Bentley Seeks Prison Bond Issue, Pre-kindergarten Boost

Alabama Gov. Robert Bentley will use his State of the State address to lay out a plan for the state’s aging prison system that has come under scrutiny for overcrowding and violence.

Bentley will propose a bond issue for prison construction to replace and consolidate existing prisons during his Tuesday night speech before lawmakers. The governor said in an interview the state can pay for the construction cost with maintenance cost savings.

The governor will lay out a broad agenda that includes boosting prekindergarten access, a proposal to expand high-speed internet access in rural areas and assistance for students who want to attend two-year colleges.

The governor is also seeking a 2 percent raise for education and state employees.

The governor’s speech begins at 6:30 p.m.

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