MONTGOMERY -- State Rep. Richard Laird, D-Roanoke, said supporters of his plan to increase the state property tax by half a mill, which would raise about $28 million a year, thought they had enough votes lined up a few days ago to pass the plan in the House of Representatives.

Laird said support for his property-tax plan wilted in response to lobbying launched about Wednesday by the Alabama Farmers Federation and Alabama Forestry Association, which oppose the bill.

Laird said supporters a few days ago counted as many as 84 yes votes in the House for his plan. By early this afternoon, Laird said he doubted he had the votes to pass it. "The chances of it passing are pretty slim now, it seems like," Laird said.

For owner-occupied homes, the proposed tax increase would cost an extra $3 a year for a residence appraised at $100,000, $5.50 a year for a $150,000 home and $8 a year for a $200,000 home.