Current stimulus package has $3 billion for Ala.

Published 10:34 am Friday, February 13, 2009

MONTGOMERY — Two Alabama Democrats were among seven from their party to vote against the federal economic stimulus package Friday.

Rep. Parker Griffith, D-Huntsville, and Rep. Bobby Bright, D-Montgomery, did not side with the 246 Democrats whose votes pushed the massive $787 billion stimulus bill through the House and toward final approval.

The House vote was 246-183, with Republicans unanimous in opposition to the bill.

The National Governors Association and the National Conference of State Legislatures estimate the package could provide slightly more than $3 billion to Alabama.

Their estimate is less than the original House version and more than the original Senate version.

The groups say the bill could mean nearly $609 million for fiscal stabilization of education programs in Alabama, $850 million for Medicaid, and $541 million for highways and bridges.