The Alabama House of Representatives met on June 11, which had been scheduled as the final day of the 2015 Legislative Session. The so-called “work sesison” gathered more than 70 members of the 105 member House to hear presentations from the Legislative Fiscal Office Director and the Acting State Finance Director on the projected budget shortfall in the General Fund budget.
The shortfall is expected to be at least $200 million for the coming budget year beginning Oct. 1. Gov. Robert Bentley is expected to call a Special Session in August to deal with the General Fund budget.
House Speaker Mike Hubbard said, “The goal is to get some growth revenue into the General Fund. Where that comes from, whether it’s a new source of revenue, or something we shift from the Education Trust Fund backfill with something else, overall the goal is get some growth revenues into the General Fund.”
The House set up interim Committees to begin looking at a full picture of agency budgets:
- Ways and Means General Fund members and other selected members will serve on the interim committees:
- Commission on Earmarking and Budget Reform
- Pension Reform Task Force
- Committee on Compensation for Wrongful Incarceration
NFIB/Alabama State Director Rosemary Elebash will be following the budget talks and keep you informed about any issues that arise that may affect your small business.
