State Sen. Clyde Chambliss Releases Budget Proposal

 

Senator Clyde Chambliss says he’s heard from 500 people in his district who say they support fixing the budget shortfall by increasing taxes. So here is what he’s proposing, in part, move the use tax to the general fund. That’s what you pay for out of state goods imported into the state. Right now that money goes to the education budget. Senator Chambliss’ plan would transfer it to the general fund adding $225 million to the budget. 

 

To make up for this loss to the education budget, he’s proposing taxes to soft drinks, cigarettes and a change to the business privilege tax.  These taxes would expire in three years.

 

Senator Clyde Chambliss (R- Prattville) said, “The three year tax increases are not what I want to propose, I am a fiscal conservative I always have been, my record reflects that in local government. But we have a problem…what I am trying to do today is at least step out and show other legislators that there are plans that will solve it long term. And hopefully they will either join me or this will even spur their thought process to have an even better plan than I have.”

 

Senator Chambliss says he wouldn’t consider tax increases without a long term solution. His plan includes changing budget practices like splitting the session into two, devoting 60 days strictly on the budget. 

 

The governor has not set a date for the next special session. It is expected to be early-September, possibly after Labor Day.