Governor Bentley to Join State Governors at Annual NGA Winter Conference

WASHINGTON, D.C.— Governor Robert Bentley will join state governors in Washington, D.C. this weekend during the annual National Governors Association Winter Meeting to discuss issues affecting Alabama, share Alabama’s innovative solutions to addressing prescription drug abuse and highlight Alabama’s transportation initiative that is helping to promote job creation efforts.

“NGA is an opportunity to showcase the positive things we have going on in Alabama,” Governor Robert Bentley said. “Alabama is leading the way in economic development, and I look forward to sharing Alabama’s success in job creation, transportation improvements and addressing the rise of prescription drug abuse with other governors attending the winter meeting.”

On Saturday, Governor Bentley will chair the Economic Development and Commerce meeting. Last year, Governor Bentley was asked to serve as committee chairman by the NGA Chair, Oklahoma Governor Mary Fallin, who recognized the economic progress being made in Alabama. The purpose of the meeting will be to discuss the federal transportation reauthorization.  Governor Bentley will highlight the Alabama Transportation Rehabilitation Improvement Program and its impact on job creation.

On Sunday, Governor Bentley will address the Health and Human Services Committee to discuss state efforts to combat prescription drug abuse.  Alabama co-led the NGA Prescription Drug Abuse Policy Academy, and the meeting will discuss recommendations from the academy.

Also on Sunday, Alabama Department of Children’s Affairs Commissioner Jeana Ross will share Alabama’s voluntary pre-k program with governors attending a discussion on early education at the Education and Workforce Committee. Alabama’s voluntary pre-k program has consistently been recognized nationally for quality. Alabama is currently one of only four states in the country to meet all 10 quality benchmarks established by the National Institute for Early Education Research.  The benchmarks include teacher training, staff-child ratios, support services and more.  First Class has met all of these benchmarks for seven years in a row.

Following a series of meetings with other governors to discuss federal and state issues, Governor Bentley will return to Alabama Monday evening.