Ala. Legislator Discusses Severity Of Budget Cuts

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Credit Alabama House of Representatives

Representative Richard Lindsey of Centre says he's never seen state services cut to their current level.

One of the longest serving members of the Legislature, Democratic Rep. Richard Lindsey of Centre, says he's never seen state services cut to their current level.

Lindsey says cuts began in 2008, and they have continued each year since then. Lindsey says prison guards are at a bare minimum, schools don't have enough supplies, and fewer state troopers are patrolling the highways.

Lindsey says the Legislature must decide if people want the remaining services, and if they do, how the Legislature will provide them. One option is applying the state sales tax to online sales, but Lindsey says that can't happen without action from Congress.

Lindsey has served in the House since 1983.