>> Todd: good evening.

And welcome to Alabama Public Television's live coverage of the governor's state of the state address.

Each year as the legislature gathers in Montgomery, the governor gives her state-of-the-state address to lay out her agenda for the legislative session.

This year, it being an election year, we expect to hear plenty of political red meat issues, from vaccine mandates to roads and bridges.

In fact, the state is going to see historic investments in roads and bridges, broadband Internet, other infrastructure projects.

We expect to hear more details about what the governor proposes as she lays out her speech.

You're looking live at the old house claim before the state capitol.

You can see Lt.

Governor Ainsworth, Mack McCutcheon.

They're about to join for a joint session of the law enforcement is in front of them are gathered, house members and senators.

There's also Greg REED, the president pro tem of the Alabama senate.

Again, this happens each year.

Last year was an exception.

The governor gave her state of the state address but did not convene the legislature did not convene a joint session because of the COVID situation and concerns about the pandemic.

So this is the first time we're actually seeing the state of the state address in two years.

We expect the governor to address a litany of campaign type issues.

It's an election year.

So expect to hear plenty of red meat and also heifer vision for the future of the state.

Expect to hear a lot about plans for the future including the next four years.

So here is Lt.

Governor will Ainsworth gaveling in the session.

>> This joint session of the Alabama legislature will come to order.

Doorkeeper, please admit our governor, her excellency, Kay Ellen Ivey.

(Applause) Reporter: There you can see Gov.

Ivey entering the chamber to the applause.

The chairs of the chamber have been distanced a little bit for the COVID-19 pandemic.

There in her escort committee appears to be state representative Paul Lee from Dothan, state representative BRACEY, members of the Alabama Supreme Court direct evidence in their robes.

This is Alabama's version of the president president's state of the union address, all of the pomp and circumstance but at a state L the attorney general is there, Secretary of State, state auditor, and again members of the House and Senate.

The cabinet is not in attendance this year because of COVID-19 overcrowding concerns.

Now we go live to the Statehouse chamber as Gov.

Ivey prepares to give her address.

There's Senator Jabo Waggoner from Birmingham, Senator Bobby sington from Greensboro, and stated Senator -- that's the familiar Kay Ivey wave.

We will go to her speech starting now.

(Applause) >> Gov.

Ivey: Thank you so much.

You may be seated.

>> LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR AINSWORTH, PRESIDENT PRO TEMPORE REED, SPEAKER McCUTCHEON, SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE GASTON, MEMBERS OF THE ALABAMA LEGISLATURE, CHIEF JUSTICE PARKER, JUSTICES OF THE ALABAMA SUPREME COURT, DISTINGUISHED GUESTS AND MY FELLOW ALABAMIANS!

I AM A FIRM BELIEVER THAT FOR ALABAMA THERE IS NO MOUNTAIN TOO STEEP TO CLIMB AND NO DREAM THAT IS UNATTAINABLE.

OVER THE LAST FOUR YEARS, WE HAVE PROVED THAT TO BE THE GOSPEL TRUTH BY COMING TOGETHER TO SOLVE SOME OF THE STATE'S TOUGHEST CHALLENGES.

TO YOU, THE PEOPLE OF ALABAMA AND THE MEN AND WOMEN OF THE LEGISLATURE: YOU ARE THE REASON FOR OUR PROGRESS.

THIS EVENING, I RENEW MY COMMITMENT TO YOU THAT WE WILL NOT ONLY CONTINUE TACKLING OLD PROBLEMS.

WE WILL WORK TOGETHER AS ALABAMIANS TO FIND NEW SOLUTIONS SO THAT OUR STATE IS THE BEST PLACE TO LIVE, WORK AND RAISE A FAMILY FOR YEARS TO COME.

I AM PLEASED TO REPORT THAT THE STATE OF OUR STATE IS STRONG AND THAT IF YOU JOIN ME IN MY BOLD VISION FOR THE FUTURE OF ALABAMA, I AM CONFIDENT THAT OUR BEST DAYS ARE IN FRONT OF US!

(Applause) PRESIDENT RONALD REAGAN ONCE SAID THAT THERE ARE NO BARRIERS TO OUR PROGRESS EXCEPT THOSE WE ERECT OURSELVES.

I HAVE FOUND THAT TO BE TRUE HERE IN ALABAMA.

IT WAS UP TO US TO DECIDE THAT IT'S ALWAYS TIME TO DO WHAT'S RIGHT, EVEN IF IT'S NOT THE POLITICALLY POPULAR THING TO DO.

WHEN OUR PRISON SYSTEM WENT UNADDRESSED FOR DECADES AND RESULTED IN SERIOUS CHALLENGES, WE FOUND A WAY TOWARD A SOLUTION.

WHEN OUR ROADS AND BRIDGES WERE IN NEED FOR DESPERATE IMPROVEMENTS, WE FOUND A WAY TO MAKE SIGNIFICANT PROGRESS ALL ACROSS THE STATE.

WHEN OUR FEDERAL GOVERNMENT OVERREACHED, WE FOUND A WAY TO FIGHT BACK.

WHEN ALL OF US IN THIS ROOM COME TOGETHER WITH THE PEOPLE OF OUR STATE, ALABAMA WILL ALWAYS FIND A WAY.

I PROMISED TO ADDRESS THE ISSUES FACING OUR CORRECTIONS SYSTEM ONCE AND FOR ALL, AND I HAVE SAID THAT TO MAKE PROGRESS, WE MUST FIRST REPLACE OUR COSTLY AND CRUMBLING FACILITIES.

I COMMEND THE MEN AND WOMEN OF THE LEGISLATURE FOR JOINING ME ON THAT MISSION AS WE MOVED THE ALABAMA PRISON PROGRAM ACROSS THE FINISH LINE THIS PAST FALL.

I AM CERTAIN THIS CRITICAL STEP WILL MAKE A SIGNIFICANT DIFFERENCE FOR DECADES TO COME.

(Applause) I PROMISED THAT OUR ROADS WOULD BE THE ENVY OF THE NATION.

WHILE OUR WORK IS FAR FROM OVER, WE HAVE MADE SIGNIFICANT PROGRESS THANKS TO THE REBUILD ALABAMA ACT.

AS PROMISED, EVERY SINGLE PENNY HAS GONE TO ROAD AND BRIDGE PROJECTS, AS WELL AS TO OUR PORT.

I AM PROUD TO REPORT THAT ON TOP OF THE LOCAL IMPROVEMENTS, THE STATE HAS ADMINISTERED PROJECTS IN ALMOST ALL 67 COUNTIES ALREADY, AND LIKE I SAID, WE'VE ONLY JUST BEGUN.

WE ARE DELIVERING ON DECADES TALKED-ABOUT PROJECTS LIKE THE WEST ALABAMA CORRIDOR, WHICH WILL CONNECT MOBILE ALL THE WAY TO TUSCALOOSA WITH A FOUR-LANE HIGHWAY.

(Applause) WE ARE TACKLING OTHER NEEDED PROJECTS TO INCREASE CAPACITY LIKE SIX-LANING I-10 IN WEST MOBILE FROM THEODORE TO IRVINGTON.

AND TONIGHT, I AM PROUD TO ANNOUNCE THAT WE WILL BE WIDENING I-59 FROM CHALKVILLE MOUNTAIN ROAD TO I-459, IN EAST JEFFERSON COUNTY NEAR TRUSSVILLE, FROM FOUR LANES TO SIX LANES.

(Applause) THANKS TO REBUILD ALABAMA, WE ARE ALSO MAKING IMPROVEMENTS TO ALABAMA'S DEEPWATER PORT IN MOBILE.

WITH THE CURRENT GLOBAL SUPPLY ISSUES, HAVING AN INTERNATIONAL RESOURCE IN THE PORT OF MOBILE IS EVER MORE CRITICAL.

AS A MATTER OF FACT, OUR EXPORTS ARE UP ALMOST 25%.

AND HERE IN ALABAMA, WE AREN'T HAVING ISSUES LIKE THEY ARE IN CALIFORNIA.

TO THE REST OF THE NATION, I SAY LOUD AND CLEAR THAT ALABAMA'S PORT OF MOBILE IS OPEN FOR BUSINESS!

(Applause) WE ARE PROUD TO INVITE THE NATION AND THE WORLD TO DO BUSINESS WITH ALABAMA AT OUR PORT.

LET ME ALSO ADD THAT IN ALABAMA, WE ACTUALLY KNOW WHAT WE ARE TALKING ABOUT WHEN WE USE THE WORD “INFRASTRUCTURE.”.

WHEN YOU COMPARE WHAT WE HAVE ACCOMPLISHED BY WORKING TOGETHER WITH WHAT OUR NATIONAL LEADERS IN WASHINGTON HAVE BEEN DOING, THE DIFFERENCE IS QUITE CLEAR.

SPEAKING OF D.C.

POLITICS - AND I USE THE WORD “POLITICS” INTENTIONALLY HERE - FROM THE MOMENT THE WHITE HOUSE ROLLED OUT THEIR SCARE TACTIC PLANS TO TRY TO FORCE THE COVID-19 VACCINE ON AMERICANS, I ASSURED THE PEOPLE OF ALABAMA THAT WE WERE STANDING FIRMLY AGAINST IT.

I'LL CALL THIS NONSENSE WHAT IT IS, AND THAT IS AN UN-AMERICAN, OUTRAGEOUS BREACH OF OUR FEDERAL LAW.

WHILE THE LEGISLATURE HAS STOOD WITH ME IN OPPOSING THESE FEDERAL MANDATES, WE HAVE ALSO BEEN FORTUNATE TO HAVE A STRONG LEADER IN ATTORNEY GENERAL STEVE MARSHALL, WHO HASN'T SHIED AWAY FROM THE FIGHT ONE BIT.

ATTORNEY GENERAL MARSHALL, THANK YOU FOR STANDING TALL FOR ALABAMIANS.

MOMENTUM IS ON OUR SIDE.

AS I HAVE SAID ALL ALONG, THE COURTS ARE WHERE WE WILL WIN THIS BATTLE.

WHILE WASHINGTON, D.C.

SEEMS TO BE FILLED WITH PARTISAN POLITICS, ALABAMA IS BLESSED TO HAVE STRONG REPRESENTATION BY OUR CONGRESSIONAL DELEGATION LED BY OUR SENIOR SENATOR RICHARD SHELBY.

LAST YEAR, SENATOR SHELBY ANNOUNCED HE WOULD NOT SEEK REELECTION.

BEGINNING WITH HIS SERVICE IN THE ALABAMA STATE SENATE IN 1970 AND CONTINUING OVER FOUR TERMS IN THE U.S. HOUSE AND NOW SIX TERMS IN THE U.S. SENATE, RICHARD SHELBY HAS BEEN INSTRUMENTAL IN GIVING ALABAMA A SEAT AT THE TABLE AND HAS BEEN VITAL IN OUR STATE'S SUCCESSES.

WE ARE PROUD OF ALL HE HAS ACCOMPLISHED FOR US AND CONGRATULATE HIM AND HIS WIFE ANNETTE ON THEIR TRULY IMPACTFUL CONTRIBUTIONS TO OUR STATE AND NATION, AND WE THANK OUR ENTIRE FEDERAL DELEGATION FOR THEIR SERVICE.

WHEN PRESIDENT TRUMP SIGNED THE CARES ACT INTO LAW, WE IN ALABAMA QUICKLY ACTED TO ENSURE THAT THOSE FUNDS WENT DIRECTLY INTO THE HANDS OF ALABAMIANS.

FROM OUR SMALL BUSINESSES TO OUR CHURCHES, NON-PROFITS AND CLASSROOMS, I AM PROUD THAT WORKING WITH THE MEN AND WOMEN IN THIS ROOM, ALABAMA USED EVERY CENT AND INVESTED IT WISELY.

BUT EVEN TODAY AS STATES LIKE ALABAMA ARE MAKING RECORD ECONOMIC COMEBACKS, CONGRESS IS WANTING OUR COUNTRY TO SPEND MORE AND MORE FEDERAL DOLLARS, AND NOW WE ARE TASKED WITH ALLOCATING THE AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN ACT FUNDS.

WE MUST BE SMART WITH THIS ONE-TIME MONEY AND COMMIT TO THE PEOPLE OF ALABAMA THAT WE WILL WISELY INVEST - NOT JUST CASUALLY SPEND - THESE DOLLARS.

I'LL SAY AGAIN THAT THESE FEDERAL DOLLARS ARE JUST ONE-TIME FUNDS.

THIS IS NOT “FREE MONEY.” I CHALLENGE YOU, MEMBERS OF THE LEGISLATURE, TO MAKE ALLOCATING THESE FUNDS AN EARLY PRIORITY AND TO PUT THESE MONIES TO MEET SOME OF ALABAMA'S BIGGEST CHALLENGES LIKE STATEWIDE BROADBAND CONNECTIVITY, WATER AND SEWER INFRASTRUCTURE, AS WELL AS INVESTING FUNDS IN OUR HOSPITALS, NURSING HOMES AND OTHER HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS.

FOLKS, NO DOUBT, THE LAST COUPLE OF YEARS HAVE BEEN ESPECIALLY TRYING FOR OUR MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS.

SO, TO OUR DOCTORS, NURSES AND OTHER HEALTH CARE STAFF, I OFFER MY SINCERE THANKS AND APPRECIATION.

IN MY BUDGET PROPOSALS, WE WILL FULLY FUND OUR RAINY-DAY ACCOUNTS.

WE WILL PAY DOWN OUR DEBTS.

WE WILL MAKE ROBUST INVESTMENTS THAT WILL PAY LONG-TERM DIVIDENDS TO THE STATE.

THANKS TO THE WISE APPROACH BY THE LEGISLATURE OVER THE YEARS IN SAVING DOLLARS AND PUTTING THESE FUNDS TO GOOD USE, DURING MY TIME AS GOVERNOR, WE HAVE NOT ONCE USED THE WORD “PRORATION” OR SPENT BEYOND OUR MEANS.

(Applause) AS WE PREPARE OUR BUDGETS FOR ANY POSSIBLE EVENTS IN OUR NATION'S ECONOMY, TODAY, ALABAMA'S ECONOMY IS ROCK SOLID.

OUR PRELIMINARY NUMBERS FOR 2021, EVEN DESPITE ALL OF THE CURVEBALLS WE HAVE BEEN THROWN, ARE LOOKING STRONG.

IT IS PROJECTED THAT ALABAMA SAW INVESTMENTS TOTALING $5.4 BILLION WITH SOME 9,000 NEW JOBS CREATED.

I PREDICT TO YOU TONIGHT - IN FACT, I AM CONFIDENT - THAT OUR FINAL NUMBERS WILL BE EVEN BIGGER.

SO OFTEN, WE HEAR PEOPLE - WHO HAVE LIKELY NOT EVEN STEPPED FOOT IN ALABAMA - GIVE THEIR TWO CENTS ON US.

WELL, LET ME OFFER MINE.

HERE IN SWEET HOME ALABAMA, WE ARE LANDING MASSIVE INVESTMENTS LIKE SMUCKER'S $1.1 BILLION MOVE TO MCCALLA.

WHILE THERE ARE GLOBAL STRAINS, OUR AUTOMAKERS - SUPPORTED BY ALABAMA'S HARDWORKING, NON-UNION WORKFORCE - ARE HITTING MAJOR MILESTONES.

OUR AEROSPACE AND AVIATION SECTOR REMAINS STRONG, AND WE ARE BUILDING ROCKETS AND DEVELOPING TECHNOLOGIES TO GET THIS COUNTRY BACK TO THE TOP WHEN IT COMES TO SPACE EXPLORATION.

AND IT DOESN'T STOP THERE.

IN THE CURRENT PUSH FOR ELECTRIC VEHICLES, SO OFTEN, WHAT IS LEFT OUT OF THE CONVERSATION IS THE FACT THAT WE ARE HAVING TO RELY ON OTHER COUNTRIES FOR AN IMPORTANT INGREDIENT IN PRODUCING THE EV BATTERIES.

NOW, OUR COUNTRY WILL TURN TO WESTWATER RESOURCES IN COOSA COUNTY FOR THIS CRITICAL RESOURCE IN BATTERY MANUFACTURING.

MY FELLOW ALABAMIANS, MADE IN ALABAMA IS COMMITTED TO BRINGING BACK MADE IN AMERICA.

(Applause) ) CLEARLY, WITH ONE OF THE NATION'S LOWEST UNEMPLOYMENT RATES, ALABAMA IS ON THE FAST TRACK.

ON TOP OF OUR SECOND TO NONE WORKFORCE, ALABAMA ALSO HAS AN ABUNDANCE OF NATURAL BEAUTY - FROM THE ROLLING GREEN MOUNTAINS TO THE SPARKLING WATERS OF OUR GULF COAST.

IT'S NO WONDER THAT WE SAW NORTH OF 1.2 MILLION MORE VISITORS TO OUR ALABAMA STATE PARKS OR THAT OUR STATE'S TOURISM INDUSTRY JUST HAD ONE OF THE BEST YEARS ON RECORD.

I DECLARE TO YOU TONIGHT THAT BY MAKING EVERY EFFORT TO EXPAND OUTDOOR RECREATION AND BY ENSURING CONTINUED DEVELOPMENTS IN OUR HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY, THE FUTURE OF BOTH OF THESE SECTORS IS BRIGHT.

I KNOW THAT EVERY ONE OF US IN THIS ROOM IS EXTREMELY GRATEFUL TO CALL ALABAMA OUR HOME.

WE LIVE BY OUR VALUES AND FAITH.

WE LEND A HELPING HAND TO EACH OTHER.

WE SUPPORT OUR MILITARY AND HONOR OUR VETERANS WHO HAVE SERVED, AND WE BACK OUR MEN AND WOMEN IN BLUE.

(Applause) THIS PAST YEAR, WE LOST 13 OF ALABAMA'S OWN.

WE ARE REMINDED FAR TOO OFTEN OF THE GRAVE SACRIFICE OUR OFFICERS FACE EVERY DAY.

WE MUST ASK OURSELVES WHAT MORE CAN BE DONE TO PROTECT THESE BRAVE MEN AND WOMEN.

HERE IN ALABAMA, WE ARE FUNDING OUR LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS AND LOOKING TO MAKE POSITIVE CHANGES THAT BENEFIT BOTH OFFICERS AND OUR COMMUNITIES.

LAST YEAR, I WAS PROUD TO ANNOUNCE A PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN THE ALABAMA LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCY AND KULTURECITY.

THANKS TO THIS FIRST-OF-ITS KIND PARTNERSHIP, EVERY ALEA TROOPER IS NOW TRAINED TO BE SENSORY- INCLUSIVE.

FOLKS, ALABAMA IS THE FIRST STATE IN THE NATION TO TAKE THIS MAJOR STEP FORWARD.

I AM PROUD OF THE WORK THAT OUR STATE TROOPERS DO, AS WELL AS THE WORK OF FOLKS LIKE OUR CORRECTIONS OFFICERS, MENTAL HEALTH CARE WORKERS AND OTHERS, WHICH IS WHY I AM PLEASED TO PROPOSE A WELL-DESERVED 4% PAY RAISE FOR OUR STATE EMPLOYEES.

(Applause) ALL OF US STAND ON THE SHOULDERS OF OTHERS WHO PRECEDED US.

IN FACT, THE HARD WORK OF STATE EMPLOYEES HAS ALLOWED US TO ACCOMPLISH MANY OF THE THINGS WE CELEBRATE TODAY.

SO, AS PART OF MY BUDGET PROPOSAL, I WILL INCLUDE A BONUS FOR ALL RETIRED STATE EMPLOYEES.

I AM PROUD THAT MY ADMINISTRATION, WITH THE SUPPORT OF THE LEGISLATURE, IS DOING MORE TO MAKE SIGNIFICANT IMPROVEMENTS IN MENTAL HEALTH CARE THAN ANY SINCE GOVERNOR LURLEEN WALLACE IN THE 1960S.

IN MY COMMITMENT TO EXPANDING ACCESS TO QUALITY MENTAL HEALTH CARE, I AM PROPOSING A $12 MILLION INVESTMENT FOR TWO ADDITIONAL MENTAL HEALTH CRISIS CENTERS, AS WELL AS OTHER HEALTH SERVICES.

TONIGHT, I AM SPEAKING TO YOU AS YOUR GOVERNOR, BUT I ALSO AM SPEAKING TO YOU AS SOMEONE WHOSE CAREER JOURNEY BEGAN AS A HIGH SCHOOL CIVICS TEACHER.

AND AS A FORMER EDUCATOR, I SAY THAT THE SINGLE MOST IMPORTANT ISSUE HERE IN ALABAMA AND IN OUR NATION IS OUR CHILDREN'S EDUCATION.

NO DOUBT, THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC SHINED A LIGHT ON OUR COUNTRY'S EDUCATION SYSTEM IN MANY WAYS.

LET ME BE CRYSTAL CLEAR: IT IS MORE CRITICAL THAN EVER THAT EVERY ALABAMA STUDENT IS RECEIVING IN-PERSON LEARNING.

DESPITE THE FACT ALABAMA LED OTHERS STATES IN GETTING KIDS BACK IN THE CLASSROOM, LAST YEAR DURING THIS OCCASION, I CALLED ON OUR LOCAL SCHOOL DISTRICTS TO WORK WITH COMMUNITY PARTNERS TO CLOSE THE LEARNING GAP.

THAT IS WHY TONIGHT, I AM PROUD TO PROPOSE FUNDING FOR AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAMS I KNOW WILL GO A LONG WAY IN GETTING OUR STUDENTS ON TRACK FOR SUCCESS.

IN ALABAMA, OUR STUDENTS WILL BE FOCUSED ON CORE CURRICULUM.

THAT MEANS BEING PROFICIENT READERS BY THE END OF THIRD GRADE.

AFTER WE COLLECT USEFUL DATA DURING THIS UPCOMING SPRING SEMESTER, IMPLEMENTING THE ALABAMA LITERACY ACT WILL BE A MUST.

WE MUST ALSO ENSURE OUR KIDS ARE FOCUSED ON DEVELOPING THEIR MATH SKILLS, STUDYING HISTORY - NOT THEORY - AND MASTERING OTHER CLASSES LIKE SCIENCE AND WRITING.

TONIGHT, I AM PLEASED TO LEND MY SUPPORT TO LEGISLATION THAT WILL CREATE A MATH TASK FORCE TO PROVIDE TIMELY AND ACTIONABLE RECOMMENDATIONS FOR RECRUITING AND RETAINING MATH TEACHERS, INCREASING SUPPORT FOR STRUGGLING STUDENTS, AS WELL AS FOR EVALUATING THE QUALITY OF OUR ASSESSMENTS, LEARNING MATERIALS AND STANDARDS.

SOUTH CAROLINA U.S.

SENATOR TIM SCOTT SAID LAST YEAR, “EDUCATION IS THE CLOSEST THING TO MAGIC IN AMERICA.” I COULDN'T AGREE MORE.

I SAY THAT WE CANNOT CONTINUE LETTING OUR STUDENTS AND TEACHERS STRUGGLE AND ROB THEM OF A CHANCE TO ACHIEVE THEIR DREAMS.

THIS EVENING, I PRESENT A CHALLENGE TO OUR SCHOOLS, OUR COMMUNITIES, OUR CITIZENS AND OUR LEADERS.

WE SHOULD PLEDGE, TOGETHER, THAT WE WILL NO LONGER ACCEPT THE EXISTENCE OF A FAILING ELEMENTARY SCHOOL IN OUR STATE.

(Applause) EARLY LEARNING IS THE BEDROCK OF A QUALITY EDUCATION.

HOW CAN WE EXPECT TO HAVE SUCCESSFUL MIDDLE AND HIGH SCHOOLS IF WE HAVE FAILING ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS?

TO THAT END, I AM PROPOSING RESOURCES TO SUPPORT GRANTS FOR FAILING ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS THAT ARE NOT ONE-SIZE-FITS- ALL, BUT RATHER, ARE CUSTOMIZED TO THE PARTICULAR NEEDS OF EACH OF THOSE STRUGGLING SCHOOLS.

FOLKS, LET ME BE CLEAR.

MONEY ISN'T GOING TO FIX OUR PROBLEMS IN EDUCATION.

WE NEED TO WORK WITH THESE SCHOOLS WITH AN ALABAMA SPIRIT OF COOPERATION AND DETERMINATION, AND WE NEED TO FIND NEW WAYS TO ADDRESS OLD PROBLEMS.

THAT BEGINS WITH MAKING SURE THAT EVERY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL IN ALABAMA IS A SUCCESSFUL SCHOOL.

WE WILL ENSURE WE RECRUIT AND RETAIN GOOD TEACHERS.

WE ARE EXPANDING FUNDING TO MATH AND SCIENCE TEACHERS.

WE NEED MORE HIGHLY QUALIFIED MATH AND SCIENCE TEACHERS IF WE WANT TO IMPROVE STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT AND PREPARE OUR CHILDREN FOR THE NEW ECONOMY, AND WE MUST CONTINUE TO WORK EVERY SINGLE DAY TOWARD THIS GOAL.

MY FELLOW ALABAMIANS, TEACHERS ALONG THE WAY HAVE MADE A DIFFERENCE IN EACH OF OUR LIVES.

THE JOB OF TEACHERS IS NO SMALL TASK, AND DURING THE HEIGHT OF COVID, PARENTS WITNESSED FIRSTHAND THE ADJUSTMENTS AND THE OBSTACLES THAT FACED OUR EDUCATORS.

TO THAT END, TONIGHT, I AM PROUD TO ONCE AGAIN PROPOSE A WELL-DESERVED 4% PAY INCREASE FOR OUR TEACHERS.

(Applause) WE ARE INCREASING OUR INVESTMENT IN OUR STUDENTS FROM OUR EARLIEST LEARNERS IN PRE-K TO THOSE IN OUR HIGHER EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS.

WE ARE PROVIDING NEEDED RESOURCES FOR THINGS LIKE AUTISM THERAPY AND SCHOOL-BASED MENTAL HEALTH CARE.

FOLKS, IF WE DO NOT GIVE OUR BEST TO MAKE MEANINGFUL CHANGES TO OUR EDUCATION SYSTEM, WE WILL HURT THE FUTURE OF THIS STATE.

AND MOST IMPORTANTLY, WE WILL HURT OUR MOST PROMISING AND PRECIOUS RESOURCES - OUR STUDENTS.

MY FELLOW ALABAMIANS, I BELIEVE IN THE POTENTIAL OF OUR STATE LIKE NEVER BEFORE, BECAUSE I BELIEVE IN EACH ONE OF YOU.

WE ARE A STATE OF INNOVATORS, THINKERS AND DREAMERS.

OUR STATE'S HISTORY IS PROOF OF THAT.

IN 1903, BEFORE HENRY FORD HAD EVEN INVENTED THE MODEL A, IT WAS A YOUNG LADY FROM GREENE COUNTY, MARY ANDERSON WHO CAME UP WITH THE IDEA OF WINDSHIELD WIPERS.

AROUND THAT TIME, GEORGE WASHINGTON CARVER ACCEPTED A TEACHING APPOINTMENT WITH BOOKER T. WASHINGTON AND, TOGETHER, THEY PUT TUSKEGEE INSTITUTE ON THE MAP.

A FEW MILES TO THE WEST OF TUSKEGEE, THE WRIGHT BROTHERS ESTABLISHED AMERICA'S FIRST CIVILIAN FLYING SCHOOL IN AN OLD COTTON FIELD ON THE OUTSKIRTS OF MONTGOMERY.

AND THAT OLD COTTON FIELD BECAME KNOWN AS MAXWELL AIR FORCE BASE A COUPLE DECADES LATER.

FAST FORWARD TO THE 1960S, AND IT WAS A GERMAN SCIENTIST, DR. WERNHER VON BRAUN, WHO WOULD LEAD HIS TEAM OF SCIENTISTS AS THE DIRECTOR OF THE NEW MARSHALL SPACE FLIGHT CENTER IN HUNTSVILLE.

HE WOULD THEN GO ON TO BECOME THE CHIEF ARCHITECT OF THE SATURN V THAT WOULD TAKE MANKIND TO THE MOON.

AND IN 2021, THE UNITED STATES AIR FORCE SELECTED HUNTSVILLE - THE BEST CHOICE - AS THE PERMANENT HEADQUARTERS FOR THE U.S. SPACE COMMAND.

(Applause) LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, IF INNOVATION AND DISCOVERY ARE IN OUR DNA - AND THEY ARE - JUST IMAGINE WHAT LIES AHEAD FOR US IF WE WORK TOGETHER TO LAY THE GROUNDWORK FOR TOMORROW.

IF WE DO THAT, AND IF WE CONTINUE TO MAKE STRATEGIC IMPROVEMENTS AND INVESTMENTS WHERE THEY COUNT, THEN I ASSURE YOU THAT DECADES FROM NOW, PEOPLE FROM ALL ACROSS THE COUNTRY - AND AROUND THE WORLD-- WILL BE TALKING ABOUT THE ALABAMA TRANSFORMATION WE HELPED LEAD.

THAT, MY FRIENDS, IS WHAT'S IN FRONT OF US.

THERE IS GREAT POSSIBILITY IN THE FUTURE OF ALABAMA.

THIS IS OUR OPPORTUNITY.

SO, LET'S NOT WASTE A MOMENT.

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

(Applause) easy.

>> Well, there you have it.

Governor Kay Ivey lays out an ambitious agenda for the legislative session and beyond.

We heard a lot about investments of infrastructure, roads, bridge, broadband, water, sewer, her budget proposals, some education initiatives, recruiting and retaining teachers, a 4 percent pay raise for teachers and state employees, which will certainly be popular.

It timed out at about 30 minutes which is pretty typical for state of the state addresses, especially considering having to stop for applause.

I'm joined now in the studio by "Capitol Journal's" news team, Karen Goldsmith and Randy Scott.

Thank you all for making time to offer some analysis on that.

Randy, let me started with you have.

You have seen many state of the state addresses.

What were your take aways from Governor Kay Ivey's performance tonight?

>> The big takeaway from her performs tonight or her speech tonight was that 4 percent pay raise.

I think you heard a collective gasp throughout the state of Alabama when she said that.

As they say the microphone dropped, the spoon dropped in the kitchen.

That got a lot of people's attention.

Now, she also touched on, as you said, infrastructure needs and medical needs but she also talked on helping students and schools and getting help with schools.

All important issues.

It's early in this session.

This is day one.

There's a lot of stuff to talk about, as you say "red meat for them to address to talk about too.

But making sure that she got to state employees and people in the State of Alabama by mentioning that pay raise, that's how she's going to start off her hook with this and move forward with it.

>> Karen, every promise she mentioned has to be paid for by the budget.

You have been following the budget process.

How is is that going?

>> Extremely well.

As the governor said, Alabama's economy is strong and those words were echoed in the budget hearing this morning as Curt Fulford, one of our deputy directs with the agency said Alabama's economy is resilient and that's due foe some very conservative budget practicing, due to the infusion of the federal money, we heard the governor mention the CARES Act funding and also due to Alabamas really holding the road and working and doing what they have to do to keep Alabama's economy strong.

There's a report that came out that said Alabama is one of 39 states that has zero -- zero fiscal stress.

So that was echoed this morning.

We expecting record budgets in the education frustrate fund and the state's general fund.

We're looking at an 11 percent increase in general fund dollars and about 18 percent increase in ATF dollars.

>> Certainly a lot to cover as we go forward.

We Le do it every night on "Capitol Journal."

>> Our pleasure.

>> We will now go to state representative Anthony damages, the house democratic leader, and she has the official response from the democratic democrats for the state of the state.

>> Dear friends and fellow Alabamians.

I speak to you tonight a critical time in the history of our state and our nation.

A time when we face big challenges and even bigger questions.

A time when we yearn for certainty and stability amid a wide ranging changes in how we live, work and raise our children.

In a time when it seems like we hardly can agree on anything, including the right path forward.

So I want to begin by extending a hand to the governor, as well as my colleagues on the ordinary side.

In the upcoming legislative session, I sincerely hope that we can work together.

Let's put aside politics and set aside partisanship in the name of people and progress.

Let's show that we can cut through division and cut out the bickering to find common goals and forge common ground.

Alabama democrats are here to work for Alabama businesses, schools, communities, and families.

And we're ready to come to the table to advance the issues that matter most to hard working Alabamians and their families.

Of course, there will be times when we do not see eye to eye with the other side.

Here recently is an example of that.

When the house republican caucus introduced its agenda, standing tall for Alabama, and we have some serious and legitimate concerns about a few of the items that were mentioned, it was down right wrong in so many places.

One of the things that makes it so wrong is that it's trying to fix problems that don't exist in our state.

For example, everyone seems to be up in arms about critical race theory.

Even Governor Ivey acknowledges that it's not even taught in Alabama schools.

So why is this a priority on the majority's agenda?

When we have so many other pressing issues in our state.

Maybe I'm missing something.

But banning critical race theory sure sounds a whole lot like the cancel culture.

They keep talking about it.

Let me get this straight.

We can memorialize the confederacy but we can't speak about the cause they fought for?

We can protect statues of the lost cause but we can't mention Jim Crow?

We can complain about the cancel culture and then try to cancel entire sections of our past and pretend it's not relevant to current events?

Do we want to raise our next generation with half truths?

Well, that's just standing wrong for Alabama.

It's also wrong to push for permitless carry which is strongly opposed by law enforcement and unnecessarily puts lives at risk.

Let's see if we can get this one straight.

Are they saying that bad guys and unstable people should have easy access to guns?

Maybe I'm missing something.

But I think that's wrong for Alabama.

Another big wrong would be to continue to defy the vaccine mandates by responding to a federal mandate with a conflicting state mandate.

All this does is force our small businesses to essentially pay the biggest tax in Alabama history.

Now that they are forced to go to court, pay that employee's full salary during the time of the appeal up to 37 days, these efforts are not pro business.

Our focus as a state is to make our people safe and our workplace virus free.

These businesses should not be in the middle of a political war.

Is it right to ask businesses to put politics before people and public safety?

The answer is simple: That's not right for Alabama.

It's simply standing wrong for Alabama.

In fact it's not standing up at all.

Clear live this is not a pro business, pro growth, pro immigration or pro Alabama agenda.

It's not standing tall for things that matter in Alabama.

It's standing wrong and on the wrong side of history.

Maybe their agenda's name should be standing wrong for Alabama.

In the coming days the Alabama democratic house caucus will unveil its legislative agenda that focuses on critical and unprecedented issues that face our state.

It's a cohesive plan to move Alabama forward and to manifest our unlimited potential.

See almost always the issues that are important to us aren't controversial.

See, we believe in standing true to Alabama.

True to the issues that matter to working Alabamians and their families.

Regardless of the election cycle, it's time to rise above petty and divisive partisanship and, instead, focus on legislation that benefits everyone in Alabama.

That's why we're laser focused on policies that are pro growth, pro innovation, and pro Alabama.

They don't we didn't remember outrage or cause a commotion.

And you probably won't see them on cable news shows.

But they make a difference around the dinner table.

They advance the health, safety, well being and prosperity of families and communities.

And besides, they're the right thing to do for Alabama.

Infrastructure -- let's start with infrastructure.

It's how we move and how we move Alabama forward.

Alabama democrats support investments in our rail and 48 infrastructure that would spur economic growth, create jobs, and upgrade our supply chain network.

And we wholeheartedly back efforts to bring strong reliable broadband to every corner of our state, including urban and rural communities where lagging connectivity negatively impact education, business, and the overall quality of life.

Thanks to the federal government infrastructure investment and jobs act, Alabama has access to billions of dollars in funding to advance these and other projects that will improve roads, bridges, ports, railways, public utilities and communication systems that will benefit all of our residents or workers and families.

But my message to you to dated is why stop there?

Let's make an historic investment in public transportation and realize that the immense benefits and the federal matching funds for the economy, environment, communities and workers, and let's begin building out our electric vehicle infrastructure by taking advantage of the nearly $80 million in federal funding for EB charging stations in Alabama.

We applaud Governor Ivey and president Biden's administration for their commitment to investing in this emerging technology.

After all, although Mercedes, Hyundai, and other auto manufacturers are assembling EB vehicles here in Alabama over the course of the next year, our State still ranks among the last in the nation in stations.

Thanks to these infrastructure investments, that's about to change for the better.

If Alabama workers are going to take EV's off the assemble line in Alabama plants let's make it easy and nor convenient to drive them on Alabama roads.

Education, in addition to our fiscal infrastructure, Alabama democrats support investing in our educational infrastructure.

And I'm not just talking about shoring up our school buildings, classroom technology, and remote learning programs.

The American rescue plans provide substantial funding for schools to begin to reopen safely while addressing the pandemic impact on student learning, mental health, and among other important issues, meanwhile, the teacher shortage that began well before COVID his is growing significantly worse.

While the number of Alabama college students earning a degree in education has dwindled significantly in recent years, a recent statewide survey found more than half of responding teachers and school staff plan to leave the profession in the next five years.

We need to attract and retain the best and brightest educators, and the staff to inspire its children -- students and young people -- to reach their highest potential.

Our current teachers and school staff deserve the pay raise.

And our retired interference and staff deserve the cost of living adjustment.

Despite rising inflation, they haven't had one in nearly 15 years.

If we truly care about education, we must value our educators.

If we value our educators, we must support them now and retirement with at least a permanent COLA and a 10 percent pay raise.

Alabama democrats support investments in education because they're investments in our future.

Let's build on the success of our nationally recognized pre-K programs by making pre-K universal, available to although Alabama families.

Again, I ask, why stop there?

From birth to the age of 5 is 90 percent of the brain development of a child.

Early development is the foundation of who we will become.

Early childhood education is the brick and mortar of our ability to learn and succeed in school, work, and in life.

Let's commit to investing in early childhood education programs in cradle to pre-K opportunities so all children will have access to a strong start they need to succeed.

At the same time, let's ensure that our students and young people have access to an expansive academic framework, including a full understanding of how our past shapes our present.

We all know that the history of our nation and our state includes some harsh and unprecedented truths.

But they are truths nevertheless.

Alabama democrats believe our schools and teachers have a duty to teach history in the way that provokes thought, introspection, and analysis.

Teaching our kids to the top of the curriculum means leaving the rose colored glasses at the classroom door.

It means taking a look at the tough subjects and preparing students to find the facts for themselves.

And it means advancing and understanding of how the legacy of slavery and Jim Crow continues to impact generations of Americans today.

Educating our students to be strong, independent, critical thinkers, calling us to challenge them and challenge previous notions and perspectives.

Showing that there is more than one side to the stories doesn't make us unpatriotic.

It makes us better informed, engaged, and prepared to live up to the values that found our nation, values like equality, freedom, and justice for all.

Health care.

While a strong system of education and a strong system of infrastructure are both key aspects of our economy, as the old saying goes "true wealth is good health."

In the last decade, we have had 17 hospital closures and most of them in many of the rural areas across the state of Alabama.

Without access to quality health care, reliable health care, too many communities across Alabama are still struggling to adequately respond to the pandemic.

The bottom line is, a deteriorating health care infrastructure coupled with our state's refusal to expand Medicaid hurts our response to this virus and it continues to do so.

They negatively impact COVID testing, COVID treatment and COVID vaccinations.

With the rise of the only I don't know variant, too many Alabamians again have limited access to health care facilities, hospital beds, doctors, nurses, and medical workers.

And again, tragically, too many of our poorest and most vulnerable friends and neighbors will likely pay the ultimate price.

While I'm on the subject, you don't want take a moment to reflect and pay tribute to the commitment, the compassion, and the courage of all of our "Frontline" workers, including health care professionals and staff who continue to put themselves in harm's way to serve their communities each and every Dave.

Some suffer severe and lasting health impacts.

Others lost their lives, leaving behind children, families, and loved ones.

In recognition of their work and sacrifice, we must do better to ensure that health and wellness of all Alabamians.

But as they say, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

We need to take better care of ourselves physically, mentally, and emotionally because problems arise.

Alabama Democrats support investments in health care with an emphasis on wellness, mental health and preventative health care services.

While the virus threatens those with preexisting medical conditions like asthma, diabetes, heart disease, and respiratory issues, it caused too many to delay or neglect treatment for such conditions, potentially making them even worse.

In fact, studies show that the rates of obesity and diabetes increased during this pandemic, especially among children and young people.

In response, we must work together to support, enhance access to specialize health and wellness services as well as lobbying for Medicaid reimbursements for dietitian and nutritionists, preventative services.

Furthermore, we must ex manned health insurance coverage for partpartum mothers beyond 90 days.

As I mentioned, the first year postpartum is a vital period of development foster babies.

It's also a key time for mothers recovering from child birth and families adjusting to new roles.

No expectant mother should have to worry about having health insurance coverage weeks after they have declared delivered a child.

Alabama democrats support ARPA funding to expand medical coverage to one year postpartum of all mothers.

And Alabama democrats will continue to stand up for women against ongoing attacks on access to women's health and reproductive care.

Alabama has the third-highest death rate for mothers in the nation.

We're facing a growing crises of maternal morbidities, a crises that disproportionately impacts women and families and communities of color, a crises where so many pregnancy related deaths are entirely preventable and a crises that is only further fueled by dwindling access to OB/GYNs and women's health services in rural areas.

Again, we have a golden opportunity to do something about it.

We can invest federal funds in the health and wellness of families and communities across Alabama.

After all, that's what the ARPA funding is for, making a stronger and healthier and saving lives.

Public safety -- Alabama Democrats believe that strong education, health care, economic opportunity, and highly informed and highly trained law enforcement professionals are the foundation for safe prosperous communities.

I have said it before, and I will say it again: We cannot build our bay out of this prison crises.

Alabama democrats support comprehensive reform to our justice system, with a focus on rehabilitation, low level and nonviolent offenders, reducing recidivism and recovery services for those suffering from addiction and mental illnesses.

It's also high time that we take a hard look at the guidelines for the Board of Pardons and Paroles.

Let's refocus their efforts on rehabilitation and re-entry rather than re-litigating cases that have already been decided years or even decades ago.

We can support and improve public safety while addressing the prison crises which drains our budgets to the tune of hundreds of millions of dollars annually and takes a devastating human toll on individuals, families and communities.

And we can and should continue to support our law enforcement agencies by supporting community policing and providing enhanced training, improvement strategies that help ensure that every Alabamian is treated with fairness, respect, and equality under the law.

Alabama democrats also strongly agree with our local law enforcement leaders, the sheriffs and 67 counties across the state of Alabama who opposes permitless carry, because it is a threat to the public.

Putting concealed weapons in the hands of people without any required safeguards, permits, or training, puts us all that greater risk of being victimized by gun violence.

More guns and less regulations are not the answer.

More job opportunities, more educational opportunities, more access to quality affordable health care and more collaboration between law enforcement and the community is what we need most.

Conclusion: Tonight Alabama faces challenges and with them, opportunities.

As we approach two years since COVID-19 pandemic hit, we should all pause to reflect on the ways our lives have changed.

Yes, there are and have been moments of frustration, disagreements, divisions, and despair.

Yes, there has been grief and loss.

Nearly 17 seats sat empty at the holiday gatherings across Alabama due to the loss of life during this pandemic.

But there also has been resilience and recovery and hope for the future.

Right now, there are many, many chances for us to rebuild.

Let's rebuild an Alabama that is stronger, that is healthier, that is smarter, that's safer and that is more prosperous, an Alabama where every person can decide beyond their wildest dreams.

Alabama democrats are ready, willing and eager to work across party lines to meet these challenges head on and see them through.

As leaders, we were elected to solve problems, not prop them up by sticking anger, outrage, disunity and fear.

The answer is not more noise.

The question is not what divides us -- it's what brings us together.

And why stop there?

Because when we start asking those questions, the right questions, the possibilities are endless.

Is this an innovative solution?

Will this expand opportunities for hard-working people?

Does this reflect our core valves and beliefs?

Does this promote in exclusiveness, diversity and fairness?

Is this standing wrong for Alabama or is it standing true to Alabama?

Is it S. this standing up proudly for what we know is fundamentally right and what is good for the people of our great state?

For those are the questions we should be asking together as one people.

When we start seeking unity, we don't have to look far to find it.

We are pro growth, pro innovation, and most importantly pro Alabama.

And when we start building consensus, we're unstoppable.

That's the Alabama I know is love.

And that's the Alabama our state needs to be right now.

>> There you have it, the response from state representative Anthony damages.

He is the house democratic caucus leader.

You know, a lot of similar issues -- he talks about a lot of the same thing the governor talks about, I guess a different perspective on that.

Randy I no he you had a conversation with Mr.

Damages today.

What can you tell us about that?

>> He had a lot to say about the recently unveiled plan that the house GOP unveiled, their stand up for Alabama agenda that they came up, and he was concerned, quite frankly, it just didn't go far enough.

He was really concerned about items that didn't revolve around helping out with this COVID issue that we're all going through.

As he said before, we can really address schooling, infrastructure, education, jobs and everything else that really need to be on the table to discuss.

We have to talk about COVID because that has an overall effect on everything.

And it's personal for him, because he has referred from COVID twice.

>> That's right.

>> And he is back in the chamber doing the work, but he says, listen, we're talking -- all of this talk about things we want to get done, but we need to take a beat and take a pause and really make sure that we address the COVID issue because it is real, it's serious.

You're talking to somebody -- Anthony damages himself -- who has been through it twice.

So he urge elves his members and fellow housemates to take that seriously.

But he still says, yeah, things dealing with infrastructure and justice reform and prison reform because that's still a big part of the plan for the GOP.

He said building new prisons is a nice idea but we need look at reforms.

So he is looking at what has been said by his GOP house members and the democrats are going to have something to about that too.

>> We have less than a minute, but just any other thoughts on the budgets?

That's probably going to be the first thing they're working on.

Any other thoughts moving along on priorities that lawmakers are talking about?

>> When it cams down to the state's general fund budget one of the things they want to focus on is mental health.

We heard a lot about the impact of COVID on all of our mental health particularly as it pertains to Alabama's children so that is a priority Number one.

Also funding the state's new mental health crises centers.

These are sump a great intervention between people who are having a mental health crises and preventing them from ending up in our city and county jails so that we have established these crises centers around the state.

This tonight make sure they put funding on that.

On the education side we're looking at things funding our first class pre-K program which has been highly successful, a model around the nation.

That is one of our funding priorities.

And you know I did a 74 a couple of weeks ago about childcare.

The pandemic shine a light on childcare and how important it is, they wanted to put more funding into that as well.

So a number of things that we heard the governor mention, service, infrastructure and building our reserve accounts.

We have had a lot of success with our state's general fund reserve account.

So they're looking to really fund those issues, Number one.

>> Plenty to cover.

Thank you so much for joining us for this live coverage of the governor's state of the state address.

I'm todd stacy for "Capitol Journal."