Montgomery, AL – Republican and Democratic legislators alike predict swift passage of the 2009 education budget when they meet for a special session that begins this afternoon.
Governor Bob Riley called the special session last week after the Senate killed an education budget that had been approved by the House of Representatives.
He said superintendents have fired some teachers because of uncertainty over next year's spending levels. Riley wants a budget passed soon so superintendents can rehire people before they sign on to work in other states.
Lawmakers said they expected the budget to be passed quickly.
The state constitution requires lawmakers to pass an education budget and an operating budget for non-education agencies each year.
Legislators passed an operating budget, but the Senate's failed to also pass an education budget.
(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)