Editorial: Tax Holiday - WSFA.com: News Weather and Sports for Montgomery, AL.

Editorial: Tax Holiday

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By Collin R. Gaston - bio | email

  • Editorials

  • Thursday, May 16 2013 7:20 PM EDT2013-05-16 23:20:04 GMT
    In my editorial on Tuesday I chided our legislators for being the last state to pass a no-brainer  bill legalizing home brewing.  Today I want to challenge them to be one of the first states to pass another no-brainer;
    In my editorial on Tuesday I chided our legislators for being the last state to pass a no-brainer  bill legalizing home brewing.  Today I want to challenge them to be one of the first states to pass another no-brainer;

  • Tuesday, May 14 2013 7:20 PM EDT2013-05-14 23:20:07 GMT
    Kudos, or perhaps, cheers to the Alabama Legislature for passing HB9, the home brewing bill. Legalized home brewing may not be up there with education reform or prison funding, but it was overdue. 
    Kudos, or perhaps, cheers to the Alabama Legislature for passing HB9, the home brewing bill. Legalized home brewing may not be up there with education reform or prison funding, but it was overdue. 

  • Thursday, May 9 2013 7:20 PM EDT2013-05-09 23:20:06 GMT
    What was the old Pan-Am gas station at the corner of Bibb and Coosa is now no longer.  Last weekend that landmark was demolished with nothing remaining where it once stood other than the outline of a foundation. What
    What was the old Pan-Am gas station at the corner of Bibb and Coosa is now no longer.  Last weekend that landmark was demolished with nothing remaining where it once stood other than the outline of a foundation. What
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MONTGOMERY, AL (WSFA) -

last week Governor Bentley announced legislation calling for an annual sales tax holiday on items related to severe weather preparedness.  Common supplies that every home or business might need during and after severe weather would be exempt from the 4% state sales tax as long as the item cost no more than $60 and in the case of generators -$1000 or less.

If the legislation is passed in the House and Senate – and we hope it is - Alabamians would be able to purchase items such as batteries, flashlights, gas containers, coolers and first aid kits - tax free.

In order for local governments to participate in the first proposed tax free holiday weekend (April 27th though the 29th), the Alabama Legislature would have to enact the bill and the governor sign it into law before March 27.  This is the deadline for local governments to notify the state that they will participate in the tax holiday.

State EMA Director Art Faulkner said it best when he stated, "It's great to give people an incentive to be proactive."  Taking it a step further- it's great to be in a state that is willing  to proactively incentivize products that will help save lives.

We appreciate and encourage your feedback.