The Alabama Senate has narrowly approved a budget that slashes millions of dollars from Medicaid, mental health, law enforcement and other state agencies.
Senators voted 19-15 for the cut-filled budget today after lawmakers could not agree during a special session on how to fill a budget hole. The House of Representatives will decide whether to go along with the spending plan.
Legislators rejected Gov. Robert Bentley's call for $302 million in taxes. The Senate-passed plan cuts nearly $200 million from state agencies.
Opposed lawmakers say the cuts will have devastating consequences for the state. Senate President Pro Tem Del Marsh said most senators did not want to put taxes on Alabama families.
Some senators said they expect Bentley to bring them back into a second special session.
While legislators debate the budget, AARP hopes that their senior services don’t wind up on the chopping block.
Candi Williams is the interim state director for AARP in Alabama. She says those cuts would have a serious impact on important programs.
“We see critical services such as Meals on Wheels, nutrition programs, in-home care services are funded through the Alabama Department of Senior Services. What we’re really wanting is to make sure that these systems are strong and in place for not only our seniors, but the people that care for them.”
Alabama Governor Robert Bentley has indicated he plans to call lawmakers into another special session. Williams says AARP is pushing for level funding for senior services.
The University of Alabama football team held its annual media day yesterday.
Coaches and players spoke to the media as they get set to begin the 2015 season in less than four weeks.
But before the season begins, The Crimson Tide is in the process of getting through training camp. Coach Nick Saban says the preseason camp is all about attitude…
“You can say I’m going to survive this camp or I’m going out there and thrive everyday in this camp. In terms of working hard, pushing myself, trying to get in better condition and trying to be a player that can go out and dominate the competition.
Alabama was 13-2 last season, winning the SEC Championship and getting in to the first-ever College Football Playoff. The Crimson Tide begins the 2015 season against Wisconsin in the Advocare Classic in Dallas, Texas.