By Alabama Public Radio
Montgomery, AL – Lawmakers in the state House have approved a one-point-six-five billion dollar General Fund budget. It would cover non-education state services during the fiscal year beginning October first. The budget includes a five percent cost-of-living pay raise for state employees, and retirees would get a seven percent increase. The House voted 102 to one in favor of the budget and 103 to nothing for a separate bill to authorize the pay raise for state employees. The Senate must now approve the budget changes made in the House. The pay raise bill is going to Governor Bob Riley for his signature.