April 22, 2024 Group Watch: House Passes Education Trust Fund Budget
The Alabama House of Representatives approved a $9.3 billion Education Trust Fund budget, an increase of $550 million (6.25%) from the previous year, with a 2% pay increase for education employees. The budget bill passed on 102-1 vote. The Education Trust Fund funds public K-12 schools, colleges and universities and some state agencies. The 2025 fiscal year funding bill included:
- An increase of $110 million (7.1%) for colleges and universities.
- An increase of $196 million (4.3%) for the K-12 Foundation program.
- A $36 million increase (6.5%) for the Alabama Community College System.
- An increase to the State Department of Education of $147 million (27%).
Most of the Department of Education increase will go to specific programs such as English Learning, the Alabama Math Science and Technology Initiative (AMSTI) and the Alabama Reading Initiative (ARI).
