Alabama On High Alert This Session

The 2004 legislative session began in Alabama on Feb. 3, and we are on high alert for the possibility of a tax threat, as the state battles with a budget deficit. Last year there were severe budget cuts, and this year's focus will be on new revenue measures, focusing on Alabama's businesses, as Alabama resident's voted a resounding "no" on an amendment last September that would have raised $1.2 billion in taxes. Advocacy is our best plan of action, and the league has recently redefined our programs to include a "key contact" program that establishes which individuals in Alabama's credit union movement have strong relationships with our state legislators. Other components include state-wide chapter Hike-the-Hill visits and a state-wide image campaign both hosted by CU-Vote. The league also has invested in a new website feature (www.acul.com) enabling a "Legislative Action Center" that will fuel our advocacy efforts by providing legislative updates, contact information for elected officials, and a bulletin for action alerts.

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