Outgoing Alabama Republican Party Chairman Terry Lathan on Tuesday evening released a statement reacting to Governor Kay Ivey’s 2021 State of the State Address.

“Governor Kay Ivey set forth an agenda with big goals and a bold vision,” said Lathan. “I have no doubt she will work with the Legislature to have deep discussions to prioritize the needs of Alabamians. I join our Governor in looking ahead with confidence from our leaders.”

She then singled out three bills that are being prioritized by Ivey and legislative leadership to begin the 2021 regular session.

HB 170 and its companion SB 98 would ensure that federal stimulus funds derived from the CARES Act and subsequent coronavirus relief legislation are not subject to state income taxes. HB 192 and its companion SB 125 would renew and improve job creation incentives found in the Alabama Jobs Act and Growing Alabama Act. SB 30 would extend liability protections to businesses, health care providers and certain other entities related to the COVID-19 pandemic; this “safe harbor” would not cover cases of “wanton, reckless, willful, or intentional misconduct.”

“We support Governor Ivey’s three ‘priority bills’ – ensuring there will be no state income tax on CARES Act funding, renewing our economic incentives and providing our business and medical communities COVID-19 liability protection,” stated Lathan.

“Additionally, the infrastructure projects laid out by the Governor will improve the lives of people in our great state. From the much needed four lane highways through our rural communities to improving mental health services, these efforts are a great focus for all,” she added. “Even with COVID continuing to greatly impact our state, Alabama’s general fund and education budgets remain in solid shape. This comes from years of conservative policies from our Republican-controlled Legislature along with Governor Ivey. These principled governing decisions will allow Alabama to provide for our citizens during the pandemic.”

The ALGOP chair concluded, “We look forward to the Legislature and the Governor’s office working out plans to put Alabamians first. We are greatly appreciative of our elected officials serving in the public arena of service.”

Sean Ross is the editor of Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @sean_yhn