Alabama Agencies Could See Big Budget Cuts

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) – Alabama state agencies could see funding cuts of 11.5 percent or higher next fiscal year unless lawmakers find additional money.

Members of the legislative General Fund committees on Wednesday distributed copies of a rough draft of a budget without additional revenue.

House General Fund budget chairman Rep. Steve Clouse said the results were “bleak.”

Corrections and Medicaid would receive a three percent cut while other agencies would receive 11.5 percent cuts. Clouse said the cuts could reach up to 16 percent.

Gov. Robert Bentley has proposed a $541 million tax increase that includes raising cigarette taxes by 82 cents per pack. Clouse said Bentley so far was getting little support.

Bentley says legislators are welcome to pursue alternative ideas, but says the state can’t solve the problem without additional funds.