[NoleFanHSV]

Originally Posted by City Guy997S

Florida did that also with the "Bright Futures Scholarships" but too many kids took advantage of it so they raised the requirements. So unless the kid is a solid A/B student with high SAT/ACT scores then they don't get anything......

What's wrong with that? At least it helps the performing middle class kid who's parents can't afford school but make more an what the Feds will give in assistance.

[NoleFanHSV]

I'm all for a lottery if the money goes to education. Right now I think it's only going to sure up Medicaid.

[southernnaturelover]

Originally Posted by Tourian

Unless the Poarch Creek Indians get a cut, or are allowed to open more casinos in other places, they are most likely to tell all the politicians in their pocket to say no to the lottery bill...according to this:


In Alabama lottery debate, gambling money is on the status quo | AL.com

Wind Creek in Atmore is only about 8 miles from the state line, so anyone down here that wants to play the lottery is already able to. Wetumpka may be a different story however.

[David A Stone]

Originally Posted by southernnaturelover

Wind Creek in Atmore is only about 8 miles from the state line, so anyone down here that wants to play the lottery is already able to. Wetumpka may be a different story however.

I doubt Wind Creek sells PowerBall tickets.

[Tourian]

Originally Posted by southernnaturelover

Wind Creek in Atmore is only about 8 miles from the state line, so anyone down here that wants to play the lottery is already able to. Wetumpka may be a different story however.

I don't get your point. The article suggests the Indians would rather not see the lottery come in to play because gamblers who haven't driven down to Wind Creek may satisfy their itch with scratch offs and tickets much closer to home.

[Tourian]

Several bills are on the table. Only Bentley's bill is focused on only the lottery. However, I didn't realize his had no provision for participating in the Powerball. I guess we will find out this evening.

http://www.bizjournals.com/birmingha...proposals.html

The committee is considering proposals from:

Gov. Robert Bentley
Bentley's bill, one of the earliest set forth by any state lawmaker, calls for proceeds from lottery ticket sales to be dedicated to the state's general fund, to support "ordinary expenses of the executive, legislative, and judicial departments of the state and for principal and interest payments on the public debt." The lottery revenue, which Bentley pegged at $225 million, would first be applied to the administrative and operational costs of implementing the system. It would also create an Alabama Lottery Commission and require the state legislature to pass additional bills associated with the lottery operations. The amendment would not change any existing activities deemed legal under Alabama law like traditional bingo games. Casino gambling was not included.

Sen. Rodger Smitherman
Smitherman, D-Birmingham, has presented a bill nearly identical to Bentley's, but makes no mention of traditional, non-profit bingo. Bentley's bill ensures those games will remain untouched under his plan. Smitherman hasn't said how the absence of such language would affect the legal setup of a lottery.

Rep. Jim McClendon
McClendon, R-Springville, introduced his bill last week which he marketed as a viable alternative to Bentley's proposal. McClendon is calling for a lottery, complimented by electronic lottery terminals in Jefferson, Mobile, Green and Macon counties. Under the plan, the electronic terminals would provide $127 million in revenue a year, with proceeds from a traditional statewide system and Powerball lottery generating between $285 and $310 million a year - to be divided between the General Fund and Education Trust Fund
The bill would create a bond issue paid off with expected gambling proceeds and the bonds would be used to plug the $85 million gap in 2017. It's a plan that's garnered attention from the Birmingham Race Course as an avenue for restoring horse racing.

Sen. Paul Sanford
Sanford, R-Huntsville, sponsored a bill that would allow Alabama to participate in multi-state lotteries like Powerball. According to the Anniston Star, it would produce roughly $53 million in revenue each year.

Sen. Greg Albritton
Albritton, a Republican from Range, is bringing a bill to the table calling for the state to negotiate with the Poarch Band of Creek Indians to allow slot machines and tabletop games at casinos already operated on tribal lands. The state would scrape a percentage of gambling revenues from the casinos.

[Dirt Grinder]

Originally Posted by Tourian

Several bills are on the table. Only Bentley's bill is focused on only the lottery. However, I didn't realize his had no provision for participating in the Powerball. I guess we will find out this evening...

Hmm...

"...The lottery revenue...would first be applied to the administrative and operational costs of implementing the system. It would also create an Alabama Lottery Commission and require the state legislature to pass additional bills associated with the lottery operations..."

[Tourian]

Originally Posted by Dirt Grinder

Hmm...

"...The lottery revenue...would first be applied to the administrative and operational costs of implementing the system. It would also create an Alabama Lottery Commission and require the state legislature to pass additional bills associated with the lottery operations..."

Well it wouldn't be Alabama politics without a lot of nebulous language to leave the cookie jar open to the privileged hands.

[Tourian]

A little closer...but I guess it rolls to Wednesday to be sure.


Alabama lottery proposals clear first hurdle in Senate | AL.com

Two proposals to start an Alabama lottery advanced a step today when they won approval in a Senate committee.
The Senate Tourism and Marketing Committee approved the bills on a voice vote.
Both bills are by Sen. Jim McClendon, R-Springville.
One proposes a constitutional amendment to allow voters to decide whether to establish a lottery, with the revenue benefiting the state General Fund.
It is Gov. Robert Bentley's plan. In addition to an Alabama lottery, the state would be able to take part in multi-state lotteries, like Powerball.
McClendon's second bill would allow a lottery as well as gambling machines called video lottery terminals at the state's four greyhound tracks.
McClendon's second bill also calls for the governor to enter a compact with the Poarch Band of Creek Indians and a bond issue to benefit Medicaid.
The Senate is expected to consider the bills on Wednesday.
Proposed constitutional amendments require approval by three-fifths of senators and representatives to go on the ballot for voters.
Senate President Pro Tem Del Marsh, R-Anniston, who chairs the Tourism and Marketing Committee, said he did not think there are 21 favorable votes in the Senate for any version of the lottery proposal.
Marsh said he wanted to move the two bills out of committee so the Senate could have debate on Wednesday and possibly agree on a bill that could get 21 votes.
For a proposal to go on the ballot in the Nov. 8 general election, the Legislature would have to approve it by Aug. 24.

[Tourian]

Both bills advance to the next round of...whatever the process it is they do down there in Montgomery.


http://www.bizjournals.com/birmingha...committee.html


My guess is the second bill that allows gambling and gives the Poarch Indians their cut and that allows electronic gambling at the four horse/dog tracks will get the nod.