Legislators Push to Accelerate Grocery Tax Reduction Backed by Lt. Gov. Ainsworth
“Alabamians can save $150 million if the Legislature follows through with this tax cut." - Lt. Governor Ainsworth
Alabama lawmakers are advancing a proposal to expedite the reduction of the state’s grocery sales tax, aiming to provide financial relief to residents facing rising food costs. House Bill 386 (HB386) seeks to accelerate the reduction of the grocery tax from 3% to 2%, with a long-term goal of eliminating it entirely.
Lieutenant Governor Will Ainsworth, a long-time advocate for cutting the grocery tax, voiced strong support for the measure. “Alabamians can save $150 million if the Legislature follows through with this tax cut,” Ainsworth stated. He emphasized that reducing the tax would offer much-needed relief for families struggling with higher grocery bills.
The proposal has gained bipartisan traction, with legislators across the aisle recognizing the strain that inflation and rising food prices have placed on households. Lawmakers argue that lowering the grocery tax is a direct way to help residents keep more of their income.
Currently, Alabama’s grocery tax stands at 3%, with prior legislation tying further reductions to specific revenue benchmarks. However, HB386 proposes a faster timeline for tax relief, removing some of these contingencies to ensure that families feel the impact sooner.
The push for grocery tax reform comes amid a broader national conversation, as several states—including Arkansas, Tennessee, and Mississippi—consider similar efforts to reduce or eliminate taxes on essential food items. Advocates argue that cutting grocery taxes is one of the most effective ways to combat food insecurity and ease the financial burden on working families.
As the bill progresses through the legislative process, debates will continue over the long-term implications for Alabama’s budget and public services. Supporters maintain that the immediate benefits to Alabama families outweigh concerns over potential revenue impacts.
Ainsworth remains optimistic about the proposal’s future, urging legislators to act swiftly and decisively. “This is about doing the right thing for Alabama families,” he said. “We have an opportunity to make a real difference.”
