The 2022 Alabama State Legislative session kicked off this past Tuesday as lawmakers are focused on developing plans to spend federal infrastructure and COVID-19 stimulus money, and handle gambling propositions.
The Alabama Farmers Federation noted their legislative priorities this year include preserving state funding for agriculture, forestry, and career and technical education. The Federation also is working to clarify tax laws related to grain storage bins and equipment used in producing value-added farm products.
Federation External Affairs Department Director Brian Hardin said they are working to ensure rural economic development remains a priority as elected officials plan for the future.
“The state has received $580 million from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) and is expected to receive another $1 billion this spring,” Hardin said. “Potential uses include infrastructure, public health and assistance for those hurt by the pandemic. We are working with legislators and the governor’s office to make sure plans for this one-time money address the needs of rural Alabama.”
In addition to those allocations, Alabama will also have an opportunity to compete for broadband funding through the infrastructure bill signed in November.
The Alabama Legislative session this year is scheduled to run through April 25th. For legislative updates from the Federation during the session, click here.