Capital Pulse January 14, 2022

 The Alabama Legislature convened Tuesday, January 11^th, beginning the 2022 Legislative Session. Later that evening, Governor Ivey addressed Alabama citizens in her annual State of the State address where she proposed a four percent raise for all public education employees – pre-k through 14.

4% IS NOT ENOUGH!! YOU have continuously taken on extra roles and responsibilities in the most challenging environments. YOU have worked day and night to ensure the success of our students and education system. The economy has remained healthy, and the time to compensate you for your efforts is NOW!! CONTACT YOUR LEGISLATORS IMMEDIATELY TO ASK FOR MORE! Click here for legislators contact information.

 Tuesday morning, budget committee members received reports outlining Alabama's financial condition. The Governor recommends an $8.3 billion Education Trust Fund, a $627 million increase over last year's budget, split between K-12 and higher education. In addition to the 4% pay raise, her budget included a nominal bonus for education retirees. State Finance Director Bill Poole stated that both budgets are “historical, exponential, but not sustainable,” so he urged lawmakers to remain disciplined while budgeting.

 During the State of the State Address, Ivey announced her education priorities would be investments in Pre-K, after-school and summer school programs, and daycare. Other priorities will be investments for math and science teachers and students, funding for teacher professional development, expanding school-based access to mental health services, investments in the community college system and public university systems, and preparation for future economic downturns.

 Thus far, 249 legislative bills have been introduced by the Legislature. AEA staff has read each word of every bill and monitors them daily to ensure they will positively affect public education.

 Watch These Bills

HB123, the School Mental Health bill by Rep. Nathaniel Ledbetter (Companion Bill SB51 Sen. Rodger Smitherman), would require each local board of education in the state, subject to appropriations by the Legislature, to employ a mental health service coordinator to serve the schools under the jurisdiction of the board.

  HB134, the Tier 2 Modification bill by Rep. Alan Baker, would modify the retirement benefits for Tier II members of the Teachers' Retirement System by providing 30-year service retirement and increase Tier II members' contribution rate.

HB135, the Education Trust Fund Budget by Rep. Danny Garrett, has been filed. This is Governor Ivey’s proposed budget. It will see substantial changes as it moves through committee, passes the House, and is sent to the Alabama State Senate.

 HB136, the Educator Pay Raise bill by Rep. Danny Garrett, would provide a 4% pay increase to all K-14 education employees in Alabama effective October 2022.

 SB30, the Retiree Bonus bill by Sen. Bobby Singleton, would provide a one-time longevity bonus payment in addition to the retirement benefits to retirees and beneficiaries of the Teachers' Retirement System.

 SB78, the Literacy Act Revision bill by Sen. Roger Smitherman, would postpone the implementation of the third-grade retention requirement until the 2025-2026 school year.

 Your next Pulse will arrive Friday, January 21st.

If you have any questions about legislative activity, contact your local AEA UniServ Director. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter for the latest updates. 

To find your legislator's contact information, click here.

While you're busy serving our state's students, we've got your back in the Alabama Legislature!