BIRMINGHAM – Jeremy Sherer, Democratic candidate for Alabama State Treasurer, voiced frustration and disbelief regarding Treasurer Kay Ivey’s absence from Monday’s meeting of the State Executive Commission on Community Service Grants. “Due to Treasurer Ivey’s absence, millions of dollars that have been legislatively approved for disbursement to hundreds of schools and volunteer fire departments have been unnecessarily delayed,” said Sherer.

As vice-chairperson, Alabama Treasurer Kay Ivey was to preside over the meeting of the State Executive Commission on Community Service Grants after Lt. Governor Jim Folsom was unable to attend due to sickness. Treasurer Ivey, despite being present in her office at the time, refused to attend the meeting, thus preventing a quorum from being present – Agriculture Secretary Ron Sparks and State Superintendent of Education Joe Morton were present for the meeting.

Continuing, Sherer stated, “Treasurer Ivey seems to be unwilling to fulfill or ignorant of the responsibilities entrusted in her by the voters of Alabama. Not only has Treasurer Ivey presided over the gross financial mismanagement of Alabama’s Prepaid Affordable College Tuition Program, but her overall handling of the Treasurer’s duties has eroded the public’s trust and confidence within the Treasurer’s office.”

“I agree with Secretary Sparks who sits on the Commission, when he said that a lot of teachers would have appreciated these funds while purchasing school supplies as the school year starts. And I’m sure that a lot of rural communities that have tight budgets and underfunded volunteer fire departments could have quickly made use of these funds as well.”

“The Treasurer’s office has a multitude of day to day responsibilities for managing the savings, credits and investments of Alabama. Further, the Treasurer also sits on nearly twenty state boards and commissions that relate to roads, healthcare, housing and education. To have a Treasurer that willingly and unapologetically neglects the duties of the office entrusted to them is reprehensible.”

“During my campaign to succeed Kay Ivey as Treasurer, I can only share with voters my vision and hopes for the Treasurer’s office, and its impact on creating a more prosperous, financially secure Alabama. But, I can assure them that without hesitation that I will appreciate their trust and the responsibilities of the Treasury far more seriously than our incumbent Treasurer. And, I will come to work each day intending to earn that trust and fulfill my responsibilities to the fullest of my abilities,” concluded Sherer.

Please contact Jeremy Faulkner at (205) 446-1342 with any questions.

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