MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WPMI) Governor Robert Bentley says he is focused on creating jobs and making sure Alabama students have the best education in a safe environment.
Tuesday night the governor focused on economic improvements and how far we've come as a state since the civil rights movement 50 years ago.
"Today, let's invite the world to look to Alabama again, and let's show them a state that works together, one that innovates and creates economic opportunity for all its citizens," said Bentley.
Governor Bentley talked about how many jobs had been created and how many more are to come.
"From the state's largest cities to the smallest towns, nothing is more important to me than putting people back to work," said Bentley.
Alabama's unemployment rate has dropped to a little more than 7.1 percent.
When Bentley first took over as governor, it was more than 10.5 percent.
He said with companies like Airbus coming to the state, it won't be long before we're way below the national average.
"From the time we break ground on the construction of the assembly plant this spring, to the first delivery of the Airbus A320, over 3,000 Alabama workers will have a good-well paying job."
The governor also focused on better educating our children so they could have the best chance of filling local jobs.
He says that starts with the pre-k program, so he's asking for more funding to expand it and give more children access.
"We must give children a chance at success even before they reach kindergarten," says Bentley, "I truly believe by allowing greater access to a voluntary pre-k education, we will change the lives of children in Alabama."
The governor thanked law enforcement for their hard work to end the standoff situation in Midland City.
He also talked about how he plans to work with Homeland Security to keep our teachers, students and bus drivers safe.
Bentley also said he wanted to give teachers a 2 percent pay raise.
