Montgomery – Governor Kay Ivey today launched her plan for Alabama’s continued economic success, The Game Plan, a proposed package of four economic development bills that would boost the state’s competitiveness for job creation projects. Governor Ivey joined the Alabama legislature’s senior leadership to signal bipartisan support for the game plan.
During a news conference at Riverwalk Stadium in Montgomery, Governor Ivey said implementation of the package is vital to ensuring Alabama’s economic stability amid an uncertain future.
“The game plan will put Alabama into a new era of robust growth, allowing us to continue our record-breaking economic development success, while providing new levels of support for the state’s innovation economy.” said Governor Ivy. “This package will benefit all Alabamians, those who live in both urban centers and rural areas, and will ensure that our citizens are ready for high-paying careers.”
The game plan package includes four bills – or “plays” – that will be introduced during the current session of the legislature:
- Play 1: The Strengthening the Alabama Economic Advancement Act The Alabama Jobs Act and the Growing Alabama Program renew and extend sunset dates through 2028 while adding strategic improvements to increase their effectiveness. The Jobs Act is the state’s primary incentive platform while Growing Alabama primarily accelerates the development of shovel-ready sites.
- Play 2: The Site evaluation law and economic development strategy SEEDS would allow a state’s Industrial Development Authority to accelerate industry-ready site development at a time when available sites are scarce and other states are expanding their site programs.
- Play 3: The Innovation and Small Business Act It aims to increase growth in Alabama’s innovation economy and support businesses and organizations that are underrepresented in rural areas, and transform the state into a hub for technology and innovation.
- Play 4: The Promote transparency law It will amend the Jobs Act to require the Alabama Department of Commerce to publish certain stimulating project information on its Web site. Transparency about important information about companies receiving incentives would serve a valid public service and increase confidence in the process.
He also spoke for The Game Plan at today’s Lt. Gov event. Will Ainsworth, Senate Chairman Pro Temp Greg Reed (R-Jasper), House Speaker Nathaniel Ledbetter (R-Rainsville), Senate Minority Leader Bobby Singleton (D-Greensboro) and House Minority Leader Anthony Daniels (D-Huntsville) ).
Greg Canfield, secretary of the Alabama Department of Commerce since 2011 and the state’s top-ranking official for economic development, also voiced strong support for the package.
“The Game Plan represents the next generation of the state’s strategic economic development framework, designed to protect Alabama’s economy for the future and provide a blueprint for growth that lifts families and communities across the state,” Minister Canfield said. “It will keep us competitive in high-impact projects as our neighboring countries aggressively ramp up their economic development efforts.”
Since the Jobs Act went into effect in July 2015, it has been used in economic development projects that have brought $22 billion in new capital investment and 40,000 jobs to the state, according to data from the Alabama Department of Commerce. About 6,000 of those jobs landed in the state’s rural counties.
The jobs created by these projects will pay an average hourly wage of $23.42, a figure that is 31% of the state’s median wage, according to trade data.
If the Jobs Act is not renewed by the legislature, it will expire on July 31 of this year, as will Alabama’s increased tax credit program.
Today’s event comes just days after Governor Ivey said economic development projects announced in 2024 will bring more than $10 billion in new capital investment to the state, setting a new annual record.
Legislative leaders have reinforced the importance of implementing the game plan package.
Lieutenant Governor of Ainsworth: “Our goal is simple—we want to get the best incentives out there not just in the Southeast, but in the country as a whole. Reauthorizing these programs will be essential in attracting high-paying, long-lasting 21st-century jobs.”
Senator Reid: When you look at the issues Alabama residents care about, economic development and job creation are high on that list. Countries across our region are competing to attract jobs and create economic growth. We need to make sure that we are in the best position to attract these high quality jobs to the communities in our state.”
Ledbetter speaker: “Industries all over the country are trying to come here because of our great employees, our low taxes, and because of our great quality of life. From a competitive standpoint, we want to make sure we have the tools to bring them here and keep them here.”
Senator Singleton: “Growing Alabama’s economy and creating good jobs for our citizens is something we can all agree on.”
Representative Daniels: “We will continue to promote practical and meaningful legislation and policies that highlight our platform for growth and innovation.”
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A game plan summary sheet is attached.