BIRMINGHAM (TAB) — Alabama House members blocked the committee meeting on Gov. Robert Bentley’s lottery proposal this afternoon, ensuring that it will not be on the Nov. 8 ballot for Alabamians to vote on.
Bentley’s lottery bill, SB 3, had to be reviewed in a House committee today in order for the House to be able to pass it by the Wednesday deadline for the November ballot.
Rep. Ken Johnson, R-Moulton, slowed the pace for the lottery bill in what some called “an unusual move” because of a procedural rule that was not met — the meeting time wasn’t advertised 24 hours in advance, reported the Decatur Daily.
For the committee meeting to take place, four-fifths of the votes were needed. The House voted 59–33, four votes short.
The lottery bill isn’t dead, however. SB 3 could be voted on in a special election if House members agree on it. If the bill passes later in this special session, it will require a special election.
The bill is an attempt to fund the state’s $85 million Medicaid shortfall by creating a statewide and Powerball lottery, a move that Bentley claims would generate $225 million in revenue.
For more information on how a lottery is unlikely to garner $225 million, click here.
For ongoing lottery coverage, visit thealabamabaptist.org.
To contact your representative, visit capwiz.com.
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