Alabamians could learn far more about the cost and effectiveness of state tax breaks under legislation that won unanimous support from the House’s education budget committee Wednesday. SB 119, sponsored by Sen. Bill Hightower, R-Mobile, passed the Senate 30-0 last month and now awaits action by the full House.

By shedding light on billions of dollars in tax breaks, Hightower said, Alabama can improve its national rankings in budget transparency. SB 119 would require the Legislative Fiscal Office to produce an annual tax expenditure report to help lawmakers and the public assess the cost and effectiveness of state tax breaks for businesses and individuals. Alabama was one of only seven states with no such report as of 2011, according to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities.

Rep. Patricia Todd, D-Birmingham, praised her colleagues for supporting a proposal she had introduced for several years. Todd noted that the idea won Republican support when the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) provided a model bill on the issue. ALEC is a nationwide group of legislators and businesses that is funded almost entirely by corporations, trade groups and corporate foundations.

By Kimble Forrister, executive director. Posted April 1, 2015.