The value of having CPAs in the State Legislature

Our state is blessed to have active, inactive and retired CPAs in the Statehouse. We all know the value CPAs have in Alabama business management and growth, non-profit utilization and government administration, but it should be recognized just how fortunate Alabama citizens are to have these professionals helping prepare budgets, draft legislation and hold our state government agencies accountable. If you know any of these Legislators, please offer a word of thanks and encouragement to them. If you don’t, please get to know them. It’s just my observation, but I believe they are serving for all the right reasons. We should celebrate often that members of the world’s most trusted profession have been willing to serve in politics. 

 

• Daniel P. Garrett (Retired) – Rep. Garrett has served District 44 (Trussville) since 2014. He holds the important position of Chairman of the House Ways and Means – Education Committee. Rep. Garrett has been active in key tax legislation pieces during his tenure.
• Kerry L. “Bubba” Underwood (Active) – Rep. Underwood is in his first term serving District 3 (Tuscumbia). He serves on the House Ways and Means – General Fund Committee. He recently was elected Treasurer for the House’s Republican Caucus. He is the sponsor of our Pathways to CPA bill.
• Norman A. Crow (Inactive w/exp.) – Rep. Crow was elected last week to fill the remaining term of Cynthia Almond, District 63 (Tuscaloosa). He joins Rep. Danny Garrett on the House Ways and Means – Education Committee.

 

Many of you have relationships (i.e. family, neighbors, tax advisors, majong competitors or golf buddies) with state legislators. If so, we have two asks: 1) Please thank them for their efforts to make our State the best it can be, and 2) Please email me (rpearson@alabama.cpa) and let me know your relationship. Issues affecting CPAs can arise at a moment’s notice and we may need your help to educate our legislators. Your local touch could be valuable!

 

Now for a couple quick updates:

 

1. Our Watchlist is updated and available on our website!
2. Subscribe and listed to the Alabama CPA Podcast for the latest updates and surprises.
3. HB59 is out of the House Committee and on the House Floor today! Once passed by the House, we’ll be halfway through! Thank you again to Rep. Underwood for his Secretariat-like speed on this issue!
4. HB17 revises thresholds related to when small municipalities must be audited. It has cleared the House Committee and placed on the House Floor calendar. 

CLICK HERE FOR THE WATCHLIST

There have been 449 bills filed so far. If we’ve missed something or you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me at rpearson@alabama.cpa.