Alabama Legislators Overhaul Education System with Record Budget and New Initiatives
Birmingham, Ala. – In an ambitious effort, Alabama lawmakers have passed a comprehensive set of education bills, highlighted by a historic $12.2 billion budget for the fiscal year ahead. This new financial framework addresses all levels of education, ensuring support from early childhood to higher education.
The record budget allocates $9.9 billion to the Education Trust Fund and includes significant appropriations aimed at enhancing K-12 and higher education technology and infrastructure. Major initiatives encompass a $100 million grant program for regional career tech centers, additional funding for the Alabama Literacy Act and a streamlined formula to support schools serving high-needs students under the RAISE Act, which designates $166 million for targeted assistance.
Significantly, for the first time, Alabama educators will have access to paid parental leave—8 weeks for mothers and 2 weeks for fathers—under a new law championed by state representatives. A new Public Education Employee Injury Compensation Board will provide swift workers’ compensation for educators, addressing a longstanding gap.
Additionally, the FOCUS Act introduces a statewide ban on cell phone use during instructional hours, aiming to reduce distractions and promote educational engagement. High school juniors and seniors will also benefit from the Move On When Ready Act, allowing them to attend college full-time at no cost, while the REACH Act offers adults the chance to earn a high school diploma through dedicated programs.
To ease administrative burdens, the Teacher Paperwork Reduction Act mandates the development of a digital platform to simplify documentation processes. With these combined efforts, Alabama aims to enhance educational outcomes, streamline systems, and empower both students and educators heading into the new school year.
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