House Minority Leader Craig Ford (D-Gadsden) released a statement on what he considers a "back-door tax increase".

“It’s amazing that Republicans are trying to pass the buck and hide behind a bill that will raise your fees! A fee is just another word for tax, and Senate Bill 216 would allow for unlimited fee increases. Instead of doing the job they were elected to do, the Republicans are trying to shirk their responsibilities by shifting the burden, and avoid raising taxes by making government agencies raise fees. That’s not just bad policy; it’s plain gutless and cowardly!”

Rep. Craig Ford is a Democrat from Gadsden and the Minority Leader in the House of Representatives.