Governor Kay Ivey unveils ‘Working For Alabama’ bill package

MONTGOMERY, Ala. ( WIAT ) — Governor Kay Ivey introduced several new bills Thursday that could change how Alabamians go to work.

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Alongside Alabama legislators, Ivey showcased a package of seven bills geared towards developing three areas of the state: economy, workforce and communities.

The “Working For Alabama” bill package features legislation that aims to help give people a place in the state’s workforce. Ivey noted that participation in the workforce is extremely low, and it’s time for the state to help.

“I’m calling on our legislature,” Ivey said. “To once again make the needed reforms so that our workforce development programs work better for us, and its two customers — job seekers and our employers.”

The package was a bipartisan effort from both chambers, House Speaker Nathaniel Ledbetter talked about two other bills that were introduced: Childcare Tax Credit and Housing Tax Credit.

“Some people say, ‘Well, they need to get off the couch and got to work’ but it’s not that simple,” Speaker Ledbetter said. “When you got families with single moms that’s got two kids and they’re paying $30,000 a year for childcare, there’s a problem.”

Senator Bobby Singleton (D-Greensboro) talked about another bill called the “Innovation District Act.” He said that this serves as another tool in the toolbox for communities and encourages new businesses to come to town.

“It’s gonna be like an LLC that’s set up to where corporations can come to town and now cities and counties can be able to offer something other than abatement taxes,” Sen. Singleton said. “They can get them tax exemptions, they can be able to commit to sales taxes, any taxes that’s not committed to education.”

Speaker Ledbetter said that the seven new bills could see action from lawmakers as soon as next week.

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