Alabama lawmakers ended a special session without a budget solution Tuesday. Members of the House and Senate could not agree on a way to generate revenue for the financially-strapped General Fund budget. House Budget Chairman Steve Clouse says even though a spending plan did not pass, legislators have a better idea what approach will be needed in the next special session. Governor Robert Bentley is expected to call lawmakers back for a second special session.
Go Fund Me
An Alabama legislator has started an online fundraiser for the state's budget. Republican state Sen. Paul Sanford of Huntsville, said he started the GoFundMe account called "Fund the Alabama State Government" as the state faces a budget shortfall. Sanford says he started the tongue-in-cheek account to highlight "hypocrisy" over tax increases. Sanford said people suggest tax increases but want someone else's taxes raised, not their own. He has raised $598 over four days. Sanford says he plans to turn the money over the state.
New School
Residents of Pike Road are celebrating the start of a new school year in style with the opening of its new school. For the past 10 years committee members, community leaders and residents have been working to create the new educational system. The multi-million dollar facility will serve Kindergarten through 8th grade; Pike Road Mayor Gordon Stone says the school system will function as a learning hub for both students and educators. More than a 1,000 children are expected to attend.