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Legislature votes to exempt stimulus checks |
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By Kim Chandler
May 31, 2008
MONTGOMERY -- The Legislature on Saturday voted to exempt federal
stimulus checks from state income taxes. The Alabama Senate voted 28-0
for the bill. It now moves to Gov. Bob Riley for his signature.
Members of both parties had endorsed the bill, but it failed to pass in the regular session that concluded May 19.
"This
is an opportunity to cut taxes for Alabama citizens. I think the people
of Alabama are watching us on this issue. We bragged about it," Sen.
Parker Griffith, D-Huntsville, said before the vote.
The move will collectively save Alabamians about $57 million, but
the at-home savings will be modest -- up to $30 for individuals and up
to $90 for a couple with two children.
Despite the unanimous vote, several senators objected to part of the
bill that does away with a tax cut for businesses. Sen. Charles Bishop,
R-Arley, and other senators said helping small businesses is the way to
stimulate the economy.
The federal government this spring began mailing out stimulus checks
of $600 per individual and $1,200 per married couple, plus an extra
$300 for each dependent child 16 or younger.
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