MONTGOMERY, Ala. — Alabama Gov. Robert Bentley believes a statewide lottery is the "permanent solution" to fixing Alabama's funding woes, and Wednesday, he called for a special session to discuss the proposal.
In a video released on the Office of the Governor website Wednesday morning, Bentley said the goal is to get the proposal passed by the Legislature and hold a statewide vote on amending the state's constitution to allow for a lottery.
"The time has come for us to find a permanent solution. This solution will provide funding year after year without having to raise taxes and without having to put one more bandage on our state's money problems," said Bentley.
The Alabama Constitution bans games of chance. Three-fifths of lawmakers and a majority of voters would have to approve changing the constitution to allow a lottery.
Bentley said the lottery is expected to bring in $225 million annually, and the "simple, clear and transparent legislation" will not include gambling of any other kind.
Bentley also said he has a plan to use the revenue to provide basic services the state "has not and cannot at this time pay for."
"Let's hear from the people of this great state whether the time has come to approve a statewide lottery to help fund essential state services for our children, our elderly, those with mental illness, and those who are in most need as well as the men and women in law enforcement," Bentley said.
Also included in the plan is the establishment of a statewide lottery commission to oversee lottery operations.
The Republican governor did not give a date for the special session and statewide referendum. Some lawmakers urged him to start the session in time for the measure to go before voters in November.
Bentley, a conservative Baptist, has sent mixed signals for years about a state lottery. He previously called them as outdated as "leisure suits." But last week, he said a lottery had "always" been an option for funding Medicaid after lawmakers largely rejected his proposed tax increases in 2015.
Alabama is one of six states that doesn't have a lottery. The others are: Alaska, Hawaii, Mississippi, Nevada and Utah.
Bentley called Alabamians "some of the best customers" for lotteries in surrounding states Georgia, Florida and Tennessee.
"It's time we stop supporting other state's budgets and keep our money at home to solve our own problems," Bentley said.
Thanks to zephbe for the tip.
Had to read article twice...a conservative Baptist and a Republican (Gov), so he sees the light. Maybe he saw a boatload of Alabamans playing in other states. Or, finally smelled the coffee. Time will tell if this is legit and the voters get their say.
A conservative Baptist and Republican @ that--their Governor--finally realized how much money is being lost to neighboring states. Definitely a red states that needs an influx of green. Good luck and hope the real test comes true--the voters.
Alabama is broke. Red states are filled with leeches and the federal government isn't giving them enough. They need to find a money maker. Alabama already voted on the lottery and they voted it down by a massive margin. Alabama will only be able to get a lottery through the legislature.
I thought I saw
vote yes for lottery about 8 years ago in Alabama on the sides of the roads
Good to know that he finally found some time, away from his tongue-in-cheek schedule, to see the light and attempt to actually do some real work.
They conducted a vote in 1999 and it got massively downvoted. Just because a few people want it, doesn't mean it'll pass.
I grantee you that all those no federal income tax paying Indians that own all the convenience stores on the Georgia side of the state line are temporarily converting to Christianity and begging sweet Jesus to keep them Alabamians from votin' in the lottery. lol
Up to $478 million now...watch out for Alabama tagged cars crossing state lines!
Yea watch my tag when the Alabama gets their Lottery.
The vote almost 20 years ago was not lost by a massive percentage it was 54 - 46%. Also there are more than a FEW people who want a lottery in the state.
I'm wondering...If they approve, will it be mechanical or RNG?
If Alabama gets a lottery then it for all intents and purposes must add Powerball and Mega Millions which are mechanical. If they add in a local game, odds are it'll be an RNG given the latest state to add a lottery (Wyoming) did exactly that. That said, I still think Alaska will be the next state to get a lottery before the other 5.
I think part of this is Governor Bentley is looking for some kind of legacy. He wants to now be remembered for more than his affair with a staffer.
I hope it will be a November ballot measure, and I will vote YES for bringing a state lottery to Alabama. Of course, I'll believe it when I see it. I hope the numbers drawn will be ball drawings (not computer drawings,) that you can collect your winnings anonymously, and that the money collected will go to the state's greatest needs.
I made a thirty-mile trip to Florida today to get tickets for tonight's Powerball drawing. It would sure be nice for my money to stay home in Alabama instead of going to Florida (where I graduated from high school years ago.)