Boasting an economy more stable than most, Alabama Gov. Bob Riley (R) focused on maintaining a small and thrifty government, while promoting job growth, ethics reform and education.
Riley told the Democratic-controlled Legislature in his state of the state address Feb. 3 to resist inflating government size and spending beyond its budget constraints.
He encouraged unity across party lines. “We must transcend politics,” he said.
The governor proposed a $500 income tax credit for businesses that hire unemployed workers, as well as a separate $1,500 tax credit over three years for companies creating new jobs in counties with the highest unemployment levels.
Proposed ethics reform included limits on “wining and dining by the special interests,” as well as full disclosure of lobbyist spending on elected officials and potential conflicts of interests involving elected officials and their spouses.
The governor asked that education be shielded from spending cuts and decried gambling as a source of education funding. He noted that other states that have expanded and taxed gambling have recently cut their education budgets.
To read the full text, click here.
Powered by