More Budget Cuts for General Fund and Education Budgets

Montgomery, AL – (AP) - Cuts are expected in the new state
budgets that take effect Oct. 1. The question is: How much?
Officials say the recession's continued impact on the state
education budget will force a second year of across-the-board cuts.
State Superintendent of Education Joe Morton is forecasting 6
percent. Teacher lobbyist Paul Hubbert says 4.5 to 5.5 percent. And
two-year college leader Joan Davis is telling colleges to prepare
for 8.5 percent to 10 percent.
Acting State Finance Director Bill Newton has already warned
most General Fund agencies to expect a 3 percent reduction in their
appropriations for the first nine months of the fiscal year. The
state hopes to make up the difference in the final three months,
but Newton says it will take an upturn in the economy for that to
happen.