HUNTSVILLE — Thursday, Gov. Kay Ivey delivered remarks at the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber of Commerce's 2026 Alabama Update, reflecting on some of the state's key achievements during her tenure in office.
According to Ivey, many industries in the state have grown exponentially in recent years, creating new jobs for Alabamians.
"Since I took office in 2017, Alabama has seen record investments totaling more than $69 billion, which has created 100,000 jobs – and counting," she said. "A great deal of that activity is happening right here in the Huntsville-Madison County area.'
"Just last week, Blue Origin announced they were adding another 100 jobs to their Huntsville facilities. I joined you all in December to announce that Eli Lilly was making the largest initial investment in our state's history by locating their new facility here. And of course, preparations for Space Command Headquarters are well underway."
The governor credited local leaders, elected officials and companies for helping to make the progress possible.
"If you know me, you know I believe in having a strong team. This type of success happens because of everyone here," noted Ivey. "Your local leaders. Your legislative delegation. Your Chamber. Your companies. Your workforce. Over these next eight months, I will continue doing my part and working hard to deliver results for Alabama. My goal is to see our state build on our success in the future."
Ivey touted Alabama's expanding infrastructure, stressing its importance for the state's continued economic success.
"To keep achieving success as a state, we have to invest in our infrastructure," argued Ivey. "That includes basic infrastructure like water and sewer. That includes digital infrastructure through our broadband connectivity. And of course, that includes our roads and bridges."
"Thanks to Rebuild Alabama, since 2019, Alabama has generated an additional $2 billion dollars, paving the way for 500 vital road and bridge projects in all 67 counties. Projects like the widening of I-565 or the I-65 interchange improvements at Browns Ferry or the completion of 411 in Cherokee County…these projects to put it simply would not be possible without the gas tax proceeds. We are truly Rebuilding Alabama."
According to Ivey, Alabama's recent improvements in education have been substantial.
"As I shared with many of you in March, our historic education gains are garnering national attention. Thanks to the full implementation of the Literacy and Numeracy Acts, we are setting the bar high for our students, and they are reaching and surpassing expectations," Ivey stated. "Thanks to our Turnaround Schools initiative, some of the most challenged schools are improving at twice the statewide rate. That includes Huntsville's MLK Jr. Elementary School."
Ivey continued, "Together with the Legislature, this past Session, we passed the largest ever education budget in our state's history. I will say it again: We are investing more today in public education than at any point in our state's history. And thanks to these efforts, Alabama has gone from dead last to the Top 30 in reading and math. We are just getting started. Let's keep our foot on the gas pedal to ensure we are giving our students the best opportunity at success. After all, that is your future workforce we are talking about. That's your children."
"We live in the greatest nation on Earth. In Alabama, we are proud to celebrate our country. There is no better time to be an American than today. And there is no better time to be an Alabamian than right now," concluded Ivey.
To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email [email protected].
Don't miss out! Subscribe to our newsletter and get our top stories every day.
