By Alabama Public Radio
Montgomery, AL – Another turf war over education dollars may be brewing again. Word got out recently that the state's education budget was in better-then-expected condition. Lawmakers said the extra money could be used for teacher salary raises, and the Alabama Education Association recommended a seven percent pay increase. Now representatives of higher education are asking for similar consideration. Gordon Stone, executive director of Alabama's Higher Education Partnership, says the faculty and staff of colleges and universities also deserve pay raises. He says about 90 million dollars would provide those employees with a seven percent raise, as well. That would cover workers at the state's 15 four-year public colleges.