By Associated Press
Montgomery, AL – Governor Riley is featured across the state on 76 billboards to congratulate teachers for improved test scores.
Another 76 billboards feature children, but those with Riley's image have drawn criticism from Democrats as a misuse of tax dollars. All the billboards cost $60,000.
Riley spokesman Jeff Emerson said the billboards, which were paid for out of the governor's discretionary fund, were a way to thank teachers for their hard work.
Democratic House Majority Leader Ken Guin of Carbon Hill said taxpayers' money could have been spent more wisely.
(Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)