Republican legislative agenda deserves day in the sun

With the 2008 regular legislative session set to begin this week, the Alabama House Republican Caucus recently announced the bills and measures it considers the highest priorities. From tax cuts to ethics to public safety, our package was crafted to address some of the most serious issues currently affecting our state.

Once again, Republicans will push for tax relief for families and businesses, a return to four-year property reappraisals and a tough package of bills to combat illegal immigration. We also have several new bills that bring much needed reform to state government.

Included in the House agenda are two bills sponsored by Rep. Jay Love (R – Montgomery) that bring much needed tax relief to Alabama families, small businesses and employees. At a time when the national economy is somewhat uncertain, this tax cut package will help keep Alabama’s economy strong and thriving. Approximately 90 percent of Alabama families would receive tax cuts under Love’s legislation, and businesses with fewer than 25 workers would receive sizable deductions for providing employee health insurance.

Rep. Gerald Allen (R – Tuscaloosa) is once again sponsoring his four-year property reappraisal legislation — an issue he has championed for several sessions, and Rep. Greg Canfield (R – Vestavia) has a proposal that allows retirees to deduct the first $10,000 in retirement income from 401Ks and similar defined contribution retirement plans.

Rep. Micky Hammon (R – Decatur), who is a well-known state leader on illegal immigration issues, is bringing back his bill that protects taxpayers dollars from abuse by requiring proof of legal residency before accessing state government benefits.

Our ethics and accountability package includes three bills. One, by Rep. Mike Ball (R – Madison), increases the financial disclosure requirements of public officials. Another, by Rep. Barry Mask (R – Wetumpka), ends PAC-to-PAC transfers, and the third, by Rep. Mac McCutcheon (R – Capshaw), that statutorily bans the practice of pass through pork.

Finally, our public safety package includes legislation by Rep. Spencer Collier (R – Irvington) that creates the new felony offense of aggravated DUI, a bill by Rep. Cam Ward (R – Alabaster) that prohibits convicted felons from financially benefiting from their crimes. Finally, a measure I am personally sponsoring strengthens enforcement of the state’s mandatory liability insurance law, a bill I passed during my first year in the House.

Historically, the Democrat leadership has paid lip service to our agenda by claiming they support its contents while, at the same time, working feverishly to kill each bill. It is our hope that the Democrats will finally allow our bills quick committee approval early in the session and a free, open and honest debate on the floor of the House so the citizens of Alabama can be given the state they deserve.

Our illegal immigration legislation is one example of bills that the Democrats claim to support but prevent from passing in session after session. If Republicans support getting tough on illegal immigration and Democrats claim to support it, then why didn’t the legislation pass? It’s simple. The Democrat leadership, which controls the flow of legislation, is hoping their tough talk will mask their total inaction on this and other important issues. A perfect example is last year when Republicans tried to amend the calendar to have the immigration bill debated on the House floor, Democrats voted to not allow it to be considered.

It is time for the Democrats to stop putting politics before priorities. It is time for us to begin addressing the real issues affecting our state without smoke and mirrors. It is time for the Alabama Legislature to take action on this important, and much needed, package of legislation.

Rep. Mike Hubbard (R-Auburn) represents District 79 in the Alabama House of Representatives and is the House Minority Leader. He is also Chairman of the Alabama Republican Party.