Alabama lawmakers resume work on budget shortfall

September 14, 2015 at 7:30 p.m. | Updated September 14, 2015 at 8:04 p.m.

by Associated Press

Sen. Del Marsh speaks on the floor of the Senate as the Alabama Legislature begins a special session at the Alabama Statehouse, Tuesday, Sept. 8, 2015, in Montgomery, Ala. Legislators have so far been unable to agree on how to handle a projected funding shortfall of at least $200 million.
Sen. Del Marsh speaks on the floor of the Senate as the Alabama Legislature begins a special session at the Alabama Statehouse, Tuesday, Sept. 8, 2015, in Montgomery, Ala. Legislators have so far been unable to agree on how to handle a projected funding shortfall of at least $200 million.

MONTGOMERY, Ala. -- State senators are looking to a budget solution which banks on taking more money from education funds.

The Alabama Senate on Monday evening debated a proposal to take $100 million of $225 million in use tax funds that now go to the state's education budget.

Senate President Pro Tem Del Marsh said many senators see that as a reform to get growth revenue into the perpetually cash-strapped general fund budget

Lawmakers are in a special session to address a $200 million general fund shortfall for the fiscal year that begins in 17 days.

Senators could also vote on a House-passed bill that would put a 25-cent-per-pack tax on cigarettes.

The Senate is expected to work late into the evening.

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