Gov. Kay Ivey on Tuesday night asked lawmakers to support a $1 billion bond for K-12, community college and university construction projects and to slow down on proposals for a lottery or gambling in the state.

The Alabama Legislature convened for its annual session earlier in the day.

In her third State of the State address, Ivey touted the need for new prisons and more funding for mental and rural health and education initiatives. She’s also proposing pay raises for state and education employees.

She said the school bond money could be used for new construction, safety improvements or technology upgrades “Equally important,” she said. “this bond will not include any legislative earmarks for pet projects Read more.