Alabama State Senator Arthur Orr, R-Decatur, announced Monday that he will seek re-election. Orr is the chairman of the Senate General Fund Budget Committee, one of the most powerful posts in the legislature.

In his announcements, Orr highlighted his work to lower unemployment, decrease government spending and make state government more accountable to taxpayers.

“Since 2010, Alabama’s unemployment rate has dropped, we have implemented more than $700 million in spending cuts in state government, and we have worked each year to pass laws that make our government operations more efficient and accountable to Alabama taxpayers,” Orr said. “My top focus will continue to be on improving Alabama’s private sector economy, cutting wasteful spending and ensuring that our tax dollars are spent responsibly.”

Orr sponsored the “Major 21st Century Manufacturing Zone Act,” which broadened tax increment financing in an effort to recruit large manufacturers.

“As the economic development process becomes more competitive, it’s important that we have the necessary tools to compete with states around the country,” Orr said. “This legislation not only ensures that we’re able to compete, but it’s already being used in offers that will bring new jobs to Alabama.”

The state’s employee pension program has been another focus of Orr’s during his time overseeing the general fund budget. He recently led efforts to make the program sustainable long-term. Orr said his public pension reforms resulted in a $5 billion savings for the taxpayers.

“One of the most significant accomplishments over the past four years was enacting a common-sense reform to our pension program that most importantly protects the retirement the state has promised its employees, and saves billions of dollars in taxpayer resources,” Said Orr.

He also sponsored bills that would increase disclosure requirements for paid political advertisements and for filing campaign contributions.

Orr has served District three since 2007, which covers Limestone, Madison and Morgan counties.

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