In Her Second Inaugural Address, Ivey Pledges Support for Small Business

January 18, 2023 Last Edit: June 5, 2025

Priorities will include streamlining state government and expanding broadband

In Her Second Inaugural Address, Ivey Pledges Support for Small Business

In her second inaugural address on Monday, Jan. 16, Gov. Kay Ivey said she would continue to work to improve Alabama’s economy including its small businesses. “Since I have been governor, thanks to the work of the Alabama Legislature, we have cut well over a half a billion dollars in taxes. That relief helped everyone from our middle class to our farmers to our small businesses…,” she said. “We have reached the lowest unemployment rate in our state’s history, multiple times over. We have more good-paying jobs available today than at any other point before. “I am proud to report today that since I have been governor, we have seen business investments in our state totaling $40 billion dollars, which has created 73,000 new jobs,” Ivey said. “And I assure you: We are not done yet.” The governor said she would continue to encourage economic development during her second term. “While there is still uncertainty in today’s national economic climate, creating stability in our economy will be key,” she said. “We will continue to be a champion for our existing companies while making sure we secure higher paying jobs and develop and recruit the talent needed to fill current and future jobs in our state,” the governor said. “We will work to be innovative, and my desire is that when someone anywhere in the world is in need, they should look no further than our Sweet Home Alabama. We will apply our values and talents to solve our nation’s challenges through research, development, and new business start-ups. “We will make sure that everyone knows that Alabama is not just a great place to visit, but that it is a great place to locate a business and raise a family.” Ivey said she will continue to streamline state government. “We will make much-needed reforms to ensure your state government works more efficiently, is more accountable, and works with more transparency,” Ivey said. “We will reduce burdens holding back our businesses and will cut regulations by 25 percent over the next two years. The bottom line is that we want to be a government that better serves the people of Alabama.” She also promised to continue efforts to expand broadband to rural communities throughout the state. “Both your state and federal government will be responsible as we invest in broadband access, making it this generation’s modern-day electricity,” she said. “Just recently, I announced the development of one of the most comprehensive, high-speed broadband networks in the country that will result in access in every corner of our state for homes, schools, hospitals, police departments, and businesses. “Mark my word: Alabama will be a national model when it comes to broadband,” the governor said. “I am committed to working towards our state having full ability to be connected to high-speed internet, no matter where you live in Alabama.” Ivey said, “Let’s harness our efforts for the good people of our state – the working moms, the 4th grader aspiring to be an engineer, our police officers, nurses, small business owners, our farmers, our service men and women, our veterans, and every hardworking Alabamian across all corners of our great state,” she said. “We will not relent where we have seen success, but instead, we will build upon that foundation.” Click here to read the governor’s full second inaugural address.

Topics:

Taxes

State:

Alabama

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