The Leeds Area Chamber of Commerce monthly luncheon featured Alabama Lt. Gov. Will Ainsworth.

“Not long ago, some were concerned that the State of Alabama might lose a congressional seat, maybe even two. Instead, our state has grown by 5%,” said Ainsworth at the Sept. 21, luncheon.

“From a fiscal standpoint, the state is in the best position it’s ever been in, and we are fiscally very sound,” he said.

Ainsworth stressed the importance of helping small business, adding that about 9,000 small businesses closed during the pandemic. He said liability insurance for restaurants has been reduced and tax cuts provided for small businesses. He also said increased penalties and jail time has reduced retail theft.

Ainsworth said his top priorities include: making sure competitive salaries are offered for teachers and schools have the tools needed to be successful; workforce development, including hiring career coaches to help students understand important concepts of education; and cyber security, and he also added that state officials have not given up on getting the space command located in Alabama.

He stated that Governor Kay Ivey, during her tenure as Lieutenant Governor, created the Military Stability Commission, which has been instrumental in helping military families relocate to Alabama. A spouse liaison is available to help as needed. They have also worked with AHSAA to see that military families who move into a failing school district are not penalized in terms of sports eligibility if they choose to enroll their children in a different district.

In terms of economic development, he said, the Grow in Alabama Act has helped to ensure that shovel-ready sites are available for businesses that want to locate in our state. Recruiting corporate headquarters to Alabama has also become a priority.

Ainsworth was elected Lieutenant Gov. in 2018 and is now in his second term.

Irondale Café provided the meal. The next luncheon will be Thursday, Oct. 19, at Leeds First Methodist Church.