MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) – Gov. Bob Riley says he will oppose a proposed constitutional amendment to remove the state sales tax from groceries if the proposal makes it to the general election ballot in November.

Riley said Thursday he opposes the measure because it would raise the state income taxes paid by about 30 percent of Alabamians. It would do that by eliminating the state income tax deduction for federal taxes paid.

The proposed constitutional amendment by Democratic Rep. John Knight of Montgomery won approval by the Alabama House on Tuesday. But it hasn’t been considered by the Senate. If the Senate passes the proposal, then Alabama voters will have the final say on Nov. 4. It does not go to the governor for his signature or veto.