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NFIB Commends Governor Ivey for Signing American Rescue Plan Act Bill

NFIB Commends Governor Ivey for Signing American Rescue Plan Act Bill

January 28, 2022 Last Edit: June 5, 2025

NFIB Commends Governor Ivey for Signing American Rescue Plan Act Bill

NFIB State Director Rosemary Elebash released the following statement today in response to Governor Ivey’s decision to sign House Bill 1, legislation that appropriates $772 million the state received from the federal government under the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA):

“Our members are grateful to the legislature for passing House Bill 1 and to Governor Ivey for quickly signing it into law.

“House Bill 1 will go a long way toward addressing many of the challenges Alabamians have faced the past couple of years because of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

“Our small business members are especially grateful for a provision that sets aside $79.5 million to return the state’s unemployment trust fund to pre-pandemic levels. So many people lost their jobs because of the pandemic that the unemployment trust fund was nearly depleted. By signing H.B. 1 into law, Governor Ivey replenishes the trust fund and eliminates any pressure on legislators to raise taxes on small businesses and other employers.

29% cut in 2022 UI taxes

Following today’s signing, Alabama Department of Labor Secretary Fitzgerald Washington announced that most Alabama employers will see a 29% tax cut in their 2022 unemployment insurance taxes.

Had the legislature not acted, employers would have experienced a 3% unemployment insurance tax increase for 2022. Additionally, because of added ARPA funds and CARES Act funds added last year, Alabama has dropped into a lower tax schedule. 

Broadband access 

In addition to shoring up the state’s unemployment trust fund, H.B. 1 set aside $51 million for broadband expansion.

Elebash said, “Just as businesses couldn’t compete in the 20th century without a telephone, businesses in the 21st century need a fast, affordable, always-on internet connection. Broadband access isn’t really an issue in large cities, but there are still places in rural Alabama that remain isolated because they don’t have it. H.B. 1 addresses the issue and will help local businesses and communities stay competitive.”

 

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