Alabama senators working to lower state’s grocery tax

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WIAT) — A bill is moving through the Alabama Legislature that would cut the state’s grocery tax.

“The grocery tax is one I think touches pretty much every Alabamian that has to eat, so that’s all of us from youngest to oldest,” said state Sen. Arthur Orr (R-Decatur).

Orr said he supports taking another penny off of the grocery tax. He said it would affect everyone in the state.

“We don’t need to be taxing Alabamians for excess revenue that we’re just going to spend because we have it,” Orr said. “But we do need to adequately fund both education and our general fund agencies.”

On a $100 grocery bill, that tax cut would save you a dollar, according to Robyn Hyden, executive director of Alabama Arise. While it seems small, she said those savings add up quickly.

“That 1% is around $150 per year for most working families of four,” Hyden said. “But it really depends on how many groceries you buy.”

State Sen. Robert Stewart (D-Selma) said he is for it as well but not without caution. ”

I want to ensure that we’re not cutting essential services that Alabamians need, and I don’t want our state government to be rendered ineffective to provide those services,” Stewart said.

He said that means ensuring education is funded effectively. Stewart said families need the tax cut.

“My grandfather always used to say, ‘a penny saved is a penny earned,'” Stewart said. “Like I said, any relief would be good.”

The bill passed in the House unanimously. If enacted, the tax cut would start Sept. 1.