Greg Reed Transitions to Economic Advisor Role with Focus on Workforce Development
Montgomery, AL – Outgoing Alabama Senate President Pro Tempore Greg Reed announced his new role as a senior advisor to Governor Kay Ivey, prioritizing workforce transformation and economic development in the state. Speaking at the Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce, Reed highlighted the privilege of serving as Senate leader while stressing that his upcoming position will enable him to focus on crucial areas such as attracting businesses and enhancing workforce participation.
Since joining the Senate in 2010 and leading it since 2021, Reed has tackled diverse issues affecting Alabama’s 34 senators and their constituents. He is set to leave his Senate post at the end of the year. In his forthcoming role, Reed aims to address the state’s mixed employment picture, with an unemployment rate of 2.9% in October, notably lower than the national average of 4.1%. However, workforce participation remains a concern at 57.5%, significantly below the national rate of 62.16%, with particularly low participation in Alabama’s Black Belt region.
Reed outlined the state’s phased approach to economic growth, including the “Rebuild Alabama” initiative which raised gas taxes to fund infrastructure improvements, and the “Game Plan” to enhance economic incentives. The second phase, “Innovate Alabama,” seeks to drive entrepreneurship, while the “Working for Alabama” package aims to improve access to housing and childcare to support workforce engagement.
He emphasized the importance of equipping younger generations for employment and acknowledged the need for enhanced career education at the K-12 level. Reed officially begins his advisory role on January 1, 2024, with plans in place for Governor Ivey to call a special election to fill his Senate seat.
Senate Republicans have nominated Sen. Garlan Gudger of Cullman to succeed Reed as leader amid a Republican majority in the chamber.
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Photo credit alabamareflector.com