STATE HEADLINES :

TEACHER PAY RAISES: Governor Bob Riley delivered his budget to the state legislature yesterday, and it included a proposed four percent pay hike for Alabama teachers. But, the Alabama Education Association says that is simply not enough. Union members say they have not received cost-of-living increases in three years, and four percent would not match a two year rate of inflation. A spokeswoman for the Jefferson County A.E.A. says the union will continue to -push for at least seven percent. ALABAMA TAX FILING ON LINE: Many Alabamians have taxes on their mind these days, and thousands will be filing without making an appointment. According to the I.R.S., about 233-thousand taxpayers in our state will file their return on line. On-line filing has become more popular during the last few years, and in 2003, about 163-thousand Alabamians filed on-line. Last year that number went up to 197-thousand. The service is free if you go through the I.R.S. The web site is www.irs.gov. There is also a toll free number to the I.R.S., and it is 1-800-829-1040. Also the Alabama web site for filing state returns is: www.ador.state.al.us.