Posted: 2:14 PM May 20, 2012
Reporter: The Associated Press

State officials say it's up to voters to prevent even deeper cuts to Alabama's Medicaid and prison system.

Voters will get the chance Sept. 18 to decide the fate of a constitutional amendment allowing the transfer of $145.8 million from an oil and gas trust fund to the account used to pay for most non-education government services.

A $1.67 billion General Fund budget anticipates that trust fund money. That budget is already $67 million lower than what was appropriated for the current fiscal year.

Alabama Medicaid chief Dr. Donald Williamson said the money is necessary to prevent further layoffs and service reductions.

Opponents to the transfer say the state should make painful cuts and live with the revenue it takes in instead of using money intended for other purposes.

WTOK Mobile Site Home

Gray Television, Inc - Copyright 2002-2012 - Powered by Gray Interactive Media

Full Site - Contact Station