Montgomery, AL – The Alabama Legislature finally has bills to do what state officials have been talking about for several days: removing Alabama taxes from the federal tax rebates.
Democratic Representative Terry Spicer of Elba and Republican Representative Greg Canfield of Vestavia Hills introduced bills in the House today to exempt the state income tax from the rebates.
State Senator Parker Griffith of Huntsville introduced a bill last week remove the state tax on the rebates, and the Senate Democratic Caucus endorsed his bill Monday. But the bill couldn't be used because the Alabama Constitution requires revenue bills to start their legislative journey in the House of Representatives.
On Tuesday, Republican Governor Bob Riley called for removal of the state tax.
Democratic House Speaker Seth Hammett says the House will address Spicer's bill.
Spicer says he expects his bill to pass with broad support. He says he would be surprised if it gets a single negative vote.
(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)