Debating the Dollars: Alabama Budget Woes

Alabama lawmakers are beginning the 2016 legislative session on Groundhog Day to familiar Alabama budget woes.

The Legislative Fiscal Office on Tuesday told lawmakers that the general fund budget is expected to have at least $40 million fewer dollars.

Acting Finance Director Bill Newton said the state faces a 10 percent general fund shortfall over the amount the governor feels is needed to maintain services. The projections could spell cuts for many state agencies.

The difficult budget comes after legislators spent much of last year locked in a budget battle over a funding shortfall.

The state’s education budget is in better shape. The Legislative Fiscal Office projects the education budget will grow by $382 million.

Lawmakers want to use part of that increase for a pay raise for teachers.

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