Friday Five: June 2, 2023
The Alabama Legislature is in session, and Peritus PR is back with our fan-favorite #FridayFive legislative highlights series.
At the end of each week, we’ll take a pit stop to help make sense of the bills that were introduced, debated, passed, failed or signed at the Alabama State House.
If you missed our 2023 Alabama Legislative Guide, start there.
THIS WEEK’S FRIDAY FIVE
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Yesterday, Gov. Ivey signed the state’s largest ever General Fund and Education Trust Fund budgets at $3 billion and $8.8 billion respectively. With a surplus in tax revenue, the ETF budget is supplemented by a $2.8 billion appropriations bill. Upon signing the bills, Gov. Ivey said, “I am proud to officially put my signature on yet another historic investment in our students, teachers and schools. Alabama is serious about changing the trajectory of student outcomes, and our steady progress in the classroom and this record-setting education budget prove that to be the Gospel Truth.”
Read more: Ivey signs ‘record-setting’ state budgets (Yellowhammer News)
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Only three states tax groceries equally to other purchases, and Alabama is one of them—but not for long. Both chambers voted to cut the state’s grocery tax from 4% to 2%, sending the historic bill to the governor’s desk for signing. In contrast to many years of failed attempts at cutting the tax, the bill’s sponsor Sen. Andrew Jones (R-Centre) offered an explanation for this year’s breakthrough, “Folks are struggling to put food on the table. Grocery tax receipts have gone up. It’s because of inflation and prices on food has come back. This bill helps address that.”
Read more: ‘Historic’ tax cut on groceries approved by Alabama Legislature (AL.com)
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A bill to repeal the state’s 5% income tax on overtime also awaits the governor’s signature after passing unanimously in the House and Senate. The exemption is capped at $25 million, meaning the state will forego up to that amount of income tax on overtime pay. The bill’s sponsor Rep. Anthony Daniels (D-Huntsville) said, “When all of us come together we can accomplish anything. It’s a rare opportunity to pass something that hasn’t been done by any state in America. It’s a win for all of us.”
Read More: Alabama lawmakers pass scaled-back tax exemption on overtime pay (AL.com)
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Education legislation was on the move this week with three notable bills advancing. HB334, which passed out of a Senate committee, would create a scholarship program for “Students with Unique Needs” (SUN) including foster children, children of Armed Forces members, disabled children and children experiencing housing insecurity. HB363, which awaits the governor’s signature, would amend the Alabama School Choice and Student Opportunity Act to make structural adjustments to the Alabama Public Charter School Commission like requiring training for commissioners and clarifying funding for conversion schools. SB263, which also awaits the governor’s signature, would expand the Alabama Accountability Act which funds private-school scholarships.
Read More: In final days of session, school choice bills advance (Alabama Daily News)
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The House gave final passage this week to a Senate bill that would, with some exceptions, prohibit state and municipal government entities from contracting with companies that boycott businesses for “social, political or ideological” reasons. Favor for the bill fell along party lines, mirroring the broader anti-ESG (environmental, social and governance) movement across the U.S. The bill now waits on the governor’s desk.
Read More: House passes anti-ESG bill without debate (Alabama Political Reporter)
OUR PUBLISHED BY PERITUS TAKEAWAY
State public policy shapes our communities, our organizations and our lives. In return, we all have the right and privilege to shape public policy. The driver’s seat has your name on it.
We know life gets in the way, and there are a number of roadblocks to following the legislative session. That’s why Peritus’ public affairs team created a handy-dandy #ALPolitics Guide with all the tools you need to identify and contact your local representatives, explore media resources to keep you informed throughout the session and bridge the gap between policymakers and your community. If you’re reading this, you’re off to a good start.
See ya next Friday!
Check out the 2023 Peritus PR Alabama Legislative Guide here.