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Alabama House approves tax exemption on baby formula, maternity clothing, hygiene products

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4 months ago

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alabamareflector.com – Anna Barrett – 2025-03-20 15:19:00

Alabama House approves tax exemption on baby formula, maternity clothing, hygiene products

by Anna Barrett, Alabama Reflector
March 20, 2025

The Alabama House of Representatives unanimously passed its fifth tax cut of the week Thursday with an exemption for baby products and menstrual hygiene products.

HB 152, sponsored by Rep. Neil Rafferty, D-Birmingham, exempts baby formula, maternity clothing and menstrual hygiene products from state sales tax.

Although the legislation passed unanimously, Rep. Mary Moore, D-Birmingham, said she was concerned about what clothes would be considered “maternity.”

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“I’m not being critical. That’s their choice,” Moore said of people who have “restrictive” maternity clothes. “What you consider to be maternity clothing may not be what they want to wear.”

Rep. Ginny Shaver, R-Leesburg, offered an amendment to the bill expanding the exemption to adult diapers. It was adopted unanimously.

“You know I’m all about women, children and seniors,” she said to Rafferty on the floor. “I have an amendment to include seniors with diapers.”

The legislation would take $10.5 million dollars from the Education Trust Fund (ETF) before Shaver’s amendment, but Rafferty said the amendment adds an additional $2.5 million in tax cuts. The ETF is $9.2 billion this year. 

Rep. Danny Garrett, R-Trussville, sponsored the tax passage that passed Tuesday. He supported the fifth tax cut for a majority of Alabamians. The four-bill package that passed Tuesday will reduce the ETF by $192 million.

“An additional $13 million in tax breaks for a broadbase of Alabamians,” he said.

House Speaker Nathaniel Ledbetter, R-Rainsville, applauded the tax cut after the House adjourned Thursday.

“We had five tax cuts this week alone,” Ledbetter said. “So the people of Alabama are going to start seeing relief that they hadn’t had, and certainly we’re proud to be able to do that.”

The bill now goes to the Senate.

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Alabama Reflector is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Alabama Reflector maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Brian Lyman for questions: info@alabamareflector.com.

The post Alabama House approves tax exemption on baby formula, maternity clothing, hygiene products appeared first on alabamareflector.com

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Fountain Heights Farm Cooperative breaks ground on new community market

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July 2, 2025

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www.youtube.com – WVTM 13 News – 2025-07-02 20:33:05

SUMMARY: Fountain Heights Farm Cooperative, a local community farm, is expanding by breaking ground on its first neighborhood market and community kitchen, the first in about 70 years. Co-founder Dominique Villanueva expressed hope that this “Heart of the Farm” project will inspire more investment in Fountain Heights. The cooperative offers a shared food subscription box program called “We All Eat,” where paying members help subsidize food for those in need. This expansion aims to ensure every family in the community has food on their table and serves as the first step toward creating more community-driven food initiatives across Birmingham.

Fountain Heights Farm Cooperative breaks ground on new community market

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Big demand and new technology for buying fireworks

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1 day ago

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July 2, 2025

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www.youtube.com – WKRG – 2025-07-02 18:45:14

SUMMARY: With the Fourth of July approaching, demand for fireworks is soaring, especially at Jerry’s Fireworks in Theodore. Popular items include the “gunfighter,” “crickets” fountains, and 16-shot aerial bursts that shoot 70-80 feet high. Sales have outpaced past years, with many products nearly sold out. To enhance the buying experience, employees introduced PyroScan technology, allowing customers to scan barcodes and view videos demonstrating each firework’s effects on a TV screen. Shoppers are purchasing everything from sparklers to large sets, eager to celebrate safely. The store emphasizes safety as the festivities near.

Bigger sales and new technology mark the 2025 Fourth of July holiday

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20th Annual Miracle Bash | July 2, 2025 | News 19 at 5 p.m.

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July 2, 2025

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www.youtube.com – WHNT News 19 – 2025-07-02 18:22:43

SUMMARY: The 20th Annual Miracle Bash on July 2, 2025, benefits the Melissa George Neonatal Memorial Fund at Huntsville Hospital. Anchors Ben Hoover and Amy George play special roles, with Chris and Amy reflecting on over $6.1 million raised since 2005. Amy, a former WHNT News 19 anchor, lost her premature twin Melissa shortly after birth; her surviving sister Catherine was saved thanks to NICU care. The fund supports advanced NICU equipment and family services, aiding over 1,200 babies yearly. The community’s ongoing generosity and the George family’s dedication have significantly improved neonatal care, honoring Melissa’s memory and saving lives.

Ben Hoover sat down with Chris and Amy George to look back at all the dollars that have been raised and what those contributions from the community have been able to accomplish.

News 19 is North Alabama’s News Leader! We are the CBS affiliate in North Alabama and the Tennessee Valley since November 28, 1963.

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