Gov. Kay Ivey and other state officials on Thursday paid tribute to former U.S. Sen. Richard Shelby, saying he transformed the economic and education landscape of the state during his decades of public service.
“When we think of Alabama’s monumental U.S. senators, for many, Lister Hill, Jim Allen, and John Sparkman come to mind. While each was known for expertly navigating Washington politics to benefit our state, I think it’s fair to say their impacts have been rivaled and eclipsed by the work of Senator Shelby,” Ivey said.
Lt. Gov. Will Ainsworth said Shelby forever changed Alabama by bringing projects for universities, government installations, infrastructure and encouraging the development of aerospace and other industries in the state. Shelby told the state leaders that it was “good to be home,” and said he always believed elected leaders should work together for the good of the people they represent. “It’s not about me. It’s about our state, the people and the future of our state,” he said.