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June 07, 2007 Governor Riley Signs Record Education Budget Into Law MONTGOMERY – Governor Bob Riley signed into law a budget on Thursday that invests more funding in education than ever before in Alabama’s history. The $6.7 billion fiscal year 2008 budget is an increase of more than $450 million above the fiscal year 2007 education budget. Since fiscal year 2003, when Governor Riley came into office, the state’s education budget has increased by more than $2.5 billion. “The thriving economy we’ve been able to grow and sustain is what makes this historic investment in education possible,” said Governor Riley. “Alabama’s education system is the strongest it’s ever been, but we’re about to make it even stronger and better.” Included in the budget are increased funding for several of the Governor’s education priorities. Funding for three programs the Governor Riley has championed – the Alabama Math, Science and Technology Initiative (AMSTI), the Alabama Reading Initiative (ARI) and ACCESS distance learning – are receiving substantial budget increases. AMSTI is increased by almost $14 million, from $22 million to almost $36 million. ARI is receiving an increase of $8.4 million, from $56 million to $64.4 million. ACCESS (Alabama Connecting Classrooms, Educators and Students Statewide) is receiving an increase of $10 million, from $10.3 million to $20.3 million. “During the past four years, Alabama’s schools have witnessed more success than ever before. Thanks to the record investments we’re making in groundbreaking programs like ARI, AMSTI and ACCESS, our students are achieving more and are better prepared for the future.” In addition, the budget includes a seven percent pay raise for education employees that Governor Riley included in his proposal. With its passage, Alabama becomes much more competitive with neighboring states for teacher salaries, moving ahead of Florida and Tennessee in average teacher salary. Alabama teacher salaries have increased almost 21 percent in the past three years. | |
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