Alabama Legislature Approves General Fund Budget

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The Alabama legislature has approved a General Fund budget that Gov. Robert Bentley has vowed to veto over Medicaid funding.

The Senate on Wednesday voted 20 to 13 to pass the budget, which is $85 million short of the amount Bentley says is needed to adequately fund the state’s Medicaid program.

Senate President Pro Tem Del Marsh says the state “cannot continue to grow Medicaid” by “penalizing” other agencies.

On Monday, Bentley said the current budget is “unacceptable.” Bentley said he would call a special session if lawmakers override his veto, which would enact the spending plan with a majority vote of both legislative chambers.

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