Alabama State Senator Paul Bussman will be holding a press conference Friday during which he will announce his opposition to the constitutional amendment coming up for vote on Sept. 18.

“I’ve called this press conference because I feel that it’s important I step up and say where I stand,” Senator Bussman told Yellowhammer by phone on Thursday afternoon. “As leaders, we need to try to educate the public. Right now they’re only getting one side.”

The budget for fiscal year 2012-2013, which begins Oct. 1, currently has a gaping $145 million hole. The legislature has proposed addressing the shortfall for the next three years by tapping into the Alabama Trust Fund. In order for this to happen, voters would have to pass a constitutional amendment allowing the transfer of funds which total $437 million over the three year period.

Senator Bussman told Yellowhammer he sees other avenues to balance the state’s general fund budget. “I believe there are alternatives to this. We haven’t addressed all the issues we can with regard to Medicaid and prisons, and until we do I’m not comfortable taking money from Alabama Trust Fund.”

The press conference is open to the public. Details are below.

Sen. Bussmann Press Conference
When: Friday, Sept. 7 at 10:00
Where: Homewood Public Library | 1721 Oxmoor Road, Homewood, AL 35209