Governor Bentley Signs Education Trust Fund Budget

MONTGOMERY—Governor Robert Bentley on Friday announced that he has signed the FY2015 Education Trust Fund Budget.

The education budget was passed April 3, 2014, minutes before the Legislature adjourned, effectively preventing the Governor’s ability to attach any Executive Amendments to the budget bill. Governor Bentley announced in March his intention to attach an Executive Amendment to the budget, which would provide a 2% pay raise for teachers and support personnel.

“I am disappointed that the Legislature decided not to provide a pay raise for our hard working teachers and support personnel,” Governor Robert Bentley said.  “It is clear to me that the Legislature has no intention of passing a pay raise for teachers and support personnel at this time. Therefore, I will not call a Special Session right now.  However, I will keep a close watch on incoming revenues over the next few months, and will consider asking the Legislature to support a mid-year pay raise for teachers and support personnel if the revenues are there to support it.

“I appreciate the Legislature’s support to fully fund PEEHIP, so that no teacher or support personnel will have to pay out of pocket for their health insurance benefits.  I appreciate their hard work and cooperation with me in that effort.  The FY2015 Education Trust Fund Budget is a good budget and supports many important programs and initiatives that prepare students for success, many of which I called for in my State of the State address” added Bentley.

The FY 2015 Education Trust Fund Budget includes:

•      PEEHIP funding set at $780 per member per month that will not include any out-of-pocket costs for health insurance premiums for teachers or support personnel

•      $10 million increase for Pre-K funding for 100 additional classrooms and 1800 additional students to participate in the program

•      Increase of $6 million in Dual Enrollment expansion

•      Appropriates $7.7 million in Career Tech

•      Appropriates $1.2 million for Career Coaches

•      Protects funding for important programs like ARI, AMSTI and Distance Learning

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