Like most state governors and commissioners across the country, they want a clean economic record. The desire to draw jobs and industry to their state is an understatement. Those industries bring money to the people, who ultimately pay taxes that improve the state as a whole. One of those states looking to improve its economic standing is Alabama.
Jefferson County Commission President Jimmie Stephens is no different. He wants to improve the working and living conditions of his county. He has had a goal of driving more businesses to the state as a whole. For example, lower taxes have allowed for Hollywood to film some major movies throughout the state.
Now, that might be changing. Last week, Alabama is one of several states who decided to update their abortion laws. More specifically, Alabama signed into law the most restrictive abortion bans in the entire country. As you can imagine, this has left many pro-choice groups very angry.
Will the Abortion Ban Hurt Alabama?
The big question for us is the economical impact of this abortion ban. Commissioner Stephens doesn’t think there will be much of an impact. It’s not as if anyone didn’t realize Alabama was a southern red state through-and-through. For the most part, Alabama holds religious values seriously and is pro-life.
“If they have been conceived, they have rights,” Jefferson County Commission President Jimmie Stephens said. He’s among the right-wing officials of the state. It’s clear where his values stand, but he also doesn’t think his stance will impact any growth in the state’s economy. “The incentives we have been able to offer the film industry I think would more than offset their personal feelings according to abortion,” Stephens said.
The problem is, there is backlash. This news has created a major stir and has made the national news spotlight. In particular, many stars in Hollywood are calling for a boycott. They did the same to Georgia when they signed a restrictive abortion ban themselves. It’s all about the culture in which companies want to hire in.
Bob Robicheaux, a retired UAB business expert, said the abortion law could be a concern for some companies. “I do think they do have a concern and should have a concern,” said Robicheaux.
Economic Impact
While Commissioner Stephens is eager to draw industries to set up shop in Alabama, this new abortion law might stop anyone from coming. Maybe CEOs who lean towards the right and agree with the law won’t have any problem doing so, but it could come at a cost to overall business. Many of these businesses look at the culture of the places they locate as it reflects their place as a whole.
“It will harden opinions. People who have favorable opinions about Alabama who agree with this decision will think more favorably and those who have negative opinions will think more negatively,” Robicheaux said.
At the end of the day, it’s the dollar and financial bottom-line that matters the most. If a company can move to Alabama for its low taxes and make money, they won’t care about the abortion law. Since it’s still new, the economic impact can’t be fully predicted as of yet.
