The Alabama House has passed a bill that was a key component of an economic development package supported by Republican legislative leaders and by Gov. Robert Bentley, to lure
new jobs to Alabama and to retain existing jobs.

The House voted 69-14 for a measure by Rep. Barry Mask of Wetumpka to allow businesses to,
in some cases, use employees' income tax withholding for expansion or to move to a new location.

The Alabama Education Association opposed the bill
saying it would take money earmarked for schools.

The House also passed a measure by former U.S. Marine, Rep. Duwayne Bridges of Valley, to double the incentive offered to companies for hiring a veteran. The tax break expands from $1,000
to $2,000 under Bridges' bill.