During this week's broadcast of Alabama Public Television's "Capitol Journal," Gov. Kay Ivey was asked about the possibility of tax relief given the budget surpluses for both the Education Trust Fund and general fund budgets.
Back in October, she balked at the possibility of permanent structural changes to the tax code but hinted at the possibility of a tax rebate.
In this "Capitol Journal" appearance, she did not offer specifics but insisted her office was "working hard" on a solution that would strike what she deemed a balance between relief and prudence.
"I'm very much aware of the struggle Alabamians are feeling right now in their pocketbooks when they go to the grocery store and buy gas," Ivey said. "Times are tough for them right now. I'm very sympathetic to that. At the same time, we've got to be very prudent, and I give the legislature a lot of credit, even going back to the days when I was Lieutenant Governor. They managed the money wisely and prudently, and that's one of the reasons the state is in such sound, good financial footing today.
"Going forward, we've got to continue to find ways that we can help our people find some relief in our pocketbooks and also at the same time be mindful of our taxpayers' dollars and our duty to be prudent with that. So we're working hard to both find the right solution to both help our people and protect our taxpayer dollars."
Jeff Poor is the executive editor of 1819 News and host of "The Jeff Poor Show," heard Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-noon on Mobile's FM Talk 106.5. To connect or comment, email jeff.poor@1819News.com or follow him on Twitter @jeff_poor.
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