Governor Bentley Signs 2016 Education Trust Fund Budget Into Law

MONTGOMERY—With increases for textbooks, classroom supplies and access to high-quality Pre-K education, Governor Robert Bentley on Tuesday signed the nearly $6 Billion Education Trust Fund Budget into law.

“The FY2016 Education Budget is a significant accomplishment and supports many important programs and initiatives that prepare students for success,” Governor Robert Bentley said.  “The best investment we can make as a state is to invest in our students and their education. I appreciate the legislators prioritizing many initiatives and programs that support education in Alabama.”

The FY2016 Education Trust Fund Budget includes the following increases:

• $13 million increase for textbooks
• $3 million increase for classroom materials
• $5.2 million increase for Dual Enrollment Programs
• $4.5 million increase for transportation operations

Additionally, the Governor recommended and the Legislature supported a $10 million increase to Alabama’s Voluntary Pre–K Program.  Last week, Governor Bentley announced more than 200 new grants that will provide over 3,600 additional Alabama four-year-olds with access to high-quality, voluntary pre-K education. The grants will benefit 51 counties across Alabama.

“The most important part of a child’s education is a solid foundation at an early age, and our First Class voluntary pre-k program provides just that,” Governor Bentley said.  “All children, regardless of where they live, deserve the opportunity to excel.  A high-quality, voluntary pre-k program improves their chances of success in school long-term.  This is a wise investment that will benefit children and families throughout Alabama for years to come.”