MOBILE — Governor Kay Ivey was in Mobile on Wednesday to address the Mobile Chamber's Forum at the Battle House Renaissance Mobile Hotel.
Ivey said she was disappointed by the government shutdown.
"I'd like to express my disappointment with the ongoing federal government shutdown," Ivey said. "The state and local governments do not operate in such a reckless manner."
Ivey said her administration is working to help families who depend on Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) funds. Last week, the governor's office released $2 million in emergency funds to go to eight food banks across the state. However, she said Alabama cannot sustain both federal and state obligations and called on U.S. Senate Democrats to reopen the federal government.
Calling Mobile the "Gateway to Alabama Commerce" and "to the Gulf of America," Ivey highlighted several facets, including the recently deepened shipping channel and the newly expanded Airbus assembly line.
Ivey thanked former Mayor Sandy Stimpson for his work on important projects such as the new Mobile International Airport at Brookley Field and the Mobile River Bridge and Bayway. She welcomed new Mayor Spiro Cheriogotis and said she looks forward to his leadership.
"Folks, Mobile continues to generate excitement," Ivey said. "Exactly a month ago, there was so much momentum in town, you would've thought Mardi Gras had returned."
Ivey announced a new program by the Alabama Department of Workforce that aims to streamline job training. She outlined improvements in Alabama math and reading scores and said the state's ban on cell phones from classrooms has greatly improved instruction.
"Folks are taking notice," she said. "Recently, 'National Review' reported on a southern surge in reading and math achievement. They revealed that four states have a lot to teach the country about teaching and one of these states is Alabama.
"We've also restored some common sense in our classrooms to help create better learning and knowledge for our kids," Ivey added.
Overall, Ivey said she is optimistic about the future and is looking forward to another year serving as Alabama's governor.
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