Gov. Robert Bentley's opposition to new state taxes during his first term could change in a second term.
Bentley says he's looking at all possibilities for the next four years because that's his job. Bentley has opposed new state taxes during his first term, including raising the state cigarette tax. He says it's not his desire to raise taxes, but he has to look at revenue options. One reason is that money from a state trust fund that has shored up the state General Fund budget for three years won't be available for the next state budget written by the Legislature and governor.
Bentley's opponent, Democratic nominee Parker Griffith, says Bentley could solve part of the financial problem by expanding the Medicaid program and creating more than 25,000 jobs.