAT THEY DON'T WANT TO DO UNDER THE BILL.

PRIVATE SCHOOLS DON'T HAVE TO ACCEPT ANYONE UNDER THE BILL BUT IF THEY DO ACCEPT PEOPLE THEY CAN'T DISCRIMINATE AND SAY, OH, WE ONLY TAKE KIDS OF A CERTAIN THINGS.

AND IT'S A BIG BILL TO UNPACK, WE'LL HEAR MORE ABOUT IT BUT IT DOES HAVE LEGS.

GOVERNOR IVEY IS GOING TO BE TALKING ABOUT IT, SEVERAL POWERFUL COSPONSORS IN THE SENATE.

>> TODD STACY: THEY ARE GATHERING AND MAYBE THE SUPREME COURT JUST WALKED IN.

AND LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR WILL AINSWORTH.

WE'RE ABOUT FIVE MINUTES AWAY FROM THE STATE OF THE STATE.

YOU ARE GOING TO SEE THEM GETTING SEATED.

>> AND THIS IS THE HIGHLIGHT, THINK.

ONE OF THEM FOR THE GOVERNOR.

AND SHE HAD MEMORABLE STATE OF THE STATE SPEECHES AND I'M THINKING OF, WELL, FIRST OF ALL, SHE ASSUMED THE GOVERNOR'S OFFICE, AFTER BENTLEY'S RESIGNATION.

THAT WAS A LOT OF PRESSURE AND EVERYBODY WAS WAITING TO SEE HER ON THE BIG STAGE.

THEN YOU HAD COVID STATE OF THE STATE, BASICALLY TELEVISED.

>> GAS TAX STATE OF THE STATE IN 2019.

>> RIGHT.

THAT WAS A BIG ONE.

SHE LIKES TO DELIVER ON THE FIRST TUESDAY IN FEBRUARY!

>> TODD STACY: AND HAVING WORKED IN THE GOVERNOR'S OFFICE AND WORKED OBSTATE OF THE STATE ADDRESSES, IT IS KIND OF YOUR BIG MOMENT, YOUR BIG STAGE, THE BIGGEST PULPIT YOU HAVE AND YOU HOLD ALL OF YOUR IDEAS AND POLICIES BACK FOR THE STATE OF THE STATE.

WHICH IS WHY WE'RE TALKING ABOUT ESA'S AND GAMBLING.

>> RIGHT.

IT'S FRESH AND THEY HAVE KEPT THIS PRETTY TIGHT.

AND THINK WE'LL PROBABLY SEE IT IN COMMITTEE.

OBVIOUSLY NOT THIS WEEK BUT MAYBE NEXT WEEK.

>> WELL, THIS MAY BE SPECULATIVE AND YOU CAN'T ANSWER IT, BUT DO YOU THINK THAT THIS PROPOSAL, AT FIRST BLUSH, MEETS WHAT MANY ON THE RIGHT HAVE BEEN CALLING FOR.

THEY SEEM TO BE A LITTLE, MORE OF THE PRICE ACT OF NO HINDRANCE, NO CATS, THINGS LIKE THAT.

DO YOU THINK THEY ARE GOING TO BE HAPPY WITH THIS PROPOSAL.

>> ON THE PRICE X, LAST YEAR, SENATOR STUTTS, COSPONSOR ON THE NEW BILL NOW.

I TALKED TO HIM EARLIER AND HE SAID IT CHECKS A LOT OF BOXES.

HE HAS A LOT OF THINGS THAT HE WANTS TO TWEAK, WILL HAVE AMENDMENTS BUT HE SAID IF THIS IS THE BILL WE CAN GET PASSED, LET'S DO IT.

AND HE'S GOING TO BE ON THERE.

AND MORE EXPANSIVE, NOT THE PRICE ACT BUT I THINK MAYBE IT HAS TRUE CHOICE, WELL, THIS IS THE CHOOSE ACT.

AND IT'S GOING TO BE FLOATING OUT THERE.

AND FOLKS THAT MAY NOT LIKE THIS NEW BILL, SAY IT DOESN'T DO ENOUGH.

DEFINITELY A CONTINGENCY FOR PEOPLE TO TAKE THEIR MONEY AND CHOOSE HOW TO EDUCATE THEIR CHILDREN NO QUESTIONS ASKED.

REPUBLICAN LEADERSHIP HAS TALKED WE NEED TO MOVE THE NEEDLE ON EDUCATION IN THE STATE, TO DO THAT THERE HAS TO BE A TESTING MECHANISM AND GOVERNOR IVEY'S PROPOSAL HAS THAT.

>> RIGHT.

I AGREEMENT THE EDUCATION BUDGET CHAIRMAN, THE VIBE THERE, THE LITERACY ACT, THERE'S A LOT OF EFFORT MADE TO RAISING THAT UP.

AND I WOULD BE SURPRISED IF THERE WERE NO CAP, IF IT WERE NO ACCOUNTABILITY AND THINGS LIKE THAT.

PLUS, THEY ARE LOOKING AND HAVE PLENTY OF OTHER STATES TO LOOK AT, TO SEE, DID THIS WORK?

NOT WORK?

THINGS LIKE THAT.

I THINK IT LOOKS LIKE WHAT UTAH DID A YEAR AGO.

AND DEFINITELY THERE ARE MODELS OUT THERE TO FOLLOW.

OKAY.

WE'LL SEE.

WE'RE REALLY ANTICIPATING THE GOVERNOR.

SHE'S GOING TO BE TALKING ABOUT IT.

SHE MAY NOT GET INTO THIS MUCH DETAIL ABOUT HER OWN BILL BUT WE EXPECT HER TO ANNOUNCE THAT IT'S HAPPENING.

>> SHE SAID SHE WANTS ALABAMA TO BE THE MOST SCHOOL CHOICE FRIENDLY STATE IN THE NATION.

I'M NOT SURE THIS IS THE BILL YET, BUT IT'S DEFINITELY A START.

>> AND WHEN I WAS TALKING TO THE STATE SUPERINTENDENT ERIC MACKEY, HE WAS QUICK AND CAREFUL TO REMIND ME AND OUR VIEWERS THAT ALABAMA HAS SCHOOL CHOICE OFFERINGS.

WE HAVE CHARTER SCHOOLS THAT COULD MAYBE USE IMPROVEMENT, ACCOUNTABILITY ACT, SCHOLARSHIPS TO BETTER SCHOOLS AND HE WAS QUICK TO REMIND US THAT, HEY, WE'VE GOT SOME OF THESE ALREADY.

THIS WOULD BE AN ADDITIONAL TOOL IN THE SCHOOL CHOICE TOOLBOX.

REAL QUICK BEFORE WE GO OVER TO THE SPEECH.

ARE MOST DEMOCRATS JUST GOING TO BE REFLECTIVELY OPPOSED TO THAT?

IS THERE ANY HOPE OF THE REPUBLICANS GAINING BIPARTISAN SUPPORT OR DO YOU THINK IT'S PRETTY MUCH A DIVIDING LINE?

>> I THINK THAT FOR DEMOCRATS, THEY ARE GOING TO STAND UP FOR THEIR LOCAL PUBLIC SCHOOLS AND THIS BILL IS GOING TO PASS.

I THINK IT JUST DEPENDS IF THEY WANT TO BE FOR IT OR NOT.

BUT WE'RE DEFINITELY GOING TO SEE A LOT OF DEBATES ON IT.

>> TODD STACY: OKAY.

HERE'S THE OLD HOUSE CHAMBER AND WE'RE ONE MINUTE AWAY FROM THE GOVERNOR WALKING INTO THE FRONT DOORS, FOLLOWED BY ESCORT PARTY AS THEY CALL IT, MEMBERS OF THE HOUSE AND SENATE SELECTED EACH YEAR BY THEIR CHAMBER TO BRING THE GOVERNOR IN.

LOOKS LIKE A CORRAL THERE.

AND THEY WERE SINGING PATRIOTIC SONGS AND BALLADS.

ALWAYS NICE.

ANY THOUGHTS?

WHAT ELSE ARE YOU LOOKING FOR?

15 SECONDS.

>> LOOKING FOR IN THE SPEECH?

WORK FORCE DEVELOPMENT.

WE KNOW THAT'S A HUGE ISSUE.

WE'VE SEEN PROPOSALS ON THAT.

AND THINK THAT THE GOVERNOR WANTS TO DEFINITELY BE INVOLVED AND TAKING THE LEAD ON SOME OF THAT INITIATIVE.

AND WORK FORCE RELATED, GETTING MORE ALABAMIANS TO WORK.

ALSO, WE'LL HEAR BUDGET INCREASES ARE EXPECTED NEXT YEAR BOTH IN GENERAL FUND AND EDUCATION TRUST FUND.

ALWAYS GOOD NEWS.

[APPLAUSE] >> THIS JOINT SESSION OF THE ALABAMA LEGISLATURE WILL NOW COME TO ORDER.

DOOR KEEPER, I ASK YOU TO ADMIT OUR GOVERNOR, HER EXCELLENCY KAY ELLEN IVEY.

[APPLAUSE] [APPLAUSE] >> GOVERNOR IVEY: THANK YOU SO MUCH.

PLEASE, BE SEATED.

LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR AINSWORTH, PRESIDENT PRO TEM REED, SPEAKER LEDBETTER, SPEAKER PRO TEM PRINGLE, MEMBERS OF THE ALABAMA LEGISLATURE, JUSTICES OF THE ALABAMA SUPREME COURT, DISTINGUISHED GUESTS, AND MY [APPLAUSE] [APPLAUSE] >> IT IS AN HONOR TO ADDRESS YOU ALL AS WE BEGIN WHAT WILL BE A CONSEQUENTIAL LEGISLATIVE SESSION.

IN JUST ONE MONTH ON MARCH 5, WE WILL ALSO HEAD TO THE POLLS TO VOTE IN ALABAMA'S PRIMARY ELECTION, WHICH IS SIGNIFICANT THIS YEAR AS WE ARE NOW ONE OF THE EARLIEST STATES IN THE NATION AND INCLUDED AMONG THOSE ON SUPER TUESDAY.

ALL THE MORE REASON TO GET OUT AND PROUDLY CAST YOUR VOTE!

ANY CHANCE I GET, I REMIND YOUNG PEOPLE THAT VOTING IS THE SINGLE-MOST IMPORTANT CIVIC DUTY WE HAVE.

FROM DELIVERING THIS MESSAGE TO GIRLS STATERS EACH YEAR TO SPEAKING WITH OUR 4TH GRADERS LEARNING ABOUT THEIR ALABAMA HISTORY, I AM ALWAYS PROUD TO SHARE WITH OUR STUDENTS THAT HAVING THE RIGHT TO VOTE SHOULD NEVER BE TAKEN FOR GRANTED.

WHEN TALKING TO A GROUP OF CARBON HILL 7TH GRADERS PREPARING FOR THEIR SCHOOL ELECTIONS, I TOLD THEM, IF YOU DON'T VOTE, YOU CAN'T GRIPE.

THE SAME IS TRUE FOR US ADULTS.

AS AN ALABAMIAN, SOMETHING I AM MOST PROUD OF, THOUGH, IS THAT AFTER THE POLLS CLOSE, NO MATTER WHO WE VOTED FOR, WE ALL STILL TREAT EACH OTHER WITH RESPECT, WHETHER SELECTING A CLASS PRESIDENT OR PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES.

EVEN WHILE WE MAY VOTE DIFFERENTLY, WE ALL AGREE IN PROTECTING THE INTEGRITY OF OUR ELECTIONS IN ALABAMA.

THAT IS WHY I AM PROUD TO SUPPORT LEGISLATION THAT PROHIBITS BALLOT HARVESTING IN OUR STATE.

WE WOULD PUT A STOP TO ANY MANIPULATION OF OUR ELECTIONS BY CLOSING LOOPHOLES THAT ALLOW UNACCOUNTABLE, PAID POLITICAL OPERATIVES TO PRESSURE FOLKS THROUGH THE ABSENTEE VOTING PROCESS.

THIS YEAR, WE HAVE A NEW BILL TO OUTLAW BALLOT HARVESTING THAT ALSO PROTECTS FOLKS WHO TRULY NEED ASSISTANCE IN HAVING THEIR VOICES BE HEARD.

WHILE OTHER SECRETARIES OF STATES ARE WORRIED ABOUT PICKING THEIR FAVORITE CANDIDATES FOR THE BALLOTS, I AM GRATEFUL SECRETARY WES ALLEN IS FOCUSED ON MAKING SURE ALABAMA'S ELECTIONS WILL ALWAYS BE FREE AND FAIR.

[APPLAUSE] [APPLAUSE] >> THIS YEAR WHEN ALABAMIANS MAKE THEIR WAY TO THE BALLOT BOX, I HOPE THEY WILL BE VOTING ON ANOTHER ISSUE: GAMING.

I BELIEVE THE CURRENT PROPOSAL BEING CONTEMPLATED BY THE LEGISLATURE IS GOOD FOR ALABAMA, AND I WILL BE CAREFULLY WATCHING IT MOVE THROUGH THE PROCESS.

IT WILL CRACK DOWN ON ILLEGAL GAMBLING, AND IT WILL RESPONSIBLY REGULATE LIMITED FORMS OF LEGAL GAMING, INCLUDING A STATEWIDE LOTTERY.

THANK YOU TO SPEAKER LEDBETTER AND HIS LEADERSHIP TEAM FOR THEIR HARD WORK ON THIS.

[APPLAUSE] [APPLAUSE] >> NOW IS THE TIME FOR ALABAMA VOTERS TO HAVE ANOTHER SAY ON THIS ISSUE.

IN MORE WAYS THAN ONE, WE CAN CONTRAST WHAT WE ARE DOING HERE IN ALABAMA WITH THAT OF WASHINGTON, D.C., OR EVEN OTHER STATES.

I AM CONFIDENT THAT BECAUSE OF OUR WORK TOGETHER -- REPUBLICANS AND DEMOCRATS ALIKE -- ALABAMA CAN BE THE MODEL FOR THE NATION.

WE ALL RECOGNIZE THE RESPONSIBILITY AND ROLE OF STATE GOVERNMENT.

THAT MEANS STANDING UP FOR OUR ALABAMA VALUES, WHILE FOCUSING ON AREAS LIKE EDUCATION, ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, WORKFORCE, INFRASTRUCTURE AND PUBLIC SAFETY.

AND WE WILL ALWAYS, ALWAYS MAKE SURE OUR GOVERNMENT IS WORKING FOR OUR FELLOW ALABAMIANS.

I BELIEVE BECAUSE OF THESE EFFORTS, AND BECAUSE WE ARE ON SOLID FINANCIAL FOOTING, ALABAMA IS IN THE MOST COMPETITIVE POSITION WE HAVE EVER BEEN IN OUR STATE'S HISTORY.

LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, THE STATE OF OUR STATE IS STRONG, AND TOGETHER -- [APPLAUSE] TOGETHER, WE ARE PREPARED FOR THE ALABAMA OF TOMORROW.

FOSTERING SAFE COMMUNITIES IS A PARAMOUNT RESPONSIBILITY OF GOVERNMENT ON ANY LEVEL, AND IT BEGINS WITH PROTECTING THE FUTURE OF OUR STATE, OUR CHILDREN.

THAT IS WHY I AM CALLING ON THE LEGISLATURE TO, ONCE AGAIN, INVEST IN SCHOOL SAFETY THROUGH A $100 MILLION GRANT PROGRAM.

WE MUST ALSO CONTINUE INVESTING IN CRITICAL MENTAL HEALTH CARE FOR OUR STUDENTS.

UNFORTUNATELY, CHILDREN ACROSS OUR COUNTRY, INCLUDING RIGHT HERE IN ALABAMA, HAVE BEEN VICTIMS OF HUMAN TRAFFICKING.

WE MUST CONTINUE EDUCATING THE PUBLIC ON THIS VERY REAL EVIL, AND WE MUST TAKE ACTION AGAINST IT WHERE WE CAN.

FOR MANY, THE MOVIE, "SOUND OF FREEDOM," WAS A WAKE-UP CALL.

THE PROPOSED SOUND OF FREEDOM ACT WILL MANDATE LIFE IN PRISON FOR THOSE WHO TRAFFIC MINORS, AND I AM PROUD TO PUT MY SUPPORT BEHIND THIS IMPORTANT LEGISLATION.

[APPLAUSE] >> IN THIS EVER-EVOLVING WORLD, ENSURING NEW TECHNOLOGIES ARE BOTH SAFE AND EFFECTIVE IS AN IMPORTANT PUBLIC SAFETY MEASURE.

TODAY, THAT NEW TECHNOLOGY IS ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE, MAYBE BETTER KNOWN AS "AI."

AND LOOK Y'ALL, I AM NOT GOING TO STAND HERE AND PREACH LIKE I KNOW A BLOOMING THING ABOUT AI.

HOWEVER, I DO KNOW THAT NEW TECHNOLOGIES CAN HAVE BENEFITS, BUT IF NOT USED RESPONSIBLY, THEY CAN BE DANGEROUS.

WE ARE GOING TO ENSURE THAT AI IS USED PROPERLY.

THIS WEEK, I WILL SIGN AN EXECUTIVE ORDER TO ESTABLISH A TASK FORCE TO BETTER UNDERSTAND ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE AND TO PREPARE THE STATE TO SAFELY AND EFFECTIVELY USE THIS EMERGING TECHNOLOGY GOING FORWARD.

THE ALABAMA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS CERTAINLY REMAINS A KEY FOCUS OF OUR STATE'S PUBLIC SAFETY EFFORTS.

I WILL BE FRANK.

RUNNING A CORRECTIONS SYSTEM IS A HARD JOB, AND I KNOW EVERYONE HAS AN OPINION ON HOW THEY CAN DO IT BETTER.

THERE IS NO ONE MORE CAPABLE TO LEAD THAT EFFORT HERE IN ALABAMA THAN COMMISSIONER JOHN HAMM.

[APPLAUSE] >> PRISONS AROUND THE COUNTRY, AND ON EVERY LEVEL -- FEDERAL, STATE AND LOCAL -- ARE EXPERIENCING CHALLENGES.

BUT WE REMAIN COMMITTED TO DOING EVERYTHING IN OUR POWER TO MAKE IMPROVEMENTS WHERE WE CAN IN OUR STATE SYSTEM.

WE ARE MOVING FORWARD IN OUR MISSION TO BUILD TWO NEW FACILITIES.

AT THE SAME TIME, WE ARE WORKING TO STOP CONTRABAND COMING INTO OUR EXISTING FACILITIES, AND WE ARE DOUBLING DOWN ON OUR STAFF RECRUITMENT EFFORTS AND SEEING RECORD GRADUATING CLASSES OF OFFICERS BECAUSE OF IT.

ALABAMA PROUDLY BACKS THE BLUE, INCLUDING OUR CORRECTIONS OFFICERS, AND WE STEADFASTLY SUPPORT OUR MILITARY.

[APPLAUSE] >> I AM THRILLED TO HAVE RECENTLY TAPPED GENERAL DAVID PRITCHETT TO SERVE AS THE NEW ADJUTANT GENERAL FOR THE ALABAMA NATIONAL GUARD.

ALREADY IN HIS SHORT TIME ON THE JOB, THE ALABAMA NATIONAL GUARD HAS STEPPED UP IN TIMES OF NEED.

FROM CARRYING THE TORCH ON IMPORTANT MISSIONS LIKE THE F-35 PROJECT TO AIDING PORTIONS OF THE STATE IMPACTED BY STINGING WINTER WEATHER.

HE ALSO CONTINUES TO SUPPORT THE HUNDREDS OF ALABAMA SOLDIERS DEPLOYED AT THE SOUTHERN BORDER TO PROTECT OUR COUNTRY AGAINST ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION.

WE ARE PROUD OF THESE MEN AND WOMEN AND THANK THEM FOR THEIR SERVICE.

[APPLAUSE] >> IN ADDITION TO SUPPORTING OUR ACTIVE MILITARY MEN AND WOMEN, WE ALSO CARE DEEPLY FOR OUR VETERANS WHO HAVE SERVED.

LAST NOVEMBER, I HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO VISIT DOVETAIL LANDING IN LINCOLN.

THEIR VISION IS TO CREATE A PLACE TO SUPPORT VETERANS, ESPECIALLY THOSE STRUGGLING WITH THE CHALLENGING TRANSITION BACK TO CIVILIAN LIFE.

IT COULD BE THROUGH EMOTIONAL SUPPORT OR BY HELPING THESE FOLKS DEVELOP A NEW SKILLSET TO ENTER THE WORKFORCE.

I WAS IMPRESSED AND MOVED.

THIS EVENING, I AM CALLING ON YOU TO INVEST IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF THIS NEW ENDEAVOR.

OUR VETERANS CARRIED US, AND NOW IT IS TIME WE HELP CARRY THEM.

[APPLAUSE] >> ALABAMA IS A PRO-LIFE STATE.

I AM MORE COMMITTED THAN EVER TO PROTECT THE SANCTITY OF LIFE, AND AS I SAID ON THIS OCCASION LAST YEAR, OUR WORK IS NOT DONE.

THIS EVENING, I AM PROUD TO DECLARE, ALABAMA WILL FOSTER A CULTURE OF LIFE.

WE MUST RE-FOCUS OUR EFFORTS TO DO MORE TO SUPPORT LIFE AFTER BIRTH.

LAST YEAR, COMMISSIONER NANCY BUCKNER AND THE ALABAMA DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN RESOURCES HAD GREAT SUCCESS IN FOSTER CARE ADOPTIONS, ACCOMPANIED BY A RELENTLESS FOCUS ON ENHANCING CHILDCARE QUALITY.

I AM PROUD TO DOUBLE-DOWN ON THESE EFFORTS.

TO FOSTER A BETTER CULTURE OF LIFE, WE MUST ALSO DO MORE TO SUPPORT ALABAMA FAMILIES, AND EARLY ONSET MEDICAL CARE IS NECESSARY FOR BOTH MOTHERS AND CHILDREN.

WHILE WE ARE MAKING SIGNIFICANT STRIDES, WE STILL FACE CHALLENGES, ESPECIALLY IN RURAL ALABAMA.

THAT IS WHY I AM PROUD TO SUPPORT A PILOT PROGRAM THAT WILL START HOSTING CHECKUPS FOR PREGNANT WOMEN AT NINE COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENTS IN AREAS OF NEED.

FOLKS, THERE IS NOTHING MORE IMPORTANT THAN OUR ALABAMA FAMILIES, AND WE MUST COME TOGETHER TO FIND COMMON GROUND ON MEANINGFUL WAYS TO SUPPORT THEM.

THE SUCCESS OF ANY STATE HINGES IN LARGE MEASURE UPON THE EASE AND SPEED OF THE TRANSPORTATION OF COMMERCE.

ALABAMA'S ROADS, BRIDGES AND PORTS HAVE ALWAYS PLAYED A MAJOR ROLE IN DRIVING OUR GROWING ECONOMY.

JUST AS OUR ROADS AND BRIDGES ARE CRITICAL TO OUR SUCCESS, OUR DIGITAL HIGHWAYS, OR BROADBAND CONNECTIVITY, ARE EQUALLY VITAL.

ENSURING OUR ENTIRE STATE HAS THE ABILITY TO CONNECT TO HIGH-SPEED INTERNET IS THE MOST SIGNIFICANT THING WE CAN DO TO SUPPORT A MODERN ECONOMY.

JUST YESTERDAY, I WAS IN WILCOX COUNTY TO ANNOUNCE 21 GRANTS ACROSS THE STATE TOTALING $188 MILLION.

WE'RE TALKING 46 HUNDRED MILES OF FIBER INFRASTRUCTURE.

IN TOTAL, ALABAMA'S INVESTMENT IN BROADBAND EXPANSION WILL BE A WHOPPING $2 BILLION.

Y'ALL, I AM REALLY EXCITED ABOUT THIS, AND THERE'S EVEN MORE TO COME.

[APPLAUSE] >> I BELIEVE WE HAVE THE BEST BROADBAND DEPLOYMENT MAP IN THE COUNTRY.

AND OVER THE NEXT THREE YEARS, EVERY ALABAMIAN WILL SEE THE DIFFERENCE, AND WE WILL BE MORE COMPETITIVE FOR IT AS WE WORK TO CONNECT ALABAMA.

OUR STATE HAS EXPERIENCED TREMENDOUS SUCCESS IN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, AND I AM CONFIDENT WE WILL BE ABLE TO BUILD ON THOSE EFFORTS WITH OUR NEW COMMERCE SECRETARY ELLEN MCNAIR.

TONIGHT, I AM PROUD TO REPORT TO YOU ALL THAT DURING MY TENURE AS GOVERNOR, ALABAMA HAS SEEN INVESTMENTS TOTALING $48 BILLION, WHICH HAS CREATED 86,000 NEW JOBS.

[APPLAUSE] >> AS I LIKE TO SAY, WE'RE JUST GETTING STARTED!

SECRETARY MCNAIR AND HER TEAM ARE DEVELOPING A BRAND-NEW STRATEGIC PLAN, ONE THAT WILL MEET OUR GOAL OF HAVING AN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY FOR THE 2030S TODAY!

TO HELP ALABAMIANS AND ALABAMA BUSINESSES ACHIEVE SUCCESS, THOUGH, WE MUST MAKE SURE OUR EFFORTS IN WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT MATCH WHAT WE ARE DOING TO RECRUIT AND RETAIN BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY.

LAST JULY, I WROTE AN OP ED SAYING TO ELIMINATE ‘HELP WANTED' SIGNS, WE MUST SHIFT OUR FOCUS TO LABOR FORCE PARTICIPATION.

THE IVEY ADMINISTRATION REMAINS COMMITTED TO DOING THAT.

[APPLAUSE] >> IN 2015, MAJOR REFORMS WERE MADE WITHIN THE STATE'S WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT SECTOR.

I AM COMMITTED TO TAKING THOSE REFORMS A STEP FURTHER SO WE CAN REMAIN LASER-FOCUSED ON ENSURING GOVERNMENT ALWAYS WORKS BETTER FOR ALABAMIANS.

WHEN IT COMES TO WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT, THERE ARE TWO CUSTOMERS: JOBSEEKERS AND EMPLOYERS.

WHILE OUR UNEMPLOYMENT RATE REMAINS HISTORICALLY LOW, OUR LABOR FORCE PARTICIPATION RATE STANDS ONLY AT 57.2%, ONE OF THE LOWEST IN THE NATION.

OUR STATE WILL NOT REACH ITS FULL POTENTIAL WITH NEARLY HALF OF ITS POPULATION SITTING ON THE SIDELINES.

ALABAMA CAN DO BETTER, AND IT WILL TAKE MAKING ALABAMA'S WORKFORCE PROGRAMS MORE EFFECTIVE AND EFFICIENT.

THE MISSION OF WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT MUST BE TO RECRUIT, TRAIN, EMPLOY AND RETAIN ALABAMIANS INTO HIGH-DEMAND JOBS.

ONE OF OUR GREATEST NEEDS REMAINS WITHIN OUR HEALTHCARE WORKFORCE, ESPECIALLY IN RURAL ALABAMA.

THERE IS SIMPLY NO DENYING IT, AND WE NEED MORE PEOPLE TO FILL JUST ABOUT EVERY KIND OF HEALTHCARE JOB OUT THERE, DOCTORS, NURSES, TECHS, YOU NAME IT.

LAST YEAR, I INTRODUCED THE IDEA OF THE ALABAMA SCHOOL OF HEALTHCARE SCIENCES.

WE USED OUR SUCCESSFUL SCHOOL OF CYBER TECHNOLOGY AND ENGINEERING, AS WELL AS OUR OTHER SPECIALTY SCHOOLS, AS THE BLUEPRINT.

THIS SCHOOL WILL DIRECTLY EXPOSE YOUNG MEN AND WOMEN FROM AROUND ALABAMA, AND PARTICULARLY RURAL STUDENTS, TO VARIOUS HEALTHCARE FIELDS.

AND IT GIVES THEM OPTIONS.

MAYBE THEY WANT TO GRADUATE WITH A CREDENTIAL TO IMMEDIATELY START WORKING A HIGH WAGE CAREER, OR MAYBE THEY WANT TO GO TO COLLEGE AND BECOME A NURSE OR MAYBE EVEN ATTEND MEDICAL OR DENTAL SCHOOL.

WE WILL NOW GIVE THESE STUDENTS AN OPPORTUNITY AND A STATE-OF-THE-ART SCHOOL TO ATTEND.

OVER THE LAST YEAR, WE HAVE FINALIZED THE PLANS, AND I AM PROPOSING WE LOCATE THIS SCHOOL IN DEMOPOLIS.

[APPLAUSE] >> ALREADY, WE HAVE RECEIVED TREMENDOUS COMMUNITY SUPPORT, AND THE GOLD STANDARD OF RURAL HEALTHCARE IS JUST A FEW STEPS AWAY FROM THE PROPOSED SITE WHERE THESE STUDENTS WILL LEARN.

AND ON TOP OF ALL OF THIS, THE FEASIBILITY REPORT COMMISSIONED BY THE LEGISLATURE LAST YEAR HAS ONCE AGAIN VALIDATED DEMOPOLIS AS THE IDEAL LOCATION FOR THIS IMPORTANT SCHOOL.

[APPLAUSE] >> FOLKS, LET'S GET THIS IMPORTANT PROJECT DONE.

I'LL SAY THIS.

DEMOPOLIS ALREADY HAS A PROVEN TRACK RECORD OF PRODUCING ALABAMA'S HEALTHCARE LEADERS.

DR. SELWYN VICKERS, WHO I AM PROUD TO HAVE JOINING US TONIGHT, IS PROOF POSITIVE OF THAT.

AS A YOUNG BOY, BORN IN DEMOPOLIS, DR. VICKERS' PARENTS SHOWED HIM THAT HARD WORK COULD HELP HIM ACHIEVE ANYTHING HE PUT HIS MIND TO, AND BOY, WERE THEY RIGHT.

TODAY, DR. VICKERS IS ONE OF THE [APPLAUSE] -- WHILE CURRENTLY SERVING AS PRESIDENT AND CEO OF MEMORIAL SLOAN KETTERING CANCER CENTER IN NEW YORK.

STUDENTS IN EVERY ALABAMA COUNTY HAVE THE POTENTIAL TO BENEFIT FROM AN EDUCATION IN DEMOPOLIS, JUST LIKE DR. VICKERS DID, AND WE WILL ACCOMPLISH THAT THROUGH THE ALABAMA SCHOOL OF HEALTHCARE SCIENCES.

MEMBERS OF THE ALABAMA LEGISLATURE, INVESTING IN THIS PROJECT IS ONE OF MY TOP PRIORITIES THIS SESSION, AND I AM CALLING ON YOU TO MAKE THIS A REALITY.

[APPLAUSE] >> DR. VICKERS ONCE SAID IN AN INTERVIEW THAT EDUCATION IS THE GREAT EQUALIZER, AND I COULD NOT AGREE MORE.

THANK YOU, DR. VICKERS, FOR YOUR CONTRIBUTIONS TO OUR STATE AND OUR NATION, AND FOR BEING HERE TONIGHT.

WILL YOU PLEASE STAND TO BE RECOGNIZED?

DOCTOR VICKERS.

[APPLAUSE] [APPLAUSE] >> DURING MY INAUGURAL ADDRESS, I PROMISED THE PEOPLE OF ALABAMA THAT ENSURING EVERY ALABAMA STUDENT RECEIVES A HIGH QUALITY EDUCATION WOULD BE MY NUMBER ONE FOCUS DURING THIS TERM.

AND MEMBERS, WHILE I AM ALWAYS DELIGHTED TO SPEND SOME TIME WITH YOU ALL, I AM ESPECIALLY PROUD WE ARE JOINED BY MANY OF OUR YOUNG PEOPLE TONIGHT.

WE HEARD THE BEAUTIFUL MUSIC FROM OUR JASPER HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS WHO HAIL FROM PRO TEM REED'S HOMETOWN.

THANK YOU, ALL, FOR BEING HERE TONIGHT!

[APPLAUSE] >> PLEASE STAND AND LET US RECOGNIZE YOU.

[APPLAUSE] [APPLAUSE] >> THIS LAST YEAR, ONE OF THE HIGHLIGHTS FOR ME PERSONALLY WAS VISITING OUR 15 TURNAROUND SCHOOLS.

FOURTH GRADERS FROM ONE OF THOSE SCHOOLS, ABC ELEMENTARY IN MY HOME COUNTY OF WILCOX, ARE HERE WITH US THIS EVENING.

FOLKS, THESE BOYS AND GIRLS HAD THE HIGHEST READING GAINS IN THE ENTIRE STATE OF ALABAMA LAST YEAR!

[APPLAUSE] [APPLAUSE] >> THIS DESERVES TO BE CELEBRATED!

ABC ELEMENTARY, PLEASE STAND TO BE RECOGNIZED!

[APPLAUSE] >> I BELIEVE IN EVERY SINGLE ONE OF OUR STUDENTS IN ALABAMA, AND WHEN YOU SET THE BAR HIGH FOR THEM, THESE BOYS AND GIRLS CAN REACH THEIR FULLEST POTENTIAL.

THE PROGRESS BEING MADE AT ABC ELEMENTARY CAN CERTAINLY BE CREDITED TO OUR TURNAROUND SCHOOLS INITIATIVE, AS WELL AS THESE STUDENTS HERE TONIGHT, THEIR CLASSMATES BACK HOME, THEIR PARENTS AND THEIR TEACHERS.

WE MUST DOUBLE-DOWN ON THE SUCCESS OF OUR TURNAROUND SCHOOLS INITIATIVE.

AFTER I WAS SWORN IN FOR MY SECOND TERM, I ESTABLISHED THE GOVERNOR'S COMMISSION ON TEACHING AND LEARNING.

THE COMMISSION PROVIDED A REPORT THAT WILL SERVE AS OUR BLUEPRINT FOR IMPROVING STUDENT OUTCOMES OVER THE NEXT THREE YEARS.

CHIEF AMONG THOSE RECOMMENDATIONS IS FULLY FUNDING BOTH THE NUMERACY AND LITERACY ACTS.

OUR TEACHERS ARE BEING TRAINED IN THE SCIENCE OF MATH AND READING, AND WE ARE PREPARING THEM NOT ONLY TO TEACH OUR KIDS TODAY, BUT ALSO OF THE FUTURE.

ALL THE WORK WE HAVE DONE THROUGH THE NUMERACY AND LITERACY ACTS IS CRITICAL TO OUR SUCCESS.

AND I WILL SAY THIS AGAIN CRYSTAL CLEAR.

IF YOU ALL SEND ANY VERSION OF A DELAY OF THE LITERACY ACT TO MY DESK, I WILL VETO THE BILL.

[APPLAUSE] >> ENSURING OUR STUDENTS ARE PROFICIENT READERS AND READY FOR THE NEXT GRADE IS SIMPLY TOO CRITICAL.

AND THESE WILCOX COUNTY KIDS HAVE PROVEN WHEN THE RIGHT RESOURCES AND CURRICULUM ARE IN PLACE, THEY CAN DO IT.

I AM VERY PROUD OF THE FACT THAT DURING MY TIME SERVING AS YOUR GOVERNOR, TOGETHER, WE HAVE INVESTED A NEW HISTORIC AMOUNT IN OUR PUBLIC SCHOOLS EACH YEAR.

THIS YEAR, WE WILL, ONCE AGAIN, HAVE THE LARGEST EDUCATION TRUST FUND IN OUR STATE'S HISTORY.

WE MUST ALSO FULFILL OUR PROMISE TO HAVE THE HIGHEST STARTING SALARY FOR OUR TEACHERS AMONG OUR NEIGHBORING STATES.

LET'S GET THAT DONE THIS SESSION.

IMPROVING OUR STATE'S EDUCATION SYSTEM IS A PROCESS, AND WE HAVE TO MEET THE NEEDS OF ALL STUDENTS.

AS GOVERNOR, I REALIZE THE WAY TO DO THAT IS TO MAKE SURE THERE ARE OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE FOR OUR CHILDREN.

FOR SOME FAMILIES, THAT MEANS HAVING THE CHANCE TO SEND THEIR CHILD TO A CHARTER, MAGNET OR PRIVATE SCHOOL, OR TO HOMESCHOOL THEM.

SCHOOL CHOICE IS A SPECTRUM, AND LAST YEAR, WE RECOGNIZED THAT TO EXPAND OUR OPTIONS IN ALABAMA, WE HAD TO FIRST IMPROVE OUR EXISTING OPTIONS, CHARTER SCHOOLS AND THE ALABAMA ACCOUNTABILITY ACT.

YOU ACCOMPLISHED THAT.

THANK YOU.

NOW, OUR NEXT STEP IS TO PROVIDE OUR PARENTS, BEGINNING WITH THOSE MOST IN NEED, EDUCATION SAVINGS ACCOUNTS, WHICH WILL FURTHER US ON OUR JOURNEY TO BECOME THE MOST SCHOOL-CHOICE FRIENDLY STATE IN THE NATION.

[APPLAUSE] >> PASSING AN EDUCATION SAVINGS ACCOUNT BILL THAT WORKS FOR FAMILIES AND FOR ALABAMA IS MY NUMBER ONE LEGISLATIVE PRIORITY, AND I AM PROUD TO HAVE OUR EDUCATION BUDGET CHAIRMEN, SENATOR ARTHUR ORR AND REPRESENTATIVE DANNY GARRETT CARRY THE CHOOSE ACT.

ONCE WE GET THIS LEGISLATION ACROSS THE FINISH LINE, WE WILL PREPARE FOR THE PROGRAM TO BEGIN IN THE 2025-2026 ACADEMIC YEAR.

FOR ITS FIRST TWO YEARS, WE WILL BE HELPING FAMILIES WHO MIGHT NOT OTHERWISE HAVE THE OPTION TO AFFORD TO SEND THEIR CHILDREN TO THE SCHOOL OF THEIR CHOICE THROUGH THESE $7,000 EDUCATION SAVINGS ACCOUNTS.

FOR THE THIRD YEAR AND BEYOND, ALL FAMILIES WILL BE ELIGIBLE FOR THE PROGRAM.

AS ADDITIONAL FAMILIES CHOOSE TO PARTICIPATE IN THE PROGRAM, AND AS OUR REVENUES INCREASE, WE CAN GROW THE PROGRAM RESPONSIBLY SO THAT IT CAN BE FULLY UNIVERSAL FOR EVERY ALABAMA FAMILY WHO WISHES TO PARTICIPATE.

THIS PROGRAM WILL BE EFFECTIVE AND SUSTAINABLE, AND IT WILL SERVE AS THE CATALYST FOR MAKING ALABAMA THE MOST SCHOOL CHOICE FRIENDLY STATE IN THE NATION FOR YEARS TO COME.

MY GOAL IS TO PUT US ON A TRAJECTORY TO MAKE OUR PROGRAM FULLY UNIVERSAL, WHILE ALSO MAINTAINING OUR FULL AND TOTAL SUPPORT FOR PUBLIC EDUCATION.

AT THE END OF THE DAY, I BELIEVE THE CHOOSE ACT, PACKAGED WITH PROVIDING OUR K-12 TEACHERS THE HIGHEST STARTING SALARIES, WILL HELP OUR PUBLIC SCHOOLS BECOME EVEN STRONGER.

AND I BELIEVE WE WILL CONTINUE WORKING TOWARDS OUR GOAL OF BEING IN THE TOP 30 NATIONALLY WHEN IT COMES TO STUDENT OUTCOMES.

FOLKS, I AM CONFIDENT IN ALABAMA'S FUTURE, BECAUSE I AM CONFIDENT IN OUR STUDENTS.

I HAVE MET THOUSANDS OF THESE YOUNG PEOPLE, AND I AM MORE ENCOURAGED BY THE DAY.

I AM ALSO PROUD OF ALABAMA.

I AM PROUD OF OUR CITIZENS.

AND I AM PROUD TO CONTINUE LEADING OUR STATE FORWARD.

THE PEOPLE OF ALABAMA DESERVE OUR VERY BEST.

FUTURE GENERATIONS OF ALABAMIANS DESERVE OUR HARDEST WORK TODAY.

THIS IS OUR OPPORTUNITY.

SO, LET'S NOT WASTE A MOMENT.

THANK YOU, AND MAY GOD CONTINUE TO BLESS EACH OF YOU AND THE GREAT STATE OF ALABAMA.

[APPLAUSE] THANK Y'ALL SO MUCH.

[APPLAUSE] >> TODD STACY: THERE YOU HAVE IT.

GOVERNOR IVEY ADDRESSING HER SEVENTH STATE OF THE STATE ADDRESS TO A FULL ROOM TOP LEADERS.

ALABAMA SUPREME COURT, CONSTITUTIONAL OFFICERS, ATTORNEY GENERAL, STATE AUDITOR, I'M SURE THE SECRETARY OF STATE IS THERE TOO.

AND GOVERNOR IVEY DELIVERING AS THE LEGISLATIVE SESSION GETS STARTED, A PRETTY SIGNIFICANT LIST OF ISSUES THAT SHE'S SUPPORTING AND MAKING PART OF HER LEGISLATIVE AGENDA.

I'M JOINED BY MY COLLEAGUES RANDY SCOTT AND JEFF SANDERS.

GENTLEMEN, FIRST BLUSH REACTION?

RANDY, I'LL START WITH YOU.

>> SHE MENTIONED A LOT OF TOPICS THAT SHE WANTED TO SEE ADDRESSED DURING THE SESSION.

ONE THING THAT I DID NOTICE IN ONE FORM OR ANOTHER CIRCLED BACK TO EDUCATION.

EDUCATION BEING A VERY BIG KEY COMPONENT OF A LOT OF THINGS AS WE SAID EARLIER, IF YOU DON'T HAVE A GOOD EDUCATION SYSTEM, THEN YOU DON'T HAVE A GOOD WORK FORCE.

AND YOU CAN'T ATTRACT BUSINESSES TO THE STATE.

SO, YOU WANT A GOOD WORK FORCE FOR TO THE STATE.

SO, EVERYTHING WENT BACK TO EDUCATION.

SHE GAVE BRAISE TO SCHOOLS, ADMINISTRATORS AND THEY HAD IN SOME FORM OR FASHION, DESPITE THE OTHER TOPICS, EVERYTHING FROM SCHOOL SAFETY, SAFETY, PERIOD, THROUGHOUT THE STATE.

HEALTHCARE.

YOU NAME IT, IT REVOLVED BACK TO EDUCATION.

SO, I KNOW THAT'S GOING TO BE A KEY COMPONENT WHAT SHE WANTS TO SEE TRY TO BE DONE THIS SESSION.

>> THE SHOW WILL GO ON THE ROAD NOW, AFTER THE STATE OF THE STATE, YOU TAKE IT AROUND THE STATE AND GO AROUND.

WE WERE WAITING FOR THE SCHOOL CHOICE STUFF AND WE GOT THAT, ON THE ESA'S.

AND SHE DIDN'T JUST TALK ABOUT THAT, SHE TALKED ABOUT GROWING AND INVESTING IN THE EDUCATION.

SHE DIDN'T JUST THROW RED MEAT OUT ON ESA BUT MORE FUNDAMENTAL EDUCATION THINGS.

AND JEFF, WHAT ABOUT YOU?

WE WERE LISTENING FOR CERTAIN BUZZ WORDS.

WHAT WERE YOUR GENERAL THOUGHTS.

>> WELL, BALLOT HARVESTING THAT WE TALKED ABOUT.

AND GAMING.

SHE MENTIONED THAT EARLY ON, NEARLY THE TOP OF HER SPEECH.

AND TALKED ABOUT CRACKING DOWN ON ILLEGAL GAMING IN THE STATE.

AND AS SHE SAID WOULD REGULATE LIMITED FORMS OF GAMING AND MENTIONED THE LOTTERY.

SHE PUSHED THAT AGAIN FROM THE TOP AND MOVED ON.

BALLOT HARVESTING THAT WAS UP THERE.

AND REPUBLICANS WANT TO SECURE ELECTIONS AND MAKE THE IDEA OF ABSENTEE BALLOTS.

AND I WANT TO TALK ABOUT HER FOR A SECOND.

YOU KNOW, SHE'S BEEN GOVERNOR NOW, WHAT, GOING ON HOW MANY YEARS, ALMOST EIGHT YEARS!

AND I TELL PEOPLE WHEN THEY ASK ME, WHAT'S THE GOVERNOR LIKE IN PERSON.

I SAY, SHE'S SOMEONE WHO WHEN THE CAMERA IS ON, SHE SHINES VERY WELL.

AND, TO ME, SHE WAS VERY NATURAL, VERY COMFORTABLE IN FRONT OF THESE LAWMAKERS, IN FRONT OF THE CAMERA.

AND SHE DELIVERS THE SPEECHES WELL >> TODD STACY: I AGREE.

SHE KNOWS HOW TO RISE TO THE MOMENT.

AND IT'S NOT LIKE SHE'S THE MOST VER BOAST GOVERNOR OUT THERE HAVING HOUR LONG PRESS CONFERENCES.

BUT WHEN SHE HAD THE PRESS KORCHESES -- CONFERENCES, YOU KNOW, SHE CERTAINLY KNOWS HOW TO COMMAND A ROOM.

SO WE WERE LISTENING TO BALLOT HARVESTING AND ABSENTEE AND BASICALLY SHE ENDORSED WHAT THE HOUSE IS DOING.

AND WE DON'T KNOW BUT TOMORROW WE'LL FIND THAT OUT.

SHE ENDORSED THE PLAN AND THAT'S A BIG HEADLINE FOR TOMORROW'S NEWSPAPERS AND FOR TV AS WELL.

NOW, WE NEED TO GET TO THE DEMOCRATIC RESPONSE.

THANK YOU, GENTLEMEN FOR YOUR COVERAGE AND ANALYSIS TONIGHT AND WE'LL PICK IT UP AGAIN TOMORROW NIGHT ON "CAPITOL JOURNAL."

>> SAME TIME, SAME CHANNEL!

>> TODD STACY: AND NOW, FOR THE OFFICIAL DEMOCRATIC RESPONSE, HERE'S HOUSE MINORITY LEADER, ANTHONY DANIELS.

>> GOOD EVENING.

I'M ALABAMA HOUSE MINORITY LEADER ANTHONY DANIELS.

THANK YOU FOR JOINING US TONIGHT, AS I DELIVER THE ALABAMA HOUSE DEMOCRATIC CAUCU'' RESPONSE TO GOVERNOR IVEY'S STATE OF THE STATE ADDRESS.

FIRST, I APPRECIATE THE GOVERNOR FOR ACKNOWLEDGING THE TREMENDOUS PROGRESS AND GROWTH WE'RE EXPERIENCING IN ALABAMA AND FOR IDENTIFYING SEVERAL OF THE KEY ISSUES THAT WE FACE THROUGHOUT OUR STATE.

WE CAN AGREE THAT THERE IS A LOT OF WORK TO DO TO EXPAND OUR ECONOMY, INVEST IN EDUCATION, ENSURE ACCESS TO AFFORDABLE HEALTHCARE, INCREASE VOTER PARTICIPATION, AND FIX THE WIDESPREAD PROBLEMS THAT PLAGUE ALABAMA PRISONS AND OUR BROKEN CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM.

ALTHOUGH WE AGREE ON THE IMPORTANCE AND URGENCY OF THE ISSUES FACING OUR STATE, WE RESPECTFULLY, AND SOMETIMES, STRONGLY DISAGREE ON HOW TO BEST ADDRESS AND SOLVE THEM.

AS WE ENTER THE 2024 LEGISLATIVE SESSION, I SINCERELY HOPE THAT WE'LL PUT PARTISAN POLITICS ASIDE AND WORK TOGETHER FOR THE BENEFIT OF ALL ALABAMIANS.

AND WHEN IT COMES TO ALL ALABAMIANS, THE MESSAGE THAT I HEAR FROM NEARLY EVERY CORNER OF OUR STATE IS THAT FAMILIES ARE WORKING HARDER AND WORKING LONGER HOURS TO MAKE ENDS MEET.

FORTUNATELY, WE'RE MAKING PROGRESS FOR THEM, TOO.

THIS MONTH, HARD-WORKING FAMILIES IN ALABAMA SAW MORE MONEY IN THEIR PAYCHECKS BECAUSE OF LEGISLATION SPONSORED TO ELIMINATE STATE TAXES ON OVERTIME PAY.

THAT BILL, THE FIRST OF ITS KIND IN THE NATION, BECAME LAW WITH UNANIMOUS BIPARTISAN SUPPORT FROM BOTH CHAMBERS AND THE GOVERNOR'S OFFICE.

TO ALL OUR WORKING FAMILIES, LIKE RYAN, WHO I TALKED TO IN MOBILE COUNTY, AND WHO EXPRESSED HIS APPRECIATION FOR THE ADDITIONAL $300 HE RECEIVED IN HIS LAST PAYCHECK, DON'T THANK ME.

YOU EARNED IT.

YOU DESERVE IT.

THANK YOU.

LIKE YOU, WE'RE DOING OUR JOBS.

AND ALABAMA HOUSE DEMOCRATS WILL CONTINUE TO WORK TOGETHER TO ACHIEVE POSITIVE AND TANGIBLE RESULTS FOR THE PEOPLE WE SERVE.

THAT'S WHY WE'RE HERE.

IN THAT SPIRIT, I WANT TO SHARE WITH YOU OUR VISION FOR PROGRESS, A PRACTICAL APPROACH TO EFFECTIVELY ADDRESSING THE CRITICAL ISSUES WE FACE TOGETHER.

OUR VISION PRIORITIZES MEANINGFUL LEGISLATION THAT WILL SIGNIFICANTLY IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF LIFE FOR ALL OF US.

ONE WAY, AN IMPORTANT WAY, TO DO THAT IS BY SIGNIFICANTLY INCREASING OUR INVESTMENT IN PUBLIC EDUCATION, RATHER THAN SENDING YOUR TAX DOLLARS TO PRIVATE SCHOOLS THROUGH RISKY AND UNPROVEN SCHOOL CHOICE VOUCHER PROGRAMS.

DON'T BE FOOLED BY THE PROMISES.

THE PROBLEM IS THEY UNFAIRLY REWARD THOSE WHO CAN ALREADY AFFORD PRIVATE EDUCATION WHILE IGNORING THE NEEDS OF RURAL ALABAMA CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES, AND FINANCIALLY STRUGGLING FAMILIES.

WORSE YET, THEY DON'T EVEN HAVE TO MEET THE SAME BENCHMARKS TO ACCURATELY GAUGE ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE.

IF THE GOAL IS TO IMPROVE EDUCATIONAL OUTCOMES, WE NEED TO WORK ON THE SYSTEM WE HAVE ALREADY HEAVILY INVESTED IN, NOT RE-CREATE ANOTHER ONE.

THAT WOULD BE LIKE FINDING A POTHOLE ON I-65 AND DECIDING THAT THE ONLY WAY TO FIX IT WOULD BE TO BUILD A BRAND NEW I-64.

IT JUST DOESN'T MAKE ANY SENSE.

THAT'S WHY WHEN I SPOKE WITH PRINCIPAL SANDERS AT GREENSBORO MIDDLE SCHOOL IN HALE COUNTY, HE SAID, THIS COULD BE MONEY THAT COULD BE USED TO FULLY FUND ASSISTANT PRINCIPALS, MATH AND READING COACHES, TO SUPPORT TEACHERS, AND INTERVENTIONISTS TO SUPPORT AT-RISK STUDENTS.

THAT'S BECAUSE QUALITY PUBLIC EDUCATION IS FOR EVERY CHILD, EVERY STUDENT, AND EVERY FAMILY.

THAT'S WHY IT'S SO IMPORTANT TO OUR FUTURE.

PUBLIC EDUCATION REPRESENTS THE SINGLE GREATEST, MOST EQUITABLE AND PROVEN PATH TOWARD LIFELONG ACHIEVEMENT, GREATER EARNING POTENTIAL, AND OVERALL WELL-BEING.

THE REALITY IS THAT WE ALREADY HAVE SCHOOL CHOICE IN ALABAMA WITH PUBLIC CHARTER SCHOOLS AND THE ABILITY TO MOVE A CHILD TO ANOTHER SCHOOL WITHIN THEIR DISTRICT.

IF A FAMILY CHOOSES TO PUT THEIR CHILD IN A PRIVATE SCHOOL, THEY CAN DO THAT RIGHT NOW, BUT TAXPAYERS SHOULDN'T HAVE TO FOOT THE BILL.

ESPECIALLY WHEN PRIVATE SCHOOLS CAN SIMPLY RAISE THEIR TUITION WHENEVER THEY SEE FIT.

TO BE CLEAR, WE DON'T HAVE ANY ISSUE WITH A FAMILY'S CHOICE TO SEND THEIR CHILD TO A PRIVATE SCHOOL.

THAT'S THEIR CHOICE TO MAKE.

HOWEVER, IT SHOULDN'T BE SOMETHING THAT TAXPAYERS ARE FORCED TO PAY FOR, THAT ONLY BENEFITS A SMALL PORTION OF THE POPULATION AT THE EXPENSE OF EVERYONE ELSE.

IF THE IDEA BEHIND SCHOOL CHOICE IS TO IMPROVE EDUCATIONAL OUTCOMES, HOW WILL THESE SCHOOL CHOICE PROPOSALS AFFECT SCHOOLS IN RURAL COMMUNITIES, LIKE THE ONES IN CRENSHAW AND BUTLER COUNTIES?

BY TAKING AWAY RESOURCES FROM THESE SCHOOLS THAT ARE WORKING HARD EVERY DAY TO IMPROVE PERFORMANCE, SCHOOL CHOICE WOULD ONLY MAKE THE ACHIEVEMENT GAP WORSE, NOT BETTER.

THAT'S WHY ALABAMA DEMOCRATS SUPPORT DIRECTING ADDITIONAL AND TARGETED RESOURCES TO UNDERPERFORMING SCHOOLS AND PROVIDING STRUGGLING STUDENTS WITH INDIVIDUALIZED INSTRUCTION TO CLOSE THE EDUCATIONAL ACHIEVEMENT GAP.

AND OF COURSE, WE MUST ALWAYS ENSURE THAT ALABAMA PUBLIC SCHOOLS ARE SAFE FOR OUR CHILDREN, FUNDING ADDITIONAL SECURITY VIOLENCE PREVENTION PROGRAMS, BEHAVIORAL HEALTH RESOURCES, AND INCREASING PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT.

THE BOTTOM LINE IS THIS.

THE BLESSING OF FREEDOM IS INCOMPATIBLE WITH THE CURSE OF IGNORANCE.

FOR ALL OF US TO FULLY ENJOY THE VAST BENEFITS OF FREEDOM INVESTMENTS IN STRONG PUBLIC SCHOOLS ARE ESSENTIAL TRANSFORMATIONAL AND NON-NEGOTIABLE.

OUR VISION FOR PROGRESS WILL ALSO DRIVE PROSPERITY.

WE'RE FOCUSED ON CREATING HIGHER WAGES AND REDUCING THE TAX BURDEN ON FAMILY-OWNED BUSINESSES.

TO ACHIEVE ECONOMIC PROSPERITY WE MUST IMPROVE WORKFORCE PARTICIPATION.

AND WE CAN DO IT.

WE CAN DO IT BY GREATLY INCREASING ACCESS TO AFFORDABLE HOUSING TRANSPORTATION, AND CHILDCARE, PARTICULARLY IN RURAL ALABAMA IN PLACES LIKE BULLOCK COUNTY WHERE I GREW UP.

ACCESS TO AFFORDABLE CHILDCARE IS ONE OF THE BIGGEST OBSTACLES FOR PARENTS LOOKING TO RETURN TO THE WORKFORCE OR ADVANCE THEIR CAREERS.

AND IT'S ONE OF THE BIGGEST ISSUES OUR STATE IS FACING.

TOO MANY PEOPLE HAVE BEEN FORCED TO PUT THEIR CAREER DREAMS ON HOLD TO MEET THEIR RESPONSIBILITIES AT HOME.

NOT ONLY IS THAT UNFAIR IT'S HINDERING OUR ECONOMY.

I LOOK FORWARD TO WORKING ACROSS THE AISLE TO IMMEDIATELY SOLVE THIS PROBLEM FOR THE SAKE OF ALABAMA FAMILIES, WORKERS, EMPLOYERS, AND CHILDREN.

IN ADDITION TO HELPING PEOPLE RETURN TO WORK, WE MUST ALSO GIVE THEM THE TOOLS TO ADVANCE THEIR CAREERS.

ALABAMA HOUSE DEMOCRATS SUPPORT EXPANDING VOCATIONAL TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES SO THAT JOB-SEEKERS HAVE THE NECESSARY SKILLS TO MEET THEN DEMANDS OF TODAY'S EVER-CHANGING AND HIGH-TECH WORKPLACE.

WE STRONGLY SUPPORT INCREASED INVESTMENT IN ALABAMA'S INFRASTRUCTURE TO NOT ONLY IMPROVE CONDITIONS IN OUR LOCAL COMMUNITIES BUT ALSO ATTRACT ENTREPRENEURIAL AND EMERGING BUSINESSES.

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES.

FAMILY-SUSTAINING JOBS.

LONG-TERM ECONOMIC GROWTH.

WE BELIEVE TRUE ECONOMIC FREEDOM MEANS THAT YOUR HARD WORK SHOULD BE REWARDED AND THAT YOU SHOULD HAVE ACCESS TO THE RESOURCES AND OPPORTUNITIES TO ACHIEVE YOUR DREAMS.

BUT WHAT IS WEALTH WITHOUT HEALTH?

FOR ALABAMA TO ACHIEVE THIS BOLD VISION, EVERY CITIZEN MUST HAVE ACCESS TO AFFORDABLE HEALTH CARE WITHIN THEIR LOCAL COMMUNITY.

WE MUST CLOSE THE HEALTH INSURANCE GAP THAT NEGATIVELY AFFECTS HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS OF ALABAMIANS AND THEIR FAMILIES.

THAT'S WHY ALABAMA HOUSE DEMOCRATS URGE THE IMMEDIATE EXPANSION OF MEDICAID, AS WELL AS INNOVATIVE PUBLIC-PRIVATE PARTNERSHIPS THAT SEEK TO EXPAND MEDICAL SERVICES THROUGHOUT ALABAMA.

AS MORE HOSPITALS RISK PERMANENT CLOSURE AND ACCESS TO SPECIALIZED MEDICAL SERVICES DWINDLES ACROSS OUR STATE, WE SUPPORT TARGETED INCENTIVES TO ENSURE THAT WE ATTRACT AND RETAIN MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS AND SUBSTANTIALLY INCREASE THE NUMBER OF HEALTHCARE PROVIDERS, ESPECIALLY IN OUR RURAL COMMUNITIES.

AND OF COURSE, WE MUST CONTINUE TO COMBAT THE SCOURGE OF SUBSTANCE ABUSE AND MENTAL ILLNESS IN OUR COMMUNITIES.

TOO MANY LIVES HAVE BEEN CUT SHORT.

TOO MUCH POTENTIAL HAS BEEN LOST.

TOO MANY FAMILIES HAVE BEEN TOUCHED BY TRAGEDY.

TO THEM AND ALL ALABAMIANS, WE HAVE A DUTY TO INVEST IN TREATMENT RECOVERY, COUNSELING, AND EVIDENCE-BASED MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES.

WE ALSO RECOGNIZE THAT INDIVIDUAL HEALTH IS DIRECTLY RELATED TO PUBLIC HEALTH.

WHEN IT COMES TO OUR COMMUNITIES, WHAT IMPACTS ONE, IMPACTS ALL.

THAT'S WHY WE MUST ENSURE CLEAN DRINKING WATER, EFFECTIVE SANITATION SYSTEMS, AND EXCELLENT ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH STATEWIDE, REGARDLESS OF YOUR ZIP CODE.

WE MUST ALSO SAFEGUARD AND EXPAND MATERNAL CARE, INFANT EXPAND MATERNAL CARE, INFANT CARE, REPRODUCTIVE CARE, AND WOMEN'S HEALTH.

THAT INCLUDES THE REPEAL OF ALABAMA'S SEVERE AND OUTDATED ABORTION BAN THAT PROVIDES NO EXCEPTIONS FOR RAPE OR INCEST.

WE KNOW THAT TO FULLY ENJOY THE PROMISE OF FREEDOM, YOU AND YOUR FAMILY MUST HAVE LOCAL ACCESS TO THE HEALTH CARE YOU NEED, CHOOSE, AND DESERVE.

YOUR FREEDOM AND YOUR FUTURE ALSO DEPEND ON A HEALTHY DEMOCRACY, EFFECTIVE REPRESENTATION, AND A GOVERNMENT THAT WORKS.

THAT CALLS FOR ABUNDANT VOTER PARTICIPATION AND INFORMED CIVIC ENGAGEMENT.

YET UNNECESSARY OBSTACLES PREVENT MANY FROM FULFILLING THOSE BASIC RESPONSIBILITIES.

LET ME BE ABUNDANTLY CLEAR: FREE, FAIR, AND SAFE ELECTIONS ARE WHAT THIS COUNTRY IS ALL ABOUT.

ALABAMA HOUSE DEMOCRATS WILL ALWAYS CHAMPION THE FREEDOM TO VOTE.

WE'RE COMMITTED TO REMOVING OBSTACLES TO VOTING AND MAKING ELECTIONS MORE ACCESSIBLE THROUGH AUTOMATIC VOTER REGISTRATION AT AGE 18 CURBSIDE VOTING, EARLY VOTING, AND GUARANTEED ABSENTEE VOTING.

REGARDLESS OF POLITICAL PARTY, WE ALL BENEFIT WHEN MORE VOTERS CAN EXERCISE THEIR DEMOCRATIC RIGHTS.

WE ALSO STRONGLY BELIEVE THAT WE MUST EXPEDITE THE RESTORATION OF VOTING RIGHTS TO THOSE WHO HAVE PAID THEIR DEBT TO SOCIETY.

FEES FINES, OR OTHER ADMINISTRATIVE BARRIERS SHOULDN'T STOP ALABAMIANS FROM SEEING THEIR VOTING RIGHTS RESTORED.

AS THE FEDERAL JUDGES IN MILLIGAN V. ALLEN WROTE IN THEIR DECISION “VOTING IS THE BEATING HEART OF DEMOCRACY.

IT IS A FUNDAMENTAL RIGHT, BECAUSE IT IS PRESERVATIVE OF ALL OTHER THAT HEARTBEAT IS ALIVE AND STRONG IN ALABAMA.

YOU CAN HEAR IT THUMPING IN COMMUNITIES ACROSS THE STATE.

AND IT GROWS LARGEST AND LOUDEST WHEN WE ALL SHOW UP TO VOTE IN FREE, FAIR, AND SAFE ELECTIONS.

ANOTHER IMPORTANT COMPONENT OF OUR VISION IS FIXING OUR CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM - A SYSTEM THAT HAS HISTORICALLY VIOLATED BASIC HUMAN RIGHTS AND CONTINUES TO DO UNTOLD DAMAGE TO OUR COMMUNITIES.

THE HARD TRUTH IS OUR PRISONS ARE NOT WORKING.

IT'S OVERCROWDED, UNSAFE, AND THEY ARE DON'T WORK.

A LEGACY OF RACIALLY DISPROPORTIONATE INCARCERATION COUPLED WITH A FLAWED MODEL THAT PRIORITIZES PUNISHMENT OVER REHABILITATION HAS MADE THEM THAT WAY.

NOW, WE NEED TO CHANGE.

ALABAMA HOUSE DEMOCRATS KNOW THAT DANGEROUS PRISONS DON'T MAKE OUR COMMUNITIES SAFE.

IN FACT, THEY DO JUST THE OPPOSITE BY FURTHERING A CYCLE OF RECIDIVISM, ADDICTION, AND MENTAL ILLNESS THAT THREATENS US ALL.

THAT'S WHY WE ADVOCATE FOR LEGISLATION THAT ENSURES ACCOUNTABILITY TRANSPARENCY, AND CLEAR GUIDELINES FOR THE PARDONS AND PAROLE BOARD.

WE SUPPORT COMPASSIONATE EARLY RELEASE FOR NONVIOLENT INMATES WHO ARE TERMINALLY ILL, OR ELDERLY, AND WHO NO LONGER POSE A THREAT TO SOCIETY.

AND WE SUPPORT EFFECTIVE AND PROVEN RE-ENTRY PROGRAMS, WHICH INCLUDE HOUSING AND EMPLOYMENT ASSISTANCE, TO HELP THOSE RELEASED FROM PRISON REENTER PRODUCTIVE CITIZENS.

WHEN IT COMES TO GUN VIOLENCE, WE CANNOT IGNORE THE EPIDEMIC THAT IS CONSUMING OUR COMMUNITIES AND TRAGICALLY DESTROYING YOUNG LIVES.

GUN VIOLENCE IS NOW THE LEADING CAUSE OF DEATH AMONG CHILDREN IN ALABAMA.

AND IT'S GETTING WORSE.

IN 2021, WE HAD MORE GUN DEATHS PER PERSON THAN NEW YORK STATE.

THINK ABOUT THAT.

THE TERRIBLE GRIEF AND INDESCRIBABLE PAIN OF GUN VIOLENCE HAS SCARRED OUR NEIGHBORHOODS.

I SPOKE WITH VANESSA PIERCE, A GRIEVING MOTHER IN MONTGOMERY WHO TRAGICALLY LOST HER SON TO AN ASSAILANT WHOSE WEAPON WAS MODIFIED WITH A DEADLY GLOCK SWITCH ALLOWING IT TO FIRE ROUNDS MORE RAPIDLY.

SHE SAID, “THE PAIN NEVER EVER GOES AWAY.

IT'S BEEN THREE YEARS AND FEELS LIKE IT JUST HAPPENED.” MY HEART BREAKS FOR VANESSA AND HER FAMILY, BUT THAT IS NOT ENOUGH- WE MUST TAKE ACTION TO MAKE IT EASIER FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT AND PROSECUTORS TO GET THESE ILLEGAL WEAPON MODIFICATIONS OFF OUR STREETS.

ALABAMA HOUSE DEMOCRATS KNOW THAT MAINTAINING THE RIGHTS OF LAW-ABIDING GUN OWNERS DOESN'T PRECLUDE US FROM ACTING TO ENSURE OUR RIGHTS TO LIVE IN PEACE AND SAFETY.

WE SUPPORT REPEALING THE PERMITLESS CONCEALED CARRY LAW - ONE THAT IS OPPOSED BY POLICE - AND IMPLEMENTING LEGISLATION TO RID OUR COMMUNITIES OF ILLEGAL GUNS AND UNLAWFUL WEAPON MODIFICATIONS.

WE WANT TO FUND LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT TO SUPPORT COMMUNITY POLICING STRATEGIES AND INITIATIVES TO ENSURE GREATER ACCOUNTABILITY AND TRANSPARENCY.

ALL TOO OFTEN, HATE AND VIOLENCE GO HAND AND HAND.

WE MUST CONTINUE TO STAND TOGETHER IN CONFRONTING BIGOTRY AND DISCRIMINATION WHEREVER THEY APPEAR.

AND IT'S PAST TIME TO STOP USING PUBLIC DOLLARS AND GOVERNMENT OFFICES TO CELEBRATE A LEGACY OF PAIN.

WE HAVE PLENTY OF GOOD THINGS TO CELEBRATE IN OUR STATE - RACISM AND BIGOTRY AREN'T ONE OF THEM.

INSTEAD, LET'S LOOK TO THE FUTURE WITH UNITY AND UNDERSTANDING.

LET'S SEND THE MESSAGE THAT FREEDOM AND PUBLIC SAFETY DEPEND ON AN UNBIASED AND LAWFUL JUSTICE SYSTEM THAT IS APPLIED TO ALL OF US EQUALLY.

NO, WE MAY NOT BE ABLE TO RIGHT ALL THE WRONGS OF THE PAST, BUT WE CAN LEAVE THEM BEHIND.

WE CAN MOVE FORWARD.

WE CAN DO BETTER.

THIS IS OUR VISION FOR PROGRESS.

WE BELIEVE THAT ALABAMA MUST BE A PLACE WHERE EVERY CITIZEN IS FREE: - FREE TO LEARN, GROW, WORK, AND RAISE A FAMILY.

- FREE TO LIVE IN SAFE, HEALTHY, INCLUSIVE, EQUITABLE, AND WELCOMING COMMUNITIES.

- AND FREE TO PURSUE OUR LOFTIEST DREAMS AND AMBITIONS WHILE WORKING TO CREATE A BETTER ALABAMA FOR OUR CHILDREN AND GRANDCHILDREN.

THIS IS OUR VISION FOR PROGRESS TO MAXIMIZE YOUR FREEDOM AND EMPOWER YOUR FUTURE.

MY MESSAGE TO YOU TONIGHT IS: ALABAMA DEMOCRATS ARE HERE FOR IT.

WE'RE HERE FOR ALABAMA.

AND WE'RE HERE FOR YOU.

THANK YOU.

GOD BLESS YOU.

AND GOOD NIGHT.

GOD BLESS THE GREAT STATE OF ALABAMA AND THE UNITED STATES.

HAVE A GOOD NIGHT.

>> TODD STACY: THERE YOU HAVE IT, STATE OF THE STATE DEMOCRATIC RESPONSE FROM HOUSE MINORITY LEADER APT KNEE DANIELS.

AND IT WAS INTERESTING, SOME AREAS OF SHARP DISAGREEMENT, ONE OF WHICH BEING THE ABSENTEE BALLOT OR HARVESTING ISSUE.

AND NOW, SENATOR GARLAN GUDGER HERE TO GIVE POST SPEECH ANALYSIS.

>> THANK YOU FOR HAVING ME.

>> AND WE JUST HEARD THE DEMOCRATS ARE OBVIOUSLY NOT FOR THIS BILL.

I THOUGHT IT WAS INTERESTING.

WE WERE ALL LISTENING TO THE SPEECH TONIGHT AND SAYING WHAT'S THE GOVERNOR GOING TO GET BEHIND.

WHAT'S SHE GOING TO MENTION, WAS BALLOT HARVESTING GOING THERE BE, TO BE THERE, AND WHAT WAS THAT LIKE?

WERE YOU PLEASED THAT SHE BROUGHT IT UP OUT OF THE GATE?

>> I HEARD A RUMOR THAT SHE WAS GOING TO SPEAK ABOUT BALLOT HARVESTING, AND NOT EXPECTING IT TO BE FIRST IN THE SPEECH.

BEING IN THE AUDIENCE AND IN THE STATE OF THE STATE, GOING ON ABOUT THE RULES AND REGULATIONS ENTERGY THAT WE HAVE, YOU KNOW, THAT WE HAVE MOMENTUM BEHIND IT AS WE GO INTO COMMITTEE TOMORROW.

>> TELL ME ABOUT THE BILL.

WHAT'S THE LEGISLATION DO.

I KNOW THERE WERE MINOR TWEAKS FROM LAST YEAR.

>> THAT'S CORRECT.

WE LISTENED TO BOTH SIDES.

AND I MET FROM THE BOTTOM OF THE STATE TO THE TOP OF THE STATE FROM THE LEFT TO THE RIGHT, MADISON, MOBILE, CULLMAN ALABAMA ALL OVER.

EVERYBODY IS SAYING, IS THIS REALLY HAPPENING?

WHY DO WE NEED IT?

AND HOW DO WE INTRI TO DEFEND OUR ELECTION INTEGRITY LAWS.

AND THAT'S WHY WE DO NEED IT.

WE TOOK LAST YEAR'S BILL AND TWEAKED IT A LITTLE BIT AND HAVE THE BEST BALLOT HARVESTING BILL WE CAN COME UP WITH.

THIS IS NOT A DEMOCRATIC OR REPUBLICAN BILL NOR INDEPENDENT.

THIS IS, IF YOU ARE VOTING AND PEOPLE ARE CASTING THEIR VOTE, THEY WANT IT TO BE A SECURE VOTE, A VOTE OF INTEGRITY THAT THEY KNOW IS GOING TO BE A VOTE COUNTED INSTEAD OF SOMEBODY IN THEIR OWN PARTY MAYBE, BALLOT HARVESTING AND EVEN LOCAL ELECTION THAT OUTSHINES THE VOTE THAT CAST.

SO, THIS BILL BRINGS THAT BACK WHERE BALLOT HARVESTING IS ILLEGAL.

YOU CAN'T PAY SOMEBODY TO DO THAT OR RECEIVE MONEY TO DO THAT.

THAT'S REALLY THE BASIS OF THE BILL.

>> DEMOCRATS REALLY DON'T LIKE IT.

I WAS TALKING TO ONE OF THE REPRESENTATIVES HERE IN MONTGOMERY JUST LAST WEEK, HE WAS SAYING, LOOK, THIS IS NOT REALLY AN ISSUE, NOT A PROBLEM.

BALLOT HARVESTING DOESN'T REALLY HAPPEN.

IT'S A SOLUTION IN SEARCH OF A PROBLEM IS KIND OF HOW HE PUT IT IN.

SO, LET ME ASK YOU.

CAN WE QUANTIFY THIS, IS IT ACTUALLY A PROBLEM, DO WE HAVE EMPHASIS OF INAPPROPRIATE BEHAVIOR OUT THERE THAT NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED.

WELL, THERE'S EVIDENCE-BASED DATA THAT I RECEIVED WHICH IS WHY I AM GOING FORWARD TO IT.

WE HAVE AT LEAST 4 COUNTIES, THAT I KNOW OVER, OVER 10% -- TWO OF THEM OVER 20% IN ABSENTEE BALLOTS THAT WERE CAST.

AND THE AVERAGE IS AROUND 3 TO 3.5%.

AND YOU ARE TELLING ME THAT ONE OUT OF 5 BALLOTS IN THE COUNTY ARE ABSENTEE BALLOTS IT'S SO SKEWED OFF THE CHARTS.

AND ANYTHING THAT HIGH, WE HAVE THE DATA, I CAN SHOW YOU THE PERCENTAGES AND WE'LL BE BRINGING IT TO COMMITTEE TOMORROW TOO.

>> AND IT'S UP IN COMMITTEE, YES.

AND THE OTHER THING I HEAR FROM DEMOCRATS, IT'S WAY OVERDOING IT, OVERCORRECTION, CRIMINALIZING THINGS, POSSIBLY GIVING PEOPLE CRIMINAL RECORD ASSIST BEING A BALLOT OR PAYING FOR SOMETHING OR PAYING FOR GAS.

RESPOND TO THAT ARGUMENT.

JUST FAR OVERCORRECTION OF WHERE WE ARE.

>> I DON'T THINK THERE'S A FAR OVER CORRECTION AT ALL.

ONLY TWO THINGS THAT YOU WOULD BE CHARGED WITH, FELONY AND GO TO JAIL.

THOSE TWO THINGS, ALL PARTIES SHOULD AGREE TO THIS.

YOU SHOULDN'T BE ABLE TO PAY SOMEBODY TO FILL OUT YOUR BALLOT AND TURN IT IN AND RECEIVE MONEY, WHICH IS THE BALLOT HARVESTING AND THAT'S THE WAY SIS OF THE CRIMINAL ACTIVITY.

NOW, THE OTHER PART, YOU CAN ALLOW PEOPLE TO FILL OUT THE BALLOT, SAY, IF THEY NEED ASSISTANCE.

MY DAD WAS AN ELDERLY WITH BAD SIGHT SO HE NEEDED HELP.

BUT YOU HAVE TO SIGN YOUR NAME AT THE BOTTOM AND THAT YOU HELPED THE PERSON SO YOU CAN GET ANOTHER BALLOT THAT.

THERE'S A BALLOT THAT YOU CAST AND THERE'S A BALLOT APPLICATION, THAT'S WHERE MOST OF THE CORRUPTION IS HAPPENING.

WE HAVE GREAT INTEGRITY ELECTION LAWS.

AND I TRULY FEEL THIS IS THE LAST PIECE OF THAT PUZZLE THAT WE NEED TO HANDLE AND NEED TO DO IT AT THIS SESSION AS WE GO FORWARD INTO THIS ELECTION.

>> AND YOU HAVE THE SUPPORT OF THE GOVERNOR, TOP OF THE SPEECH THAT WAS IMPRESSIVE AND SURPRISING.

>> YES.

>> WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THE PROSPECTS?

LAST YEAR, A VERSION OF THE BILL PASSED THE HOUSE BUT IT WAS LATE IN THE SESSION AND LET'S NOT SHUT DOWN THE WHOLE SESSION OVER IT.

SO, DO YOU EXPECT SUCCESS THIS TIME?

>> I AM OPTIMISTIC, WE'RE POISED TO GO WITH THE BILL QUICKLY AND POISED TO PASS IT WITHIN THE FIRST TWO WEEKS.

I THINK I'LL HAVE TO BE ABLE TO UNDERSTAND BOTH SIDES.

I'M WILLING TO DO THAT, HAVE A GOOD DEBATE BACK AND FORTH, AND WHY SOMEBODY IS AGAINST THE BILL, TELL ME WHY.

THIS IS TRULY AN ELECTION INTEGRITY BILL AND WHY WOULDN'T YOU WANT IT FOR YOUR PARTY AS WELL AS BOTH SIDES.

I'M PRESENTING MY CASE.

AND I SHOULD ALSO MENTION, SECRETARY WES ALLEN IS ALSO A BIG CHAMPION THEREOF BILL AS WELL.

NOW, WHILE I HAVE YOU, I WANT TO ASK YOU ABOUT LEGISLATION SPONSORED THIS YEAR AND HAS TO DO WITH TAX CREDITS FOR CHILD CARE, FOR HELPING WORKERS AND THE ISSUE OF WORK FORCE DEVELOPMENT IS BECOMING ONE OF THE TOP ISSUES IN THE STATE FROM THE TOP LEADERS.

AND WE TALK ABOUT, WHAT KEEPS PEOPLE FROM PARTICIPATING IN THE WORK FORCE.

AND WHEN YOU TAKE SURVEYS, ONE OF THE TOP ISSUES, I CAN'T ACCORD CHILD CARE.

TIMELY ISSUE.

TALK TO ME ABOUT YOUR BILL AND WHAT IT'S GOING TO DO.

>> BEING THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CHAIRMAN IN THE ALABAMA STATE SENATE.

I TRAVEL ALL OVER THE STATE TALKING TO INDUSTRY, BIG BOX AND ONE OF THE NUMBER ONE THINGS, I NEED MORE WORKERS.

SO, WE'VE LOOKED AT WAYS TO GET WORKERS BACK INTO THE WORK FORCE ON EVERY LEVEL.

AND WE'RE SAYING, WHAT ARE WE MISSING HERE?

THE COST OF CHILD CARE IS SO MUCH.

IF A SINGLE MOTHER WENT TO BE ABLE TO WORK EVERYDAY, SHE WOULD HAVE TO TAKE THAT PAYCHECK JUST TO PAY FOR CHILD CARE.

THIS SUBSIDIZES THIS LICENSED CHILD CARE, KNOW THEIR CHILDREN ARE SAFE AND TAKEN CARE OF WHILE THEY ARE AT WORK.

AND IT HELPS THEM TO BE ABLE TO MAKE A LIVING, MAKE WAGES TO HELP THE FAMILY AND BRINGING WOMEN BACK INTO THE WORK FORCE.

I THINK IT'S POSITIVE FOR THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OF THE WORK FORCE.

WE NEED WORKERS.

AND IT'S THE RIGHT THING TO DO FOR WOMEN THAT WANT TO COME BACK INTO THE WORK FORCE.

ETHIC THIS BILL MARRIES THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND WOMEN SO WE'RE ABLE TO MAKE A BETTER ALABAMA.

>> AND THE WOMEN'S FOUNDATION PARTNERED UP WITH ALABAMA MANUFACTURE AND IT'S AN INTERESTING PARTNERSHIP.

WHAT HAVE YOU HEARD FROM THE MANUFACTURERS.

AND ISN'T THERE A SITUATION TO HELP THEM INCENTIVIZE THEIR OWN CHILD CARE PROGRAMS?

>> RIGHT, SOME MAY SAY WE'LL PRODUCE OUR OWN CHILD CARE ON SITE.

AND WE WANT TO HELP PRODUCE CHILD CARE TWO MILES DOWN THE ROAD, MOTHER GOOSE, SAY, FOR EXAMPLE, BUT FROM THAT, THEY WANT TO BE SURE THEY HAVE WORKERS COMING IN AND THEY ARE SUCCESSFUL IN THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT WORLD AND AT THE SAME TIME, MOTHERS HAVE GREAT CARE FOR THE CHILDREN AND MARRYING THOSE TWO THINGS TOGETHER, YOU HAVE FAMILIES ABLE TO PRODUCE FOR THEMSELVES, NOT LOOKING FOR GOVERNMENT SUBSIDIARIES AND WE'RE DOING THAT TODAY, AND BY THE TAX CREDIT CHILD CARE BILL IT'S BIPARTISAN.

>> AND YOU ARE WORKING WITH ANTHONY DANIELS, WHO WE JUST HEARD FROM?

>> YEAH, BIPARTISAN EVENT, COMING TOGETHER TO BE SURE WE PRODUCE THE BEST BILL WE POSSIBLY CAN.

NOT FOR JUST DEMOCRATS OR REPUBLICANS BUT FOR EVERYBODY IN THE STATE OF ALABAMA >> TODD STACY: WHILE I HAVE YOU, AN ISSUE INVOLVED IN LAST YEAR, NEVER MADE IT PAST THE FINISH LINE, IT WAS BRAND NEW, THE ISSUE OF 988.

THAT'S THE NUMBER THAT YOU WOULD CALL FOR A MENTAL HEALTH CRISIS.

AND IT WAS PASSED AND ENACTED UNDER PRESIDENT TRUMP IN 2020.

AND THINK IT HAS A WAYS TO GO IN FUNDING, MAKING SURE THAT CRISIS SERVICES ARE AVAILABLE.

SO, IT WOULD INCLUDE A USER FEE.

TALK ABOUT WHAT HAPPENED LAST YEAR, THE CHALLENGES THAT IT FACED.

ARE PEOPLE MORE OPEN TO THIS IDEA OF 988 AND EXPANDING THOSE MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES?

>> EVERYBODY DEALS WITH MENTAL HEALTH, WE'VE BEEN TALKED ABOUT ALL SORTS OF THINGS, PEOPLE HOMELESS, SCHIZOPHRENIA, AND IT COMES BACK TO MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES THAT WE'RE HAVING.

WHAT'S AMAZING, IF I TOLD YOU A NUMBER, 1-800-644-3804 TO BE ABLE TO REPEAT THAT BACK, YOU CAN'T.

BUT IF I SAY 988, YOU CAN REMEMBER THAT, AND PUBLIC SAFETY, SHARE IT FOR POLICE, FIRE, POLICE 911.

BUT IF YOU HAVE MENTAL HEALTH, DIAL 988.

THAT'S AS SIMPLE AS IT GETS TO THE BOTTOM LINE AND I THINK WE'RE HAVING MORE AND MORE ISSUES WITH MENTAL HEALTH THROUGHOUT THE STATE.

WE HAD THE GREAT RECESSION OF 2008, 2009, 2010.

AND AT THAT TIME, THE LEGISLATURE HAD TO CUT MENTAL HEALTH 66% AND WE'RE FEELING THE REPERCUSSIONS OF THAT NOW.

AND THE REASON IT DIDN'T PASS LAST YEAR, WE COULDN'T FIND THE RIGHT WAY TO FUND THIS.

AND ONLY 20% OF ALABAMA KNOWS ABOUT 988.

ONCE THEY DO, THEY WILL CALL MORE.

AND WE HAD OVER 67,000 CALLS LAST YEAR AND THE FUNDING IS THE WAY TO GET THIS OVER THE FINISH LINE THIS YEAR IN THE SESSION.

AND WE HAVE WAYS TO BRING IT UP THIS YEAR WITHOUT UPPING ANYBODY'S TAXES OR ANYTHING LIKE THAT.

I'M LOOKING FORWARD TO THE CHALLENGE.

>> THAT'S INTERESTING THAT WE'LL BE LOOKING TO FOLLOW.

SENATOR, THANKS FOR COMING BY FOR A LITTLE COMMENTARY POST SPEECH.

WE'LL SEE YOU MORE AS THE SHOW CONTINUES.

AND WE'LL TAKE A BREAK, WE'LL BE RIGHT BACK WITH MORE GUESTS FOR POST SPEECH ANALYSIS.

>> TODD STACY: WELCOME BACK TO OUR POST SPEECH ANALYSIS OF GOVERNOR IVEY'S STATE OF THE STATE ADDRESS.

JOINING ME NOW IS BRIAN LYMAN AND MAYOR SELF OF THE ALABAMA DAILY NEWS.

THAT WAS QUITE A SPEECH.

>> QUITE COVERED A LOT OF GROUND.

>> Y'ALL HAVE SEEN A MILLION OF THESE, COVERED A MILLION OF THESE SPEECHES.

WHAT'S YOUR GENERAL REACTION.

BRIAN, I'LL START WITH YOU.

WHAT WAS THE VIBE IN THE ROOM LIKE, YOUR GENERAL REACTION TO HER DELIVERY.

WHAT WERE SOME OF YOUR INITIAL THOUGHTS.

>> WHAT REALLY STRUCK ME ABOUT THE SPEECH WAS PREVIOUS STATES OF THE STATE FELT LIKE THEY HAD A PURPOSE MOVING UP TO ONE BIG SELLING POINT.

THIS FELT MORE LIKE A GRAB BAG AND THE CENTRAL THING THAT SHE WAS TELLING WAS THE EDUCATION SAVINGS ACCOUNT COMING AT THE END OF THE SPEECH.

BEFORE WE GOT THERE, WE HAD BALLOT HARVESTING, GAMBLING, WE HAD PRISONS.

REALLY FELT LIKE THERE WAS A LOT OF TALK ABOUT MAJOR ISSUES AND OUTSIDE OF THE EDUCATIONAL SAVINGS ACCOUNT.

DIDN'T REALLY FEEL LIKE THERE WERE A LOT OF SPECIFIC PROPOSALS TO ADDRESS THEM.

THAT WAS THE MOST STRIKING THING I THINK, OUTSIDE OF EDUCATION SAVINGS ACCOUNTS WHICH IVEY HAS TELEGRAPHED FOR MONTHS THAT'S HER BIG THEN.

BUT THERE WAS NOT A SPECIFIC THINGS WITH POLICY.

>> YOU ARE THINKING BACK TO GAS TAX OR ARPA.

MARY, WHAT WERE SOME OF YOUR FIRST BLUSH REACTIONS?

>> SOMEBODY EARLIER IN THE DAY SAID, MARY, DO YOU THINK SHE'LL HIT ON GAMBLING IN THE SPEECH AND I SAID, I DON'T THINK SO.

BUT SHE DID!

NOT A LOT OF SPECIFICS BUT SUPPORT IS THERE.

AND THAT MAKES ME THINK THAT THIS YET TO BE REVEALED PROPOSAL HAS MORE LEGS.

MORE THAN WHAT WE THINK.

WAITING FOR IT TO COME DOWN FROM THE HOUSE.

AND SHE SAID, CRACKING DOWN ON ILLEGAL GAMBLING.

THAT'S A BIG PUSH.

AND FOR SOME PEOPLE, AND HARDEST THING TO EXPLAIN TO PEOPLE, WHY CAN'T I BUY A POWERBALL TICKET.

AND THEN, YOU KNOW N- THE CONSTITUTION, AND THE HORSE TRACKS.

AND YOU KNOW, WE GOT TO CRACK DOWN AND GET REVENUE FROM IT.

REVENUE GENERATOR.

AND YOU GET A LOTTERY.

JUST HER BACKING OF THAT WAS NOTABLE.

>> I AGREE.

AND I WANTED TO DRILL DOWN ON THAT.

THAT WAS ONE OF THE BIG QUESTIONS GOING ON THE TEACH.

WOULD SHE HAVE CRACKED DOWN.

AND I WOULD HAVE SAID NO, JUST BASED ON THE PREVIOUS HISTORY, THERE, LIKE POLICY WISE, I WAS THINKING BACK TO 2021, THAT WAS THE YEAR SHE DID THE COMMISSION OR THE STUDY GOOD SKWHRT MONSTER REPORT.

>> RIGHT, AND SHE DID, I REMEMBER DOING AN INTERVIEW, SHE SAID I WANT A BILL.

BUT WHATEVER THE SENATE CAME UP WITH AND PASSED, SHE WAS NOT HOT ABOUT.

SHE WAS VERY LUKEWARM ON THAT, AND IT ENDED UP DYING.

I THINK THAT SUPPORT FROM HER WOULD HAVE IMPACTED THAT LEGISLATION.

FAST FORWARD TO NOW.

SHE EXPLICITLY CAME OUT AND SAID WHAT THE HOUSE IS WORKING ON, I WANT TO PASS AND I WILL SUPPORT IT.

AND YOU HAVE TO THINK THAT REPRESENTATIVES ANDY WIT AND BLACKSHER, THE GOOD GUYS WORKING ON THAT, THEY WERE SMILING.

AND THE OPPONENTS, ALABAMA POLICY INSTITUTE, FARMERS FEDERATION WERE NOT HAPPY TO HEAR THAT.

AND BRIAN, YOU HAVE COVERED GAMBLING FOR DECADES, I DON'T KNOW.

>> CENTURIES!

>> FEELS LIKE IT!

>> TODD STACY: WHAT DO YOU MAKE OF THIS?

IS THE GOVERNOR'S SUPPORT HERE, COULD IT BE REALLY A FUNDAMENTAL THING THAT GETS IT ACROSS THE FINISH LINE.

>> WELL, THINK IT WAS IMPORTANT THAT SHE ACKNOWLEDGES THAT THIS IS HAPPENING AND THINK THERE'S A SERIOUS EFFORT HERE.

ONE OF THE THINGS THAT ALWAYS STRUCK ME ABOUT IVEY, SHE KNOWS HER LIMITS AS A GOVERNOR.

AND I DON'T MEAN THAT AS A CRITICISM.

THE GOVERNOR IN ALABAMA HAS LIMITED POWER.

THERE'S NOT MUCH, LIKE, WHEN YOU ARE DOING WITH THE LEGISLATURE THAT THE GOVERNOR CAN REALLY IMPOSE HER WILL ON.

IVEY DOES NOT HAVE AN OFFICIAL ROLE IN THE PROCESS THAT WE CREATE GAMBLING IN THE STATE.

YOU NEED A CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT.

LEGISLATURE AIMPROVEMENTS CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT, THAT GOES STRAIGHT TO THE BALLOT AND THE GOVERNOR DOESN'T DO ANYTHING WITH THAT.

IF SHE'S JUST SIMPLY ACKNOWLEDGING THE EXISTENCE OF A BILL, THAT'S NOT SURPRISING.

SHE'S BEEN VERY CONSISTENT OVER THE YEARS, WHATEVER MY FEELING ARE ABOUT GAMBLING, THINK PEOPLE SHOULD BE ABLE TO VOTE ON IT.

SHE WASTES NO POLITICAL CAPITAL ON THAT, BECAUSE SHE CAN'T DO ANYTHING IN THE LEGISLATURE.

IF THE BILL, WHATEVER HAPPENS WITH THE BILL, ULTIMATELY, IF THE HOUSE REPUBLICANS CAN ACTUALLY COME TO AN AGREEMENT ON SOMETHING AND MOVE IT, AND MOVE IT OUT.

SO, I DON'T THINK IT'S INSIGNIFICANT THAT GOVERNOR IVEY ACKNOWLEDGED IT, BUT I DON'T THINK IT HAS ANY ULTIMATE IMPACT ON WHAT HAPPENS WITH THE BILL.

>> AND WE JUST HAD SOME POLLING, ROLLING IT OUT LATER THIS WEEK, REPUBLICAN PRIMARY POLLING, BECAUSE IT'S COMING UP.

AND OF COURSE, INCLUDING IVEY'S FAVORABILITY RATING, SKY HIGH EVEN HIGHER THAN WHEN SHE RAN FOR RE-ELECTION.

I MEAN, THAT'S WHERE IT IS, YOU KNOW, SHE'S THE VISIBLE PERSON.

SHE'S THE VISIBLE AND POPULAR LEADER OF THE PARTY, I GUESS YOU SAY, IN THE STATE.

AND YEAH, THINK HER SUPPORT IN THE STATE REALLY DOES MATTER.

THINK THAT YOU ARE GOING TO SEE SIGNIFICANT OPPOSITION.

YOU HAVE SEEN IT, AND I MENTIONED THE ALABAMA POLICY INSTITUTE AND STUDIES AND REPORTS PUTTING TOGETHER SOME PRETTY EFFECTIVE LITERATURE.

YOU KNOW THEY ARE IN TOUCH WITH, VERY CONSERVATIVE LEGISLATORS, ALFA, FARMERS FEDERATION.

VERY EFFECTIVE LOBBYING GROUP AND REAFFIRMED THEIR ANTIGAMBLING STANCE.

I DON'T THINK IT'S GOING TO BE AN EASY RIDE FOR THEM.

>> THAT'S WHY I WAS SURPRISED TO SEE THE GOVERNOR BRINGING IT UP.

YOU ARE NEVER GOING TO BE ABLE TO SAY, ALABAMIANS ARE NEVER GOING TO VOTE FOR THIS.

AND YOU KNOW, SHE DIDN'T HAVE TO SAY ANYTHING AND SHE DID.

SHE'S BACKING IT, THINK, AND AT LEAST MOVING THE CONVERSATION ALONG, GIVING IT MORE STEAM THAN I THOUGHT IT ORIGINALLY HAD COMING INTO THE SESSION.

>> AND WE'RE CERTAINLY TALKING ABOUT IT NOW.

>> AND WILL BE FOR A WHILE, I THINK >> TODD STACY: AND IF YOU ASK ANY VIEWER OUT THERE, OR ANYBODY ON THE STREET, ONE ISSUE THEY PAY MORE ATTENTION, LIKE, GAMBLING, YOU'RE RIGHT, LOTTERIES AND EVERY TIME YOU CROSS THE STATELINE, THERE'S A LINE OUT OF THE DOORS.

>> AND THIS GAMBLING ISSUE SUCTION SO MUCH AIR -- SUCKS SO MUCH AIR OUT OF THE ROOM.

AND YOU KNOW, REVENUES ARE FALLING.

WHEN YOU TALK TO THE LAWMAKERS, WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO ABOUT REVENUE, SOME OF THEM ARE SAYING, HEY, WHAT ABOUT GAMBLING.

>> YEAH, WE WENT THROUGH THE LIST OF, JUST ON THE GENERAL FUND SIDE, THE LIST OF REQUESTS, INCREASE FOR THESE AGENCIES, ALEA, CORRECTIONS, MENTAL HEALTH.

>> HUMAN RESOURCES.

>> BECAUSE OF INCREASED COSTS.

AND ANOTHER ONE OUT THERE, I'LL THROW IT OUT, HEALTHCARE.

AND WE REPORTED TODAY ON THE PUBLIC-PRIVATE PARTNERSHIP PROPOSED TO USE MEDICAID EXPANSION DOLLARS BUT THE WHOLE GOAL OF OFFERING MORE ALABAMIANS WHO ARE CURRENTLY UNINSURED, INSURANCE FOR WORK FORCE.

AND THAT WOULD REQUIRE MORE MONEY 10 YEARS DOWN THE LINE.

AND IT WAS IN FACT LAST TIME, WASN'T IT?

>> WELL, I WOULD SAY THAT IF LAWMAKERS ARE EXPECTING LOTTERY TO SOLVE REVENUE PROBLEMS THEY NEED TO BE VERY CAREFUL.

WHAT'S GOING TO HAPPEN, IF WE GET ALABAMA POWER BALL OR WHATEVER YOU CALL IT, AND FINALLY PEOPLE STAY HOME AND BUY TICKETS IN MONTGOMERY AS OPPOSED TO BUYING TO FLORIDA.

AND YOU GET AN INFLUX OF CASH THE FIRST YEAR, GREAT.

AND THEN YOU FIND THAT COSTS STILL GO UP, LOTTERY REVENUE DOESN'T GO UP AFTER THAT.

BUT IT'S NOT GOING TO SOLVE THE FUNDAMENTAL FUNDING PROBLEMS THAT YOU MAY HAVE.

IF YOU ARE GOING TO DO THIS JUST BECAUSE YOU SAY, LOOK, PEOPLE WANT THIS, THEY WANT IT FROM THEIR GOVERNMENT AND THEY SHOULD HAVE A RIGHT TO VOTE THAT.

THINK THAT'S PERFECTLY DEFENSIBLE THING TO SAY.

BUT IF YOU ARE DOING IT FOR FUNDING, YOU ARE RIGHT BACK IN THIS POSITION, JUST PUTTING A BANDAID ON FOR TWO OR THREE YEARS.

>> AND IT WAS A LOT DIFFERENT WHEN LOTTERIES PASSED IN 1999.

THAT WOULD HAVE BEEN A LOT LARGER IMPACT, BACK THEN, I GUESS IT WAS THE EDUCATION LOTTERY.

>> AND WE WOULD HAVE BEEN FLEECING MISSISSIPPI RATHER THAN THE OTHER WAY AROUND.

>> WELL, IT DOESN'T PRODUCE A LOT OF FUNDING AND COMPAQ POARCH CREEK INDIANS AND SPORTS BETTING IS THE ONE.

SO I THINK THOSE ARE THE POTS OF MONEY THAT THEY ARE INTERESTED IN AND MAY HAVE LONG TERM GROWTH.

>> AND REMEMBER, TOO, SOCIAL PROBLEMS COME WITH THAT.

RIGHT.

THAT'S ALWAYS PART OF THE CONVERSATION.

WE'RE GOING TO DO MORE REPORTING ON THAT.

WE GET CAUGHT UP IN THE MINUTIA, IS IT PASSING OR NOT PASSING.

BUT THAT'S RIGHT.

YOU CAN'T JUST ENACT GAMBLING AND LEGALIZE IT WITHOUT UNDERSTANDING, MENTAL HEALTH ISSUE, FINANCIAL IMPACTS AND RIPPLE EFFECTS.

I WANT TO INCLUDE THAT IN THE CONVERSATION.

NOW OTHER ISSUES, I WANT TO TALK TO YOU ABOUT THE ISSUE OF WORK FORCE.

I WAS TALKING TO SENATOR JUDGER, LEGISLATION ON CHILD CARE TAX CREDITS.

THAT'S ONE OF THE MORE TANGIBLE THINGS THAT I HAVE SEEN ON THE ISSUE.

EVERY TOP LEADER FROM LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR TO ALL OF THEM, WE HAVE TO BREAK DOWN WORK FORCE BARRIERS.

DO YOU THINK WE'LL SEE THINGS LIKE THE CHILD CARE TAX CREDIT?

IS IT GOING TO BE TANGIBLE, REAL LIFE THINGS BEYOND JUST THE TALKING POINTS.

MARY, I'LL START WITH YOU.

>> AND THEY HAD A BILL LAST YEAR, SENATOR JUDGER AND HOUSE MINORITY LEADER ANTHONY DANIELS.

THEY ARE GOING TO BRING IT BACK.

AND TO HELP.

THINK IT WOULD HAVE INCENTIVIZE HAD HEALTHCARE EMPLOYEES TO GET CHILD CARE.

AND WHEN WE LOOK FOR THE BARRIERS TO WORK FOR US, CHILD CARE, HEALTH ISSUES, TRANSPORTATION, HOUSING ISSUES.

LOOK AT THE LIST.

CHILD CARE IS PROBABLY ONE OF THE EASIER ONES TO CHECK OFF.

NOT JUST CHILD CARE BUT AFFORDABLE SAFE CHILD CARE WHERE KIDS ACTUALLY GET AN EDUCATION, NOT JUST SITTING AND WATCHING CARTOONS ALL DAY.

>> TODD STACY: SURE.

AND YOU HAD SOME PROBLEMATIC CHILD CARE FACILITIES, FOUR OR FIVE YEARS AGO.

>> RIGHT.

RIGHT.

AND THINK THAT'S ONE DEFINITELY THAT COULD MOVE THIS SESSION MORE EASILY THAN SOME OTHERS.

YEAH, YOU ARE RIGHT.

LAWMAKERS ARE BEYOND FRUSTRATED WHEN THEY SEE THAT WE'VE GOT A WORK FORCE PARTICIPATION OF 57%.

THAT MEANS THAT 43% OF POTENTIAL WORKERS JUST AREN'T OUT THERE.

>> KEEP IN MIND, THESE ARE DECADE-OLD ISSUES.

NOT SOMETHING THAT JUST CAME UP.

YOU CAN GO TO THE ST. LOUIS FEDERAL RESERVE AND LOOK IT UP.

OUR WORK FORCE PARTICIPATION RATE CONSISTENT TRAILED THE NATION SINCE 1976 IT'S A SYSTEMIC PROBLEM.

LIKE MARY SAID, YOU KNOW, THERE'S CERTAIN THINGS THAT ARE EASIER TO DO, LIKE, CHILD CARE TAX CREDITS.

SHOULD BE A NO-BRAINER.

ONE OF THE HAPPIEST DAYS OF MY LIFE WAS WHEN I SIGNED MY LAST CHECK FOR CHILD CARE FOR MY DAUGHTER!

AND YOU SAY, OH, IT'S WORK FORCE TRAINING.

AND LEGISLATORS JUST JUMP OVER THE DESK TO THROTTLE YOU FOR THAT.

YEAH, IT'S BEEN AN ISSUE, CHILD CARE THIS GENERAL, THE COST, ACCESS HAS BEEN AN ISSUE FOR YEARS.

AND NOW WE'RE REFRAMING IT WORK FORCE AND LET'S GET IT DONE.

AND YOU SAID TRANSPORTATION.

TRANSPORTATION IS HARD TO DO IF YOU ARE NOT DRAWING DOWN FEDERAL DOLLARS.

AND ESPECIALLY IN RURAL AREAS.

NOT MAYBE A QUESTION THAT THEY DON'T WANT TO WORK, IT'S DO YOU WANT TO DRIVE 20 MILES ONE WAY.

>> MIGHT NOT HAVE A CAR.

TAKE FOR GRANTED SOME OF THOSE THINGS.

ONLY HAVE A MINUTE LEFT.

LET'S TALK HEALTHCARE.

EXPANDING MEDICAID IS FOR DEMOCRATS BUT YOU ARE HEARING TALK ABOUT IT AMONGST REPUBLICANS.

NOT EXPANDING MEDICAID BUT ON THIS PUBLIC-PRIVATE THING.

DO YOU THINK IT'S A CHANCE?

>> THAT'S ANOTHER ONE WHEN WE TALK ABOUT THE WORK FORCE, BARRIERS.

ALL OF THE POLLING WHEN YOU ASK PEOPLE, WHY ARE YOU STAYING HOME.

I'M SICK, OR SOMEBODY I LOVE IS SICK.

I HAVE TO CARE FOR THEM.

EXPANDED HEALTHCARE WOULD GET MORE PEOPLE WORKING AND WE'RE FRAMING THAT HAS A WORK FORCE DEVELOPMENT ISSUE.

LEDBETTER IS GETTING ACTIVE ABOUT IT AND SEVERAL OTHER LEADERS.

>> SENATOR GREG ALBRITTON, SAYS IT'S A NON STARTER FOR HIM, GENERAL CHAIR IN CONGRESS AND RUNNING FOR CONGRESS SO COULD ALWAYS BE A TOUGH SELL.

>> THANKS FOR COMING ON FOR DOING POST GAME ANALYSIS.

IT'S BEEN A FUN ONE AND WE'LL LOOK MORE FOR CATCHING UP LATER TOO.

THANKS FOR WATCHING ALABAMA STATE OF THE STATE RIGHT HERE ON