Governor Ivey Signs $10B Education Budget, 2% Raises

0:00It's April 9, I'm Cory with the story, and this is Birmingham News today, local news powered by AI. Governor Kay Ivey just inked the General Fund in Education Trust Fund budgets on the last day of Alabama's 2026 legislative session. The Education Trust Fund hits nearly $10 billion for everything from pre-K to college programs. That fund packs a 2% pay raise for teachers and boost the CHOC Act to $250 million, jumping from $180 million last year to help parents with private school costs. Ivey's pumped about it, calling out Alabama's fiscal discipline with no budget cuts through her 10 sessions as governor. She praised lawmakers for the biggest education investment ever while keeping core services solid. Meanwhile, the $3.7 billion General Fund delivers a 2% cost of living adjustment for state workers plus fresh funding. For corrections and Medicaid to keep operations smooth, these moves lock in Alabama's track

1:01record of smart spending, paving the way for stronger schools and steady government without the drama of shortfalls.