Jimmy Blake criticizes Kay Ivey’s tax rebate plan

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Jimmy Blake https://votelibertyalabama.com/meet-jimmy-blake/

Alabama Governor Kay Ivey announced on Monday that she may soon introduce a plan to provide rebates to Alabama taxpayers, but citing the possibility of future economic uncertainty Ivey said that it would be reckless to introduce structural changes to the state’s tax structure. Libertarian nominee for Governor Dr. James “Jimmy” Blake has been urging for permanent tax cuts, not one time tax rebates.

Blake spoke on the phone with Alabama Today on Monday night following the Governor’s announcement.

“She hasn’t considered cutting the size of government,” Blake said. “She won’t do anything that will help anybody in the long run.”

“How is the state going to compete with a five percent income tax rate, when the states around us have a lower rate or no state income tax at all?” Blake said. “Why not commit to decreasing the size of state government and get it out of the people’s pockets.”

Blake dismissed the Ivey promise of some tax rebates.

“You won’t be able to compete with that,” Blake said. “It is election time, so she talks about some tax relief. She is going to do what she has done before, which is increase the burden on Alabama taxpayers.”

Blake has called for reducing the state income tax rate, with a goal of eventually eliminating the tax altogether.

“There are clearly plenty of Republicans who agree with what we are saying,” Blake said.

The state’s 2022 fiscal year ended on Friday, with the state of Alabama ending the year with an extra $2 billion in surplus to carry over to 2023.

Ivey said that making structural changes to the tax code would be a mistake.

“Many predict – and I agree – a potential downswing in the economy is right around the corner,” Ivey said. “We must ensure both Alabama and her citizens are in the best possible position to weather any future economic circumstances. We all know the bills have got to be paid one day, and we cannot make permanent structural change because of temporary circumstances. Anyone who tells you otherwise is likely looking to score political points – just as our federal government has done with their massive spending.”

Ivey faces Libertarian nominee Dr. Blake and Democratic nominee Yolanda Rochelle Flowers in the November 8 general election. Flowers has advocated for eliminating the four percent sales tax on groceries and replacing that revenue with a lottery.

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