There are plenty of blessings in Alabama this year for Thanksgiving
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Eye on Politics
Paul DeMarco
With Thanksgiving this week, it is a good time to reflect on Alabama’s blessings. The state has seen so many good and bad days over its 205 years. Yet, Alabama is seeing a renaissance across the board that is drawing both individuals and job creators to the state.
Despite the pandemic, Alabama has become an economic juggernaut with manufacturing leading the way. The state annually ranks as one of the best places to do business in the nation.
When it comes to attracting new companies and having a business-friendly climate, Alabama annually makes the list because of its commitment to economic development. In addition, the Port of Mobile recently celebrated the completion of dredging to create a 50-foot channel depth, making it the deepest container port in the Gulf of America. This will also increase commerce in and out of Alabama and draw more international trade to the state.
Industry is not only what is thriving in the state. Alabama has become a top destination for tourists. Alabama was ranked in the top 10 states drawing visitors to the state. Alabama had a historic number of visitors numbered at some 29 million bringing in $24 billion in spending in Alabama last year.
The diverse topography and attractions from the white sandy beaches to Alabama being the southern gateway for the Appalachian Mountains make the state a mecca for outdoor recreation with its trails, rivers and bountiful lakes. There is no question that tourism will continue to grow as one of the most important sectors of Alabama’s economy.
Finally, after years of chronic issues in education, the state is improving its standards for public schools. The state school system moved up from 85 to 87 points out of 100 this past school year. Academic achievement went up, as well, from 64 to 67 percent. In addition, the student graduation rate ticked up from 90 percent to almost 92 percent this past year.
Another area of improvement was in chronic absenteeism that dropped from almost 15 percent to 12 percent, which was a significant move but still needs more work.
Finally, of the state’s 153 school districts, 102 made improvements in scholastic achievement. Thus, Alabama’s schools are heading in the right direction, but education leaders have to continue to focus their efforts on providing the best opportunities for all state students.
There is plenty of work ahead to do to move Alabama forward to be the best it can be for its citizens; however, this past year provided many reasons to be thankful for our state and living in Alabama for sure.
Paul DeMarco is a former member of the Alabama House of Representatives and can be found on X, formerly Twitter, at @Paul_DeMarco.
