Tax Relief for Families & Business

Families - Alabama continues to have one of the most unfair income tax systems in the region.In 2006, legislation was passed to change the practice of taxing working families when they earn

more than $4,600 a year. The new legislation allows families to keep the first $12,500 they earn each year tax-free.  Though this was a significant increase, it still does not go far enough.  The state of Mississippi, for example, does not begin taxing families until they earn almost $20,000.  Given the economic climate in the nation, middle class families need to keep more of their resources to pay for food, housing, healthcare, and the basic essentials of life.  As an Alabama State Senator, I will support legislation to: (a) increase the filing threshold for families of four from $12,500 to $15,500 over the next 5 years, and (b) increase the per-child dependent exemption to $2,000 for all taxpayers who make less than $100,000 over the next five years.

Business - In Alabama, over 90% of the privately insured individuals receive insurance through their employer.  Declining revenue has caused many employers to reconsider their healthcare policy.  Rising premiums have forced many who work to decline insurance even though their families desperately need health care. As an Alabama State Senator, I will support legislation to: allow both small business owners and employees of small businesses to deduct twice the amount they pay in health insurance premiums from their state income taxes.

Immigration

Employer Verification - Employers should be required to verify the eligibility status of all employees. Employment eligibility records should not just be collected and kept on file. Each employer should be required to verify eligibility using E-Verify, an electronic employment eligibility database operated by the Department of Homeland Security and the Social Security Administration. This service is free to employers.

Elimination of Benefits - The state of Alabama should not provide financial incentives for illegal immigration. Individuals seeking financial assistance from any state run agency should be required to prove citizenship. This includes, but not limited to, scholarships or financial aid, post secondary education benefits, food stamps, and medicaid.

The Second Amendment

I strongly support and defend our constitutional right to bear arms. As a hunter, I enjoy time in the outdoors and at recreational firing ranges.I believe that the Second Amendment conveys an individual right to all citizens that should be protected and preserved for future generations.

 

Improving Education for our Youth

Expand the First Class Voluntary Pre-K program - Research shows that children who participate in pre-K programs are less likely to repeat a grade and more likely to graduate from high school as well as college. Only four percent of the states four-year-olds are able to participate in pre-K programs. As an Alabama State Senator, I will support legislation to: (a) increase the number of First Class Voluntary Pre-K children in the state, and (b) increase assistance to classroom programs that serve children from lower- and middle-income families.

 

Expand ACCESS Distance Learning to Every High School - ACCESS, which stands for Alabama Connecting Classrooms, Educators and Students Statewide, allows educators and students to communicate across the state using interactive video conferencing technology and the internet. This program provides local school systems with greater flexibility to meet school and student needs. As an Alabama State Senator, I will support legislation to: (a) expand the use of the internet portion of the ACCESS program to every high school by 2010, and (b) expand the use of the video conferencing technology to every high school by 2015.

 

Create an Alabama Virtual University -

Alabama Virtual University (AVU) will provide post-secondary education institutions with an additional option for course delivery.  Utilizing the basic principles of the ACCESS program AVU will allow students to take internet/video conferencing classes at institutions around the state.   The program will provide students with greater flexibility in course scheduling and enable universities to manage cost while meeting the needs of students.As an Alabama State Senator, I will support legislation to establish the Alabama Virtual University by 2010.

Job Creation through Economic Development

Macro Economic Development –Over the past several years, Alabama’s economy has experienced rapid growth. The state had an increase of 120,000 new jobs and an increase in new industries. In order to continue strengthening our economy we must recruit existing companies and expand our technology sector. We can recruit existing companies by maintaining a business friendly environment and keeping taxes low. The future economy of our state and nation will be highly technology driven. High skill jobs are desirable because they cannot be outsourced and they pay a living wage. New technology will enable Alabamians to create the companies of the future and grow our economy. As an Alabama State Senator, I will support legislation to: (a) provide grants to companies /individuals that develop technological innovations that have commercial potential, (b) provide grants to companies/individuals to help bring new technologies to market, and (c) provide tax incentives to companies/individuals seeking to locate in the state.

Micro Economic Development - The overwhelming majority of Alabamians work for small businesses.  Providing small business owners with information and technical support is crucial to the stability and growth of our economy.  Small business owners/entrepreneurs consistently struggle to navigate the maze of government regulations and programs.  While there are many programs and organizations designed to help individuals establish their own business, the process of receiving assistance can be difficult.  Collaboration and coordination between organizations and agencies that receive state funding could greatly improve the success rates for business start-ups.  The state should establish a Virtual Business Incubator that provides information through a user friendly interface on all economic development activities.  As an Alabama State Senator, I will support legislation to: (a) establish the Alabama Virtual Business Incubator by 2010, and (b) require all agencies that receive state funds for economic development to provide information about their programs to the virtual incubator.

Right to Life

As a methodist minsiter and family man I am completely Pro Life. If elected as your Alabama State Senator I will always protect the sanctity of Life.

Dual Consent - Clinics should be required to have in writing dual consent for an abortion on any minor. All parties listed on birth certificate should be present or represented by a notarized letter of consent. If one parent is deceased a death certificate should be required.

 
Counselors - Clinics should be required to have state certified counselors on staff to counsel women on all options prior to performing any procedures. Counselors should be required to possess no less than an LPN Nurses license. The counselor should also be educated on the pros and cons of each alternative option.