Bentley Seeks $541 Million in Taxes for State General Fund

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) – Saying Alabama is in a budget crisis, Gov. Robert Bentley is asking legislators to approve $541 million tax increase.

Bentley on Friday unveiled proposals that include an 82.5-cent-per-pack cigarette tax increase and raising the sales taxes on automobile purchases from 2 to 4 percent.

Bentley said he has been opposed to tax increases most of his life. However, he said “there is nothing more conservative” than the state getting its fiscal house in order.

The Republican governor is already at odds with some in his own party by bucking the traditional GOP party line on taxes.  The governor is also proposing to shift earmarks from $187 million in state funds so they can be shifted to other needs.

The legislative session begins Tuesday.

 

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