January 28, 2026
Friends,
Wanted to provide a quick note and overview of the General Fund passed this past week in Montgomery:
We did approve a $2.74 billion General Fund budget, which provides for the largest spending plan for non-education states agencies in Alabama history. The General Fund devotes millions of one-time revenue dollars toward paying off long-term debts, which continues our Republican leadership’s responsible spending practices.
In order to balance the General Fund budget, $437 million was transferred from the Alabama Trust Fund around 10 years ago. (The Alabama Trust Fund collects royalties form offshore drilling rights.)
I am proud to say the Fiscal Year 2023 budget approved on Thursday will make good on the $143 million remainder to the Alabama Trust Fund, COMPLETING repayment on what was owed. This is a good thing!
The General Fund also provides funding increases for the state’s Medicaid and Mental Health agencies - this will include a 4% pay raise for state employees. (Part of the House Republican Caucus’ 2023 “Standing Tall for Alabama” legislative agenda.)
State government retirees are scheduled to receive a one-time bonus based upon years of service. For the math, the amount of each retiree bonus would be determined by multiplying $24 by # of years of service.
City governments, county governments, and local boards that participate in RSA would also be authorized to award identical bonuses if they so choose. (Also part of the “Standing Tall for Alabama” agenda.)
The General Fund also adds an additional $36 million to the Senate’s allocation for the Department of Mental Health - with these funds to be used in funding new crisis centers across the state.
Also within the budget are increases for additional funding for district attorneys, the Alabama Department of Corrections, the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, and the Alabama Board of Pardons and Paroles.
Is this everything that we are trying to do? Of course not, but it’s a great step forward with responsible fiscal management and providing assistance for many areas of need. Still much work to do, and my colleagues and I are determined to continue to work hard for Alabama.
Alabama Rep. David Faulkner previews the final week of the 2026 legislative session, including computer science graduation requirements, teacher pay raises, and tributes to retiring Representatives Jim Hill and Terri Collins.
From a third-grader advocating for her teachers with a PowerPoint to three high school students landing $250,000 to bring debate to schools across Alabama, Week 10 was a reminder of why this work matters. The Camp Safety Act cleared another unanimous vote, the Education Trust Fund budget headed to the Senate with a teacher pay raise included, and the Mountain Brook Fire Department received a grant for state-of-the-art paramedic training equipment.
The Camp Safety Act is headed for its Senate vote this week. One of David's bills clears the full legislature and reaches the Governor's desk. And with three weeks left in the session, the homestretch is officially underway.
Alabama passed Trey's Law. Now Congress is following our lead. I was on Capitol Hill this week as Senators Ted Cruz and Katie Britt filed the federal version of the bill - here's what that moment meant.
Crime victims are getting their funding restored, a Homewood pedestrian bridge is underway, and several of my bills are one step from final passage. A busy week in Montgomery - here's the full update.
A long Tuesday night in Montgomery produced three unanimous votes, and a major self-defense bill cleared its biggest Senate hurdle. Here's everything that moved in Week 7 - from arson reform to protecting houses of worship.
We had our weekly call with the Governor this morning, and she confirmed she will be giving a report to the people of Alabama Tomorrow
do expect the Governor to BEGIN lessening the restrictions and limitations imposed by the latest State Health Order as of May 1st.
Organizing for Action: We’re the people who don’t just support
Organizing for Action: We’re the people who don’t just support
Organizing for Action: We’re the people who don’t just support
