Alabama Governor Says Budgets Improving Slightly

Gov. Robert Bentley says his proposed budgets for the new fiscal year are slightly better than this year's budgets.

Bentley told legislators in his State of the State address Tuesday night that Alabama's economy is improving and that's allowing him to recommend more education spending. His plan includes expanding Alabama's pre-kindergarten program for 4-year-olds and giving a 2.5 percent cost-of-living raise to teachers. He did not recommend a raise for state employees.

Bentley's finance director, Marquita Davis, will release the details of his budget proposals Wednesday.

Copyright 2013 The Associated Press.