MONTGOMERY – Today the Alabama Senate passed a bill that will enhance the state’s ability to recruit coal mining companies by allowing them to qualify for certain existing tax incentives currently available to manufacturers and other businesses.

House Bill 144, sponsored by Representative Bill Roberts, has the short-term potential to create more than 500 new jobs and result in a $1 billion investment in the state’s economy, according to lawmakers who are aware of at least one project this legislation will help land immediately.

Senator Greg Reed (R-Jasper), who handled the legislation in the Senate, said this measure will help secure at least one new mining operation in the Walker County-area within the next six months.

“This bill is so important. Not just for economic growth and commerce, but for the Alabamians that will be taking the 500 plus jobs this is going to create,” Reed said. “The bill provides for long-term growth by creating jobs, improving energy competition and putting more taxpayers on the role to help fill our budget gap. That is a powerful impact.”

Although unemployment has been on the decline in Alabama, Legislators are continuing to work to get the state back to full employment. This bill is a key piece of that puzzle, according to Reed.

“We are actively working to pass legislation that will create jobs, and this bill is going to allow us to do that,” Reed said. “Putting Alabamians back to work is our top priority and I’m proud to carry this legislation in the senate.”