Governor Bentley Introduces Full Employment Act of 2011

Governor Bentley introduces the Full Employment Act of 2011 at a press conference at the State Capitol today.  From L to R, Rosemary Elebash, State NFIB Director; Greg Powell, President and CEO of fi-Plan Partners; Governor Bentley; State Representative Blaine Galliher; State Senator Arthur Orr.

MONTGOMERY- Governor Robert Bentley today introduced his plan to help small businesses hire employees. The Full Employment Act of 2011, sponsored by State Representative Blaine Galliher and State Senator Arthur Orr will provide a one time tax credit to small businesses who hire additional employees.

“Small businesses are the backbone of the Alabama economy,” said Governor Bentley at today’s press conference held at the State Capitol. “The Full Employment Act of 2011 will help small businesses create jobs by offering a financial incentive that will grow and expand their business and get people back to work. I appreciate the support of both Representative Galliher and Senator Orr to get this important bill introduced and passed in the Alabama Legislature.”

In the Governor’s 2011 State of the State address, Governor Bentley called the Full Employment Act of 2011 an enhanced version of the Reemployment Act of 2010 and his centerpiece legislative agenda.

Under the Full Employment Act of 2011, businesses with 50 or fewer employees will receive a one time income tax credit equal to $1,000 per new job paying more than $10 per hour. 

Support for the Full Employment Act of 2011 has been generated from both the National Federation of Independent Business and the Business Council of Alabama.

“NFIB members voted 92% overwhelmingly on the 2007 state ballot to support tax incentives and tax credits for NFIB/Alabama members,” said State NFIB Director Rosemary Elebash. “We look forward to working with Governor Bentley and the Alabama Legislature to pass this bill to create hope and to give a tax credit for those employers who will be hiring in 2011.”

“I commend Governor Bentley for making job creation in Alabama his top priority,” said Business Council of Alabama President and CEO William Canary. “This one-time tax credit will provide small businesses the confidence and certainty they need to grow and hire new employees. Alabama’s economic recovery is dependent on the ability of small businesses to generate jobs, and this common sense bill will help small businesses do just that.”

Once the law is passed, the tax credit will be available for the tax year during which the employee has completed 12 months of consecutive employment and can begin on or after January 1, 2011.