MONTGOMERY – Two of the four bills in the legislative package coined “The Game Plan” passed the Alabama Senate April 13, 2023, according to the office of Senate President Pro Tem Greg Reed, R-Jasper. Reed’s office said the bills “address increasing investment in and the development of industry-ready sites in Alabama and enhancing transparency to Alabamians around companies receiving economic incentives.”
“The Game Plan – our plan for Alabama’s continued economic success – had great momentum today in the Alabama Legislature. I commend both the Senate and House for their work on this package of bills and look forward to their final passage. Let’s keep Alabama winning!” said Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey.
Sen. Arthur Orr, R-Decatur, sponsored SB165, Site Evaluation and Economic Development Strategy (Seeds) Act.The legislation “allows the State Industrial Development Authority (SIDA) to facilitate the development of industry-ready sites across Alabama. Additionally, the bill expands SIDA’s role in the preparation of industrial sites to accelerate their creation and allows SIDA to issue grants to stimulate the creation of sites, making Alabama competitive with its neighboring states in having the tools to attract more companies and jobs to the state.”
“Passing the SEEDS Act is a huge win for Alabama businesses and job creation. States across the country and region have been investing in their site development programs to attract potential employers, and now, Alabama is stepping up to enter the competition,” stated Orr. “With more industry-ready sites in our state, we will be able to create more higher-paying jobs for Alabamians and facilitate economic development in our communities.”
SB151, Transparency in Incentives Act,was sponsored by Sen. Garlan Gudger, R-Cullman. “This legislation amends the Jobs Act to require the Alabama Department of Commerce to publish certain incentivized project information on its website. Additionally, Alabama Department of Commerce will disclose the value of any cash incentive extended for the project and the projected 10- and 20-year return on incentives to the state.”
“I am proud to see the successful passage of the Transparency in Incentives Act today. Increasing and enhancing the transparency of the incentives program serves our citizens and increases their confidence in the process,” Gudger commented. “We always want to ensure Alabamians that tax-payer dollars are used efficiently and effectively for the betterment of their community and state.”
“The passage of these two bills is momentous for the State of Alabama and all Alabamians. Having ready-made sites for companies is another notch in the belt to continue the recruitment of high-paying, high-demand jobs to continue to keep Alabama’s economy strong and unemployment low,” stated Reed. “Another major component in this package is to create transparency in the use of tax-payer dollars. When incentives are awarded to companies, Alabamians will have access to numerous points surrounding the project such as number of jobs, hourly wages, value of job credit, and what the return on incentives will be. The cohesive approach to the legislative process signifies that the ‘Game Plan’ is a top priority for the entire legislature and it is our job to ensure that we are making wise investments in our state that will yield the best product for generations to come.”
