Montgomery, AL – The Alabama Senate stalled a bill on Tuesday that would give all public school classrooms $300 per year to pay for school supplies.
Democrats who blocked a vote on the measure say $300 isn't enough. Florence Democratic Sen. Tammy Irons offered an amendment to increase the stipend to $1,000. However, the time to vote on the amendment ran out while Irons spoke.
Bill sponsor Republican Sen. Greg Reed says $300 is about all the state can afford. It would come out to about $12.5 million per year.
Alabama Education Association spokesman Jim Wrye says the bill would be a good first step to get teachers what they need.
Gov. Robert Bentley has a separate plan to offer tax credits for teachers who spend their own money on supplies.
(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)