Winners or losers?

By Staff
Jerry Fancher
The 2008 session of the Alabama Legislature has ended.
Opinions differ on whether the bills that passed or failed to pass was good or bad. Here are some of the legislature's actions.
For the first time in 25 years the Legislature raised the minimum amount of auto liability insurance that motorist are required to carry. (Winner)
The governor will have to call a special session of the Legislature, at a great expense to the taxpayers, because the Senate did not pass the education budget. (Loser)
The Senate never took up the House passed bill to remove the tax from groceries and remove the income tax deduction that would have a net effect of increasing the tax burden of Alabama taxpayers.
(Winner)
The House and Senate failed to pass legislation to restrict the transfer of money between political action committees. This gives political action committees the ability to hide the contributor's identity on the campaign reporting forms that are public records.
(Loser)
The House did not pass the Senate's bill to ban smoking from most public places and also workplaces.
(Loser)
The Senate did not agree with the House passed bill to exempt the federal income tax rebate checks from state income taxes.
(Loser)
The Senate did not allow a vote on a House-passed bill to provide a tax break to employers who provide health insurance to their employees. (Loser)
House Bill 135 was passed to give supernumerary status to Rep. Bud Cramer. (Loser)
Rep. Bud Cramer asking Governor Riley to veto House Bill 135, and Governor Riley's promise to veto it.
(Winner)
This is just a few of the bills considered by the Legislature. I encourage you to be informed about our Legislature's actions. When you see a Legislator, express your opinion, and let them know that you will hold them accountable for their actions.
Jerry Fancher is Chairman of the Franklin County Republican Executive Committee. He can be reached via email at jfanchergop@yahoo.com.