Alabama Gov. compares lottery to leisure suits

Aug 2, 2015, 11:37 am (8 comments)

Alabama

Alabama Gov. Robert Bentley took his campaign for tax increases and budget reform to the Bessemer Chamber of Commerce today, where he was asked about whether he's concerned that Alabamians buy lottery tickets in other states.

Bentley indicated an Alabama lottery would not be the budget booster that some people think.

"Now listen folks, the lottery is like leisure suits," the governor said. "We're about 30 years behind."

Three neighboring states, Georgia, Florida and Tennessee, already have lotteries.

"We're a small state," Bentley said. "Nobody is going to come into Alabama to buy lottery tickets. The only people that are going to buy them here are those that live here, and that's just a certain percentage of people."

Bentley excluded gambling proposals from his call for a special session on the General Fund budget.

Bentley proposed $302 million in tax increases. The governor says he wants to change the budget process, partly by giving the perpetually short General Fund a tax source that grows and unearmarking some revenues.

He says gambling proposals would be a distraction during the special session and would not solve the 2016 budget shortfall.

"I have always said that I believe in the people's right to vote on an issue," Bentley said. "And I still do believe that. What I don't want to see is our political system corrupted by gambling money, especially casino gambling money.

"A lottery is a little bit different, because the state owns it."

"All I'm saying is, let's do things right, let's fundamentally change the way we budget in Alabama and get things going in the right direction.

"And then, if the Legislature wishes to allow people to vote on a good, clean lottery bill, I don't have anything to say about that, because I don't even sign a constitutional amendment."

Senate President Pro Tem Del Marsh has proposed a statewide vote on a constitutional amendment to allow a lottery and casinos at the state's four greyhound tracks.

Marsh commissioned a report showing the plan would raise $400 million a year and create 11,000 jobs.

A group formed to support Marsh's plan, the Alabama Jobs Foundation, released poll results this week showing support for a vote on gambling.

al.com

Comments

music*'s avatarmusic*

 Alabama, Please allow the people to vote yes or no on a State run lottery.

mypiemaster's avatarmypiemaster

TurkeyWhat the hell does this guy know?. His holier than thou attitude towards gaming is definitely a drain on Alabama's funds. People from Alabama will continue to fund the budgets of neighboring states. This guy must think that 'Bama is filled with dummies. What a disgrace, give the people what they want. His name might be Bentley but he sure drives like a Pinto. You know what happened to Pintos, don't you?. Jester

JoeBigLotto's avatarJoeBigLotto

This guy is not thinking straight . He said Alabama is a small state but he forgot more people travel thru Alabama than live in Alabama so lottery could be a tourist money dump. I know because I travel thru Alabama and can't wait to get out lol . if you don't try you never know. Let the people try and decide .

TnTicketlosers's avatarTnTicketlosers

Thats what you think Mr.Governor man,Ill be the first to buy in Alabama.

psykomo's avatarpsykomo

Thank's Gov Puke

We already know the lottery is a leisure hobby, not a workday suit. Now take care of business>>>>>>>

     White BounceUS Flag LET'um vote on "IT" US Flag White Bounce

dpoly1's avatardpoly1

A tax increase ................. really!

Puke

Bleudog101

Sady he reflects the mentality of that state regarding lotteries.  Don't know if Mississippi ever tried, but feel they think along his lines.  Nevada never will because of the casinos.  Utah won't because of religious influence.  I won't mention Hawaii or Alaska since they're not part of the CONUS.  Wish we had a national lottery like the Europeans do.

JoeBigLotto's avatarJoeBigLotto

We do powerball and mega millions just that not all states wants to join because America is divided on all issues like gay marriage some state don't care while some states won't accept it . countries like Canada don't deal with all this bull you either in or out not in-between causing more confusion :)

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