Gov. Ivey to Touch on the Census, Prisons and Education in State of the State Address
Governor Kay Ivey will discuss the 2020 census, Alabama’s prison crisis and education in her State of the State Address on Tuesday. Ivey offered the preview during a speech Friday at the Public Affairs Research Council of Alabama’s annual meeting in Birmingham.
Ivey calls this year’s federal census “make or break” for Alabama and says everyone needs to respond when the census count begins April 1st. Alabama is at risk of losing a congressional seat because it has not grown as fast relative to other states. The census also determines funding for an array of government programs.
“This is a critical time and the outcome will affect the future of our state and every citizen,” Ivey says. “Leave no stone unturned.”
Ivey mentioned Alabama’s ongoing prison crisis. Last year, the U.S. Department of Justice threatened a federal lawsuit because of violence and overcrowding in state prisons. The Alabama Department of Corrections is under a court order to increase staffing in the next few years. Prison staff numbers are far below recommended levels.
A prison study group set up by Ivey issued recommendations this week. The governor is also pursing a plan to build three new, larger prisons and close most others. She says that will “transition our facilities from being warehouses to rehabilitation.”
Ivey says education is a high priority for her administration, but lamented Alabama’s often poor showing in state rankings.
“It seems to me we’ve just gotten complacent and accustomed to being at or near the bottom,” Ivey says. “But our children are suffering from this. We need to get energized about fixing the education system.”
Ivey encouraged those at the meeting to vote in favor of a constitutional amendment that will be on the ballot March 3rd. Under the amendment, members of the state school board would be appointed by the governor and approved by the Senate. Board members are currently elected.
Ivey will give her State of the State Address Tuesday evening at 6:30. WBHM will carry that speech live.
China slams Trump’s trade investigation, as it approves a 5-year economic plan
China's Foreign Ministry criticized the Trump administration's trade investigation as a "pretext" for tariffs. Meanwhile, China is moving ahead with a five-year plan that may rankle trade partners.
NASA targets Artemis II crewed moon mission for April 1 launch
A six-day launch window opens on April 1 from NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The lunar orbital mission would be the first time humans have returned to the moon since Apollo 17 in 1972.
Auburn football player uses NIL funds to open a community hub in Birmingham
Jourdin Crawford, a freshman defensive lineman at Auburn, used earnings from a Name, Image, and Likeness deal to give back to his hometown.
Fear of Iranian mines in the Strait of Hormuz could further slow the flow of oil
Attacks by Iran have already nearly halted the flow of oil through the vital waterway as commercial ship crews fear being hit by missiles, drones or mines.
Bruno Mars adds yet another milestone to his career with ‘The Romantic’
Bruno Mars is the most-listened to artist in the world on Spotify. He's won 16 Grammys. In case you thought there were no battles left for him to win, this week he unlocked another achievement.
There’s more than one path to a confessional song
On new albums by viral sensation Yebba and studio whiz Pimmie, it's clear modern R&B has been clearing space for vastly different stripes of singer-songwriter.
