April - The Federal Stimulus Package Aids State Government
April 30, 2009
The 2009 Regular Session of the Alabama Legislature is now scheduled to conclude on Monday, May 18th. Much has been accomplished but a great deal more must be approved before this can be considered a successful legislative session. The General Fund budget has now passed the House of Representatives and is on its way to the Senate with a total appropriation to run state government of approximately $2.5 billion. The education budget has passed the Senate and is its way to the House with a total appropriation of $6.239 billion. If both of these budgets pass in the condition they’re presently in, the Federal Stimulus money will be proven to be a major safety net in helping salvage the two state budgets during this prolonged economic downfall that our nation is experiencing. These budgets will save most all of state jobs and maintain excellent programs such as reading, math, science and pre-kindergarten programs, as well as other programs such as our Medicaid program. Of the $6.2 billion education budget, some 29% is set aside for post-secondary and higher education, which should substantially benefit Auburn University, Central Alabama Community College, Southern Union Community College and Chattahoochee Valley Community College along with Troy University in Phenix City, all a part of my Senatorial District.
The Senate Finance and Taxation Committee, of which I am a member, is presently developing a plan to save the PACT (Prepaid Affordable College Tuition) Program to turn over the management of the assets to the Retirement Systems of Alabama. One of the problems yet to be resolved pertains to tuition freezes for a certain period of time for PACT participants. Since many bond issues for classrooms, dormitories and research facilities on college campuses are tied to student tuition, to freeze tuition would send a red flag to bond investors and therefore would negatively impact bond ratings. A weakened bond market in higher education certainly is not good for the economy nor for higher education in Alabama. I predict all of this will be resolved reasonably soon and within this 2009 regular session.
Legislation that I have singularly introduced and is making good progress is a piece which will address the problem of bullying in our public schools and will attempt to curtail these aspects of life which frequently occur in an academic setting. In addition, my legislation to allow the children of certified volunteer firemen who lose their life in the line of voluntary duty pertaining to firefighting will be given a tuition free college education upon their reaching eligibility requirements.
With unemployment in the State of Alabama at above 9%, which is the highest that our state has recorded in nearly 22 years, we find it additionally painful to be confronted with the announcement that BF Goodrich located in Opelika will permanently shut down in October of this year, terminating jobs for over 1,000 employees. The City of Opelika, along with state government and work force development in our community college system is working swiftly, seeking ways to help these and other individuals recapture their economic lives as soon as possible.
Some while ago I advised in writing to the Secretary of the Alabama State Senate that I decline the increase of 3.8% in my legislative expense allowance which would have gone into effect April 1, 2009. As I have stated before, it is just not right for legislators to have a cost of living increase when the economy is devastated, effecting everyone’s life in a negative manner.
I want to thank each and every one of you who have offered your prayers and support to me and my family during the recent death of my mother. Mother had a full and lengthy life and your encouragement to me and my family has been most appreciated.
Senator Ted Little represents District 27 and can be reached at (334) 887-3472, 1-800-835-4885, tedlittle@mindspring.com or www.tedlittle.com
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