Special Called Session Begins
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The special called session lasted only about 15 minutes Monday as legislators came together to begin the process of coming up with a balanced budget.
Governor Robert Bentley said he called the session together early because he felt the legislators were ready.
“I believe they will work through this, and it may not come out exactly the way we want it to, that we presented. But we’re flexible. We just know approximately how much money is needed. And we know how much we need long term and that’s to bring some growth money over into the general fund,” said Gov. Bentley.
One thing Governor Bentley says will not be an option is a gambling bill. He says gambling would not bring any revenue into the state for the 2016 fiscal year. Instead, he wants to focus on taxes like a cigarette or soft drink tax.
The session will reconvene August 3rd, but until then, Speaker of the House Mike Hubbard says there is a lot of work to do.
“One of the things our leadership team promised our caucus is that we wouldn’t do anything until we had an opportunity for the entire caucus to be brought together, everyone to be well versed on the exact same proposals and what the bills would encompass. And I intend to follow through on that promise,” said Rep. Hubbard.
