Senator speaks to Chamber

By Dale Liesch | Dadeville Record

Published Wednesday, August 13, 2008

State Senator Ted Little (R-Auburn) experienced the highs and lows of public service during the last regular session of the Alabama State Senate.

Little shared those experiences with business leaders in Dadeville during the Chamber of Commerce luncheon on Tuesday, where he discussed the big successes and the failures over the last session, which started in February.

“We accomplished a lot of things during this session,” Little said.

One of those accomplishments in Little’s eyes was the decision by the legislature to exempt federal stimulus packages from state income taxes. Little said the decision cost the state $57 Million.

“The idea behind the stimulus packages was to spurt the economy so we didn’t tax that,” Little said. “We think it is a good investment. I’m pleased we were able to do our part.”

Little said a bill introduced to eliminate sales tax on groceries failed to pass for the third straight year.

Little said education took a hit this time and many state institutions are taking an 11 percent decrease in funding. Little said the budget for Auburn University was set at $337 Million last year and was only set at $294 Million this year.

“Next year’s budget will be tougher on education then it was this year,” Little said.

Little also said he was proud the legislature was able to help small businesses by allowing business with 50 or fewer employees to right off health insurance from state income taxes.

“For too long we have short changed small business on health insurance,” said Little. “I think this legislation is overdue and I think its good.”