Gov. Kay Ivey on Monday said she is “exploring” returning tax money to Alabamians after the state closed out the fiscal year last week on stronger than usual revenues.

“I do believe that some form of rebates should be considered, but rest assured that every option we are exploring will be focused on the interests of our citizens and keeping our people first,” the governor said in a statement.

Ivey said she would work with the Legislature through the November election cycle on coming up with a plan to “provide relief directly to the people of Alabama. … I have spoken to folks across the state, and people are feeling the pinch of today’s economy, and I have committed to them that I want to provide some relief to their pocketbooks.”

“I will present a plan to the Legislature to allocate these funds in a manner that helps our citizens with the issues that we face today, while also considering our children and their future,” she said.

A spokeswoman for the governor could not immediately be reached on how detailed the governor’s plan is at this stage.

Alabama recorded revenues that were “historic, but completely unsustainable” when the state’s fiscal year ended last week, Ivey said, adding that the surplus “is a direct result of reckless spending by the federal government.”

“Last week, we closed out the fiscal year, and I am proud to report to the people of Alabama that thanks to the conservative management of our budgets for the past several years, Alabama’s financial footing is very strong,” Ivey continued. “Let’s be clear, though: This is the citizens’ hard-earned money, and I thank each and every one of them for keeping our economy rolling and economic activity robust, even in a difficult climate. While our budgets are balanced, we are recording revenues far exceeding normal levels. In fact, these revenues are historic, but completely unsustainable. No doubt, this surplus is a direct result of reckless spending by the federal government.”

Ivey predicted that a “potential downswing in the economy is right around the corner,” but said state government “will be deliberate and thoughtful with our taxpayer dollars.”