CENTRE, Ala. (AP) -- The minority leader in the Alabama House is
criticizing a possible plan to transfer money from schools to the
state's operating budget.

Democratic Rep. Craig Ford of Gadsden tells The Post of Centre
the move is the worst thing that could happen to education in Alabama.

Republican Gov. Robert Bentley says he is considering the plan
because the General Fund is facing a shortfall of at least $400
million for the upcoming fiscal year. The budget pays for prisons,
courts, health care and other public services.

Ford says the state needs to find money somewhere other than
education.

But Bentley says he won't consider raising taxes, so it's unclear where the state will get money to bridge the funding gap.

Ford is considering running for governor in 2014.

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)