(MONTGOMERY, Ala.) Alabama's Legislature will convene Tuesday in Montgomery for the 2012 session with a lot of hot topics to discuss. From immigration to jobs, we're giving you a sneak peek at what's planned in Montgomery from House Speaker Mike Hubbard.
lawmakers in Montgomery say they will waste no time working accomplishing their priorities. the first is creating jobs.
"we have a package of bills that we will move out of the house of representatives, and the senate simultaneously very quickly, it's the number one priority we have, and we look forward to sending them on to the governor for his signature," Hubbard said.
A version of the Made in Alabama Jobs Incentive Act was passed last year, but received opposition from the state teacher's union. Speaker Hubbard says more than 150 foreign companies are looking to relocate to Alabama, and if foreign tariffs are offset, it will give Alabama a big advantage in landing those foreign companies, thus creating jobs.
Number two priority: Tweak the controversial immigration law that was passed last session.
"Anytime you pass legislation, there are unintended consequences, and we have been meeting with groups finding out what problems its causing, unintended consequences," Hubbard said. "We have put together a list and devised a bill to take care of those problems."
One change on the table: allowing churches and good Samaritans the opportunity to help people in need, without fear of breaking the law.
"But rest assured, we're not going to back-up on it, there will not be a repeal," Hubbard said. "I'm very confident we will have some success with this legislation which I believe will fix the problems that we've identified since we passed the bill."
Hubbard says the states financial situation will be even tighter than last year's.
He says the General Fund may have to operate with about $400 million less when lawmakers set the 2013 budget.
Gov. Robert Bentley will give the State of the State address in Montgomery Tuesday night at 6:30 p.m.
