Following groundbreaking legislative efforts in both the Alabama House and Senate, identified as a top priority in Gov. Kay Ivey’s 2024 State of the State address, leaders celebrated the signing of six bills that make up the “Work for Alabama” plan.

The package seeks to address a major vulnerability in Alabama's workforce and economy: Nearly half of the state's working-age population is neither employed nor willing to participate in the workforce, reflected in one of the lowest labor force participation rates in the nation.

In recent years, state leaders from government, business and education have begun studying the challenge to provide a comprehensive solution that includes streamlined approaches to child care, housing, economic development and workforce development. On Thursday, the final day of the 2024 legislative session, the leaders put their plan into action.

“Over the past few years, state leaders have undertaken some ambitious initiatives to address Alabama's greatest areas of need,” said Governor Ivey.

“And the results are paying dividends. From broadband to infrastructure to the game plan we passed last year and now working for Alabama, we've put Alabama first, paving the way for a stronger economy and a better quality of life for all Alabamians.”

RELATED: 'Work for Alabama' bill to boost state's workforce, economy

In the end, Governor Ivey signed bills creating the Alabama Workforce Transformation Act, the Alabama Growth Alliance Act, the Alabama Career Pathways Act, the Child Care Tax Credit, the Housing Tax Credit, and the Research and Development Corridor.

The centerpiece of the bill, the Alabama Workforce Transformation Act, would consolidate, consolidate and streamline overlapping workforce development agencies and programs under a central agency, creating stronger collaboration between employers, agencies and educational institutions.

Accompanying Governor Ivey were Lt. Governor Will Ainsworth, Senate President Pro Tem Greg Reed (R-Jasper), House Speaker Nathaniel Ledbetter (R-Rainsville), Senate Minority Leader Bobby Singleton (D-Greensboro), House Minority Leader Anthony Daniels (D-Huntsville), and BCA President Helena Duncan.

RELATED: Working for Alabama: Lawmakers advance bill to benefit state's workforce, economy

“We want to grow Alabama's economy and create more long-term, higher-paying jobs in 21 states.^st “21st century jobs are at the top of my priorities,” said Lt. Governor Ainsworth.

“That’s why I created the Lieutenant Governors Committee on the 21st.^st “I have asked Century Workforce and members of the Legislature and business community to work together to identify the biggest obstacles and find actionable solutions. Signing the Work Alabama Act into law would be a powerful step toward more jobs, opportunity and prosperity for all people who call our state home.”

One of the needs identified by the labor force participation study group was the availability of affordable child care, which is a barrier to entry for thousands of Alabamians.

RELATED: Leadbetter: Working in Alabama serves jobseekers, employers, families and future generations

The child care tax credit provides tax credits for employers who provide child care in the workplace and for allowances for child care expenses, as well as tax credits for donors who donate to child care facilities and non-profit child care providers.

“Alabama's economy is growing at a historic pace, but that doesn't mean we can rest on yesterday's successes; we must keep moving forward,” Speaker Leadbetter said.

“The Work for Alabama package is the result of state leaders' keen recognition of what holds Alabama back and limits its potential. The House Workforce Shortage Study Group identified a lack of affordable child care and housing as the most common barriers keeping Alabamians out of the workforce. There is no doubt that our action on these two issues, and other key areas in this package, will help Alabama families and our economy thrive like never before.”

RELATED: Legislative leaders discuss ambitious workforce and economic development package

Sen. Pro Tempore Greg Reed said Alabama needs to streamline its strategy to better compete with other states in economic development and job creation. He passed the Alabama Growth Alliance bill, which would establish a public-private partnership to regularly review and improve the state's economic development strategy with a coordinated, regular update plan.

“Our state is positioning itself to be a national economic and workforce development leader for years to come. The investments made through the Work in Alabama Act will greatly benefit Alabamians, and I am proud of the work we've done to maximize our efforts to encourage businesses and industries to choose Alabama,” said Senate President Pro Tempore Reed.

“Thanks to the investments and resources included in this bill, families and businesses across the state will grow and thrive and Alabama will remain a great place to live.”

Grayson Everett is the state and politics editor for Yellow Hammer News. You can follow him on Twitter. Grayson