Group wants state to drop sales tax on groceries
Members of Alabama Arise Action are calling on the Legislature to eliminate the sales tax on groceries.
At a news conference today at the Alabama State House, the group said the tax is cruel and drives families deeper into poverty as they struggle to pay for food.
The state sales tax on groceries had been 4% until it was lowered to 3% two years ago. Many local governments add their own taxes, which makes the tax a total of 9% in places like Montgomery.
The group said is supports a bill by State Rep. Danny Garrett (R-Trussville), which would lower the state sales tax on groceries to 2%. The bill has passed the House and is now in the Senate.
The group says Alabama is one of only 10 states still taxing groceries.
