Heath Allbright: 'Cutting the state income tax will put money back in the pockets of families in District 11'

As Alabama’s 2025 legislative session draws to a close on Wednesday, lawmakers enacted a $191 million tax relief package that will reduce the state sales tax on groceries from 3% to 2%, eliminate the 4% sales tax on essential baby and feminine hygiene products, and increase income tax exemptions for retirees and low- to moderate-income households.

A Republican candidate for Alabama House in tomorrow’s Cullman-area HD11 special election is looking for much more substantive tax cuts – including one to the state’s income tax.

“As a conservative Christian and small business owner, I believe hardworking Alabamians deserve to keep more of their income,” Health Allbright, Cullman County businessman and former school board member says. “Cutting the state income tax will put money back in the pockets of families in District 11, empowering them to invest in their homes, education, and future, while fueling our local economy.”

Allbright also wants to target the state’s business privilege tax, which levies a fee based on a company’s net worth. He argues the privilege tax burdens small businesses and stifles growth.

“The business privilege tax burdens small businesses like mine in Cullman and Blount Counties, stifling growth and job creation. By cutting this tax, we can unleash the potential of our local entrepreneurs, allowing them to hire more workers and strengthen our communities.”

Allbright pointed to the Alabama Senate’s 2022 bill to phase out this tax, which is projected to save businesses millions and will be a policy he will continue to support as a member of the Alabama House.

Personal property used in business is also taxed in Alabama, with equipment and machinery assessed at 20% of their market value.

“Personal property taxes hit families and small businesses hard, taxing the tools and equipment we rely on to thrive. Cutting these taxes will ease the financial strain on District 11 residents, letting them keep more of their hard-earned money to build a better life and grow our rural economy.”

This cost is multiplied by the local millage rate, creating a significant expense for businesses that rely on heavy machinery, vehicles, or other capital assets. In rural District 11, where agriculture and manufacturing are major economic drivers, these taxes can be particularly burdensome, Allbright says.

He says it’s possible to balance tax cuts with investments in education, infrastructure and the continued pursuit of conservative fiscal management.

Allbright, 39, owns Brighton Forestry Services and previously served two terms on the Cullman County Board of Education. His campaign has been focused on reducing taxes, cutting regulations for small businesses, and increasing support for public education.

He’s received endorsements from the Alabama Farmers Federation, the Alabama Forestry Association, the Business Council of Alabama — support that has put him on the receiving end of attack ads during his campaign.

Voters in Alabama House District 11 will head to the polls tomorrow to decide between Allbright and Don Fallin, a retired U.S. Army Colonel, in a special Republican primary election.

The seat became vacant in February when former State Rep. Randall Shedd resigned to join the office of Senate President Pro Tem Garlan Gudger. District 11 includes parts of Cullman and Blount counties and has been a Republican stronghold since Shedd first won the seat in a 2013 special election.

Grayson Everett is the editor in chief of Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on X @Grayson270.