GUNTERSVILLE, Ala. — Augusts 15, Alabama lawmakers will meet to discuss the possibility of a statewide lottery in a special legislative session. As that date approaches, some legislators say while they don’t fully support the idea personally, they feel it’s the people’s right to vote on the proposal.
Governor Robert Bentley says he will present “clean and transparent” legislation. He says it will not allow for any other gambling legalization.
Some northeast Alabama legislators say they have some personal reservations, but believe in the people’s right to vote on the matter.
District 26 Representative Kerry Rich said, “There are things that suggest that it would be good for the state. There are things that suggest that it would be bad for the state. I can make a strong argument on both sides.”
Rich says he plans to vote to put the proposal on the ballot. “A good majority of the people in my district would probably support it, and there will be some that will oppose it of course, but probably a good majority would be in favor of it,” he explains, “So I’m willing to vote to put it on the ballot.”
District 27 Representative Will Ainsworth said in a statement to WHNT News 19, “I support the people’s right to vote the lottery issue, but the amendment that goes on the ballot must be well-crafted and plain-spoken. The devil, as they say, is in the details. I look forward to reviewing the proposal that the governor puts before us and will work with my colleagues to make any needed changes or improvements.”
A statement from District 9 Senator Clay Scofield reads, “Although I do not personally favor a lottery, I will not stand in the way of allowing the people of Alabama the right to vote on the issue. Whether the people vote for it, or against it, it will decide the fate of the issue and we can move on to other important issues affecting our state.”
Rich says he would propose the funds from a potential lottery go into the general fund budget to remedy pressing issues the state faces, including overcrowded state prisons and mental health.
The lottery would be expected to bring in $225 million annually. That new revenue would dedicate the money to the “basic services the state must provide.”
Bentley hopes to have the lottery legislation on the November ballot.