Montgomery, AL – Kay Ivey delivered her 2026 State of the State address Tuesday evening at the Alabama State Capitol, outlining accomplishments from her administration while setting priorities for the final year of her historic tenure.
Addressing members of the Alabama Legislature, state officials, and invited guests, Ivey reflected on nearly a decade in office, noting significant changes since she was sworn in on April 10, 2017. She pointed to economic development as an early and ongoing focus, citing $69 billion in investments that have generated more than 100,000 jobs statewide. Alabama, she said, continues to rank among the top states for doing business, supported by workforce development initiatives, infrastructure investment, and site readiness.
Infrastructure improvements were a central theme, including the passage of Rebuild Alabama, which has funded more than $2 billion for approximately 500 road and bridge projects across all 67 counties. Ivey also highlighted progress in broadband expansion, moving Alabama from near the bottom nationally to 24th in connectivity, with a plan in place to reach 100 percent coverage.
The governor emphasized the state’s growing role in national defense and aerospace, announcing the official relocation of U.S. Space Command Headquarters to Huntsville. She also referenced major industrial and technology partners, including pharmaceutical manufacturing, automotive production, renewable energy, and data infrastructure.
Public safety remained a key priority. Ivey urged lawmakers to advance legislation addressing violent crime and repeat offenders, supported increased law enforcement presence in Montgomery, and proposed a two percent pay raise for state employees, including troopers and mental health workers. She also announced plans for a statewide flood notification system ahead of the summer season and called for additional funding to enhance K-12 school safety.
Education progress featured prominently in the address. Ivey noted improvements in student achievement, including gains in math and reading rankings, expanded pre-K classrooms, increased access to computer science education, and higher college and career readiness rates. She proposed the largest Education Trust Fund budget in state history, including a two percent pay raise for teachers. The governor also called for expanded funding for the CHOOSE Act education savings account program and backed legislation to protect student athletes participating under the program.
Several special guests were recognized during the address. Rodney Smith Jr., founder of Raising Men Lawn Care Service, was honored for his nationwide volunteer initiative benefiting veterans, military families, and first responders. Students from Booker T. Washington K-8 School in Birmingham were recognized for their academic turnaround, and the Montgomery Academy Chamber Chorus, led by Dr. Damion Womack, performed prior to the address.
Concluding her remarks, Ivey described the “state of our state” as strong, expressing optimism about Alabama’s future while calling on lawmakers to work collaboratively during the final 12 months of her administration. The address marked her final State of the State speech as governor.
