During the 2024 presidential race, three issues consistently polled as top priorities the American people wanted addressed immediately.
Getting the American economy back on track led the pack – and for good reason.
While some partisan, political, and often delusional economists refuse to admit it, every single American felt the negative impact of the previous administration’s economic policies — often referred to as Bidenomics.
Gas prices went through the roof, sky-high interest rates priced many Americans out of home ownership, and sticker shock in the grocery aisles and gas pumps was commonplace.
To make matters worse, the runaway train that deficit spending has become barreled down the tracks fueled by increased government entitlements, DEI programs, student loan forgiveness, the Green New Deal and a host of other inexcusable expenditures that left working-class Americans in a state of disbelief.
These are facts, not opinions, and the newly formed Department of Government Efficiency’s work product proves that.
It was during this time that lawmakers in Montgomery – everyday Alabamians with real jobs who serve their districts for the right reasons – took matters into their own hands and began providing impactful relief to their constituents.
We did this through a series of targeted, fiscally responsible tax cuts that have put thousands of dollars back into the pockets of our people.
In total, the Legislature has passed a dozen cuts in the last three years amounting to $1.4 billion.
When you take into consideration that both state budgets – the Education Trust Fund and the General Fund – amount to $14 billion when combined, these cuts represent a roughly 10% reduction in total revenues.
In 2022, we passed seven tax cuts benefiting parents, first responders, and retirees.
One notable cut was the Lynn Greer Retirement Income Tax Credit – a $29 million reduction that exempts $6,000 of taxable retirement income received by individuals 65 years of age or older from state income taxes.
Another was HB163 – a $17.23 million cut that moved the threshold for the maximum dependent exemption from $20,000 to $50,000.
We also passed the Small Business Revitalization Act and created a tax credit for firefighters and rescue squad members.
In 2023, the Legislature passed the largest tax cut in state history by reducing the grocery tax by 25% – amounting to a $125 million cut and saving families hundreds of dollars per year.
We did this while also providing $393 million in tax rebates – $150 to single filers and $400 to joint filers – to Alabamians.
In 2024, we passed the CHOOSE Act, establishing education savings accounts and empowering parents to make decisions that best suit their children’s academic needs. This program provides $7,000 in credits to help parents send their kids to a school of their choosing – positioning Alabama as a top 10 state for educational freedom.
And now, in 2025, we aren’t letting up one bit.
Last month, the House passed another tax cut package of more than $200 million that will positively impact all 5.1 million of our citizens.
We are reducing the state sales tax on groceries by another 25%, which helps every Alabama family put food on the table and keeps us on track to our goal of removing the tax altogether in coming years.
We are supporting more than 750,000 senior citizens on fixed incomes by allowing more tax-free withdrawals from defined contribution plans, such as IRAs and 401(k) retirements.
We are raising the standard deductions on state income taxes and reducing income taxes for individuals earning less than $60,000 per year.
And we are removing the state sales tax on diapers, formula, and other baby items for new mothers.
This is possible because, over the last 16 years, the Legislature has proven to be a good steward of taxpayer dollars.
We make decisions under the guiding principle that every dollar coming does not have to be spent because if history is any indicator, leaner financial times are ahead, and we must be prepared to withstand them.
Like anyone else, I hate paying taxes, but I also understand that without them, government can’t serve the people.
Roads cost money, providing public education for nearly 750,000 students grows more expensive every year, and funding state agencies that provide vital services we all rely on comes at a cost.
Tax cuts have to be targeted, balanced, sustainable, and, most importantly, effective.
With the 12 cuts the Legislature has already passed and the four that will soon become law, I am confident that lawmakers have struck that balance.
Alabama consistently ranks as one of the lowest taxed states in the entire nation, which is something I’m proud of and committed to ensuring remains the case.
And just like we have done in the past and are continuing to do in the current session, we will always look for additional ways to provide meaningful relief to the people of Alabama.