Montgomery, AL – The Alabama Legislature has rejected Gov. Bob Riley's changes in the state General Fund budget and enacted it into law over his objections.
The governor sent the budget back to the Legislature on Thursday with money for festivals reduced and funds for an expansion of the state Children's Health Insurance Program eliminated. He used that money to increase spending for prisons.
The House voted 59-38 to reject the governor's changes. The Senate took the same action 19-11.
The $2.5 billion budget takes effect Oct. 1 as it was approved by the Legislature.
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