Montgomery, AL – A bill to remove the state's 4 percent sales tax on groceries has started moving in the Alabama Legislature.
The House Education Appropriations Committee voted Wednesday for a proposed constitutional amendment by Democratic Rep. John Knight of Montgomery. It would remove the state sales tax on groceries, including soft drinks and candy, and over-the-counter drugs.
Knight's bill would replace the lost revenue by stopping higher-income Alabamians from using a state income tax deduction for federal income taxes paid. There would no longer be a deduction for individuals with adjusted gross incomes over $150,000 and couples over $300,000.
This is the 12th year that Knight and Alabama Arise have tried to remove the state sales tax on food. Knight said he hopes to get the House to consider his latest bill on Thursday, April 8.
(Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)