Legislative News & Alerts
Legislative Update - Spring 2008
Members, if you are following the news from Montgomery, the legislators are hard at work. Gov. Riley has proposed an ETF Budget that both AEA and AERA leaderships are supporting. At the present time, the finance committees in the House and Senate will not work on the budgets for at least a month and possibly longer. The hope is that the revenue picture will be clearer and allow for better planning. The session will end on or about May 19 so there is still time.
At the present time the goal of AEA is to protect jobs and benefits. AERA will be working along side the AEA Government Relations staff. We had hoped to ask for $47 million for a 13th check. At this time, I cannot predict the funds will be available but since there is a little time we will keep a watch on the revenue reports. However, I do want to stress that the budget presented by the governor is less than previous years spending.
Higher education officials are not satisfied with the funding split between higher education and K-12. Higher education will most likely look to amend the budget. This split does not negatively effect any higher education retirees as they are not funded from the higher education funds. We are most concerned about the PEEHIP funding and will watch it closely. At this point PEEHIP will receive the funding necessary.
AERA members are fortunate to have former legislator and education retiree, Paul Parker, lobbying on their behalf. He is present Tuesday - Thursday and keeps a close watch over the action at the state office.
As more information becomes available, we will send email updates. Please share this information with other retirees who may not have email access. Your continued support is appreciated. Once the budget process begins, be ready to come to Montgomery.
Janice J. Charlesworth
Executive Secretary
Alabama Education Retirees Association, Inc.
1-800-537-6867
fax 334-262-6002
www.aerainc.org