Governor Bentley to request teacher raises in 2014

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) - Governor Robert Bentley says pay raises for teachers and funding for pre-kindergarten programs will be some of his highest priorities during the next legislative session. Bentley told the Decatur Daily he'd like to include raises for teachers in the 2015 budget and help them replace some of what he's "asked them to sacrifice." Aside from teacher raises and funding for pre-kindergarten programs, Bentley says he also wants to expand workforce training initiatives and draft legislation to lend flexibility to state officials looking to offer incentives to businesses that are already operating in Alabama. Bentley has said state officials can give tax incentives and other deals to companies looking to begin doing business in the state, but can't give any benefits to existing businesses or those looking to relocate.