AERA News
05/05/2008
Retirees Rally in Montgomery
The 2008 Legislative Session is winding down with little to show. The House of Representatives began work on the Education Trust Fund (ETF) Budget. The proposed budget for 2009 is lower than this year by almost $350 million. AERA and AEA supported the budget proposed by Governor Riley. However, higher education was not pleased with the cuts.
Retirees and actives were called in to lobby on Tuesday, April 22. Over 70 retirees responded to the call with less than 24 hours notice. Actives also traveled to Montgomery. Although the budget did not pass on Tuesday, the House of Representatives carried it over until Tuesday, April 29 at which time it did pass. The Senate has received the budget and will begin work on it.
It is important to keep in mind that there are only a few days left in this session, and it is critical that the budget pass now. A special session will be costly and will negatively impact school systems.
Also be ready to travel to Montgomery as help will be needed to pass the ETF Budget in the Senate. AERA will pay round trip mileage and lunch for members who respond to the Rapid Response Team call. I wish to extend a special thank you to those who callied their legislators and/or traveled to Montgomery. Please be sure to check out the pictures from the rally by clicking Photo Gallery under the Events link on our homepage.
Retirees and actives were called in to lobby on Tuesday, April 22. Over 70 retirees responded to the call with less than 24 hours notice. Actives also traveled to Montgomery. Although the budget did not pass on Tuesday, the House of Representatives carried it over until Tuesday, April 29 at which time it did pass. The Senate has received the budget and will begin work on it.
It is important to keep in mind that there are only a few days left in this session, and it is critical that the budget pass now. A special session will be costly and will negatively impact school systems.
Also be ready to travel to Montgomery as help will be needed to pass the ETF Budget in the Senate. AERA will pay round trip mileage and lunch for members who respond to the Rapid Response Team call. I wish to extend a special thank you to those who callied their legislators and/or traveled to Montgomery. Please be sure to check out the pictures from the rally by clicking Photo Gallery under the Events link on our homepage.