Alabama Senate Republicans contrast Bentley tax hike with reform-focused agenda

MONTGOMERY, Ala. — Republicans in the Alabama Senate released their legislative agenda Monday, promising to scale back state government and overhaul numerous programs, in contrast to the $700 million tax hike Gov. Bentley proposed last week.

The agenda, which they have dubbed “Paving a Path for the Future,” includes 11 bills with topics ranging from prison, Medicaid and education reforms to economic development.

“We will roll up our sleeves and put in the necessary work to implement these bold reforms, because paving a path for the future will create more opportunity for everyone,” said Sen. Del Marsh (R-Anniston). “Senate Republicans are committed to building a lasting, positive impact that makes Alabama a better place to live, work, and raise a family.”

The agenda bills will get top priority in the senate when the legislature convenes for the first day of the 2015 session Tuesday.

Details on the agenda bills supplied by the Alabama Senate Republican conference can be read below.

(Editor’s note: to clarify, the bill names and descriptions below were released by the Senate GOP and not written by Yellowhammer.)

· Consolidate State Agencies and Departments – Sen. Marsh
In order to address the General Fund budget shortfall, additional savings can be realized by consolidating certain state agencies and departments. This will create efficiencies by removing duplicative efforts and unnecessary overlap.

· Reform the Broken Prison System – Sen. Ward
Alabama’s prison system is overcrowded and on the verge of a federal takeover, which could cost the state hundreds of millions of dollars. Conservative reform of the system will improve public safety, foster accountability and cost-efficiencies, and increase the level of personal responsibility.

· Make the Proration Prevention Act Part of the Constitution – Sen. Pittman
The reform four years ago that has helped prevent education proration needs to be made permanent. This will help balance the budget without proration, build up a rainy day account, and meet commitments to funding education. It is responsible budgeting that forces government live within its means.

· Continue Retooling Medicaid – Sen. Reed
Medicaid consumes a growing portion of the General Fund budget, and recent reforms are helping bend the growth curve. However, implementing more system and service efficiencies will help drive better medical outcomes and reduce the overall cost to taxpayers.

· Require Mandatory Tax Expenditure Reports – Sen. Hightower
Alabama’s tax code is complex. By requiring the Legislative Fiscal Office to produce annual reports, legislators will increase transparency and better understand how the tax code affects revenue, which could provide opportunities for simplification.

· Authorize Accountable Public Charter Schools – Sen. Marsh
Alabama is one of only eight states that limits parental choice by not having public charter schools. Students deserve an opportunity to excel regardless of where they live. Data in the other 42 states shows that public charter schools are a powerful tool to improve education.

· Provide 21st Century Learning Opportunities – Sen. Brewbaker
Students need the option to learn through flexible schedules and opportunities. Enabling local school boards to create virtual classes and schools will increase educational opportunities and increase student engagement.

· Evaluate Education Standards to Improve Student Performance – Sen. Glover
Learning processes and educational tools are changing at an exponential pace. That is why regular evaluation of curriculum and methods must occur to ensure our students are ready for whatever path they choose after graduating high school.

· Design Pay-As-You-Go Economic Incentives – Sen. Williams
Senate Republicans will work with Governor Bentley and the Department of Commerce to build a responsible pay-as-you-go approach to incentives. This will put Alabama on par with other states while giving the flexibly needed to recruit new jobs and help industry grow, the lynchpin to a fiscally strong state.

· Encourage Apprenticeships for Skilled Job Training – Sen. Orr
The Information Age has created an even greater need for skilled labor, and those jobs tend to pay well without requiring long stents in school. Providing apprenticeship incentives will help train new individuals while giving them the opportunity to earn a living.

· Provide Specific Incentives for Job Creation in Rural Alabama – Sen. Reed
A couple hundred new jobs in rural Alabama is like thousands in a big city. Having specific incentives to lure business to less populated areas will empower small town Alabama to compete for opportunities and provide much needed employment.

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— Cliff Sims (@Cliff_Sims) December 3, 2014