Bentley declares 15 percent proration (Wetumpka Herald)

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The lean times officially began for state workers Thursday as Gov. Robert Bentley declared 15 percent cuts to this year’s general fund budget.

The state is facing more than a $100 million shortfall in the general fund budget, which funds most state services except for education.

“In order to balance the budget, I have no choice but to declare 15-percent proration of the General Fund budget,” Bentley said. “For some time we have anticipated the need to do this, and now that we have protected certain agencies from budget cuts, we must take this action.”

Among the most controversial areas targeted for cutbacks is the state Department of Corrections, where a release of more than 3,000 non-violent inmates is expected. State Finance Director David Perry confirmed the plan in a Senate committee meeting this week.
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Alabama’s constitution prohibits deficit spending, so when state revenue falls below expectations, across-the-board cuts must be declared. The 15 percent cuts declared Thursday will be in effect until Sept. 30.
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