Two bills are being proposed by Gov. Bob Riley that will address tax credits and job creation.
According to the 2010 State of the State address, Riley proposed these bills a year ago and they were declined.
Riley said the House Education Appropriation Committee is stalling reintroduction of these bills.
"They are not being held up," said Democratic Rep. Richard Lindsey of Centre and panel chairman. "That is the governor's rhetoric. The actuality is we considered a bill last week that provided tax deductions for all employers that will hire people off the unemployment roll and the bill came out of committee unanimously."
The back-to-work bill is backed by Riley and offers a $1,500 tax credit over three years for employers who create jobs in the 25 counties with highest unemployment.
"We are planning to have a public hearing on the governor's bill in the near future," Lindsey said.
"The bill we passed last week will put people back to work and become a money-maker for the education trust fund."
The alternative bill offers a tax deduction.
This bill is backed by Lindsey and proposes an income tax deduction for businesses that hire a person drawing unemployment compensation or whose unemployment compensation benefits have expired.
Both bills will attract new companies to Alabama.
Lee is not one of the 25 counties with low unemployment, said David Dorton, director of public affairs for the city of Auburn.
Knowledge-based, or "Green Jobs," will also be part of new job creation.
"The focus (Auburn has) taken has been on small to middle-sized technology based industry in industrial recruiting," Dorton said.
Dorton said he thinks the bills could positively affect Auburn.
"If new jobs are created it will boost city revenue to provide city services," Dorton said.
Do you like this story? The Plainsman doesn't accept money from tuition or student fees, and we don't charge a subscription fee. But you can donate to support The Plainsman.
