By Associated Press
Daleville, AL – Governor Bob Riley said Monday he has reached an agreement with House and Senate budget committee chairmen that will allow the state budgets and a more than one (b) billion dollar bond issue for school construction to pass, despite bitter partisan fighting that has blocked most legislation.
But the chairman of the Senate education budget committee, Senator Hank Sanders, a Selma Democrat, said the deal has still not been approved by all 18 members of the Democratic majority in the Senate and could collapse like previous "agreements" earlier in the session.
Riley was also cautious and said the agreement could fall apart.
Riley spoke Monday before about 350 south Alabama business and government leaders at the Daleville Chamber of Commerce Awards Banquet. He made it clear he is not happy with some lawmakers, who have buried in committees his tax-cut proposals.
After his speech, Riley said he worked all weekend talking to lawmakers to reach an agreement.
(Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)