Lawmakers Hope To Prevent More Teacher Layoffs

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) - Republican and Democratic legislators
alike predict swift passage of the 2009 education budget when they
meet for a special session that begins this afternoon.
Governor Bob Riley called the special session last week after
the Senate killed an education budget that had been approved by the
House of Representatives.
He said superintendents have fired some teachers because of
uncertainty over next year's spending levels. Riley wants a budget
passed soon so superintendents can rehire people before they sign
on to work in other states.
Lawmakers said they expected the budget to be passed quickly.
The state constitution requires lawmakers to pass an education
budget and an operating budget for non-education agencies each
year.
Legislators passed an operating budget, but the Senate's failed
to also pass an education budget.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)