Libertarians are on the general election ballot in Alabama for the first time in 20 years, and the Libertarian Party's gubernatorial nominee, former Birmingham City Councilman Jimmy Blake, is trying to make sure voters are aware of the policy differences between Libertarians and Republicans.
During an appearance on Mobile radio's FM Talk 106.5 on Friday, Blake questioned the merits of a proposal from State Sen. Arthur Orr (R-Decatur) to offer tax rebates.
Blake called Orr's proposal "absurd" and blasted Alabama policymakers for not following in the footsteps of surrounding states on taxation.
"There is a huge segment of small government conservatives out there that are not happy with the choices," Blake said. "I won't say they're just mad at Kay Ivey. They're mad at the Republican leadership. They talk small government, but what they've done with the state budget when all of our surrounding states cutting the taxes, Alabama increased the gas tax and gave no tax relief to speak of. They want to claim they did, but it doesn't amount to squat in the long run.
"I don't know if you saw the article about Senator [Arthur] Orr in what is 1819 News, I think it was yesterday – he's calling for giving tax money back. Well, that's absurd and an insult to me. I mean, use that excess money to pay off the debt of the state of Alabama and give us real tax relief. Start phasing out the income tax is where I would focus. Tennessee doesn't have an income tax. Florida doesn't have an income tax. Mississippi is phasing out their income tax. Georgia cut taxes by $2 billion this year. And Alabama increased the gas tax. That's not the small government the Republican Party speaks about, and a lot of people who are aware of it and are very unhappy."
To connect with the author of this story, or to comment, email jeff.poor@1819News.com.
Don't miss out! Subscribe to our newsletter and get our top stories every weekday morning.
