Republicans in the Alabama Senate intend to push a constitutional amendment in the second half of the current legislative session that would create a simplified flat tax. The bill's sponsor, Senator Bill Hightower of Mobile says his proposal would allow taxpayers to complete their tax return on an index card. Under the plan, the income tax rate would go from 5 percent to 2.75 and the corporate rate would decrease to 4.59 percent. It would eliminate exemptions, credits, incentives and most deductions. Senate leaders hope to pass the measure during this session and have it go to voters in an election next year.
Homicide Investigation
Police say the death of an Alabama man found in a burned out trailer has been ruled a homicide. In a report Monday, The Selma Times Journal revealed a preliminary autopsy showed 36-year-old Jimmy Wayne Griffin Jr. died of a gunshot wound from a shotgun on the shoulder. Griffin's body was found in a burned out mobile home in Selma on April 11. Fire Chief Mike Stokes says evidence shows the fire was set intentionally although state fire marshal officials aren't sure what caused the blaze.
Human Shield
Adamsville Police are searching for a robber who used a baby as a human shield during an attempted robbery. WBRC-Birmingham reports police are searching for two burglars who fled a man's home Tuesday when the homeowner arrived and started firing warning shots. Police said one of the men held up a baby as a human shield before the two successfully escaped into nearby woods. The homeowner had been alerted about the robbers after a neighbor called him to report the suspicious activity. Police could not confirm who the child belongs to, or the child's condition.