Montgomery, AL – In a display of bipartisan collaboration, Governor Kay Ivey joined Lt. Gov. Will Ainsworth, Senate President Pro Tem Greg Reed, House Speaker Nathaniel Ledbetter, Senate Minority Leader Bobby Singleton, and House Minority Leader Anthony Daniels to unveil the “Working for Alabama” package. This ambitious initiative comprises seven bills aimed at enhancing Alabama’s workforce, economic development, and community welfare efforts.
Governor Ivey emphasized the state’s recent progress achieved through teamwork, citing advancements such as improved broadband access and industry recruitment tools provided by initiatives like the Connect Alabama Act and the Game Plan. With a focus on further strengthening Alabama’s workforce development, Governor Ivey urged legislative action to better serve both jobseekers and employers.
A key objective of the “Working for Alabama” package is to address Alabama’s low Labor Force Participation Rate, a challenge repeatedly highlighted by Governor Ivey. Nearly half of the state’s working-age population is neither employed nor actively seeking employment. The Lieutenant Governor’s Commission on 21st Century Workforce findings contributed to the development of this package, aiming to tackle this issue.
Lt. Gov. Ainsworth stressed the importance of addressing employers’ struggles in hiring skilled workers. By removing entry barriers into the workforce and optimizing workforce development efforts, the package aims to create an environment where more Alabamians can find employment, build careers, and contribute to economic growth.
Highlighting another aspect of the package, Speaker Ledbetter emphasized the need to address the affordability of childcare, a significant barrier to workforce participation for many Alabamians. Ledbetter underscored the importance of supporting families by offering childcare tax credits, aiming to enable parents to balance work and family responsibilities effectively.
Pro Tem Reed underscored the importance of streamlining economic development strategies to enhance Alabama’s competitiveness. He emphasized the significance of investing in resources and workforce development to attract and support businesses in the state, ensuring long-term economic prosperity.
Senator Singleton echoed Reed’s sentiments, emphasizing the importance of strong communities with robust infrastructure and quality of life in attracting investment and fostering growth. He highlighted the package’s focus on providing resources, particularly in rural areas, through initiatives like expanded broadband access.
Leader Daniels emphasized the package’s role in equipping communities with the necessary resources to attract new employers and support existing businesses. By investing in industrial sites, workforce training, and infrastructure, Daniels believes communities will gain the tools needed for economic success.
The “Working for Alabama” package signifies a collaborative effort to address critical challenges facing Alabama’s workforce, economy, and communities, reflecting a commitment to bipartisan cooperation for the betterment of the state’s future.
