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HOUSE EXPECTED TO VOTE ON FAMILY FARM PRESERVATION ACT
MONTGOMERY, Ala. -- The Alabama House of Representatives reconvenes on Tuesday. Among the bills expected to be voted on is the Family Farm Preservation Act, HB420. The bill was scheduled for a vote May 8, but other bills delayed consideration of HB420. Federation members are urged to contact their House members for support of HB420. On Thursday, Gov. Bob Riley announced plans to call a special legislative session. He wants the session to begin May 19 for the exclusive purpose of considering his tax packages that he says will ease the state's budget shortfall. Although Gov. Riley has said his package won't include tax increases without increased accountability, he has not made public the specifics of his proposal. He said it would address the state's $600 million deficit and would make "fundamental changes" in state government. The House already has voted to recess the regular session by May 19 so Riley can have the special session, but things aren't running as smoothly in the Senate. The special session resolution passed by the House was sent to the Senate where it was assigned to the powerful Rules Committee chaired by Sen. Jim Preuitt, D-Talladega. Gov. Riley said he would like the Legislature to finish the special session by June 6. Legislators could then reconvene their regular session to work on state budgets for the fiscal year, which begins Oct. 1. While Riley hasn't revealed specifics about his proposal, legislators who have met with him recently have said the governor is considering increases in property taxes and tobacco taxes, removing the income tax deductions for businesses and individuals, and deleting sales tax breaks on cars and other large ticket items, including farm machinery.
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