Faces mountain of resistance
The Democrat leader in the Alabama House is calling for the Legislature to use its election-year session to approve a state lottery.
Republican leaders say Rep. Craig Ford is carrying a losing ticket for 2014.
Ford, D-Gasden, said a state lottery could produce $250 million annually for education purposes and keep money at home that is now going to lotteries in Florida, Georgia and Tennessee.
"That is why I plan to propose a lottery bill during the 2014 legislative session," he said Monday.
Any lottery bill likely would be considered by the House Economic Development and Tourism Committee, where House Majority Leader Micky Hammon, R-Decatur, serves as vice chairman.
Hammon said Alabama residents have said repeatedly they don't want a lottery, beginning with the state lottery referendum that failed in 1999 to Ron Sparks' campaign for governor in 2010.
"Just four years ago, the Democratic nominee for governor made the creation of a statewide lottery his one and only issue, and he was soundly defeated in that race," Hammon said.
He said the House Economic Development and Tourism Committee plans to spend the 2014 session considering bills that will create good jobs rather than a lottery.
House Speaker Mike Hubbard, R-Auburn, said a lottery proposal is a failed idea from the past.
"We are working to put more money into the pockets of hardworking Alabamians, while Democrats want to take it out," he said.
Ford said the bill he plans to introduce in the session that starts Jan. 14 would set aside $50 million of the proceeds to hire security officers for schools. The remainder would be used for college or vocational school scholarships for students who make the "A-B" honor roll.
"A state lottery can open the doors of opportunity for thousands of children in Alabama and lighten the burden on thousands more," he said.
If the Legislature passes a bill to create a state lottery, it would still have to be approved by Alabama voters in a statewide referendum, likely during the general election on Nov. 4, 2014.
I see in the future all states having a lottery! Some just take longer than others!
Great. NY has enough competition. Alabama will be the next NJ.
Problem with Alabama...
Wasn't I reading a story on a state run lottery?
Your statement is rude and uncalled for.
Oh sorry. This isn't a free speech zone??? LOL....
It's open season on us "Bible Thumpers," lejardin.
Pay the evil ones no mind.
This is nothing, soon they'll be killing us here as they're already doing in other countries.
It's all written in that Bible we thump.
Jesus said:: "You will be hated of all nations for my name's sake but know that they hated me before they hated you"
And He said that those of us who endure to the end will be saved.
And we will endure.
Praise His Holy Name.
Thank you rdgrnr. I do actually realize this especially at this time of year.
Merry CHRISTmas to you.
You're welcome, lejardin.
Merry CHRISTmas to you too!
I'd like to see 'em have a lottery my ownself but if the people vote overwhelmingly against it, that's the ball game.
Call this one a sticky wicket. Alabama probably also sees a lot of Alabama dollars going to Mississippi casinos on top of bordering state lotteries.
These are the states that were / are supposed to never have a lottery:
Tennessee - It was thought the Baptists wouldn't allow it.
Alabama and Mississippi - Again, 'Bible Belt' - and that was before Msisissippi got casinos.
Nevada - The casinos wan't it all, no competetion from a lottery. Hey Nevada, take a look at NJ. Maybe Mississippi should too.
Utah - Mormons. Ironic, as they finance Nevada casinos and have owned at least oner.
Hawaii - Illegal gambling interests don't want it.
I might have left a few out, Alaska? Wyoming? (although that's in the works).
SORRY i'm really NOT stalking you i just agree
It's nice to be agreeable.
Being an Alabama resident, I sure would love a lottery.
Oklahoma got it and were part of the Bible Belt.