Republicans in the Alabama Legislature said today they will push a package of jobs-related bills in the upcoming legislative session.

Speaker of the House Mike Hubbard and Senate President Pro Tem Del Marsh announced the package of bills in a press conference this morning.

"Our number one focus is going to be on job creation," Hubbard, R-Auburn, said.

The package of bills includes proposals to:

Give the governor and the Alabama Development Office broader authority to seek bond issues and give tax abatements through a one-time constitutional amendment instead of sending each proposal to a vote of the people. Lawmakers said through legislation they would set parameters for projects to recieve the state incentives.

Give tax credits to businesses for hiring veterans recently returned from war.

Establish a state authority to make loans to small businesses.

Expand tax incentives to recruit more data processing centers to the state.

Marsh, R-Anniston, said legislators also want to work with the two-year college system on training students for jobs that are available. Marsh said there are certain skilled labor jobs that are still in high demand despite the sluggish economy.

"The problem is the skill sets aren't there," Marsh said.