Alabama Democrats Push Grocery Tax Repeal, Medicaid Expansion Ahead of Election
Alabama Democratic candidates held a press conference a week before the general election to promote an affordability platform, including repeal of the state's remaining grocery sales tax, a $15 minimum wage, and Medicaid expansion. Former Rep. John Knight, who led decades of failed efforts to eliminate the tax, joined lieutenant governor nominee Phillip Ensler and other candidates to argue the tax burdens struggling families. Alabama cut its grocery tax from 4% to 2% in recent sessions and ran a temporary break this spring, but Democrats say gaps in relief leave families exposed; Republicans, including gubernatorial nominee Tommy Tuberville, have pledged to eliminate the tax entirely in the 2027 legislative session. Democrats specifically cited Medicaid expansion as a tool to improve public health and shore up rural hospital solvency.