Statewide Coalition Launched to Defend Alabama’s Free-Market Economy

Alabama Farmers Federation leadership is hailing the launch of a new state coalition, Freedom First Alabama, whose mission is to stop the spread of costly big-government policies and defend Alabama's free-market economy.

This organization will oppose efforts that increase costs for families, crush small businesses and undermine Alabama's economic competitiveness. The partnership comes at a time when higher taxes, heavy regulations and anti-business policies are being advanced across the country.

The Federation is proud to join Freedom First Alabama in pushing back against government mandates, burdensome regulation and crippling taxes, said Federation President Jimmy Parnell.

"Since 1921, the Federation has been one of Alabama's most vocal and effective advocates for lower taxes, limited government and economic opportunity," Parnell said. "The principles of Freedom First Alabama align with our mission and grassroots policy. We look forward to working with partners in the business community to ensure Alabama continues to thrive."

Freedom First Alabama members include:

• Alabama AGC
• Alabama Cattlemen's Association
• Alabama Chambers
• Alabama Farmers Federation
• Alabama Mining Association
• Alabama Policy Institute
• Alabama REALTORS
• Alabama Retail Association
• Alabama Road Builders
• Business Council of Alabama
• Manufacture Alabama

"Alabama will not follow the failed path of states that have taxed, regulated and mandated their way into higher costs and fewer jobs," said Tim Howe, the Business Council of Alabama's chief advocacy officer. "We are here to unapologetically fight back against policies that threaten our workers, our businesses and our way of life."

Across the nation, big-government activists are advancing proposals that drive up insurance premiums, raise utility bills, increase property taxes and saddle employers with costly mandates.

Freedom First Alabama warns these policies are now being pushed in Montgomery - often by outside groups with no stake in Alabama's communities or economic future.

Top priorities for the coalition include fighting government mandates; rolling back regulations; opposing government overreach; encouraging free enterprise and industrial recruitment; and promoting conservative, pro-growth tax policy.

Every new mandate means higher prices. Every new regulation means fewer jobs. Every new tax means less opportunity, said Stephanie Smith of the Alabama Policy Institute.

"Freedom First Alabama comes at a pivotal moment as outside activist groups push policies that would raise costs, burden employers and weaken our competitive edge," Smith said. "We are proud to stand with this coalition to defend taxpayers, protect job creators and ensure Alabama remains a national leader in economic growth and common-sense policy."

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