State Legislative Leaders Address Policy Priorities at State of the State
June 5, 2025
Two of Alabama’s highest-ranking legislative leaders headlined the 2025 Chamber in Session: State of the State, presented by University of Alabama System, on Wednesday, June 4, at the Tuscaloosa River Market.
Sen. Garlan Gudger, president pro tempore of the Alabama Senate, and Speaker of the House Nathaniel Ledbetter led an engaging and timely panel discussion focused on the state's economic and legislative priorities—providing key insights into issues impacting West Alabama’s business community.
Hosted by The Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama, the annual State of the State event brings elected officials and business leaders together for a conversation on how policy decisions at the state level shape local and regional prosperity.
“We’re honored to welcome two of Alabama’s top legislative leaders to Tuscaloosa for this important conversation,” said Chamber President and CEO Kyle South. “The perspectives shared by Speaker Ledbetter and Sen. Gudger were not only timely, but highly relevant to the growth and success of West Alabama’s workforce, education, and economic development efforts.”
Speaker Ledbetter emphasized the state’s ongoing commitment to workforce development, highlighting programs of West AlabamaWorks as leading models.
“West Alabama does a really good job,” Ledbetter said. “We’ve had an opportunity to be here and visit with West AlabamaWorks and see what they’re doing. What we want to be able to do is continue to give them the tools to work—and to make sure workforce participation improves. We’re seeing some improvement with it, and the new diploma we implemented for high schoolers last year is going to be important for workforce. We’re excited about that.”
Sen. Gudger stressed the importance of local input and communication between communities and state lawmakers.
“Without communication, there’s no potential for growth,” Gudger said. “Unless you tell us the things you see that need to change—which usually starts with your local delegation and then moves into the House and Senate—we can’t act. We want to help. Without communication, you can’t help your community or your state grow.”
For more information about upcoming Chamber events, visit westalabamachamber.com.