Ex Parte Melof

This case comes before us by a petition for writ of mandamus. The petitioners filed a class action on behalf of themselves and other Alabama taxpayers against Governor Guy Hunt, Revenue Commissioner James Sizemore, and State Treasurer George C. Wallace, Jr. The Melof complaint sought class certification on behalf of recipients of retirement benefits who have been subject to or who have paid state income tax on such benefits. The class includes former employees of local governments and private corporations. Further, the Melof complaint alleges that the Governor and the Commissioner have…