Governor Bentley announces start date of second Special Session

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September 1, 2015

Senate President Pro Tem Del Marsh, Governor Robert Bentley, and House Speaker Mike Hubbard

MONTGOMERY, Ala. — Alabama Governor Robert Bentley (R) announced Tuesday afternoon the start date for the anticipated second Special Session of the State Legislature to address the General Fund budget.

The Legislature will reconvene for the Special Session at 5 p.m. on September 8th, the Tuesday after Labor Day.

“The start of Fiscal Year 2016 is quickly approaching, and there is still no General Fund Budget in place for state agencies to operate,” said Bentley in a press release announcing the Session. “There is still time remaining to pass a budget that does not drastically cut state services which will impact Alabamians. I look forward to working with lawmakers over the next few weeks to bring about real change in the way we fund state government moving forward.”

A budget relying solely on reforms and cuts was vetoed by the governor in the Regular Session earlier this year, and the Alabama House and Senate failed to come to an agreement during the first Special Session in early August.

Governor Bentley has advocated increasing several taxes to make up the difference, warning State Parks and Drivers’ License offices could close if agency budgets are cut.

Conservatives in the legislature, however, maintain a combination of reforms and prioritized cuts can be passed to balance the budget while maintaining vital government services.

The Alabama Constitution requires a balanced budget to be passed before the new fiscal year begins October 1st.