A bill to allow Alabama taxpayers to donate a portion of their state income tax refunds to a private organization supporting President Trump’s proposed wall on the border with Mexico won approval today in a state Senate committee.
The bill, by Senate President Pro Tem Del Marsh, R-Anniston, would add a line to Alabama state income tax forms so taxpayers could give to We Build the Wall Incorporated, which was started by Air Force veteran Brian Kolfage, who lost both legs and his right arm in a rocket attack in the Iraq war.
Alabama law already allows tax refund donations for 18 organizations or causes. Examples include the Child Abuse Trust Fund, the Alabama Veterans Program, the Foster Care Trust Fund, the Alabama Breast and Cervical Cancer Program, and the Children First Trust Fund.
Marsh said his bill allows Alabama resident to contribute to a cause he believes most support.
“I believe Alabamians support building the wall overwhelmingly,” Marsh said.
Sen. Linda Coleman-Madison, D-Birmingham, said people who support the wall can donate to the effort without getting state government involved.
“I think this brings government into a volatile issue that is very controversial,” Coleman-Madison said.
The Senate Governmental Affairs Committee approved the bill on an 8-2 vote, with the two Democrats, Coleman-Madison and Sen. Malika Sanders-Fortier, D-Selma, voting against it. Republicans on the panel voted for it.
The committee approval puts the bill in line for consideration by the Senate as early as Wednesday.
Marsh has said he is considering a run for the U.S. Senate seat held by Democrat Doug Jones. The election is next year.