Robert Bentley for Governor 2010

Angelique Plumer, a native of Atlanta, GA, joined the Bentley campaign as an intern in December 2009. Angelique possesses great organizational skills and has become a great asset to the campaign. She has assisted greatly in the day-to-day operations at our campaign headquarters. Some of the roles she has taken on include: composing spreadsheets with various information, assisting in scheduling events, and helping organize and classify campaign supporters and contributors.  In addition to interning for the campaign Angelique is also a full-time student at The University of Alabama majoring in marketing. When asked why she decided to intern for Dr. Bentley’s campaign she said, “I felt that it was a great opportunity in an exciting environment. I believe that Dr. Bentley is the best candidate and I enjoy interning to support his efforts!”

USE THE TAX CODE TO CREATE JOBS FOR ALABAMIANS

Tax day is here again. Alabamians who have filed their taxes already have a harsh reminder of how much hard-earned money the federal government takes from their paychecks each year. Unfortunately, approximately one-fourth of the federal income taxes Alabamians doesn’t pay for a single government service or program. Instead it pays the interest on the federal government’s debt. Last year’s record federal deficit of $1.5 trillion amounts to about one-eighth of our $12 trillion national debt.

Despite our nation’s enormous debt and unfunded future obligations, President Obama and Speaker Pelosi continue to push for policies that increase taxes. Just since taking office, President Obama and Speaker Pelosi have increase taxes by $670 billion over the next 10 years, many of these related to Obamacare. Additionally, President Obama and Nancy Pelosi are strong supporters of the cap and trade energy tax program, which resurrects Al Gore’s failed BTU energy tax from the 1990s in a different form. However, the latest outrageous tax idea from the Obama brain trust is former Federal Reserve Chairman Paul Volcker’s proposal for a national consumption tax structured as a value added tax.  Unlike the Fair Tax, Chairman Volcker’s VAT would exist in addition to, not in place of the federal income tax.

Federal, state and local taxes demand almost 27 percent of the average American’s income. Interpreted literally, this means that Alabamians worked until April 2^nd just to pay their taxes. We cannot tax ourselves into prosperity or raise taxes on small businesses and families at a time when they can least afford it.  However, we can use the tax code to encourage businesses to create new jobs. This is the heart of my Reemployment Act of 2010, which the Legislative Fiscal Office estimates will create over 5,000 new jobs and reduce state spending at the same time. This is because the newly employed Alabamians will be paying income and sales taxes and not receiving unemployment benefits. The Reemployment Act passed both the Alabama House and the Senate. Governor Riley’s signature is the last step on its path to becoming law.

Earlier today, Dr. Bentley was on the Dale Jackson show.    You can listen to a podcast of it here.

Shelby Beckman is a native of Fort Worth, TX, and currently a junior majoring in marketing and economics at The University of Alabama.  She joined the Bentley campaign as an intern in December of 2009. During her tenure, Shelby has proved herself to be a vital part in the execution of the daily functions of the campaign. In her role as intern and executive assistant she has had the responsibility of organizing and evaluating various sources of information concerning anything from volunteers to supporters. Shelby also assists in scheduling the numerous campaign events around the state. When asked why she decided to join the Bentley campaign she said, “I know Dr. Bentley is the best candidate for Governor and I just wanted to do what I could to help get him elected.”