Voters in Alabama are being told by Republican Governor Bob Riley it is their "Christian duty" to approve his proposed tax increase, the largest in state history. He has said, "According to our Christian ethics, we’re supposed to love God, love each other, and help take care of the poor." Part of Riley’s $1.2 billion package would give tax breaks to low-income citizens by raising the income level at which they have to begin paying state taxes from $4,600 to $17,000.
Alabamians will vote in a referendum (September 9) that will accept or reject the new taxes. A poll of 500 registered voters in mid-July showed 49 percent were against, 39 percent in favor, and 12 percent undecided.
Working against the governor’s plan are two of his Cabinet members who resigned to protest the new tax. Agricultural and timber groups oppose Riley as well as the state Republican party chairman and steering committee and the conservative Christian Coalition.
Opponents say they didn’t get what they expected when Riley was elected as a "tax-cutting conservative who would eliminate waste." While a Congressman, he consistently opposed new taxes. Now, say his adversaries, as governor he is showing them a different "face."