The Alabama House Democratic Caucus put out a press release detailing their agenda for the remainder of Session 2015:

MONTGOMERY–We are now more than one-third of the way through the legislative session and the Republican supermajorities have not passed a single bill to address our state’s most pressing issues, primarily our tremendous budget shortfall. By low estimates, we will need $265 million to stay solvent, but debt repayment obligations mean the state needs closer to $700 million.

We believe that the top priority of government–a priority shared by families across Alabama–is making sure that our budget is balanced responsibly and that we pay back the debts we owe. While the Republican leadership in the legislature has failed to offer serious solutions, the Democrats are ready to lead, standing before you today with tangible solutions to the very real problems facing our state. Rather than unsustainable budget cuts or raising taxes on working families, Democrats propose an agenda that puts working families first and focuses on voluntary revenue raising measures and closing corporate tax loopholes.

Lottery Bills–Sponsored by Rep. Craig Ford
We are proposing two bills that allow the voters to vote on creating a state lottery. The first lottery bill would allocate the proceeds generated towards scholarships for students who make the A/B Honor Roll. The second lottery bill would allocate the proceeds to the state’s General Fund budget for the state’s Medicaid agency. Either lottery could generate up to $280 million annually.

“Before we even consider raising taxes we need to let the people vote on a lottery. For far too long Alabamians have been sending our hard-earned dollars to neighboring states. It’s time to let the voters decide on if we want a lottery and where we want those funds to go.”

Poarch Creek Compact by Rep. Thomas Jackson
This resolution will encourage the governor to negotiate a compact with the Poarch Creek Indians to allow table games in exchange for a percentage of revenue.

“The Poarch Creek Indians are here, and they aren’t going anywhere. This is a win-win solution for everybody. The state gets the money it needs, and the Indians get to expand their operations.”

Closing Corporate Tax Loopholes by Rep. Rod Scott
This package of bills would close a variety of tax loopholes and allow for combined reporting. The Legislative Fiscal Office estimates these bill will generate approximately $60 million dollars in new revenue.

“These are bills we have offered several times before. These bills will generate about $60 million in new revenue and level the playing field so that out-of-state corporations are not getting tax breaks that Alabama businesses aren’t getting.”

Tobacco Tax Increase (HB45) by Representative Patricia Todd
This bill would increase the tax on cigarettes by $0.32.5 (from $0.42.5 to $0.75 per pack). The Legislative Fiscal Office estimates this bill would generate an additional $20 million in new revenue.

“This is just common sense. It’s one step to make the state healthier and generate millions of dollars for the budget. The increase we are talking about will still keep the price of a pack of cigarettes at the same price as neighboring states, so it will allow Alabama businesses to remain competitive. We have a real chance of passing this bill.”

Removing the Tax off Groceries by Representative John Knight
This bill would remove the state sales tax from all grocery items and replace the money in the budget by eliminating certain income tax deductions.

“This year, we will continue our fight for Alabama’s working families. I will again introduce legislation to eliminate the state’s unconscionable sales tax on groceries. This bill is good for all Alabamians – it’s simply the right thing to do. It’s time to finally let the people decide this issue.”

Minimum Wage Increase (HB42) by Representative Darrio Melton
This bill would establish a statewide minimum wage of $9.80, implemented in three sections by January 2018, and establish a cost of living adjustment every three years.

“It’s shameful that hard-working men and women across Alabama don’t earn a fair wage for the work they do. If this bill is passed, it would lift half a million working Alabamians–including one in three children–out of poverty. It’s past time to reward hard work with fair pay.”

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