MONTGOMERY, Ala. — The Alabama Democratic Party blasted the Republican legislature on Wednesday for its continued efforts to balance the state budget on the backs of teachers, state troopers and other public employees.

Despite repeatedly pledging to make job creation a top priority during the legislative session, Alabama Republicans have passed only one bill encouraging small businesses to hire. But since taking office, Republicans have slashed budgets and vital services in multiple state offices, cutting jobs and putting hundreds of Alabamians out of work, according to a Democratic Party press relase.

“Instead of asking out-of-state corporations to pay their fair share, Alabama Republicans are cutting jobs and slashing paychecks,” Party Chairman Mark Kennedy said in a statement. “Republicans say we need to tighten our belts, but why does it seem like teachers and state workers are the only ones feeling the pinch?”

House Democrats have introduced legislation designed to boost state revenue by closing corporate tax loopholes, protecting education jobs and valuable classroom resources. If enacted, the bills would bring more than $200 million to the Education Trust Fund next year.

The version of the education budget passed by the House on Tuesday would cut $72 million in funding for teacher salaries, representing the loss of 1,125 teaching jobs. The Republican majority also passed a bill raising teacher pension contribution rates to raise revenue, a move that would slash $1,000 from teachers’ paychecks this year.

At a press conference addressing the budget Wednesday morning, House Minority Leader Craig Ford said, “Wal-Mart and McDonald’s aren’t going to leave the state if we close the corporate tax loopholes. But if we continue to cut teacher pay and benefits, increase class sizes, and cut classroom resources, the best and brightest teachers may leave for other states. No one wants that for our children.”

© 2011, Glynn Wilson. All rights reserved.